This St. Louis eatery is Missouri's 'best fast food restaurant,' food writers say

NOTE: Video attached to this story is from a July 2024 FOX 2 morning show segment.

ST. LOUIS - When it comes to fast food, most people think of the national giants like McDonald's or Taco Bell. But the fast food landscape also includes regional favorites that put their own satisfying spin on quick eats.

A research team at LoveFood.com recently compiled a list naming the "best fast food restaurant in every US state." Their selections were based on reviews, awards, and accolades, in addition to the first-hand experience of their food-writing team.

According to LoveFood.com, the best fast food restaurant in Missouri is none other than Steve's Hot Dogs in St. Louis.

Steve's Hot Dogs began as a humble hot dog stand in 2008, founded by local musician Steve Ewing. Over the years, it has grown into a St. Louis staple known for its creative take on the classic hot dog, reimagining what counts as a hot dog topping and turning comfort food into culinary fun.

Served on fresh buns, the hot dogs come in many different varieties: Backyard BBQ, Gorilla Mac & Cheese, Bacon Bacon Jamaican Dogs, and St. Louis- and Chicago-style dogs, to name a few.

In 2011, Steve's Hot Dogs opened its first sit-down restaurant in St. Louis' Tower Grove South neighborhood, a place to celebrate the city's music and food scene while offering late-night bites to concertgoers.

LoveFood.com offers the following review on Steve's Hot Dogs:

"Hickory-smoked all-beef hot dogs are the major draw at this relaxed counter-serve eatery, where every sausage is grilled to perfection and finished with regionally sourced toppings. It all began when musician Steve Ewing opened his first cart to satisfy concertgoers' late-night cravings. Nowadays, Steve’s Hot Dogs is famed for its limited-run collaborations with local restaurants, and for its signature St. Louis Dog, resplendent with grilled onions, peppers, bacon, provolone, and smoked mustard."

In addition to its renowned South Grand location (3145 South Grand Blvd.), Steve's Hot Dogs also has locations on Delmar (5248 Delmar Blvd.), Chesterfield (17089 N. Outer 40 Rd.) and within St. Louis sports venues Energizer Park, Enterprise Center and America's Center.