I ate at Imo's, one of the most famous St. Louis-style pizzerias, and I can't get enough Provel cheese
- St. Louis-style pizza is cherished by locals, with Imo's being the most famous pizzeria.
- Distinctive features of STL-style pizza include a cracker crust, Provel cheese, and square slices.
If you're not from the Midwest, you may not even know that St. Louis-style pizza exists.
But having grown up in the Missouri city, I know how much it's cherished and beloved by locals — and there's no question that one of the most famous St. Louis-style pizzerias is Imo's.
Margie and Ed Imo opened their first tiny pizzeria in 1964 in St. Louis' historic The Hill neighborhood. Today, there are close to 100 independently owned and operated franchises between Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas.
Although the food coming out of each location is impressively consistent, each restaurant is unique and special in its own way.
I recently visited my favorite STL location for a meal, and it was as delicious as ever.
There are a few distinctive features of STL-style pizza
Three essential things make a pizza STL-style: a thin, cracker-like crust made from unleavened dough, Provel cheese, and 2- to 3-inch square slices.
Topping choices are always fun to debate. But whether your pizza has pineapple on it or not (mine always does), you can't call it St. Louis-style unless it's made with Provel cheese.
Reportedly invented in the 1940s, the special cheese is a combination of cheddar, provolone, and Swiss. When it melts, it becomes velvety smooth rather than stringy like mozzarella.
Notably, as it cools, that creamy texture does not change.
St. Louis West is the most quintessential Imo's location, in my opinion
I stopped in for a bite at Imo's St. Louis West location on Hampton Avenue because I think it rises above the others in the city.
Located near the entrance to Forest Park, the familiar red Imo's signage sits on the side of the brick building. In the front, perched on a 30-foot-tall pillar, is the chain's iconic neon chef.
Inside, the decor utilizes the colors of the Italian flag. There's even a round, six-top table in the middle of the room finished to resemble a giant Imo's deluxe pizza.
Beyond pies, the chain offers things like mozzarella sticks, Provel bites, chicken wings, garlic bread, hoagies, and baked pastas. But the chain is probably best known for its pizza, house salad, and toasted ravioli.
I went up to the counter to place my order for all three — plus an orange soda to wash it all down — and brought my number to my table.
I started my meal with the chain's famous house salad
Almost as soon as I sat down, my salad arrived at my table.
The Imo's house salad is an uncomplicated affair of crunchy iceberg lettuce topped with shredded Provel cheese.
Imo's dressing is a somewhat slimy concoction that's sweet with a trace of acidity. There's nothing that pairs better with lettuce and Provel.
Toasted ravioli is another St. Louis delicacy
Toasted ravioli is probably the only other dish as beloved by locals as the city's pizza.
My order of eight toasted raviolis, or toasted ravs, arrived at my table next.
The appetizer consists of ravioli dredged in breadcrumbs, fried to a glorious golden brown, and served with a meaty tomato sauce.
I think it's the perfect companion to Imo's pizza — each makes the other even better.
There's nothing like Imo's pizza
Of course, the main attraction at Imo's is the pizza.
With toppings that cover every inch of the crust, delivering the perfect bite every time, you won't see diners gnawing on chewy rinds.
My pie had a masterful ratio of fresh toppings and quality meats, all nestled in a beautiful, creamy blanket of melted Provel.
Nothing tastes more like St. Louis.
St. Louis has plenty of options for foodies, but Imo's is a must
St. Louis is home to an impressive number of masterful pizza spots ranging from Neapolitan- to New York- to tavern-style.
But it's the cracker-crusted, Provel-topped "square beyond compare" that will forever tie me to my city and some of my best memories.