Young's Restaurant & Ice Creamery

After hiking a section of the Meramec Greenway, I decided to stop at Young’s Restaurant and Ice Creamery in Valley Park.

Originally, I was going to order ice cream but decided on a slice of coconut cream pie and a cup of coffee. Not many people were ordering coffee, so I got a fresh pot.

The pie crust was flaky while the filling was rich and creamy. My only regret is that I didn’t have enough room to order a slice of peach crumb pie, too.

Young’s features the piecrete which is a slice of pie blended with soft-serve ice cream. Some of the pie is reserved for the topping. (I will definitely have to try one of those!)

Also, on my “to-try” list is the chicken basket. The chicken is given a saltwater rinse (brining), before being breaded and cooked in a pressure fryer.

While chicken is what they are famous for, I would say it’s their friendly, top-notch service that accounts for their repeat business and longevity. Not many restaurants have been in business for over 70 years!

If your travels take you to Valley Park, this place is a must stop. Be sure to check out the photos and memorabilia.

Special thanks to the owner, Grant, for giving me additional history and information about Young’s. I look forward to going there again.

🍔🥤🍗 If you’re craving comfort food done right, this spot is a must-visit.

The homemade malt is hands-down the best I’ve ever had—rich, creamy, and perfectly nostalgic.

Their smash burger? Insanely delicious. Crispy edges, juicy center, and layered with flavor in every bite.

And the country-style fried chicken? Juicy, golden, and served with dreamy homemade mashed potatoes and tender green beans that taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Every dish feels like a warm hug with a gourmet twist. Five stars, no notes.

Overcharged for food, contacted management, no response. Was charged 16.99 for a 2 breast meal but received a breast and a wing. Very greasy chicken, skin slid off like slime. Meh fries- Aldi fries in an air fryer are better. Sandwich ok but not especially good, lacking flavor. Hush puppies were good and i like instant potatoes so they were good as well. Was looked at and ignored for sprite refill. Horrible atmosphere, outdated, super ugly color scheme, felt like a church basement. Will never be back. Was charged $40. Sweet tea was not sweet, didn’t even bother for refill. Not upfront about upcharges (charged $3.99 for fries without telling us there was a charge when they asked if we wanted fries- for $9.99 we thought they came with the sandwich as a side). Just don’t waste your money. I left hungry bc the chicken I did get had hardly any meat on it, but plenty of oil. Didn’t bother to try the ice cream- low expectations had been set and I was afraid I’d be charged extra unknowingly. Not cheap food, not good food. Idk how they’re still in business. Rather go to Wicked Chicken instead for that same $40 and leave with good food plus leftovers.