Crown Candy Kitchen
St. Louis's oldest soda fountain, famous for its pound-of-bacon BLT, homemade ice cream, and nostalgic 1940s diner charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Crown Candy Kitchen
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
St. Louis's oldest soda fountain, famous for its pound-of-bacon BLT, homemade ice cream, and nostalgic 1940s diner charm.
"It's a heart attack on a plate but worth every bite."
🎯 Share the BLT!
The famous BLT is massive! Consider sharing it to save room for dessert. :platewithcutlery:
⏰ Arrive Early
Lines can be long, especially on weekends. Get there before opening to snag a table quicker. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Heart Stopping BLT
Sandwich Counter
A legendary sandwich piled high with a full pound of thick-cut, crispy bacon. A true St. Louis icon.
Homemade Malt Shakes
Soda Fountain
Creamy, decadent shakes made with house-made ice cream. The banana and nut shake is a standout.
Old-School Soda Fountain Ambiance
Dining Area
Step back in time in this historic 1940s-style diner with antique decor. A truly nostalgic experience.
Housemade Chocolates
Candy Shop
Don't forget to explore the candy shop in the back for delicious, handcrafted chocolates and confections.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Wait
Embrace the Indulgence
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Share the BLT!
The famous BLT is massive! Consider sharing it to save room for dessert. :platewithcutlery:
⏰ Arrive Early
Lines can be long, especially on weekends. Get there before opening to snag a table quicker. :clock1:
🥤 Don't Skip the Malts
Their homemade malt shakes are a must-try! So creamy and delicious.
🍬 Grab Some Candy
The candy shop in the back offers delightful handmade chocolates and treats.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Share the BLT!
The famous BLT is massive! Consider sharing it to save room for dessert. :platewithcutlery:
⏰ Arrive Early
Lines can be long, especially on weekends. Get there before opening to snag a table quicker. :clock1:
🥤 Don't Skip the Malts
Their homemade malt shakes are a must-try! So creamy and delicious.
🍬 Grab Some Candy
The candy shop in the back offers delightful handmade chocolates and treats.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be limited nearby, so factor that into your travel plans. :red_car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Crown Candy Kitchen is a beloved St. Louis institution celebrated for its over-the-top BLT and delicious homemade ice cream and malts. Visitors rave about the nostalgic 1940s diner atmosphere and the generous portions. However, be prepared for significant wait times, especially on weekends, and note that some find certain menu items, like the tuna sandwich, to be less impressive than the signature dishes.
"This very unique place serves the most amazing BLT on this planet. 1 whole pound of crisp delicious bacon on your toasted bread. It's a heart attack on a plate but worth every bite. Their tuna sandwich was also very good....says my friend (so not from first hand taste testing). They have limited seating so be prepared to wait to get a table. We've tried to go back to eat but we were tight on time, so had to choose a different lunch venue. So arrive early to be able to get in faster. They have homemade chocolates...delicious. The vanilla malt is a most heavenly creamy taste. I would love to try more things but I have to be able to get in the door first 😁... problem for me, but great for their business. Limited parking close by also. Worth the wait but don't go if you're in a rush."
Miriam Simonsen
"I have been hearing about Crown Candy for so long and finally made it out here with some coworkers. We went on a weekday around 1pm and still had to wait about 45 minutes outside for a table of 4. Inside is very antique and old school with like twenty seats. The staff moves fast and is super friendly. I had to try the chocolate milkshake, definitely 10/10. I got the tuna salad sandwich and it was basically all tuna with barely any bread and on the saltier side. I still ate it all. My coworkers got different sandwiches and they seemed to like theirs more. We also saw a couple of people order the one pound bacon sandwich which is wild! I could never do it but it was cool to see it in person. Overall I liked the atmosphere and the history of the place but the tuna sandwich is not something I would get again. I do want to try their handmade candy too next time."
Sunny Park
"My first server could perhaps use more training. However, once I was moved into another section, the service was great; I believe her name was Latoya. I ordered the grilled cheese, had it not been for the server's recommendation to add tomatoes and onions, the sandwich would not have been enjoyable for the price. Moving on to dessert- the sundae I was absolutely delicious! I don't typically indulge regarding sweets, but I wanted the full experience. A scoop of banana, a scoop of chocolate with their exclusive butterscotch, salted pecans and whipped cream. Most certainly exceeded my expectations. As an area native, who currently lives out of state. It was my first time, the visit did not disappoint. I can confidently recommend this historic spot, and I will return... For the ice cream!!!"
