This is the kinda place I could eat EVERYDAY . The kale mushroom dumplings were so delicious. Service was wonderful. They have several rooms to dine in or dine outdoors . A rather vibey hipster type eatery. Loved everything .
Overview
If you’re in the mood for a cozy, no-frills spot where great food meets a welcoming vibe, look no further than Lona’s Lil Eats located at 2199 California Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104. This diner-style gem is perfect for anyone craving comfort food with a twist, offering an experience that’s both casual and satisfying.
From the moment you walk in, Lona’s Lil Eats feels like home. The space is warm and inviting, with friendly staff who make sure you feel comfortable as soon as you take a seat. It's not just about food here - it’s about the experience of enjoying a meal that feels personal and made with care. The restaurant has become a local favorite thanks to its unpretentious atmosphere and flavorful menu. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a leisurely meal, this spot has a little something for everyone.
The menu at Lona’s Lil Eats is a reflection of classic diner staples but with a distinctive twist. One of their standout dishes is the fried chicken sandwich - crispy, flavorful, and served with a side of perfectly seasoned fries. The sandwich is stacked high with fresh ingredients, making it a filling and satisfying meal. If you're not in the mood for a sandwich, their salads are a great option, with ingredients that are both fresh and packed with flavor. The homemade dressings deserve special mention; they add an extra layer of flavor that really elevates the dish.
What really sets this place apart, though, is its approach to comfort food. They take familiar dishes and infuse them with flavors and ingredients that give them a new life. Take their mac and cheese, for example - it’s not your average side dish. The blend of cheeses is creamy and rich, with a crispy, golden top that adds texture to each bite. And don’t even get me started on their breakfast options, which are available all day. Whether you’re in the mood for pancakes, omelets, or something heartier like biscuits and gravy, the options are endless and always hit the mark.
Lona’s Lil Eats isn’t just known for its tasty menu; the location itself adds a special touch to the dining experience. Nestled in the heart of St. Louis, the restaurant enjoys a central location that’s easy to get to whether you’re a local or just passing through. It’s also a great spot for gathering with friends or family. The staff here is always ready to chat, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day or start your morning off right.
Another reason locals rave about this place is the consistency. Time and time again, you can count on Lona’s Lil Eats to serve up a delicious meal at a reasonable price. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, you’ll be treated to the same high-quality experience every time you visit. The portion sizes are generous, making it a good spot for those looking for value without sacrificing quality.
For anyone who loves supporting local businesses, Lona’s Lil Eats has earned its place as a trusted part of the community. Their commitment to quality ingredients and a menu that caters to all tastes has earned them positive reviews from many who’ve had the chance to experience it firsthand. It’s one of those spots where you’ll leave feeling full, satisfied, and looking forward to your next visit.
With its welcoming atmosphere, exceptional food, and a menu that’s both familiar and exciting, Lona’s Lil Eats truly shines as a top choice for anyone looking for a great meal in St. Louis. Whether you're here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this local gem has you covered. It’s a restaurant that blends the best of comfort and creativity in every dish.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toilet ✓ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe space ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1676 reviews
This was my first time eating here. I wish I knew what I got bc I’ll have to get it again. the turkey was very delicious. It’s so cute and has a lot of character. My side was the spicy cucumber salad. I love that I felt full but not sluggish what so EVER!! It gave me energy. I will definitely go back.
As I understand, this restaurant was the catalyst to revitalizing this neighborhood and they have the James Beard award and additional accolades to prove it. I opted for a tofu noodle bowl with sesame and perhaps the sesame had too much of a vinegar quality to it, making my food tangy and acidic. It didn't balance well with the spice of the dish but overall I can tell there's some quality happening here, I just didn't order the right thing on my first go around. My friend gets the shrimp fried rice with the spicy eggplant and doesn't order anything else. I wish I'd asked for a taste but he scarfed it down like a ravenous animal. One bathroom available as the other in the 2nd dining area was locked and our table had the fried rice leftovers on my seat. They reserve tables of four for three or more people but we couldn't find a spot otherwise so our party of two sat there, we got a few looks but oh well. And they use non plastic silverware here which is a bonus. I also appreciate the Excel soda selection although I didn't get a chance to partake.
My daughter had already had their food so I trusted her opinion on it. The neighborhood isn't the best and parking is a nightmare if you chose to dine in. We placed an order for pick up well in advance and received a confirmation of when it would be done. Arrived 5 minutes after that time and it wasn't ready yet and I had to wait for them to actually make our order even though it was after the time they said it would be ready but no real biggie other than my daughter was kind of parked in a no parking zone. We stopped at a park to eat and I ordered the Big Thai wrap and we ordered the spicy eggplant and spicy noodle salad. I for one hate cilantro so the spicy noodle salad was awful, the spicy eggplant was better but both were so spicy hot I let my daughter have both. As for my wrap..their wraps are in rice paper so they have a different appearance than other wraps you are use to. And they wrap them in saran wrap really tight so just getting to it was a challenge. It was crammed full of delicious tender slices of grilled chicken, stir fried rice and chopped salad lettuce and I enjoyed it very much. I would like to dine in some time in the future to fully experience but my initial take is it is a very eclectic place in an old building, the employees seem friendly and apologized several times for my wait and the food was good.
The food here is so good and the staff is delightful. I have not stopped thinking about the spicy tofu wrap since I had it 5 days ago. I think I will finally have to cave and drive back down here today.
Stopped by here after a massage at Soma Therapeutic nearby and was highly satisfied. Food was great, customer service was superb, wait time was very minimal, and it gave good and laid back vibes! Would visit again; thanks Lona’s
Happy with ordering the #4 and substituted the jasmine rice instead of the fried rice. Fresh, healthy, and filling. Tried a few of the sauces, which added new flavors to each bite. Come here hungry and you’ll leave satisfied.
One of my favorite Thai fusion restaurants, ordered the Chicken summer bowl and the mushroom dumplings. They both were delicious. My go to spot for a quick bite.