California Grill's bright red lettering is easily spotted while driving along North Lindbergh Boulevard in Hazelwood. However, aside from the huge font, the large nondescript building doesn't look like much from the outside. Stepping inside the business tells an entirely different story. California Grill is certainly small; the seating area features four tables and eight chairs tightly packed together. And it's clearly a place primarily designed for takeout orders. However, the smell of freshly grilled meats and vegetables wafting through the air of the restaurant is hard to resist.    …

Located in a strip mall on Howdershell Road across from the Hazelwood Fire Department, El Coco Loco is an unsuspecting Mexican eatery that offers big flavors at a small price. With menu items ranging from the simple to the extravagant, El Coco Loco prepares all of its food with finesse. The lively interior boasts plenty of seating, as well as a bar area for late night dining and drinking. The large windows allow plenty of sunlight to shine in, which provides a cheerful atmosphere. Every meal starts with the standard chips and salsa at El Coco Loco. During my visit, chips and salsa were …

Hunan Kitchen is nestled in an unassuming strip mall in the City of Hazelwood. Located next to a chiropractor’s office, this small restaurant may be missed if you’re not looking closely; however, Hunan Kitchen is not to be missed. This authentic Mandarin Chinese shop offers delicious food at a low price. Despite its location, Hunan Kitchen has quite the following. Entering the restaurant on a Friday afternoon, I was surprised at how many people were actually inside. The medium-sized restaurant, with about 15 tables, was filled to near capacity. Boisterous laughter, smiles, and the scent of …

While driving through Hazelwood, one might initially miss Tienda La Placita. This tiny Spanish grocery store nestled in the Elm Grove Shopping Center on North Lindbergh, between Starbucks and Pueblo Nuevo, and is easy to overlook at first. However, this miniature grocery store shouldn’t be skipped–with low prices and a surprisingly vast selection of rare foods and spices, Tienda La Placita is a foodie’s dream. I spoke with owner Noralba Mora about the shop’s origins, as well as plans for the future. “Tienda La Placita has been here in Hazelwood for about (seven) years,” Mora explained. “We …

Pantera's Pizza is well-known in North County. The popular pizza joint has two locations in the region; one in Ferguson, and another in Hazelwood. The tiny pizzeria offers a wide variety of pizzas for hungry Hazelwood residents, and is revered for its speedy service. However, Pantera's is most well-known for one of its specialty pizzas, fondly referred to as "The Hunk". This 5 ½ pound pizza is loaded with all of the fresh toppings Pantera's has to offer. Walking into the tiny building that houses Pantera's, it is immediately obvious that this is not a particularly fancy place. One lone table …

When I first pulled in the parking lot of Classics Bar & Grill, I wasn't expecting much. This local bar and grill shares its space with a handful of other businesses, including Hunan Kitchen, in a small strip mall. The red, block letters that spelled out its name were obviously worn, as was the exterior of the small business. I, however, am not one to judge a book by its cover--and I was hungry--so I walked right in. While I never watched the popular television show Cheers, I am familiar with its catchy tagline, "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name." If there was a modern…

If you've been in St. Louis for any amount of time, chances are you've heard of Amighetti's. Its original store on The Hill has been around since 1921, when Louis Amighetti, an Italian immigrant, opened the small bakery-turned sandwich shop. Many years later, Amighetti's expanded, creating two additional stores in Rock Hill and Hazelwood, Missouri. I spoke with Mary Ellen Downing, owner of the Hazelwood Amighetti's location, about the sandwich shop. Downing, a St. Louis native, opened the store 10 years ago after sales at the flagship location on the Hill continued to soar. She hasn't looked …

Nestled in an unassuming strip mall on Lindbergh Boulevard lies one of Hazelwood’s best kept secrets. While it may not seem like much to the casual observer, just one step inside will change your perception. This mystical place? Kelly’s Donuts. This modest doughnut shop has been in Hazelwood for years, creating dozens upon dozens of hot, fresh doughnuts. And it doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. I walked into Kelly’s Donuts on a busy weekday morning and was immediately impressed by the variety of donuts from which to choose. Whether you enjoy cake donuts, glazed donuts or even …