LeShaunda Triplett Ard (LTA)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crown Candy Kitchen is located in Old North St. Louis. Public transportation options are available, but many visitors opt to drive. Be aware that parking can be limited in the immediate vicinity, so arriving early or being prepared for a short walk is recommended.
Yes, several bus routes serve the area around Crown Candy Kitchen. Checking local transit schedules for the most convenient routes is advised.
Parking can be challenging, especially during peak hours. Street parking is available but often fills up quickly. Some visitors suggest looking a few blocks away or utilizing ride-sharing services.
Crown Candy Kitchen does offer delivery services, which can be a great option if you want to enjoy their famous food without the wait. Check their website or delivery apps for availability and options.
The area around Crown Candy Kitchen is part of the historic Old North St. Louis neighborhood. While it has its own charm, it's primarily known for the restaurant itself rather than extensive walkability for other attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are generally not accepted at Crown Candy Kitchen. Due to its popularity, expect to wait in line, especially on weekends. Arriving early is the best strategy.
Crown Candy Kitchen typically operates from morning to late afternoon/early evening. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary. They are often closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Wait times can vary significantly. On weekdays, you might wait 30-45 minutes, while weekend waits can be longer. Some Redditors report shorter waits in winter.
No, there is no admission fee to enter Crown Candy Kitchen. You pay for the food and drinks you order.
Yes, Crown Candy Kitchen offers online ordering for pickup and sometimes delivery. This is a great way to bypass the wait for popular items.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Crown Candy Kitchen is most famous for its 'Heart Stopping BLT,' which features a full pound of bacon, and its delicious homemade ice cream and malt shakes.
The BLT is a must-try for many. Other popular choices include their malts, ice cream sundaes, and classic diner fare like grilled cheese and tuna sandwiches.
For bacon lovers, the BLT is often described as an unforgettable experience, though some find it overwhelmingly large. It's a signature item worth trying for the novelty and taste.
While Crown Candy Kitchen is known for its meat-centric dishes like the BLT, they do offer some vegetarian options such as grilled cheese sandwiches and ice cream sundaes.
Crown Candy Kitchen makes its ice cream on-site and offers a variety of classic and rich flavors. Popular choices include vanilla, chocolate, and banana, often featured in their sundaes and malts.
📸 📸 Photography
The retro interior, with its vintage decor and soda fountain, offers a charming backdrop. Capturing the iconic BLT or a decadent milkshake makes for great photos.
Yes, taking photos inside Crown Candy Kitchen is generally welcomed, especially to capture the unique ambiance and your delicious food. Be mindful of other diners.
Daytime visits allow for natural light to showcase the interior and food. However, the cozy ambiance might also lend itself to atmospheric shots in the evening.
Absolutely! The 'Heart Stopping BLT' with its towering bacon, and the elaborately topped sundaes and thick malt shakes are highly photogenic.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities will work well for capturing the ambiance and food. If you have a DSLR, you can experiment with aperture for food photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The candy shop in the back is also a huge hit, offering a sweet souvenir or treat to take home. Be prepared for potential waits, especially on weekends, so bringing a small activity for younger children might be helpful. The generous portions mean you might be able to share dishes, making it more budget-friendly for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, consider visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays when the wait might be shorter, allowing you to get to your food faster.
💑 Couples
Consider visiting during a weekday evening if possible, as it might be less crowded and offer a more relaxed atmosphere.
It's a perfect spot for a casual, fun outing that feels both classic and special. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the BLT
+1 Many visitors come specifically for this iconic item, with some describing it as a 'heart attack on a plate' but 'worth every bite.' The use of Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise is a deliberate choice that adds a distinct tang to the sandwich, a detail that sparks debate among BLT aficionados.
The sheer volume of bacon is what truly sets it apart, making it a must-try for any serious bacon enthusiast visiting St. Louis. A Sweet History: Malts, Ice Cream, and Candy
The ice cream, also made in-house, is a staple in their sundaes and ice cream sodas, providing a decadent finish to any meal. Adding to the nostalgic experience is the candy shop located in the back of the establishment. Here, visitors can find a delightful array of handcrafted chocolates, caramels, and other confections.
The Ambiance: A Step Back in Time
+1 The diner is filled with vintage decor, classic booths, and a bustling soda fountain counter that evokes a bygone era. This nostalgic setting is a significant part of the appeal, offering a unique dining experience that complements the classic American menu. Many visitors, including locals and tourists alike, cherish the historic ambiance and the sense of tradition it embodies.
+1 It's a place where memories are made, and the atmosphere contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment of the meal. Whether you're enjoying a towering BLT or a creamy malt, the surroundings enhance the experience, making it a memorable stop for anyone looking to soak in a piece of St. Louis history. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit