Headquartered in St. Louis, Straub's specializes in "gifts of good eating," so we thought they'd be an appropriate store to cover right now. They've been around since 1901, and they remain a family-owned business. If you're looking for local treats, like Bissinger's caramels or Switzer's licorice, this is the place to go.
They also have their own line of products, and my personal favorite is the Peppermint Bark ($12). Available seasonally, it's a treat that layers dark and white chocolate flavored with peppermint oil and decorated with peppermint chips.
The produce is of high quality, the meat selection is pricey but good, and the bakery is full of delicious breads, cookies, and cakes. Straub's is a gourmet grocer, so you can expect the prices to be higher than you'd pay at a bigger chain store, but the selection is also more specialized and the quality is carefully vetted.
While there are four brick and mortar locations that have been around for years (in Webster Groves, the Central West End, Clayton, and Town & Country), the online shop — which launched in 2006 — is what's really given Straub's a broader reputation outside of St. Louis. Amazon.com listed them as a top holiday seller of 2009, and About.com lists the store in their Best Places to Buy Gourmet Foods Online.
Any first-hand reviews of Straub's? Add them in the comments.
Photos: Straub's
Magic One-Ingredient Ice Cream 5 Ways: Peanut Butter, Nutella, and More
Make Chocolate Magic Shell Ice Cream Topping with Only 2 Ingredients
Our reading list
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
30 DIY Projects for the 3-Day Weekend
Tina Wilson's Striking Style 
Comments (7)
I grew up down the street from the Webster Groves Straub's and still make sure to stop there when I return to St. Louis. It has always been a great little grocery store!
A special recommendation, the chicken salad is wonderful and is a staple at bridal and baby showers in the St. Louis area.
Straub's is amazing! They always have new and fun items to try as well as pantry staples. This time of year I always pick up a bottle of Pure Peppermint Extract from them for baked goods and to flavor coffee. So good!
I always forget about Straub's because it's the most expensive market in St. Louis. It does have some fun stuff though, I'll have to check it out again when my pockets are a little more padded with cash
I grew up down the street from here. Their black and white cookies are incredible. And I echo the delicious chicken salad sentiment :)
I live in St. Louis & while I adore shopping there, I don't think I've ever walked out without at least $100 less in my wallet... They have so many wonderful gourmet treats, but many are pricey. Of course, this is one of the few groceries in town whom a shopper can call and ask the produce manager to order figs or quince or whatever, and they'll do it (for free). I love Straubs - sometimes too much. ;)
I also grew up down the street from Straub's, often walking there with my siblings and getting a treat (let's be honest, I still do this sometimes). Straub's still has family charge accounts, and the employees are genuinely helpful and welcoming. I love getting Goshen coffee and Companion baked goods there. Truly a St. Louis treasure, even if it is expensive!
I used to live in St. Louis and Straubs was a great quick stop for a premade meal on my way home.... I miss it.