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24 reviews for Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery
Review Highlights
"My favorite is the "mile high" apple pie with caramel."
(in 5 reviews)
"I love their pies and their pie selection."
(in 9 reviews)
"I took home a mini german chocolate cake."
(in 3 reviews)
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer F.
O'Fallon, MO
9/10/2011 4 photos
Mmmm Pie.
We had a birthday party in Arnold that day, and I begged to go to the Blue Owl beforehand. Because, they NEVER have food at birthday parties, right?? I always tell my husband it's where Paula Deen's boys went! He doesn't care.
I've been here a few times, and it's super good. We learned from our first visit that you can do call ahead seating. So this time, we called en route so we didn't have to wait at least 45 mins. And there is ALWAYS a wait, so praise the lord for smart phones and internet access.
We get there and there was still a 5 minute wait, but there was quite a line of people waiting.
We get in, and they have a special for $12.99, you get a soup or salad, a 1/2 order of an entree and dessert. Um, sign me up!
So, I had the 1/2 Cobb Salad- there was nothing half about it. It was I was at Bread Co, this would be a full size salad.
Next - the Quiche Lorraine. I'm a sucker for a good quiche. It was A+ yummy.
Then next...the pie.
Ooh pie, sweet glorious pie. Our waitress rattled off at least 20+ pies as options. I went with the French Silk and hubs went with the Mile High Apple Pie.
I couldn't finish it all. There was so much food on that table, I was about to pop!
Sadly, we had no place to store leftovers so I couldn't take the rest of the pie home with me.
If you've not been here, you need to go at least once. I don't think I would go all the time, but when I get a hankering for pie...I'm so there! -
Review from Tom J.
7/13/2011
The wife and I stopped in for lunch the other day. There is nothing trendy about this place. The waitresses wear hokey retro "country" blue dresses that scream "80's and make me feel a little embarrassed to be there. Lots of ladies dragging their friends and husbands here on weekends, so expect a bit of a wait. We asked for an inside table, so we were a little dismayed when they promptly trotted us outside. Turns out it wasn't too bad in the shade, so we accepted our fate. After 10 minutes, a server finally stopped by and said it would be a few minutes before she could help us. I saw that a ton of food had come out all at once...not her fault. No big deal. A lady sat right beside us outside the patio and had a smoke. We were about 30 seconds from asking her to move when she got up and left. Do you sense a trend developing?
We ordered two sandwiches, one with chips and one with a salad. They both came out with chips. Hmmmpf. The waitress brought us a salad as soon as we said something, so no harm done. Good news: After that, our patience was not tried again. Most importantly, all the food was very good. We shared the two sandwiches - one the Mediterranean Chicken and the other a Southern Roast Beef sandwich. The roast beef was the standout here - a huge pile of extremely tender and juicy sliced roast. Wonderful. The salad had homemade ranch dressing that was really good as well
We decided to splurge for dessert and try one of those huge apple pies covered with caramel as seen on the menu. Turns out it looks a lot better than it tastes. I think it might have had rum in it, which for me is not a bonus. Anyway, we'll never get it again. Not awful, but not great. The desserts here all look so good, it's kind of sad when you get one that's only fair.
I'm sure we'll be back. Our breakfast on a previous visit was really good, too. More likely the wife will be back with her mom. the overall 3 and 1/2 stars is probably about right. -
Review from Dawn R.
Florissant, MO
8/27/2011
The chicken potpie was pretty good, but not outstanding. It was barely warm and the mashed potatoes were so cold the gravy was like glue. The pie was good
Service was not slow, so I'm confused by the cold food. Food is overpriced. $23.00 before tip! -
Review from Hao X.
5/6/2011 11 photos
I am a fan of their pie. I love their pies and their pie selection. It's the ONLY reason they get a 4 star. They have SO MUCH pie and it's all DELICIOUS! They get 5 stars for the pies and 2.5 stars for everything else. I'll round it to 4 to be nice.
Their food is decent but not amazing (it's country food, i guess so it tends to underwhelm me) and somewhat pricey for what i'm getting. The service is decent, but nothing amazing. Our waitress was friendly but not as organized as I hoped. I say just go for a pie-venture and not plan on eating normal food there.
the pie is worth it, however. just go early and know what you want. calling and reserving pie slices might not be a bad idea if that's allowed. we almost didn't get pies because they kept on telling us they were out of things we wanted. it was a rather frustrating experience, but reasonably worth the wait. after all, great pie is amazing! :D -
Review from teresa k.
