Soulard’s

Soulard’s

This is a sponsored post.  Both KEZK and Ed Goodman have received compensation from the restaurant being mentioned in exchange for posting this information.

What do you say about a restaurant that’s been in the same spot for the last 32 years?  I guess you could say just about anything ranging from “must be good” to “well, they’re adaptable with the changing times”. Chances are that’s what lots of folks have said about Soulards Restaurant at 7th and Soulard in Soulard (just south of the Market). Its every bit as good as it was day one and its owners Dan and Tim Badock have made sure that Soulards has adapted to the times offering up a great restaurant for lunch and dinner every day. Those of us who remember the original restaurant and those sandwiches loaded with sprouts really have enjoyed watching the evolution.

Soulards is the perfect destination for lunch or dinner. With the kitchen overseen by executive chef Russell Byers and his son Herschel, entrees are generous and always include a side dish or two for one price at either seating. Soups, salads, sandwiches and large plate entrees are the fare at lunch. Lots of choices and very reasonable prices. Because of its proximity to lots of businesses, Soulards is always a popular lunch destination. Come early.

At dinner, Soulards is transformed into a white table cloth restaurant that I would call gourmet –without those fancy prices. Entrees range from $21 to $29 and are all accompanied by two side dishes. Here’s what we had when we visited last week. Starters included the signature Bar-B-Q Shrimp, served with petit biscuits and Black Pepper crusted Ahi Tuna. The tuna was served medium rare with just enough heat to be a little warmer than room temperature. Served on a bed of greens with a vodka vinaigrette. Our server, Karma,  then combined a couple of other starters for us as a “tasting”. One was the house salad topped with a sweet Italian vinaigrette and blue cheese. Great combination. Then two soups.  Soulards offers a daily soup du jour and our choice was an incredible, rich tasting tomato bisque that was hearty and delicious as was the Creamy Roasted Garlic soup which is an everyday option. Peppered Black Angus filet topped with a cognac cream sauce was cooked perfectly and was amazing. Peppered Pork Tenderloin also hit the spot served with tow sauces:  a rich garlic aioli and a raspberry sauce. Great flavor add-ons to the perfectly cooked, moist tenderloin. Dessert at Soulards is nothing but a guilty pleasure at its best. The Amish Cheese(cake) Pie is just that. NY style cheesecake texture cut into a pie wedge and topped with a raspberry sauce, strawberries  and whipped cream. We also loved Catholean’s Home Made Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce. More calories, but again, who cares!!!!

Soulards also has a fabulous wine list of about 100 choice labels in every price range – including some classic Reserve bottles.  And speaking of that, Tim and Dan are hosting a great wine dinner on May 7th, featuring BR Cohn wines. With the menu at Soulards and that brand of wine, it will be a great pairing. All now for reservations, or you could get shut out. Oh yeah, that breakfast I mentioned earlier. It’s the ultimate market day breakfast menu. Served just one day a week – Saturday – it’s the perfect way to start your shopping day at Soulard Market. A good and hardy breakfast will cure whatever ails you and the breakfast menu at Soulards will do just that and put you in a great mood to go food shopping.

For special occasions like weddings, rehearsal dinners, meetings, holiday parties, etc. Soulards also offers  a great private room that can handle groups from 10 to 100. Special menus can be put together to accommodate whatever your needs are. With awards like “Best Wine List”(Post-Dispatch) , “Best Pepper Steak” (Zagat) and “Best Private Parties”  (Riverfront Times) it’s time to get back to one of those dining treasures we sometimes forget about. Soulards, at the corner of 7th and Soulard in Soulard. Do yourself a favor and have a great meal and overall experience soon at Soulards. Check out their website for the complete menu www.soulards.com – you will be amazed at your choices, whether you’re up for a full blown “night out” or a last minute casual dining experience.