This is a chronological list of restaurants permanently closed in St. Louis, Missouri—a nostalgic look back and a helpful resource for those seeking available restaurant spaces. These are the places that we miss. This is our restaurant history. A forgotten piece of our heritage. No matter how long each of these eateries was open, on a daily basis they paid someone’s rent, provided sustenance for a hungry traveler, or served as an integral part of the community. So please join us and do not forget this part of our town.
St. Louis, Missouri, with a population of approximately 300,000, is a vibrant city in the Midwest known for its rich culinary scene that reflects both its historical significance and geographical diversity along the Mississippi River. Famous for its unique toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake, St. Louis also boasts St. Louis-style barbecue, showcasing pork steaks and zesty tomato-based sauce. The historic Soulard neighborhood gives diners a taste of local traditions, especially during Mardi Gras when street vendors celebrate with immense feasts. Among the notable restaurants is Pappy’s Smokehouse, renowned for its award-winning Memphis-style ribs and a nostalgic nod to the city’s barbecue roots. The nearby Gateway Arch symbolizes not just the city’s skyline but its pivotal role as a gateway for culinary influences throughout America’s westward expansion.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided as a resource, but it may not always be 100% accurate. While we strive to research and verify details, errors can occur, and businesses frequently change names, locations, or reopen after closing. Addresses, operating status, and other details may be outdated or incorrect. Use this information at your own risk. If you spot an error, please contact us here, and we will do our best to update it promptly.
2020s
Hooters (Union Station)
📍 301 St. Louis Union Station, St. Louis, MO 63103
Once a bustling stop for travelers and locals alike, this downtown Hooters has now shuttered.
Hooters (Market Street)
📍 1820 Market St., Ste. 300, St. Louis, MO 63103
Another downtown location that has since closed. Both this and the Union Station location have disappeared from the Hooters roster.
2010s
Naugles (McCausland Ave)
📍 1033 McCausland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63117
After Naugles closed, this location became a Del Taco until around 2016. Today, it’s a hamburger drive-in.
2000s
(No listings with known closure dates in this decade from this batch, but many below were likely closed by the 2000s.)
1980s
The Ground Round Restaurant
📍 5721 S Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63123
Little information remains about this location’s fate, but Ground Round was a well-known family restaurant chain that faded in the late 1980s and 1990s.
1970s
Jacks or Better Restaurant (Watson Rd)
📍 9147 E Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63126
This spot opened in 1972 and was previously Bolona’s Villa Italiana (1955) and Bellistris Steak House (1958). It became a Ground Round in 1981, then a real estate office under Berkshire Hathaway. Howard Johnson bought the chain in 1978.
Jacks or Better Restaurant (Florissant Ave)
📍 9261 W Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO 63136
Opened in 1972 and later acquired by Howard Johnson in 1978. The location’s current status is unclear.
Jacks or Better Restaurant
📍 9815 Manchester Rd, St. Louis, MO 63119
Originally opened in 1971, this location had a long culinary history — from John Cafferata’s Italian eatery in 1950, to Roncaros Ho-Made Ravioli in 1953, to Ground Round in 1979, and eventually a McDonald’s in the 1990s. It closed around 2020 and is now the site of an American Bank of Freedom.
Unknown Dates (Likely Pre-1980s)
Howard Johnson’s (Wilson Ave)
📍 5915 Wilson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
Exact dates are unknown. No information is available on what replaced it.
Howard Johnson’s (S Lindbergh Blvd)
📍 6929 S Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63125
A once-busy location with no listed closing date or current tenant.
Howard Johnson’s (St. Charles)
📍 1425 S 5th St, St. Charles, MO 63301
Just outside of St. Louis proper, this was a notable suburban location of the HoJo empire.
Naugles (Chippewa St)
📍 6456 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109
This site became an IHOP after Naugles closed.
Know of another St. Louis classic that’s closed down?
We’re always updating our records. Drop us a note or submit a restaurant at ClosedDownRestaurants.com.
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