St Louis Cafe Bar

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.

This family-run café-bar originally opened as just a café, but as its evening popularity grew so did its modest menu. The venue is as welcoming as a good friend’s living room with Klimt prints, fairy lights wrapped around pillars and an aged wooden cabinet, with good beers on tap and locals relaxing with the papers over a pint. The menu still reflects its café roots with a choice of unassuming filled rolls, soups, all-day breakfasts and ‘wee bites’ such as home-made hummus. However, for those looking for a little more, the USA theme kicks in with burgers, nachos, gumbos and pies. The chicken and chorizo gumbo comes complete with peppers, sweetcorn and a spicy, smoky tomato sauce, served with hot-buttered ciabatta and rice. Alternatively, a massive rack of ribs comes drenched in sweet barbecue sauce and served with huge chunks of Cajun roast potatoes. The food smacks of home cooking but desserts, such as the warm chocolate brownies, are both elegant and tasty.

• High point: Lovely staff and décor
• Low point: Service can be overly relaxed