Polite Society sits on Park Avenue in St. Louis’s historic Lafayette Square neighborhood, serving eclectic contemporary American cuisine that has earned devoted local following since opening in March 2017.
The 1923 Park Ave location opened when co-owners Jonathan Schoen and Brian Schmitz transformed the space once home to legendary Ricard
o’s into a modern gathering place honoring the neighborhood’s architectural heritage.
The signature Pork Osso Buco paired with confit chicken wings creates the simple food prepared in deliciously unexpected ways worth discovering just minutes from Downtown St. Louis.
What Makes Polite Society Special
Executive Chef Tom Futrell and Sous Chef Chris Kryzsik have developed exceptional knack for turning out dishes in deliciously unexpected ways, where confit chicken wings slow-cooked in their own fat achieve golden crispness with meltingly tender texture.
The three-room structure maintains distinct experiences throughout, where hand-stenciled wallpaper and four-tiered open shelving create stunning bar sections that feel like well-read friends’ stylish historic homes rather than contrived remodels.
The beverage program led by Travis Hebrank features house infusion-heavy drinks and impressive rotating selections of affordable house wines, earning recognition as a premier destination for both dinner and happy hour.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
Jonathan Schoen and Brian Schmitz acquired the space in early 2016, where their collective experience running area businesses including Scape, Bar Italia, and Sol led to creating their ideal neighborhood gathering place.
The restaurant name reflects the founding philosophy of building environments where everyone takes into account other people’s tastes, interests, and sensitivities, creating safe spaces that default to consideration and polite society.
The year-long $3 million renovation yielded interior design paying homage to Lafayette Square’s historical roots, where exposed brick, copper-tin ceilings, and Victorian-era penny-farthing logo honor the surrounding architecture.
Food Highlights
- Confit Chicken Wings – The slow-cooked preparation in their own fat with deep-frying achieves golden crispness, where pickled carrot-celery slaw and three dipping sauces (Cajun aioli, hot-sweet honey mustard, Sichuan) create exceptional appetizers worth ordering.🍗
- Pork Osso Buco – The braised pork shank with smoked sweet potato puree, sautéed greens, and whole grain mustard maple reduction creates hearty entrees demonstrating Chef Futrell’s expertise with simple food.🍖
- Lacquered Halibut – The expertly prepared fish showcases seasonal menu items, where thoughtful preparations transform quality ingredients into memorable dining experiences earning repeated return visits.🐟
- Mussels – The preparation creates what many call their favorite dish, with quality seafood and properly executed technique earning must-order status among both regulars and newcomers.🦪
- Jimmy Burger – The ground-chuck patties with American cheese, onion straws, sweet-smokey tomato glaze, and whole-grain mustard aioli on pretzel buns create satisfying tavern fare elevated beyond typical preparations.🍔
- Bacon & Egg – The pork-belly confit with marinated tomatoes, crazy egg, and sherry vinegar demonstrates creative breakfast preparations that make weekend brunch service popular destination dining.🥚
Atmosphere
The Lafayette Square location features elegant and stylish interiors in a sophisticated historic home sort of way, though the popularity creates much louder environments than the polished design might suggest.
The three cozy sections with storefront-sized windows provide distinct dining experiences, where Edison bulbs hanging from tin ceilings and built-in bookcases filled with personal collections create warmth beyond typical restaurant renovations.
Service remains relaxed yet professional and attentive, with staff members remembering regulars by name to create neighborhood gem status that makes locals return weekly when visiting St. Louis.
Bottom Line
Polite Society delivers Chef Tom Futrell’s eclectic contemporary American vision where confit chicken wings and pork osso buco have earned Lafayette Square neighborhood gem status since the March 2017 opening.
The lacquered halibut and mussels prove Jonathan Schoen and Brian Schmitz’s philosophy of building polite society through thoughtful service creates the gathering place that fills the space once home to Ricardo’s legendary 26-year run.
Operating daily 5pm-1am with Saturday-Sunday brunch 10am-2pm, this 1923 Park Ave location combines house infusion cocktails with seasonal American cuisine in the $15-$36 entree range, making it perfect for everything from date nights to neighborhood gatherings just minutes from Downtown St. Louis. 🌟
Restaurant Details:
- Address: 1923 Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104
- Phone: (314) 949-7937
- Hours: Monday-Friday 5pm-9pm, Saturday 10am-2pm (brunch) and 5pm-9pm, Sunday 9am-2pm (brunch) and 5pm-9pm
- Cuisine: New American, Contemporary American
- Price Range: $$-$$$ ($15-$36 entrees)
- Executive Chef: Tom Futrell (previously Scape)
- Sous Chef: Chris Kryzsik (previously Blood & Sand)
- Beverage Director: Travis Hebrank (previously Scape)
- Co-Owners: Jonathan Schoen & Brian Schmitz
- Neighborhood: Lafayette Square (historic district)
- Features: Weekend brunch, full bar, wine program, three distinct dining rooms, accessible, vegetarian options, vegan options
- Dining Options: Dine-in, reservations recommended
- Special Events: Wine Down Wednesday (half-price select wines with live music 7-11pm)
- Website: politesocietystl.com
- Reservations: Book via Tock up to 30 days in advance