7/23/2011
nice big restaurant that was packed even at 2pm. service was a bit slow and we had to order our pies right away, but when it came time to bring them out the waitress asked us what we ordered again. so much for having it ready. it was also nearly impossible to get a drink refill, good thing they have a carafe of water on the table. aside from that the food was good. we got the trio special, i had the strawberry salad, the mini croissant and the raspberry cream pie. my friend got the caramel apple pie and it was gigantic.
just about the only place to eat in kimmswick but is a must see tourist place. -
Review from Liz Z.
11/1/2010
"I think we ordered too much," I quickly stated after trying to devour a "full order" of buttermilk pancakes (a three plate-size stack) with warmed maple syrup, a side order of breakfast potatoes, and a humongous biscuit with apple butter; but I feel like I fought a good fight...yet lost.
We went to the Apple Butter Festival this Halloween Sunday and needed a hearty breakfast close to the festivities. Once we entered Blue Owl (around 9:30am), we were immediately seated and our coffee-feigning selves were quickly satisfied by our blue-aproned waitress who called us "honey." the breakfast was limited to four main entrees, but what they do have, they do very very well. I'm a fan of the country-feel establishment, wait staff, and food. Blue Owl, you satisfied the energy supply needed to walk the Festival! -
Review from Kelly B.
Saint Louis, MO
10/19/2009
I'm not a regular at the Blue Owl. This countrified gem is located in the historic district of Kimmswick, Missouri and is generally filled with tour busloads of seniors and Red Hat Ladies. I'm not quite there, yet. But, any time I need to please older relatives with a pick that they will enjoy, I consider The Blue Owl and it never fails.
Yesterday, I decided to take the kiddos on this VERY short drive south of St. Louis for lunch and a shop for Halloween decorations.
The Blue Owl Hostess greeted us right away and told us it would be a 15 minute wait. We put our name on the list and went for a walk on the cute streets of Kimmswick. Kimmswick has clearly been impacted by the economic crisis as some of the cute shops have closed. Upon arriving back at the Blue Owl, we were seated immediately, as promised.
Once seated, the three of us split two entrees that came with salads, sides, and homemade rolls. It was plenty. The entree's (chicken fried steak and fried chicken ) cost $13.95 ea., which was a little pricey for lunch (especially fried food). But, it was good. The salad was extra yummy.
We split one slice of German chocolate cake that had cool whip on top. We were taken back by the cool whip, but the pie was VERY good and only $5 for a slice, which was reasonable for the size and caliber of the desserts served. They offered to cut the pie three ways for us. It was VERY rich, yummy and more than enough for three to share.
This isn't my favorite type of food but, I feel that they are good at what they do. The Blue Owl is worth a visit. The dessert selection is massive, the staff is friendly and the service is sharp. If you have a group of 6 or more, call ahead for a reservation. -
Review from Karen L.
Scottsdale, AZ
12/17/2010
The Blue Owl is a great dining establishment. Excellent bakery selection, with so many wonderful home made goodies. Great creativity too!
It has wonderful country charm, with a festive seasonal atmosphere. Nice patio with great bird watching with the seasons.
The food can be a little on the pricey side; but the portions are big. This is a special celebration occasion restaurant and extra special for everyday but it is definitely worth driving out of your way to enjoy, then make a day of going into all the shops in Kimmswick.
This place will be appreciated by anybody who loves independent shops and restaurants in a charming, small town atmosphere , where character & creativity is nurtured.
Haven't you had your fill of corporate chain everything across the nation? Where nothing is special & everything is predictable and status quo. -
Review from Sean J.
Belleville, IL
1/13/2010
Few restaurants in the St. Louis area are as overrated as the Blue Owl. Aside from the interesting spectacle of seeing the levee-high apple pie, there's not much special to be found at this tourist-oriented restaurant in tourist-oriented Kimmswick.
The wait to get in was long. Very long. So long we were ready to put in our order when we sat down long. And yet the wait for the food was long as well. Perhaps we went on a busy day (it was a Sunday afternoon), but it didn't seem like anyone was in a hurry to keep things moving.
