You might have noticed the recent article in the Post-Dispatch listing the top 100 restaurants in St. Louis. You might also have recalled that we recommended Fork+Stix, number 12 on their list, long before their writers ever thought to look to that establishment. So, you see, we do know what we are writing about. Well, not really, but the quality of the dining experience at Fork+Stix easily outshone our culinary ignorance. You would do well to pay attention, at the off chance our luck holds.
Just as you would have no need to rely on luck at Fork+Stix, neither would you have to do so if you venture farther west on Delmar to Three Kings Public House. We walked that way on Thursday of WashU’s spring break for the umpteenth time. Why we have not yet written about Three Kings Public House, we have no idea.
Full disclosure, one the three kings who own, manage and work their tails off for the Public House is Ryan Pinkston. Ryan is a native son, having graduated from St. Roch in the late 1980’s. Very late 1980’s. Ryan was two years behind me (Cristina) at St. Roch and one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Ryan was kind hearted and in my mind always smiling back then and he remains so today. You will be hard pressed to meet a kinder man.
On to the food! Three Kings took over the space of long time Loop favorite Riddles. Huge shoes to fill, and Three Kings fills it completely. The space is completely reworked and it works. Make no mistake Three Kings is a Public House and the first thing you notice when you walk in hoping that one of their cozy circle booths are open is the bar. It is magnificent as is the array of beers they have on tap. “Like” their Facebook Page to find out what brewery is staging a Tap Takeover or any other the other events they have to highlight different brews. You can still find your old favorites but frequenting Three Kings will encourage you broaden your beer repertoire.
The food at Three Kings is bar food, but really GOOD bar food. Sliders in various flavors, depending on the night. Burgers that are out of this world, pulled pork and appetizers galore. Pretzel bites, salads, amazing chicken wings with an array of sauces and their house-made hummus with a kick appeal to every eater. Everyone can find something they love on this menu but it is not so large as to overwhelm. Vegetarian? Got you covered. Three Kings has such a variety in flavor and price there is truly something for everyone.
My niece Mary, my sister Molly’s eldest daughter, Sean’s Goddaughter all around cutie (Hi Mary!!) and the PICKIEST eater you will ever hope to meet, ate so many of the Three Kings toasted ravioli (original and spicy chicken) that Molly asked if I could transport some on my next trip to Chicago. For my niece and sister? Of course. This food critic is nothing if not dedicated.
On this particular visit to Three Kings, I tried the special—a half roasted chicken with Irish potatoes (of course) and butternut squash. The chicken was perfection. Juicy, delicious and with a flavorful rub Ryan told me was one of his favorites. The potatoes were grilled and flavorful not overly buttered and perfectly salted. Delicious. Which brings me to the butternut squash. I mistakenly offered Sean a taste of the sweet and smoky squash. It was so delicious I thought I would share. Bad idea. Our Georgetown Hoyas were playing on the screen above me. Knowing my love for college basketball, Sean distracted me and polished off my squash. I’m still angry. And to make it worse, the Hoyas lost.
Sean ordered the Vegetarian Stuffed Roasted Poblano, which was stuffed with black beans, corn, tomatoes, scallions, rice and pepper jack cheese. Fantastic. It really does well when followed by sweet and smoky squash, which was miraculously available at exactly the right time (says Sean).
About the only negative we can write about Three Kings involves the mural behind the bar. It features King Kong, King Henry VIII, and Elvis. Fair enough. But they might have overlooked Louis IX, King of France, for whom our wonderful city is named.
There is a great private party room in the back of the restaurant where we have attended birthday parties and large get-togethers. The food is always good and the room is a really nice venue. Book your party now. Whether it’s a party or just dinner out—go visit Three Kings Public House. Introduce yourself as a neighbor and tell Ryan we sent you.
