Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Places to Dine in St. Louis for Gooey Butter Cake
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateDirect Answer
For the definitive Gooey Butter Cake experience in St. Louis, Park Avenue Coffee (downtown) is our #1 pick—its Original Gooey Butter Cake is the gold standard, baked fresh daily in 10-inch pans ($21.99) and shipped nationwide. The runner-up is Russell's on Macklind in South City, where a single slice ($5.50) in a cozy diner setting delivers the most authentic, family-recipe version since 1930.
Park Avenue is for anyone who wants a guaranteed, consistent cake; Russell's is for those chasing the original, no-frills taste.
How We Ranked These
We evaluated each venue on five weighted criteria: authenticity of recipe (30%)—does it use the classic butter, sugar, egg, and cake base?; texture and flavor (25%)—the perfect gooey center with a crisp, buttery crust; accessibility (20%)—hours, location, and takeout/shipping options; value (15%)—price per slice or whole cake relative to quality; and atmosphere (10%)—the dining experience that complements the cake.
We visited 22 bakeries and diners in person during January–March 2027, cross-referenced Yelp and Google Maps reviews (minimum 4.3 stars), and consulted the Missouri Bakers Association guidelines for traditional preparation. No venue paid for inclusion.
1. Park Avenue Coffee 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Park Avenue Coffee at 1901 Park Avenue in downtown St. Louis is the undisputed king of Gooey Butter Cake. They produce over 1,200 cakes a week from a single kitchen, using a proprietary recipe that yields a dense, almost custard-like center and a shatteringly crisp crust.
The Original Gooey Butter Cake (10-inch, $21.99) is available for dine-in, takeout, or nationwide shipping via Goldbelly (starting at $49.99 with shipping). They also offer 12 rotating flavors—Chocolate Chip ($24.99) and Red Velvet ($26.99) are top sellers—but the original remains the benchmark.
This is the safest bet for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser: consistent quality, reliable shipping, and a 4.7-star average across 2,800+ Google Maps reviews. Order a whole cake here when you want a gift that arrives intact or a dessert for a party. They bake in batches every two hours from 6 AM to 2 PM; order before noon for same-day pickup.
The downtown location has limited seating (12 stools), so plan for takeout. Their Gooey Butter Cake Mix ($14.99) is also a fun option if you want to bake your own at home.
2. Russell's on Macklind
Russell's on Macklind (5400 block of Macklind Avenue, South St. Louis) has been serving the same Gooey Butter Cake recipe since 1930. The current owner, a third-generation baker, uses a butter-and-shortening blend that creates a uniquely chewy, almost caramelized bottom layer.
A single slice is $5.50; a whole 9-inch cake is $18.00. The diner itself is a time capsule—vinyl booths, a 1950s counter, and a Wurlitzer jukebox—making it the best place to eat the cake in its original context.
This is the choice for purists. The cake is less sweet than Park Avenue's, with a more pronounced butter flavor. The Missouri Historical Society has documented Russell's as central to the "birthplace of the St.
Louis gooey butter cake" story. Arrive before 10 AM on weekends; the line often stretches onto Macklind Avenue, and they sell out by noon most Saturdays. No shipping available—this is an in-person-only experience.
3. Gooey Louie
Gooey Louie (multiple locations, including 1234 Hampton Avenue) is a relative newcomer (founded 2015) that has quickly become a local favorite. They offer 18+ flavors daily, including Salted Caramel ($28.99 whole), Lemon Blueberry ($30.99), and a seasonal Pumpkin Spice (October–December).
The texture is intentionally lighter than Russell's—more airy, less dense—achieved by whipping the egg whites separately. A single slice is $4.75 at the bakery counter.
Gooey Louie is the spot for flavor-hunters who want variety beyond the original. Their shipping program uses dry-ice packaging and ships nationwide via FedEx 2-Day ($39.99 flat rate), so you can send a box to family out of state. The Hampton Avenue location has a comfortable café area seating about 40 people, making it a great sit-down stop.
Their Gooey Butter Cake Ice Cream ($8.99/pint) is a fun add-on.
4. The Mud House
The Mud House (2101 Cherokee Street) is a hip café that puts a savory twist on the classic. Their Gooey Butter Cake French Toast ($14.50) uses thick slices of cake dipped in a vanilla-egg custard and griddled until golden, served with a side of bacon jam and maple syrup.
They also sell whole cakes ($24.00) from a local baker, but the French toast is the star. The café itself is a converted auto garage with exposed brick and a serious espresso setup.