The food was what I'd call "Cracker Barrel" fare -- basic stuff, nothing special, accompanied by a salad with an interesting (but unremarkable) house dressing. Of course, dessert was the main reason we were there, and I didn't have a problem with my Snickers pie. It was fine. I just wonder if I might have enjoyed the place more if I'd skipped the meal and just had dessert.
What can I say? The target market for this place is twice my age; people who like folksy country restaurants and who can't really taste what they're eating anyway. I thought Cracker Barrel had that niche market captured, but I guess every now and then, everyone needs some variety. -
Review from Erica C.
Imperial, MO
10/19/2009
About a month ago, a friend and I decided to visit the Blue Owl on a Friday afternoon, around 11;30, or so. I hadn't been, and I'd heard so many good things about it, I figured I owed it to myself to give it a shot.
After about a half hour wait (seems there's always a line for lunch), we were finally seated at our table. The surroundings were nice enough. The insides are reminiscent of a log cabin, or small country home, but clean, and comfortable.
In a few moments we were greeted by our very busy waitress (the restaurant was packed and she was a bit overwhelmed, but nice enough), and I ordered the turkey and cheese on a croissant with a side of fries. My friend ordered the Cobb Salad. About 15 minutes or so later, our food arrived, hot and fresh. The sandwich and fries were ok, nothing over the top, but more like something my Grams would make for me in her kitchen, very basic, no frills. My friend's salad looked very good. I didn't try it, but it was large, and topped with lots of goodies that make a Cobb salad what it is. When asked if she liked it, she agreed, and said everything was good, minus the blue cheese. This is a personal preference of course, but if you aren't a blue cheese fan, and you want the Cobb salad, you might want to order it without.
For dessert we shared a piece of pumpkin pie with a layer of cream cheese. I'm not sure what it was called, but it had a special name. On top was cool whip topping, rather than real whipped cream, and admittedly I was disappointed by that. People rave about the Blue Owl's desserts for miles around, and if a dessert is being raved about, in my opinion it shouldn't be topped with Cool Whip. Real whipped cream is the key to taking an ordinary dessert to an extraordinary level. I can make a pie with Cool Whip at home, and pay a lot less for it.
Aside from the Cool Whip topping on the pie, the pie itself wasn't my favorite. It was a little too spicy to be a pumpkin pie, but the crust was very good. I'm particular about crusts, and this one was flaky, and perfectly cooked. I give the Blue Owl points for that. At the same time though, this particular pie, just didn't impress. I've had better pie.
Some things to note about the Blow Owl:
Lots of groups there during the day, from the "Red Hat Ladies" to teens on field trips with their teachers and their classmates, as well as lots of girlfriends on a girl's day out, and couples, too. Lunch is the busiest time. I'd say anywhere from 11:00 to 1:30 you're going to have at least a half hour wait, if not longer. To avoid the crowds, dine a bit later in the day.
I won't go back to the Blue Owl, unless someone I'm with wants to go. Then, I wouldn't be totally against it. I just wouldn't go there of my own choosing. It was good, but nothing I'm really wanting to experience again. -
Review from Amanda Z.
Saint Louis, MO
8/5/2008
Oh who cares about the antique shopping and the kitchy little craft stores that line Kimmswick's streets...The Blue Owl is the only real reason to make this hike down I-55.
I am obsessed with this apple pie. Maybe it's just the display, but I swear this apple pie is totally delectable. Generally, I hate apple pie, it have something against congealed fruit. Somehow, The Blue Owl has done it right though! The fruit still tastes fresh and cinnamony. It's nothing short of delicious. Oh, and did I mention it's HUGE. I mean MASSIVE! I mean, GARGANTUAN! It's a "levee high pie," just like you see in those cheesy old black and white TV shows placed in the country. (Think a more obese Mayberry).
The deserts may be delicious, but they have a full menu too. Tons of salads and sandwiches fill the menu. The tomato bisque soup is my favorite with a grilled cheese sandwich. It will keep you full for the duration of your day. Generally, any kind of breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner fare you could think of....and it's COMFORT food, the best kind of food in my chubby opinion.
The place is always packed and they don't take reservations so be ready to wait....you can always shop around in the little stores while you wait, or just chill out and enjoy the day in this small town. -
Review from Heather P.
Saint Louis, MO
1/13/2010
The only reason I eat here was because of the Food Network and it was just okay. Nothing special except the bakery goods...
