The Double E Burger & Ice Cream Shoppe, Highlandville

Double E's founders, brothers Kevin and Shannon, wanted to build more than a restaurant—they wanted to create a community hub where families could dine together or pop in for a quick treat. Given this vision, its no surprise to see the wives of the brothers scooping out ice-cream sundaes or sister Carol in the back cooking up famous cherry and chocolate fried pies created by her father, Papa Joe.Their hearty menu includes classic offerings such as meaty burgers, pulled-pork sandwiches, and chicken philly cheesesteaks. The cooks also get creative and heap inventive toppings such as crunchy Fritos and bacon onto deep-fried hot dogs. And those who wander in on Friday nights can treat themselves to what is perhaps Double E's most famous offering—heaps of golden-fried, American farm-raised catfish.