Addie's Thai House, Chesterfield

White tablecloths, elegant place settings, and walls hung with ornate carvings inspired the Riverfront Times to describe Addie's Thai House as "a cocoon of comfort—even elegance—hidden in a Chesterfield strip mall." It's Addie's creative cuisine, though, that won it the publication's 2011 Best Thai Restaurant award and effusive praise: "Without question, one of St. Louis' best Thai restaurants." The spot's chefs concoct top-notch renditions of classics such as pad thai and panang curry, but the house specialties are what set this destination apart. Slices of sautéed duck float in red curry with pineapple and sweet basil, and french-ribbed racks of lamb are cut into chops and bathed in savory basil sauce.

Libations are a draw, too, and not only because they instill patrons with enough courage to burst into a cappella song and dance. The bartenders mix decadent ingredients into their signature cocktails, such as the brandy alexander with Kahlúa, dark crème de cacao, brandy, and ice cream.