Oh and the prices were outrageous!!! -
Review from Jamie M.
Saint Louis, MO
9/7/2011
Blue Owl, I want to hate you. I do. I cannot stand country down home kitsch. You stand for everything I hate.I wish you wouldnt put that dang whipped cream in excess on everything. I wish your parking was better. Your service isn't the best. You really only seem to do quiche, salad, and soups. I remember that you did white chicken chili way before anyone else did it. Others may have improved upon it since but I remember you as being the first. Today when I picked up a snickers pie for my husband's birthday I dreaded meeting again. Last year's visit during the apple butter festival was a mistake I didn't want to repeat. But as I stood staring at your big dessert case with all the seemingly happy grandmas I saw one of your waitresses walk by with a glass of wine... I was reminded that I find you delightful. I accept you for what you are: a place where ladies come from all around to lunch, sit outside and eat desserts (and apparantly drink wine). Now, that is living!
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Review from Douglas S.
MO
12/14/2009
The perfect place for ladies who lunch, and for groups who lunch.
We were a table of 10 and our waitress handled us with ease. The food was nice enough, all 10 of us enjoyed it.
The list of pies was overwhelming. I chose coconut custard, which came with a meringue on top. The pie crust was a surprise: so tough you would need a steak knife to cut it.
The Blue Owl is good for people who are looking for a day trip and want a lunch that may not knock your socks off, but will please most people. -
Review from Lee C.
Chicago, IL
7/29/2008
You come here for breakfast or dinner, because they close this place down at three. If you're lingering around that time, the sweet ladies in blue bonnets will start giving you funny glances as they walk by your table.
Some of the rood is really good. Try the chicken fried steak, tomato bisque soup, fiesta meatloaf. I've never actually ordered off the menu, as there are several delicious-sounding specials on the board every day. The menu items are basic sandwich and salad fare, though my Grandmother orders the Strawberry Salad every time.
After dinner, you should try a piece of pie. They're never as good as I hope they will be, but I still try a different one every time. I've had the "Levee-high Apple Pie", which is OK (looks amazing, though!). The Blackberry was kind of dissapointing (not very flavorful), and tonight I bought a mini peach to go. I hope it's better than the others.
Actually, the strawberry rhubarb was very good, but unfortunately I only got to try a small fork-full.
Overall, a friendly atmosphere, good servers with personality, tasty country-style food, and decent pie. -
Review from Shea C.
Saint Louis Hills, Saint Louis, MO
4/10/2011
Blue Owl gets rave reviews, but I am not certain why. I had a great time with my mother while I was there, do not get me wrong. However when it comes down to price and service stay in Saint Louis.
I asked the waitress her preference of soup, and she replied she was not to say her preference since all tastes are different. I was quite flabbergasted as I am in the food and beverage business. Giving an opinion is fine or at least tell me which is more popular. She was also not familiar with the specials of the day. I decided on the white chicken chili which was less than fair.
I also had the spinach and feta quiche which was fantastic! The portion was large. This was also served with a side salad that resembled something you would get at any local chain restaurant. The poppy seed dressing I ordered was delightful.
I took home a mini german chocolate cake. Despite Blue Owl's reputation for their desserts, I was less than impressed. The icing was not overly sweet, but the cake was dry and clearly past its prime. I should have gone to Dierbergs.
My overall opinion (which I will give since no one told me not to do so):
Wait until gas prices go down before you venture to Kimmswick. -
Review from Meg M.
Imperial, MO
10/4/2008 1 photo
I have been a fan of this establishment since i moved out to where i live now which has been several years. Why? Well, for one thing my sweet tooth is never ending and their delicious pies, cakes and cookies are over the top! Levee High Apple Pie, French silk, German chocolate oh my!
Yes, both Breakfast and lunch have delicious menu choices and you can't go wrong with anything here. I do have one thing that i always have to have regardless. White Chilli, this folks is one of the most delicious things they have! You simply have to have some!
One of the best time to come out there (probably have a hard time getting into the building however) is during apple butter festival! They have a hugh tent outside their building and they have samples of alot of the sweets, plus other things to nibble on! -
Review from Tina G.
