Inside St. Louis

     The Central West End has long been a destination for locals and anyone living around St. Louis City and County who want to enjoy shopping, people watching and getting a bite to eat all in a unique atmosphere. Stroll down Euclid and you’ll  enjoy antique shops and bistros  and  at  the

soul of the neighborhood you’ll find Duff’s restaurant.  Duff’s, one of the longest standing establishments in the area, was opened in 1972 by Karen and Dan Duffy. One year later, Tim Kirby bought out Karen’s partner and Karen and Tim have   remained   partners   to   this   day.     Duff’s

continues the long tradition of attracting a melting pot of clientele. You’ll see college students, families, couples wanting a romantic dinner at one of the private booths, and group dining. The head chef, Jim Voss, a former chef to the Grateful Dead, serves up an eclectic menu that satisfies vegetarians and carnivores alike. A sign of a successful restaurant is the longevity of the staff and we learned that four long term waiters have a combined 102 years of service. This speaks volumes about how the owners treat their employees like family. Both Tim and Karen’s kids have also worked at the restaurant over the years.

     This charming restaurant has a warm, homey feeling with its mismatched wooden tables and chairs, found by Karen Duffy's husband at garage sales and antique shops around town. As you enter the establishment, you can head directly to the comfortable bar area or head to the main room to grab a comfy booth or table. During nice weather patrons like to relax on the patio and watch the passers by as they enjoy their meal.  Inside the restaurant, which was originally one room but has enlarged to three spacious rooms over the years, you’ll find history on the walls and pictures of local life displayed. Beautiful beveled wooden-carved mirrors adorn the wall in the main dining area. In this same room is a one-of-a-kind leaded glass picture window with Duff’s name incorporated in the art glass. There is also a beautiful marble fireplace and a fabulous archway which takes you into the bar. The third room, once Europa Bar which closed in the 90's, was occupied  by  Duff’s  owners  when  the  bar  went  out  of  business.   A

massive painting, "Sunset at Hopi Point", painted by the late local artist Bill Kohn of the Grand Canyon adorns this room, aptly called the Grand Canyon Room.   Large tables provide for group dining in this area.

     The menu, which changes seasonally, offers small plates and salads as well as hearty dinner entrees (Tim Kirby’s favorite entrée is the Pork Chop). Antique Warehouse Curator, Greg Romberg’s favorite lunch item is the Steak Sandwich, made with mouth watering shoulder tenderloin. Greg also lusts   over  the  irresistible  Peppermint

Pie, made with Ronnie’s peppermint ice cream in a chocolate cookie crust, topped with meringue and served on a bed of hot fudge. It’s irrefutable evidence that ice cream makes you happy. Duff’s also offers a delectable Sunday brunch. Be sure to check out Duff's web site below for menu selections as well as hours.

     In the era of the independent restaurant being an endangered species, this jewel, nestled in the heart of the neighborhood, is a delight to experience and a real St. Louis institution.

Written by Judy Hartman

ANTIQUE WAREHOUSE GRADE: A

     Greg Rhomberg would also like to mention that Duff's offers a three course prix fixe menu for only $25 that includes a small plate or salad, dinner entree and dessert. Not only is this a great value, you will leave very content. Getting to Duff's now that Highway 40 is closed only takes a few extra minutes so please show your support for this local establishment and enjoy a great meal.

     As a side note, Duff's has long been host of local literary magazine, River Styx, and their monthly poetry and fiction readings. The River Front Times recently covered a story featuring the magazine, making mention of Duff's. Click here to view this story.

Click here to view all of the images from Duff's

Closed Mondays

Saturday & Sunday  10-2

Tuesday - Friday 11-5; Saturday & Sunday 10-5

Dinner

Tuesday - Sunday 5-10

After hours Menu available Friday and Saturday