Fitz's offers taste of root beer history

For those who think that Fitz's is just the average burger joint, think again.

Fitz's American Grill and Bottling Works has been serving St. Louis' favorite root beer since 1947 when it was a drive-in in Richmond Heights.

However, the drive-in closed in 1970 when the owner retired. Fitz's re-emerged in 1993 when it was re-established as a restaurant in the Delmar Loop. Fitz's still offers a fantastic dining experience that is suitable for adults as well as children.

Modern root beer was created by a pharmacist in 1870 that combined licorice, dog grass, birch bark, hops and vanilla beans.

Root beer was originally thought to be a drink that could be very useful to promote good health. While this did not prove to be true, people enjoyed the taste and an American icon was born.

Fitz's famous root beer recipe is a closely guarded secret. The secret recipe was made with the assistance of a St. Louis flavor house. The recipe still contains many of the same ingredients used in the original.

For example, Fitz's root beer recipe still uses pure cane sugar, unlike most current-day soft drinks. Root beer, however, is not all that Fitz's is known for.

Fitz's offers perhaps the most unique dining experience in St. Louis since restaurant patrons can watch root beer being bottled while enjoying a meal. The equipment used in the bottling process was originally found in a barn in Shawano, Wis.

While refurbished, the equipment is circa 1940s, and it can turn out a bottle every second. Fitz's does not bottle every day though. Dates for bottling days can be obtained from the restaurant itself.

Besides watching root beer being bottled, Fitz's customers can also enjoy fabulous burgers, salads and other entrees offered on the full menu with very reasonable prices. Fitz's menu also offers a wide variety of pasta and pizza, as well as marinated steak and tequila lime chicken.

The bottler burger, cream soda, and Fitz's house float are three very common items, but they come highly recommended.

Fitz's servers and staff are extremely friendly. The food comes out quickly and can be enjoyed in a lively atmosphere.

Fitz's is an especially great place to take children. Besides viewing the fascinating bottling of Fitz's root beer, children can also enjoy Fitz's colorful décor and choose from a wide selection of food offered on the children's menu, which includes kid's burgers, chicken fingers, grilled cheese and other entrées.

Fitz's also offers field trips to youngsters anywhere from first grade to high school. Children can learn about Fitz's history as well as take a tour of the bottling works.

They can also learn about St. Louis history. Reservations for field trips must be made in advance. Pictures from previous field trips to Fitz's can be viewed on Fitz's official Web site.

Fitz's is also a great place for a first date or for a night out. Fitz's offers draft beers and features a wide variety of entertainment, from billiards and games to a big screen TV.

In the summer, customers can even enjoy a night out on the patio. The restaurant can also accommodate parties as large as 60.

The entire upstairs loft can be reserved for parties. Reservations are made through the restaurant manager.

Fitz's American Grill and Bottling Works is located at 6605 Delmar Blvd. in the Delmar Loop and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight.

Fitz's does not accept reservations. For more information, call Fitz's at 314-726-9555, fax 314-862-6253 or visit http://www.fitzsrootbeer.com.