Spring, TX
2/7/2011
Nice country charm restaurant. Very nice story of how the place got started printed on the back of the menu. Our table had the Famous White Chili, not too much to brag about, Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich, served on a Bagel, quite greasy and the last was the Rueben Sandwich...chosen only because it came with fries, all the other sandwiches only came with salad, chips or cole slaw. If you wanted to supstitue fries it was an extra $2.95 and the sandwiches were already $8.95- $9.95! Quite pricey. We should have had one of the desserts, they did look wonderful just wasn't in the mood. Will be going back to this area of town soon but will try another, not worth another trip for me. Heard the Fried Chicken is supposed to be great but it was also $12.95, hope so at a plate for that price.
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Review from Patrick W.
Florissant, MO
1/12/2009
Blue Owl: Tasty comfort food that's worth the drive.
The service is friendly, and the fare is friendly to the wallet, though not the waistline. Favorites are chicken and dumplings and a slice of delicious apple pie with caramel. -
Review from Joel M.
Park Ridge, IL
Country home cooking!
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Review from Nancy P.
Saint Louis, MO
5/21/2008
some interesting local color here...
...about 30 miles from STL, on I-55 sounth...a bustling restaurant & bakery settled in the midst of historic kimmswick boutiques & shops so you can browse for gifts before and/or after breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dessert & coffee.
i had lunch there, with friends, earlier this week. had to wait for a table for about 20 min. i got a cobb salad with poppyseed (house) dressing, decaf, a cup of potato-cheese-broccoli soup, and hawaiian coconut cream pie for desset. i wanted key lime, but alas! so did a lot of other people that day....it was GONE!
now then....the food was good, but not spectacular. the pie was good - and the slice cut large....
the fare is salads, soups, sandwiches, some daily specials. they also have a loaded baked potato if you're into a high-carb diet...it would put me to sleep for the afternoon if i ate one at lunch.
...here's what i figure - there are soooooo many bakery items to choose from (2 pages of them on the menu) that i think that is the big attraction here....not to mention the near-by shopping. blue owl has pastries, cakes, cookies, specialty cakes, cheesecakes, pies, death-by-chocolate, & a few sugar-free desserts. you can take some home, but be there early unless you're ready to take second choices....
it's very noisy - we could not hear each other until it began to clear out. we got there around 12:30 so at the height of lunch hour. i could've done with just the pie & coffee. i brought 1/2 the salad home, it was too large for me to eat in one sitting.
Directions: I-55 south from STL to Imperial-Main St. Exit #186. East to Highway 61-67, south to highway K
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10am to 3pm; Saturday & Sunday - 10am to 5pm. (closed mondays) -
Review from Patty A.
Saint Louis, MO
Updated - 6/7/2009
I've have eaten here several times over the years. Lunch, dessert, tax and tip add up so it's not really a cheap date for lunch.
The food is good..however, I think their desserts are over-rated. My friends and I have found the fruit pies to be good...but I have ALWAYS been disappointed by their various chocolate pies. I'm beginning to wonder if they actually make them. (Maybe they used to and don't anymore?)
I've had better chocolate desserts from Schnucks or Applebee's.
Kimmswick is a fun town to visit a couple of times of year and this is basically the only lunch game in town.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/12/2008
Just because they are featured on the Food Network doesn't mean they are great. I have eaten there… Read more »
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Review from Rob C.
8/26/2007
Famous enough to be featured on the Food Network. And for a good reason. My favorite is the "mile high" apple pie with caramel. Wow, my mouth is watering thinking about it.
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Review from Lisa C.
3/14/2010
On our way back from a couple of wineries in Ste. Genevieve, I dragged my carload of family to the Blue Owl. We'd never been before, and we wanted pie. First off, I was surprised that they close at 5pm on a Saturday night. For such a tourist trap, I'd think they'd be open until 8 or so. The hostess was nice enough to let us peruse the bakery counter and get some stuff to go. We unloaded our wallets and brought a selection of baked goods home to sample. My chocolate caramel cheesecake was pretty good, and the blackberry pie just okay. Crust should stand out on a homemade pie, but this one didn't. The carrot cake was good (although I prefer a "chunky" cake with raisins and walnuts, which this one didn't have--just shredded carrot) but the cream cheese frosting tasted more like shortening than cream cheese. The portions are large to match their prices. Would I go back? Probably not. The reviews aren't glowing, and I can get decent bakery treats elsewhere close to home.
