Best "local" places in St. Louis?

I agree with others that Iron Barley is a very good place, unique to STL with excellent food.

I would also recommend The Black Thorn Pub and the Bleeding Deacon. These are both solid regular folk pubs with some excellent food. Black Thorn is known for outstanding pizza; it's located in Tower Grove South just of South Grand (corner of Spring and Wyoming). Bleeding Deacon is just a great classic South City bar/pub with a great beer selection and surprisingly tasty food. It's on Gravois, a bit further south of Tower Grove South.

Another great place is Pappy's Smokehouse. Some of the best barbecue you will ever have and I argue the best pulled pork sandwich in the state. It's on Olive near downtown. Note however, go early, because the owner does not believe in leftover barbecue, so they sell til they run out.

Blueberry Hill in University City on Delmar is a must see as well. Lots of fun rock and roll memoribilia and more. Great beer selection and a good burger.

Blues City Deli is great for a weekday or Saturday lunch. Awesome sandwiches (muffeleta is to die for), cheap prices for big delicious food. Saturdays they have a live band for lunch and you can sit outside. It's located in Benton Park neighborhood near Hodak's, an overrated chicken place in town.

STL foods that are on my short list: Ted Drewes frozen custard, toasted ravioli (I don't love them but they are the quintessential STL food), pork steaks (you'll probably have to get a native to make these for you). If you want to try Imo's, first get a rec for a good one from a native and sub mozarella for provel and you will be ok. Good barbecue and you're set.
ETA: Gooey butter cake is another STL classic to check out as well.

cwhf in General Midwest Archive