Inside The Missouri Meat And Three Where Regulars Have Been Ordering The Same Plate For Decades

I stumbled into Grace Meat + Three on a rainy Wednesday afternoon, and honestly, I wasn’t prepared for what I found.

This St. Louis gem has been serving up Southern comfort food that’s so good, regulars say they’ve been ordering their favorite dishes for years.

Walking through those doors felt like stepping into someone’s family kitchen, where the fried chicken is crispy perfection and the regulars know exactly what they want before they even sit down.

The Legendary Fried Chicken That Hooks You For Life

My first bite of their fried chicken nearly knocked me off my chair. The crunch was so perfect it could probably be heard three tables away, and the meat inside stayed juicy enough to make me wonder if they’d discovered some secret chicken magic.

Regulars swear by both the OG and spicy versions, and after trying both, I get why people order the same thing every single visit. The seasoning penetrates deep into every fiber, creating layers of flavor that cheap fast-food joints can only dream about.

One customer told me she’s been getting the half chicken spicy every month for several years straight, no substitutions, no changes, just pure delicious consistency that never disappoints.

Catfish So Fresh It Tastes Like The River Delivered It

Catfish haters need not apply here because Grace’s version will convert even the pickiest seafood skeptics. The catfish plate (typically served as a two-piece order) comes with your choice of sides, and trust me, choosing is the hardest part of your day.

Each fillet arrives piping hot with a coating that’s somehow light yet substantial, never greasy or heavy like some places serve. The fish inside flakes perfectly with your fork, revealing tender white meat that tastes ocean-fresh despite Missouri’s landlocked status.

A regular told me he orders his usual catfish with fries, greens, and mac and cheese every Tuesday, a ritual he’s kept up for years. When food’s this reliable and delicious, why mess with perfection?

Sides That Steal The Spotlight From The Main Event

Here’s where Grace really flexes its Southern cooking muscles—the sides menu reads like grandma’s greatest hits collection. Collard greens come perfectly seasoned with just enough kick to remind you they’re vegetables with attitude, not boring health food.

The garlic mashed potatoes deserve their own fan club, loaded with enough garlic to ward off vampires for weeks. The mac and cheese gets plenty of love—some diners even say it has a bold flavor twist— but most folks can’t get enough of its creamy richness.

Coleslaw provides that crucial cool crunch against all the hot, crispy mains. I’ve seen regulars debate side combinations like sports fans argue playoff brackets—everyone has their championship lineup.

Fried Green Tomatoes That Prove Vegetables Can Be Exciting

Northerners might scratch their heads at fried green tomatoes, but one bite explains why Southerners consider them sacred. Grace’s menu includes fried green tomatoes served with a house sauce that’s a fan favorite.

The tomatoes hit that perfect sweet-tart balance while the breading stays shatteringly crisp on the outside. Each slice maintains just enough firmness to avoid turning mushy, a common pitfall that ruins this dish at lesser establishments.

I ordered these as an appetizer and immediately regretted not getting a double order. Several regulars admitted they sometimes skip their meat entirely just to load up on these tangy, crispy circles of joy.

The Surf And Turf Platter For Commitment-Phobes

Can’t decide between land and sea? Grace’s surf and turf platter solves that delicious dilemma by piling your plate with wings, fish, and shrimp—basically everything fried and fantastic.

One customer gushed that it made them feel like they were back home in the South, which might be the highest compliment a transplant can give. The wings pack serious flavor punch, the fish stays moist under its crispy armor, and the shrimp arrive plump and perfectly cooked.

This platter converts first-timers into regulars faster than any other menu item. I met someone who drives forty minutes each way just for this combination, ordering it the same way every time.

Customer Service That Makes You Feel Like Family

Amazing food means nothing if the service makes you feel like an inconvenience, but Grace nails the hospitality game. Multiple reviews rave about staff who check on tables, clear dishes mid-conversation, and actually encourage guests to relax and chat.

Several guests mention specific staff members who made their meals memorable, which says a lot about the service here. That’s the kind of warmth that transforms casual diners into long-term regulars who know staff by name.

Staff and management are known for being welcoming and present in the dining room, creating an atmosphere where ordering at the counter feels more neighborly than transactional. This personal touch explains why people keep returning to order that same beloved plate year after year.

The Meat And Three Tradition That Built This Institution

The meat and three concept is beautifully simple: pick your protein, choose three sides, and prepare for comfort food heaven. Grace elevates this Southern tradition without getting fancy or pretentious about it.

Most mains fall within a roughly ten-to-twenty-dollar range, meaning you can eat like royalty without emptying your wallet. The portion sizes ensure nobody leaves hungry—multiple reviews warn against overestimating your appetite because the food is seriously filling.

Operating Wednesday through Sunday from eleven to nine, Grace gives regulars plenty of opportunities to maintain their decades-long ordering habits. Some customers time their weeks around Grace’s schedule, planning their visits like clockwork to get their favorite plate exactly when the craving hits hardest.