The Precinct, St. Louis

The Precinct takes its name from the nearby St. Louis Police Department headquarters. Though that proximity inspires the decor and a few police-themed puns on the menu, such as the Hot Pursuit Wing Challenge, the restaurant focuses more on serving good food and drink than on a gimmick. Local baseball legend Jim Edmonds co-owns the eatery, and he hired St. Louis native and culinary whiz Ben Welch to put together the menu. Welch opted for a friendly, down-to-earth array of barbecue, flatbreads, wings, and steak burgers, using fine ingredients to make the simple fare even more delicious. The eats are paired with an array of beers on tap and a handful of craft cocktails, including the Lucille Ball, a glass of Angry Orchard cider spiced up with Tanqueray 10 gin and ginger liqueur.