5 Tastes Of St. Louis Slideshow

Toasted Ravioli is a big staple in St. Louis. It was invented in the 1940s on "The Hill," a famous Italian neighborhood known for its restaurants. Oldani's chef Terry Lane is credited with the invention. Though Oldani's is no more, you can visit Mama's on the Hill, which now stands in its place, to try out the St. Louis invention. 

The custard may only be available in one flavor — vanilla — but Ted Drewes is an institution in St. Louis. There are more than 30 toppings to choose from and several different ways to serve the custard. The most popular item on the menu is probably a Concrete, which is comparable to a Blizzard from Dairy Queen. 

Since the Anheuser-Busch Brewery is based in St. Louis, you can't visit the city without visiting the factory. Get a tour at the oldest and largest Anheuser-Busch Brewery and see how the beer is made, what ingredients are used, and more. Then enjoy a glass once the tour is over. 

Crown Candy Kitchen has been satisfying sweet tooths in St. Louis since 1913. The family-run shop makes their chocolate by hand. All their milkshakes, malts, and sundaes make use of their chocolate-making skills, too. 

Another staple in St. Louis is barbecue. From chicken to pork to brisket to ribs, residents of St. Louis know how to make great barbecue. Pappy's Smokehouse is one of the favorite locations for barbecue for locals. It even made it onto our Ultimate BBQ Road Trip.