You know the feeling. You settle in, turn on a movie, and suddenly the snacks have your full attention.
The munchies might be one of cannabis’s most well-known effects, but there’s actually a reason behind that sudden urge to snack. And if the munchies are going to hit, there are certainly worse places to be than St. Louis.
Toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, frozen custard, giant sandwiches, late-night breakfast. We have options.
So, what exactly are the munchies, why does cannabis make you hungry, and most importantly, where should you go when a craving hits?
What Are the Munchies?
“The munchies” is simply the nickname for the increase in appetite some people experience after consuming cannabis, particularly cannabis containing THC.
THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in several functions, including appetite. Research suggests this system can affect hunger as well as how rewarding food feels.
Cannabis may also affect how appealing food smells and tastes, which helps explain why your normal go-to snack can suddenly seem really good.
Not everyone experiences the munchies in the same way, and the effects can vary depending on the person, product and amount consumed. But if you’re someone who immediately starts thinking about your next snack, you’re definitely not alone.
What Should You Eat When the Munchies Hit?
There’s no perfect munchies food. Sometimes you want something salty. Sometimes you need something sweet. And sometimes only a giant sandwich will do. Luckily, St. Louis has you covered.
When You Want a St. Louis Classic: Toasted Ravioli
Let’s start with the obvious.
Crispy, savory, covered in Parmesan and served with marinara for dipping. Toasted ravioli might be one of the most munchies-friendly foods St. Louis has ever produced.
If you need some inspiration, St. Louis Magazine rounded up some of the best restaurants in St. Louis for toasted ravioli, including Anthonino’s Taverna, Charlie Gitto’s, Mama’s on The Hill, Lombardo’s Trattoria and Trattoria Marcella.
For something a little different, STL Toasted puts its own spin on the St. Louis staple with all kinds of creative fillings.
When It’s Late: Up Late
Sometimes the name says it all.
Up Late serves breakfast sandwiches, tacos and other late-night favorites into the early morning.
It’s a solid option for those nights when dinner was hours ago and suddenly a breakfast sandwich sounds like exactly what you need.
Just make your plans before consuming cannabis. If you’ve consumed, don’t drive.
When You Need a Serious Sandwich: The Gramophone
Sometimes a bag of chips isn’t going to cut it.
The Gramophone in The Grove is a longtime local favorite known for big sandwiches loaded with meats, cheeses, sauces and plenty of toppings.
If you need help deciding what to order, St. Louis Magazine has taken a closer look at what makes The Gramophone’s sandwiches so good.
Bonus: they’re open late, too.
When No One Can Decide: City Foundry
One person wants tacos. Someone wants a burger. Someone else is already thinking about dessert.
Head to City Foundry STL.
With a whole Food Hall of options, everyone can follow their own craving without having to agree on one restaurant.
St. Louis Magazine has a guide to City Foundry STL’s Food Hall if you want to check out your options before you go.
Our advice? Take a lap before you commit.
When You Want Something Sweet: Clementine’s
If your munchies lean sweet, Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Ice Cream is an easy choice.
The St. Louis-born creamery is known for its small-batch ice cream and creative flavors. And, of course, there’s Gooey Butter Cake.
Because apparently the only thing better than a St. Louis dessert is putting it inside another dessert.
Clementine’s has earned plenty of local love, too. Check out St. Louis Magazine’s guide to top ice cream, frozen custard, gelato and other frozen treats around St. Louis for even more ideas.
When You Want Frozen Custard: Ted Drewes
We can’t talk about St. Louis sweets without mentioning Ted Drewes.
A concrete loaded with your favorite toppings is hard to beat when you’re craving something cold and sweet.
And if you’ve ever wondered why frozen custard tastes different from regular ice cream, St. Louis Magazine has an explanation for that, too.
Consider it something to read while you decide on your toppings.
When You Want Something Loaded: Steve’s Hot Dogs
Sometimes you’re not looking for subtle.
Steve’s Hot Dogs on South Grand is known for hot dogs piled high with toppings, plus plenty of sides to go with them.
Cheesy, saucy, salty and a little messy. Sometimes that’s exactly what the munchies call for. Did you know you can get a hot dog flight? Just saying.
Staying In? Make It a St. Louis Snack Night
Going out isn’t always the move. Sometimes the couch has already won.
If you know the munchies tend to find you, stock up ahead of time and give your snack lineup a little St. Louis personality.
A few ideas:
- Red Hot Riplets
- Toasted ravioli and marinara
- Louis-style pizza
- Gooey butter cake
- Local popcorn
- Pretzels
- Frozen custard or local ice cream
- Your favorite chips and dip
Our suggestion: have something salty and something sweet on hand. You never know which direction the craving is going to go.
How Do You Handle the Munchies?
You don’t necessarily need to stop the munchies. But if you know cannabis tends to make you hungry, planning ahead can help.
Eat a normal meal. If you’re actually hungry, a meal is probably going to be more satisfying than snacking your way through the kitchen.
Have snacks ready. Pick out a few things before you settle in so you’re not searching the pantry later.
Portion things out. Put your snacks in a bowl instead of bringing the entire bag to the couch. You can always grab more.
Give yourself options. Something salty, something sweet and something fresh gives you a little variety.
Keep water nearby. Cannabis can cause dry mouth, so having water on hand is always a good idea.
And if your munchies plans involve leaving the house, figure out transportation ahead of time. Never drive while impaired.
