Highway 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen

Walking into Highway 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen, you’ll happen upon a sign that says “Be nice or starve.” Opened in 2006 by restaurateur Bill Kunz, the locale was founded on the principles of soulful cooking, Southern hospitality and a celebration of jazz and blues music. Local bands often take the stage.

The walls are nearly camouflaged by framed band posters, music paraphernalia and folk art. On an episode of “STL Live”, Kunz recalls when Guy Fieri filmed an episode of his show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” at Highway 61, during which Fieri remarked on the decor and said, “It looks like your garage exploded in here.” Kunz does not contest the observation: “My wife said, ‘Get rid of this junk, or open a restaurant,’” he recounts.

Kuntz recommends menu favorites like the Cajasian Potstickers—homemade dumplings packed with Andouille sausage, vegetables and Sambal chili sauce, then pan-seared and served with Creole soy dipping sauce. “It’s got a little heat to it,” he says. Diners also love the Mississippi Catfish, Cajun Pollock, and jambalaya stew.

By: Jorie Jacobi

Photography: Carmen Troesser