Restaurant Reviews from the City’s Finest
by Erica Colon, Break Time, St. Louis
Lunitic Cafe, University City
If you blink, you might miss this staple haunt, located in the heart of the college district. The proprietors have changed little about the layout of the former home, setting tables in smaller rooms off of the entryway, lending the establishment a homey and relaxed feel. College students and professionals alike crowd against the well-polished mahogany bar, happily sipping cocktails and waiting patiently up to forty minutes to be seated.
Once settled, it’s easy to see why people don’t mind the wait. The menu is delightfully simple, the comfortable, stick-to-your-ribs sort of cuisine that people run to after a bad day. My meatloaf was excellent, cooked perfectly, and smothered in delicious mushroom gravy. The green beans and spinach side were crisp and fresh, dressed simply in balsamic vinegar and served with almond slivers. Throughout the meal there seemed to be an endless supply of warm cornbread with fresh maple butter on the side. I did find a very long, coarse hair in my garlic mashed potatoes, which was strange given the extreme cleanliness of the restaurant, but the waiter more than made up for it with apple pie a la mode, free of charge. All told, the lunatic Cafe is a definite must-visit if your’re ever in University City.