Felix's Pizza Pub, Saint Louis

Right on the corner of Clayton and Tamm, in St. Louis' Dogtown neighborhood, the smell of delicious New York–style pizza and the sound of laughter draw passersby into Felix's Pizza Pub. Owners Tom Galbraith and Steven Kolb share a friendship that goes back to first grade, as well as a deep respect for the New York–style pizza: crispy on the bottom, chewy on top, and never too thick or too thin. Chef Andy Roesch whips up these tasty pies from handmade dough, crowning them with fresh toppings such as Italian-style sausage, basil, sundried tomato, and caramelized onion. Diners can also sink their teeth into slow-cooked baby back ribs, wrap their hands around shredded-beef sandwiches and shredded-pork sandwiches, or dip some of Felix's trashed wings tossed in jalapeno ranch.

Guests pair these feasts with cold beers and cocktails. Monday night they sing karaoke, and each March, people rise early and head to Felix’s to stake out prime viewing spots along the Dogtown St. Patrick's Day–parade route, which runs right past the pizza pub.