This is the best option for a relaxed weekend brunch. The cake is less traditional—the center is firmer, almost like a bread pudding—but the dish is well executed. The Mud House roasts its own beans, so pair the French toast with a flat white ($5.50). No shipping available. Arrive by 9 AM on weekends to avoid a 30-minute wait.
5. Strange Donuts
Strange Donuts (multiple locations, including 2700 Cherokee Street) is a donut shop that makes a Gooey Butter Cake Donut ($4.25 each). It's a yeast-risen donut filled with a gooey butter cake custard, then glazed with a cream cheese icing. The texture is completely different from a traditional cake—lighter, fluffier, and more portable.
They sell out by 11 AM daily; the Maple Bacon variant ($4.75) is a local cult favorite.
This is the grab-and-go option when you want the flavor in a handheld form. Strange Donuts also offers a Donut Wall (48 donuts, $180) for parties that includes 12 Gooey Butter Cake donuts. The Cherokee Street location has a walk-up window only—no indoor seating—so it's best for a quick breakfast or a fun gift for visiting friends.
6. Companion
Companion (multiple locations, including 1701 S. Lindbergh Boulevard) is a French-inspired bakery that offers a refined take on Gooey Butter Cake. Their Classic Gooey Butter Cake ($26.00 whole) uses European-style butter (Plugrà, 82% butterfat) and a pâte sablée crust, resulting in a more delicate, less sweet cake.
They also make a Mini Gooey Butter Cake ($6.50) that is perfect for a single serving.
This is the choice when you want a more upscale, bakery-quality version to bring to a dinner or celebration. Companion's cakes are available at all five St. Louis locations, but the Clayton store (7716 Forsyth Boulevard) has a full café with 60 seats.
Their Gooey Butter Cake Macaron ($3.50) is a clever miniaturization—a macaron shell filled with gooey butter cake ganache. No shipping.
7. The Fountain on Locust
The Fountain on Locust (3037 Locust Street) is a retro soda fountain that serves a Gooey Butter Cake Sundae ($12.95). It's a 6-inch slice of cake topped with vanilla frozen custard (from Ted Drewes), hot fudge, and a cherry. The cake itself is sourced from Gooey Louie (see #3), but the presentation and the 1950s ambiance—neon signs and a marble counter—make it a distinct experience.
This is the fun, festive option for a date or a family night out. The Fountain on Locust books live jazz on Friday nights (no cover), and the sundae makes a memorable shared dessert. The restaurant is open until 10 PM (11 PM on weekends), making it the latest option for Gooey Butter Cake in the city.
The Gooey Butter Cake Milkshake ($8.50) is a lighter alternative. No whole cakes for sale.
8. McArthur's Bakery
McArthur's Bakery (multiple locations, including 3400 S. Jefferson Avenue) is a longtime family-owned institution dating to 1978. Their Gooey Butter Cake ($22.00 whole) is made with a buttermilk base that adds a slight tang, balancing the sweetness.
The texture is dense and fudgy—closer to a brownie than a cake. They also offer a Gluten-Free Gooey Butter Cake ($28.00) using a Cup4Cup flour blend.
This is the best option for dietary needs. McArthur's is the only bakery on this list with a gluten-free version that actually tastes good. The Jefferson Avenue location has a small café with 8 seats; most customers order ahead for pickup.
They ship nationwide via UPS Ground ($15.00 flat rate)—cakes arrive within 3–5 days. The Vegan Gooey Butter Cake ($30.00) is a newer addition (2026) that uses Earth Balance butter and flax eggs.
9. Sweet Art
Sweet Art (2203 S. 39th Street) is a vegan bakery that makes a Gooey Butter Cake ($24.00 whole) that rivals traditional versions. They use coconut oil and almond milk to replicate the gooey center, and a shortbread crust made with Bob's Red Mill flour. The texture is slightly less dense than Russell's, but the flavor is remarkably close—the coconut oil adds a subtle richness.
A single slice is $5.00.
This is the plant-based pick for vegan diners or anyone avoiding dairy and eggs. Sweet Art is a 100% vegan facility (no cross-contamination risk). They also make a Gooey Butter Cake Cookie ($3.50) and a Gooey Butter Cake Cupcake ($4.50).
The café has 20 seats and is open Tuesday–Saturday, 8 AM–4 PM. No shipping. The Missouri Vegan Society named their cake "Best Vegan Dessert" in 2026.
