Having been a longtime downtown O.T. Hodge customer, I was leery of this suburban location, but visited it last week.

It certainly is not the old place - no yelling, no profanity, no raucous laughter. But the food was better than ever. I have been there three times now. The burgers are some of the best in St. Louis. The portions of chile are larger than before, and served piping hot. The breakfast is wonderful, with biscuits and gravy, a breakfast slinger, beautifully done french toast and waffles. The fries are cooked special for each order. The omelets are finished in an overhead broiler to prevent drying them out.

This is a full service restaurant. They use both waiters and waitresses, in uniforms. My service was prompt and friendly.

For a little diner, this is really a good place, even better than the Hodges of old. I would recommend it, and especially recommend breakfast.