Italian Restaurant in St. Charles, Missouri

Our building was built in 1895. The first floor was a dry goods store with the second floor being the owner’s residence. It’s unknown how long the business was in operation, but over the next several decades the building was home to a number of businesses, with apartments on the second floor.

In 1954, Pio and his brother-in-law Frank opened a restaurant, then known as the Continental Café, in half of the first floor. It was such a success that Pio eventually quite his job at the Strand Theatre on Second Street, and shortly thereafter bought out Frank. In July 1958, a fire in the tavern that occupied the other half of the first floor allowed Pio to purchase the entire building. Now occupying the entire first floor, Pio renamed his restaurant to Pio’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge, as it is known today. He also added a banquet room to the lower level. There are early interior and exterior photos of the building, as well as copies of the original menus throughout the main floor restaurant. 

While Pio worked in restaurants for many years, he learned to cook from his mother, who was from Modena, Italy. Many of Pio’s recipes come from his family, his wife Mary, and countless hours in the kitchen. Pio first introduced thin crust pizza, toasted ravioli, and pizza burgers to the St. Charles area. Many locals still recall coming in after high school basketball games to eat pizza, listen to the jukebox, and enjoy good company. 

In 1970, Pio’s son-in-law Ernie joined as partner. After semi-retiring in 1975, Pio still came in almost everyday to tinker around and make sure things were prepared to this high standards. In 1987, Pio and Ernie added banquet rooms, an additional kitchen, and an additional bar to the second floor. These accommodate up to 120 people and are perfect for small and large parties of all kinds. 

Over the years, Pio’s six grandchildren have all helped to continue Pio’s legacy. And although the old jukebox is gone, it's the recipes and personal service that makes Pio’s a St. Charles institution still remain.

Stop into our Italian restaurant today for delicious food and great service.

"One Of St. Charles' Finest"
403 First Capitol Dr. , St. Charles,  MO  63301