Circle 7 Ranch — Restaurant in Des Peres

So, the woman at the front (today only? Occasionally? Always?) was certainly a deterrent for those unsure of our visit to begin with. If not for some in our larger-than-expected party, I would have walked out (which I did but was coaxed back in) upon her confrontational approach to seating. Perhaps her harsher-than-necessary approach is needed in the environment; I'll likely never know as there were less-than- interesting food options for the gluten-free guest group of which I am a part, and everything seemed MUCH pricier than necessary for lunch prices/sizes. The server was good despite not noticing we needed drinks refilled, BUT he was friendly, outgoing, and tried really hard, having been seated abundantly and quickly (slammed). He handled the separate checks well, and he handled our personalities well. Food seemed to take an egregiously long time, and then sadly, no time was taken to circle around and ask whether we needed anything OR if everything was as desired/expected. Again, perhaps due to busy-ness or business demands, but, one should likely be forewarned that you will likely have to wave someone down if you have needs once the appetizer and then the food arrives. Sadly, not a fantastic experience, but even if it had been, due to the prices and the lack of g/f options that most everywhere offers (booooring), I'd likely not return and would leave the place to those who throng there as it always seems hugely busy every time I drive past. Luckily, my food tasted good, and I had no problems other than a bit of boredom in the waiting for it. Not too bad in this day/age some would say, but when I go out, since I rarely do it due to allergies, I guess I expect more...

Circle 7 Ranch in Des Peres is the kind of place that instantly feels like your local hangout—even if it’s your first time walking in. Friendly regulars, fantastic service, and top-tier food and drinks.

I’ve been friends with one of the bartenders, Shana, for 20 years—we worked together when I first moved to Missouri. Now she and her husband Nick bartend together, and their energy behind the bar is unmatched. Think Cheers, but with better cocktails and self-pour beer taps at your booth.

Speaking of cocktails… ask about the secret menu. Trust me. • The Key Lime Pie is tropical, creamy, and topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut—it’s dessert in a glass. • The Lady in Red is their take on an Aperol Spritz—bright, slightly bitter, and absolutely gorgeous. • The Forbidden Love is berry-forward, citrusy, and totally crushable. Each one was a hit and felt like something you’d find at a swanky cocktail bar, not just your neighborhood tavern.

I also ordered the Fire Honey Wings, which might be some of the best wings I’ve had in STL—sweet, spicy, and sticky in the best way. And the veggie plate? Fresh, crisp, and a nice balance to all that indulgence.

Circle 7 has great food, top-notch drinks, and the kind of staff that makes you want to stay a while. I already can’t wait to go back.

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So I’m going to be a little bit of a hater here, but not regarding Circle 7. When I read reviews stating “Cheeseburger was ok,” or “Service good,” the reviewers are not doing you any favors. I saw a a few recent ones for Circle 7 like that and well, they are wrong.

I’ve been to both locations, and prefer the Manchester location by far. Pro tip: download Yelp and get in line in advance to avoid the wait, though you can get a drink at the bar and hang outside by the patio entrance while you wait, which is what we did.

The patio itself is great, with plenty of solid seating arrangements and televisions galore to keep an eye on whatever is on (in our case, the Cards were thumping the Brewers).

Food-wise, I would recommend the nine layer buffalo dip or the pepper jack balls, because WOW. If you hate things that taste good, definitely don’t order them.

I’ve had several different entrees, but I’m a burger guy and went with the Rise and Shine burger with bacon, and had a side of the buffalo Mac and cheese. The Mac was decent, but I prefer their chili Mac a little more. Just my personal preference really.

The service was on point, since my friends and I were in a corner off the main patio, they were attentive and made sure that our drinks were full, made suggestions after asking what we liked, and overall were a pleasure.

I have been on a Three Kings rut for awhile, but coming back to Circle 7 at this location reminded just how good they are. Give it a whirl,...