Okay, I'll admit it – I'm not a sports fan by any stretch of the imagination. I'd much rather watch paint dry than suffer through an evening of Sunday night football. Hockey just confuses me, and I don't understand the appeal of basketball; March Madness just doesn't interest me. So when it comes to sports bars, much of the appeal is lost on me. However, that didn't stop me from making a visit to Redbirds Sports Café, as food can be delicious no matter where it's served. Apparently, the lure of food is enough to get me to go just about anywhere. I stopped by on a quiet weekday afternoon for …

Located in the busy Elm Grove Shopping Center on North Lindbergh Boulevard, Pueblo Nuevo is a Mexican eatery that has been in the Hazelwood area for years. With a varied menu and prices that won't break the bank, Pueblo Nuevo offers an authentic taste of Mexico. The intimate interior allows patrons to fully take in the quaint atmosphere. Vivacious colors splash the walls and floor, adding to the lively atmosphere. Large tables coupled with plush seating invite patrons to enjoy their meal without feeling rushed. Every meal at Pueblo Nuevo begins with their deliciously crispy chips, accompanied…

When one thinks about McDonald's,  the words "fancy" and "contemporary" rarely come to mind. However, this fast-food giant is undergoing a major change at many of its popular chains. One location in Hazelwood is a part of the drastic decor change. Located on North Lindbergh in the heart of Hazelwood, this particular McDonald's is now urban, chic, and dare I say it – fancy. With bright yellow and red colors throughout the space, comfortable and plush seating and breathtaking artwork on its walls, this McDonald's feels like less of a fast-food joint, and more like a sit-down restaurant. "It …

You can feel the love from Mizz Juju's Bake Shop the moment you step through the door. This down home bakery opened its doors August '10, and has been pleasing the palates of Hazelwood locals ever since. Owner Julia Tate runs the bakery with help from her husband, as well as her assistant, Kriska Gurley. Tate has been baking for as long as she can remember, and was inspired by her mother, Cozella Tabb. Tabb was a professional chef whose clients included Mississippi State University's president. Armed with recipes from her mother, Tate whips up a variety of sweets, ranging from chocolate chip …

Anyone who has made the trip to Chicago can attest to all of the great things our neighbor to the north has to offer. However, when it comes to food in the Windy City, the first culinary treat that comes to mind is the Chicago-style hotdog. This delicious delicacy has many a St. Louisan drooling and begging for more of the delightful dog. So what does one do when a trip to Chicago just isn't feasible? Hazelwood, meet your new savior: Angelo's Chicago Taste. Located on Lindbergh Boulevard in the heart of Hazelwood, this local hot spot has been serving up food for quite some time. The local …

Few smells are more mouthwatering than the scent of freshly popped popcorn. This popular treat has pleased palates for years, and in Hazelwood, no one can create this fun treat quite like C. R. Frank. This family owned and operated business has been around since 1925 and has been the go-to place for popcorn supplies and more. Susan Woltering, president of C.R. Frank, is the daughter of Jack and Marie, the owners. She was more than happy to give a tour of the facility and was excited to share information about C.R. Frank Popcorn. (For instant news updates like Patch on Facebook and follow us …

While driving down busy Lindbergh Boulevard, it's likely that you've missed a tiny Hazelwood gem called The Fish Dock. Nestled in a tiny corner of Village Square Plaza, this seafood and soul food spot is a well-kept secret. And it's no wonder: the expansive restaurant has only been open since July 2010. Its location address is 11 Village Square Shop Ctr. "We're sort of hidden from Hazelwood residents," said manager Jermaine Brown. "But we're working hard to change that." This work comes in the form of delicious, lovingly prepared food. The Fish Dock boasts a large menu, with items ranging …