After moving from Havana, Cuba in 2014, Tamara Landeiro decided to bring the sights, sounds, and tastes of Cuba to St. Louis. The result is Havana’s Cuisine, also known as “the home of the Cuban Sandwich in STL.” The menu is short, sweet, and very well-priced, featuring the classic Cuban sandwich with ham & cheese, fried plantains, and black bean soup. One of the eatery’s most special touches is that they fly in Cuban bread from a legendary bakery in Tampa Bay, FL called “La Segunda Central Bakery." Fans of Havana’s rave about the authentic flavors, the down-to-earth atmosphere, and the exceptional service. They will also highlight the beef empanada, the ropa vieja plate, and the mojo roasted pork. People come from far and wide to sample Havana’s tried and true menu. Lucky for Westpark Apartments residents, all it takes is a trip downtown to experience the Landeiro family’s stellar Cuban cuisine.

You know a deli is going to be good when it’s been featured on the Food Channel! At Eovaldi’s Deli, that’s what you get, a fully vetted sandwich, pasta, and pizza joint that has been satisfying STL taste buds since 2002. It’s also infused with the cultural heritage of its home neighborhood, “The Hill,” a section of town that was founded by Italian immigrants in the early 1800’s. The deli’s menu highlights Italian sandwiches like “Eovaldi’s Special,” which is jam packed with roast beef, ham, mortadella, and Genova salami. The “Sicilian Bomber” is a customer favorite, known for its famous gravy made with sauteed onions, mushrooms, and red peppers. There’s also Eovaldi’s specialty pizza, a cheesy, meaty delight that goes for $10.95, as well as traditional Italian pastas like ravioli, tortellini, and gnocchi that all cash out below $10. Filling your belly without breaking the band has never been so easy.

After walking underneath the maroon awning with “JOY LUCK” laid out in bold, white lettering, patrons of Joy Luck Chinese Buffet are met with an explosion of fantastic aromas that heighten the senses and stir the palate. At the center of the restaurant, steam heat rises from multiple buffet lines, while stacks of plates wait expectantly on either end. The options are seemingly endless— Moo Shu chicken, Kung Pao shrimp, beef fried rice, lo mein, egg drop soup, egg rolls, crispy chicken wings, and on, and on. With so many flavors and so much variety, it’s impressive that Joy Luck Chinese Buffet can keep its prices so low. Essentially everything on the menu sits under $15.99 and the customers can access the full buffet for $14.95. Joy Luck sits 20 minutes south of the Westpark Apartments in between the Brentwood and Maplewood neighborhoods. It’s easy to get to and even easier on the wallet.

Diners hold a special place in the American heart. They’re more than just restaurants, they provide a community with a central meeting place to share in great conversation and lively camaraderie. In the Maplewood neighborhood of St. Louis, Tiffany’s Diner is that spot. It’s a first-rate diner with a long, wraparound countertop that looks over hot coffee pots, a sizzling grill, and a retro display with removable letters. The menu delivers all the best diner standards: corned beef hash, pancakes, waffles, country fried steak, and so much more.  The Maplewood and STL community rallies around their love for Tiffany’s by giving praise to the hearty meals, classic vibe, and warm, welcoming customer service. If you sit at the counter for long enough, you’re bound to make a new friend or two. Of course, everything is reasonably priced, perfect for anyone who wants a diner experience while remaining conscious of their budget. Tiffany’s is open every day from 6am to 2pm.