From cookies to classes to cookbooks, St. Louis has plenty of shops where you can support locals instead of major corporations. Whether it’s unique menu ideas or good gift options you need, check out some of these foodie-favorite locations while you’re shopping this year; you might just find something you didn’t know you were looking for.
Anchovy Book Co.
This hidden gem, a cookbook store nestled on Cherokee Street, packs a big punch in a small space. Since Anchovy Book Co. opened last year, they’ve stuck strictly to weekend hours, but squeezing into the shop for a visit is well worth the planning. Their cookbooks cover everything from the Julia Child classics to new favorites, like Matty Matheson and Alison Roman, as well as books that run the global gamut. Pantry essentials available for purchase include Fishwife tinned fish and Big Heart Tea, and they’ve also got merch and accessories. For those who prefer gifting experiences, check out Anchovy’s Tiny Bookshop Dates. These dates include exclusive access to the shop, plus a crafted snack board and complimentary bottle of wine or NA cider. Visit Anchovy Book Co. during their weekend hours, noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
2619 1/2 Cherokee St., St. Louis, anchovybookco.com
Drips Botanical Elements
This coffee-turned-plant store is still a must-stop for drink essentials. Drips Botanical Elements carries Dark Matter Coffee beans straight from Chicago, and they’ve got blends for every palate. Personally, we love the Starry Eyes for a dark roast, but they’ve also got espresso, light roast and a seasonal blend on rotation. Newer to the store is Artemis Tea & Botanical, which includes bags of classic offerings like masala chai and a mint blend, as well as unique options like “The Moss,” with leaves from some of the oldest tea trees in China’s Yunnan Province. Their grab-and-go cooler has ready-to-drink Dark Matter Coffee, botanical sodas and Mighty Kind cannabis seltzers. While you’re in the store, don’t miss out on the handmade terrariums, variety of plants and other locally curated gift options.
387 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, dripsbotanical.com
Fennel Cooking Studio
Whether you have a cooking-curious person on your gift list or want to learn something new yourself, Fennel Cooking Studio has cooking classes for every level and gift cards available this holiday season. They offer a recurring homemade pasta class, as well as seasonal features like winter cookie decorating. Fennel also has kids’ classes, as well as availability for private events. Classes are hands-on, not just demonstrations, and everything is available for eating when class is over. On Dec. 14, Fennel will be hosting a Holiday Vendor Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone who spends $170 or more on gift cards also gets a free, mini Fennel tote bag. Check out their class schedule, and keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming launch of their online retail shop.
3043 Olive Street, St. Louis, fennelstl.com
LeGrand’s Market & Catering
LeGrand’s has been a St. Louis shopping staple for almost 40 years. Their consistent offerings keep kitchens in stock with fresh-cut meats like steaks and roasts, deli meats and cheeses, and take-home specialties like mac ‘n cheese and pulled pork, perfect for a holiday meal. This holiday season, LeGrand’s is also featuring gift baskets with St. Louis favorites inside, plus holiday tins of everyone’s favorite, Dad’s Cookie Co. Don’t miss their local pantry offerings too, like pasta sauce straight from the Hill, pasture-raised eggs and a variety of offerings from local breweries.
4414 Donovan Ave., St. Louis, 314.353.6128, legrandsmarket.com
Lion’s Choice x Series Six
St. Louis original Lion’s Choice has teamed up with Series Six to bring the biggest roast beef fans a treat this year. The store is expanding its local merch offerings to include Lion’s Choice, including a cozy sweatshirt, classic tee and a hat perfect for stockings or under the tree. This exclusive collection is available online or in-store at Series Six. While you’re there, check out other gifts perfect for St. Louis lovers, from Donut Drive-In shirts to all sorts of Imo’s merch, plus lots of other local favorites. Lion’s Choice is also offering their own promo right now; with the purchase of $50 in gift cards, guests will receive one free original sandwich every week in January. Check out your closest Lion’s Choice location for all the yummy details.
Series Six, 3719 Watson Road, St. Louis, seriessixcompany.com
Novella Wine Bar
Novella Wine Bar is known for their unique selection of Eastern European wines and beautiful patio with Old World charm. They also have plenty of options perfect for a host gift or for those doing the hosting themselves. Owner Dijana Groth makes a bright fig leaf liqueur from her own fig plants, now available in both a take home bottle and as a Fig Leaf Sparkler that comes with a bottle of Prosecco. The restaurant is also offering mulled wine kits for the perfect holiday ambiance at home, as well as house-made chocolate cherry red wine sangria and local honey. Check out those options in the South City store, along with their other regularly available to-go wine options.
5510 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 314.680.4226, novellawinebar.com
Pastaria Deli & Wine
Niche Food Group’s Pastaria Deli & Wine is the perfect stop for everything wine and anything Italian. They’ve got bottled cocktails and whatever you might need to pair with them, plus a robust selection of Italian jams, spreads, and snacks for your holiday boards, local provisions, and artisan chocolate bars for stocking stuffers. They’ve also got drinking chocolate, plus house-made sauce and freshly made pasta. This year, Pastaria Deli & Wine is bringing back their holiday gift baskets, available pre-packaged or customizable to meet a variety of tastes and budgets. Check out their store in-person or online.
7734 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 2, Clayton, 314.773.7755, pastariadeliandwine.com