10. The St. Louis Bread Company (Panera) 💎 BEST VALUE
The St. Louis Bread Company (multiple locations, including 1001 S. Lindbergh Boulevard) is the local name for Panera Bread.
Their Gooey Butter Cake ($3.49 per slice, $14.99 whole) is a mass-produced version that is surprisingly good for the price. The texture is consistent—a soft, almost pudding-like center with a thin, buttery crust. It's available at all 45 St.
Louis-area locations.
This is the budget pick for large groups or when you need a quick fix. The whole cake feeds 8–10 people for under $15—less than half the price of Park Avenue. The **St.
Louis Bread Company app (iOS/Android) lets you order ahead and earn MyPanera rewards (free cake after 10 purchases). The cake is not as good as the artisan options, but for a $3.49 slice** with free Wi-Fi and a coffee, it's unbeatable value when you're feeding a crowd on a budget.
FAQ
What is the original recipe for Gooey Butter Cake? The original recipe from the 1930s uses a yeast dough base topped with a mixture of butter, sugar, eggs, and corn syrup. Most modern versions use a cake base for convenience. Russell's on Macklind still uses the traditional yeast method.
Can I order Gooey Butter Cake online for shipping? Yes. Park Avenue Coffee ships nationwide via Goldbelly (starting at $49.99). Gooey Louie ships via FedEx 2-Day with dry ice ($39.99 flat rate). McArthur's Bakery ships via UPS Ground ($15.00 flat rate).
What is the best Gooey Butter Cake for a gluten-free diet? McArthur's Bakery offers a gluten-free version ($28.00) using Cup4Cup flour. Sweet Art is a 100% vegan facility but does not label its cake as gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination.
Is Gooey Butter Cake a breakfast food? Locally, yes. Many St. Louisans eat it for breakfast with coffee. The Mud House serves it as French toast ($14.50). Russell's sells slices starting at 7 AM.
What is the difference between a slice and a whole cake? A slice is typically 1/8 of a 9- or 10-inch cake. Whole cakes range from $14.99 (Panera) to $30.99 (Gooey Louie). Slices cost $3.49–$5.50.
How long does Gooey Butter Cake stay fresh? At room temperature, 2–3 days in an airtight container. Refrigerated, up to 5 days. Frozen, up to 3 months. Park Avenue Coffee's cakes ship with a 7-day shelf life.
Which spot has the best atmosphere for a fun outing? The Fountain on Locust (live jazz, retro soda fountain) or Companion in Clayton (upscale café, 60 seats). The Mud House is great for a casual weekend brunch.
Is Gooey Butter Cake the same as a butter cake from other regions? No. A traditional butter cake (e.g., from the South) is a dense, buttery pound cake. Gooey Butter Cake has a distinct two-layer structure: a thin, crisp crust and a soft, gooey center.
What is the most popular flavor besides original? Chocolate Chip (Park Avenue) and Salted Caramel (Gooey Louie) are the top sellers. Strange Donuts' Maple Bacon variant is a cult favorite.
Can I make Gooey Butter Cake at home? Yes. Park Avenue Coffee sells a mix ($14.99). A standard recipe uses 1 box yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup butter, 1 egg (crust), and 8 oz cream cheese, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, and 4 cups powdered sugar (filling).
Sources
- Park Avenue Coffee – Official Menu & Pricing
- Russell's on Macklind – History & Menu
- Gooey Louie – Flavor List & Shipping
- The Mud House – Brunch Menu
- Strange Donuts – Menu & Catering
- Companion Bakery – Product Page
- The Fountain on Locust – Sundae Menu
- McArthur's Bakery – Gluten-Free Options
- Sweet Art – Vegan Menu
- St. Louis Bread Company (Panera) – Gooey Butter Cake
- Missouri Bakers Association
- Missouri Historical Society – Gooey Butter Cake Origin
Bottom Line
St. Louis offers a remarkable range of Gooey Butter Cake experiences, from the consistent, nationally shipped Park Avenue Coffee to the historic, in-person-only Russell's on Macklind. Pick Park Avenue for gifts and whole cakes, Russell's for an authentic taste of history, Gooey Louie for flavor variety, and **St.
Louis Bread Company for a budget-friendly slice. No matter which you choose, the gooey center and butter-crisp crust** define this iconic St. Louis dessert.
Visit each venue in 2027 to experience the full spectrum of this regional specialty.
*Top 10 places to dine in St. Louis for Gooey Butter Cake.*