Sauce on the side was a great find. We were in town for a conference and this was within walking distance from the arch. Very nice looking area, indoor and outdoor seating. A wide variety of canzone options on the menu. It was delicious. I will definitely go here again if I am back in St. Louis!
Overview
If you're in the mood for a casual, flavorful dining experience in St. Louis, Sauce On The Side is the place to check out. Nestled at 411 N 8th St, St. Louis, MO 63101, this unique eatery combines comfort with creativity, offering a fresh take on Italian-inspired dishes. Whether you're a fan of pasta, pizza, or just craving something different, Sauce On The Side serves up something for everyone.
The first thing you'll notice about this restaurant is its laid-back vibe. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and perfect for both quick bites and leisurely meals. If you’ve been searching for a spot to enjoy hearty food with a side of great service, this is it. Located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, it’s conveniently situated for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a delicious meal in the area.
A standout feature of the menu at Sauce On The Side is its variety of calzones, which are not your average folded pizza. These calzones are filled with creative combinations of fresh ingredients and served with a side of house-made dipping sauces that take the experience to another level. From classic pepperoni to inventive choices like the "Steak & Cheese," each calzone is crafted to satisfy a range of tastes. The portion sizes are generous, and the balance of flavors in each bite makes it clear that the chefs at this restaurant know their stuff.
Speaking of dipping sauces, it’s hard to overlook the extensive selection that Sauce On The Side offers. If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with different flavors, you’ll love the choices available. Whether you go for a classic marinara, a spicy buffalo, or something more unique like the "Garlic Parmesan" dip, each sauce is designed to complement the calzone and enhance your meal in an unexpected way. The sauces aren’t just an afterthought; they’re an integral part of the overall dining experience.
If you’re not in the mood for calzones, there are other options on the menu to suit different preferences. The pizzas, though often overshadowed by the famous calzones, are still a big hit. Thin, crispy crusts topped with a variety of fresh ingredients are sure to please any pizza lover. The "Margherita" pizza is a crowd favorite, with its simple but perfect combination of tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella. Even the pickiest eaters will find something to enjoy here.
For those looking for something lighter or vegetarian, there are also fresh salads and sides that are equally satisfying. The "Caprese" salad, for instance, offers a refreshing blend of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect side dish to complement the heartier fare if you’re craving a bit of freshness.
The staff at Sauce On The Side is another highlight. They’re friendly, knowledgeable, and always happy to offer suggestions or help you choose the best option based on your preferences. The service is quick, and the team ensures that each customer feels at home from the moment they walk in. It’s not uncommon to see regulars chatting with the staff like old friends, which speaks to the welcoming atmosphere they’ve cultivated.
For anyone visiting the area, the location of Sauce On The Side is an added perk. Situated in a vibrant part of St. Louis, it's close to many local attractions, making it an ideal stop before or after a day of sightseeing. Whether you’re attending an event at the nearby St. Louis Convention Center or just exploring the city, the restaurant provides a great opportunity to fuel up with flavorful food.
Many diners rave about the authenticity and freshness of the ingredients used at Sauce On The Side. The kitchen takes pride in crafting each dish from scratch, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the last. If you’re in the area and looking for a delicious, satisfying meal in a fun, relaxed environment, Sauce On The Side is a must-visit destination. With its diverse menu, friendly staff, and prime location, it’s clear why this spot has become a favorite for both locals and tourists alike.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Serves local specialty ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Comfort food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ SeatingAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Locals ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Has changing table(s) ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Paid multi-storey car park ✓ Paid street parkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 2438 reviews
Service was friendly and the food is cooked to order so it came out nice and hot. My only complaint is that it was a bit chilly in there but otherwise everything was great. I had the cocktail a doodle noodle calzone and it was very yummy, especially with the dipping sauce!
I ordered the original calzone and a salad, and both were absolutely delicious! The salad was incredibly fresh, with a perfect balance of flavors that really stood out. The calzone was a highlight—the dough had that ideal soft-yet-crispy texture, and the red sauce was rich and flavorful. I got everything as takeout and it traveled well—still warm and tasty when I got home. I also tried a local non-alcoholic beer, which was surprisingly good and paired nicely with the meal. Definitely recommend this place—it’s worth a visit!
Sauce on the side has amazing food! We try to hit this place every time we are in Saint Louis. Best Calzones!! Get the Duke it’s worth it.
I was visiting from out of town and was told to go here. Being Vegan i replied, " well I will if they have a Vegan calzone!"... and turns out, THEY DO . Its been SO long since I had a calzone. They have one called the skinny V . Its about $13 but i ordered mine with everything I saw that I wanted on it and it turned out to be over $20 . At first I was shocked but after I saw it i was very happy...because it was HUGE!! Another person could have ate it in 2 sittings. .but i finished the whole gigantic thing . Run! Don't walk. Its worth every dime!
The food here was good. I got a standard calzone with pepperoni. The sauce was really good. The service was a little slow and the cashier never once smiled. I decided to use the self order kiosk. The restaurant was nice and had outdoor seating. The kitchen got a couple of our orders wrong but quickly fixed the errors. I only took a picture of the menu since there was nothing special about the food.
Tried Sauce on the Side after hearing it was a go-to spot for calzones, and it delivered. I ordered three of the vegetarian options and all were fresh, flavorful, and baked to perfection. The dough had a great texture, the cheese ratio was solid, and the red sauce on the side was a nice touch. I would’ve loved a bit more veggie filling inside, but overall, the flavors were spot on. The service was friendly, our food arrived at the table within 10–15 minutes of ordering. The interior is pretty basic, nothing fancy, but functional. If you’re craving a good calzone in St. Louis, this place is definitely worth a stop. I’ll be back to try more from the menu.