St. Louis is a city full of diverse and vibrant dining options with something for everyone to enjoy, but for many adults with disabilities, finding the best spot to eat may be a challenge. Some individuals may require wheel-chair accessible entrances and dining spaces, while others would greatly benefit from a sensory-friendly dining environment. No matter your needs, you deserve a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable dining experience in a food scene as rich as St. Louis’s. To help you find your next go-to restaurant, take a look at our guide to some of the best accessible restaurants in St. Louis—
One of the city’s hippest Latin-inspired dining spots, Mission Taco Joint is a perfect place to try a bold new flavor or enjoy a classic on a night out. In addition to their diverse and vibrant menu, MTJ has a number of accessible features. Nearly all of its locations have wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms. The locations in the Delmar Loop and Soulard in particular feature outdoor dining options, which are a great option for both individuals with mobility issues and sensory sensitivities due to the more open space. The staff at each of their locations has been heralded as respectful, inclusive, and wonderfully accommodating. If you are curious about specific needs or accommodations you may require, it is always a good idea to contact your location and give them a heads up.
If you are in the mood for delicious, melt-in-your-mouth, fall-off-the-bone barbecue, Salt + Smoke is one of St. Louis’s best and most accessible options. With locations in Ballpark Village, Delmar, Ellisville, Saint Charles, and Hampton Ave, you are never too far away from an incredible meal. Salt + Smoke is committed to accessibility in a number of forms, with open layouts for each maneuvering, wheelchair accessible entrances and restrooms, outdoor dining options, and incredibly attentive staff. Be sure to communicate your specific needs, and they will be sure to give you the best possible dining experience.
Dining out is not only reserved for dinner—if you are looking for a casual, classic breakfast or lunch spot to enjoy, The Shack is definitely the place to check out. They have multiple locations across St. Louis county, including Valley Park, Chesterfield, Frontenac, and much more. Like many of the restaurants in our city, The Shack has a strong commitment to making each and every customer feel welcome, included, and accommodated in any way they are able to. Their locations are wheelchair accessible, feature accessible and easy to locate restrooms, outdoor seating if needed, allergy-friendly options, and a wonderful staff ready to accommodate any of your specific needs. This inclusive setup makes for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience for all.
Nothing is more classically ‘St. Louis’ than dinner on The Hill, and no restaurant on The Hill is more iconic than Charlie Gitto’s. This Italian dining experience is the best St. Louis has to offer, with an elegant atmosphere, prime location, and magnificent food. They feature wheelchair friendly entrances, accessible restrooms, and an absolutely impeccable staff dedicated to improving and perfecting the art of service for all customers. No matter your needs, the staff at Charlie Gitto’s will treat you like family, making sure you get all of the accommodations you require. For the best service, it is a good idea to call ahead and notify the restaurant of your needs so everything will be ready for you when you arrive.
Dining out is not only a great way to spend a night or an afternoon on the town, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to engage with your local community, try new things, and enrich your time in the city and the counties. Whether you are a local looking to expand your dining options, a friend or loved one of a disabled adult who is looking for accessible restaurants in St. Louis, or a visitor putting together your accessible itinerary, getting to know the best restaurants for both your food preferences and accessibility needs can be a huge help, eliminating any distress that might come from not knowing whether your needs will be met or not. When it comes to things like accessibility, knowledge is not only power, but peace of mind. We know this personally, and that’s why we are dedicated to providing you with as much information as possible, whether it be about your rights as an individual with disabilities, different technologies that could improve your life, or ways to get involved with your local community. Check out our comprehensive resources page here for a wealth of knowledge and information to help you live well.