In this episode of Arch Eats, George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr discuss festive dining experiences that St. Louis offers during the holiday season—inside and outside home. Whether you're planning a pajama-friendly meal with family or exploring unique dining opportunities on the town, this episode provides plenty of inspiration for celebrating the season in St. Louis. Cheryl advocates for dining at home, highlighting local products to incorporate into your spread and where to find them. George shares his recommendations for holiday outings across St. Louis, including pop-up bars and events, themed menus, cozy outdoor experiences, and more. The episode concludes with a microrant about restaurants offering holiday specials that, as George says, "in some cases, aren't very special at all" and how to avoid getting gouged. Listen to get ideas on fun and festive dining experiences to try when you're home (or not) for the holidays. Follow Arch Eats on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Westport Plaza. Soda Fountain Express and 360 Westport are opening soon at Westport Plaza. Follow Westport Plaza on social media (@westportstl) to keep up with the latest.

Have an idea for a future Arch Eats episode? Send your thoughts or feedback to podcasts@stlmag.com.

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Dining newsletters for the freshest coverage on the local restaurant and culinary scene. And follow George (@georgemahe) and SLM on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor?  Contact Lauren Leppert at lleppert@stlmag.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Colleen’s: 7337 Forsyth, U City, 314-727-8427.
• Smokehouse Market: 16806 Chesterfield Airport, Chesterfield, 636-532-3314.
• Parker’s Table: 7118 Oakland, Richmond Heights, 314-645-2050.
• AO & Co Market & Cafe: 6141 Tower Grove, Botanical Heights, 314-899-0991.
• Salume Beddu: 314-942-6300
• Volpi Foods: 5258 Daggett, The Hill, 314-772-8550.
• Fortune Fish: 8501 Page, Vinita Terrace, 630-860-7100.
• Starr’s: 1135 Big Bend, Richmond Heights, 314-781-2345.
• Bolyard’s Meat & Provisions: 2733 Sutton, Maplewood, 314-647-2567.
• The Wine Merchant: 9200 Olive, Olivette, 314-863-6282.
• The Wine and Cheese Place: Multiple locations.
• St. Louis Wine Market: 161 Long, Chesterfield, 636-536-6363.
• The Annex: 8122 Lockwood, Webster Groves, 314-731-6329.  
• Civil Alchemy: 8154 Lockwood, Webster Groves, 314-801-7577.
• Pint Size Bakery: 3133 Watson, Lindenwood Park, 314-645-7142
• La Patisserie Chouquette: 1626 Tower Grove, Botanical Heights, 314-932-7935.
• Nathaniel Reid Bakery: 11243 Manchester, Kirkwood, 314-858-1019.
• The Royale: 3232 S. Kingshighway, Tower Grove South, 314-772-3600.
• Taberu
• Drunken Fish: Three area locations
• Ronnie’s Ice Cream: 9532 Watson Industrial, Crestwood, 314-962-0094.
• Clementine’s Creamery: Eight area locations
• Tale to Table: 7310 Manchester, Maplewood, 314-571-9554.
• Freddie’s Market: 9052 Big Bend, Webster Groves, 314-968-1914.
• Good Ice: 2241 Gravois, McKinley Heights, 314-504-3306
• Intoxicology. 4321 Manchester, The Grove, 314-833-3088

Food trucks:

• Walkaway Waffles
• Show Me Donuts
• Dippidy Donuts
• Ramblin’ Rounds

Pop Up Bars:

• Read SLM's roundup of 18 holiday pop-up bars and events
• Three Sixty: 1 S. Broadway, Downtown, 314-241-8439
• The Train Shed at Union Station: 201 S. 18th, Downtown West, 314-923-3949.
• O-Tannen Bar at Union Station: 1820 Market, Downtown West.
• Avalanche at Work & Leisure: 3015 Locust, Midtown, 314-620-3969.
• Toasted Chestnut at Public School House, Cottleville, Mo.: 5546 Chestnut, 636-730-1905.
• Cellar House: 5634 Telegraph, Oakville, 314-846-5100.
• Casa Don Alfonso: 100 Carondelet Plz, Clayton, 314-719-1496.
• Wright’s Tavern: 7624 Wydown, Clayton, 314-390-1466
• The Crossing: 7823 Forsyth, Clayton, 314-721-7375.
• Bistro La Floraison: 7637 Wydown, Clayton, 314-725-8880.
• Bar Moro: 7610 Wydown, Clayton, 314-932-1088.