chris

I can't decide whether to visit Kansas City or St. Louis this summer. I'm a big BBQ and sports fan and both places have that goin' on. St. Louis probably has more to offer, however, I'm looking to get persuaded one way or another. Opinions please as well as any suggestions on good times to visit either place (festivals, etc.). Thanks.

Al Godon

The Cardinals are a better baseball team than the Royals. St. Louis has an arch and a brewery.
I vote for St. Louis on days when it is cooler than KC.

Allen

I've lived in both.
STL is the most western east coast feeling town in the US. More history/character, older buildings and neighborhoods. More to do, Arch, Forest Park area with all its various activities/museums/sights, Busch is a better baseball environment than Kauffman in KC (though Kauffman is prettier).
KC has better BBQ. Downtown is a waste of time. The Plaza area is very nice and is unique, but many of the original locally owned stores and restaurants have been kicked out by the new management team/owners in North Carolina, replacing them with all the generic retail you see at every mall in the US.
To occupy yourself for a weekend, STL is the winner in this contest.

chris

OK..I can see where this is headed. Now for restaurant recommendations. Where should I eat for BBQ and Italian in St. Louis? Any other favorites appreciated, as well.

Allen

Giovanni's on "the hill" in STL is my favorite. Authentic feeling place with owner and his wife on site most of the time. Set inside a nicely done old house. Feels and tastes like home cooked Italian, but it's not cheap. Very expensive (by midwest standards). Avoid Tony's, which gets more press but is not as nice an experience. Everyone has favorite Italian in STL...it's the city's best cuisine.
As for hotels, the Westin downtown is a gem. New, unique, very large rooms/baths, great beds.
In Clayton, the Ritz Carlton is also a great getaway destination.

dcp

I was born and raised in KC (still live here) and would recommend St. Louis. Their downtown is much more "happening" and their zoo is one of the best in the country (at least used to be). However, only someone from St. Louis would actually believe they're close to being an East Coast type city. As far as baseball teams go, neither one is going very far this year. PS: I'd truly recommend Chicago if you've never been.

me

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If BBQ is a major consideration, Kansas City is clearly the choice.

St. Louis has lots of great food, but none of it is barbeque.

foodie

St. Louis has wonderful BBQ places! Maybe not as good overall as KC but certainly VERY GOOD and worth trying.
http://www.bandanasbbq.com/
Has some of the best BBQ around.

dfdfg

to one of the posters above. do u even watch baseball. st louis is in 1st place by 2.5 games.kc sucks.i promise go to st louis and to lacledes landing. you will have a lot of fun!!

calli

STL..oh my ..hands down! Lots of museums, cool zoo, great food, the Cards, metro.

KC--I agree..dirty old blue collar river town. Don't even bother.

aa

Italian restaurants in St, Louis -
Trattoria Marcella - the BEST lobster risotta anywhere
Cafe Napoli in Clayton very chic and delicious!
Gian Peppes(sp) - on the HILL - fabulous everything,
Guiseppes- best pasta, especially tortellini! (south ST. L)
Most restaurants on the Hill are a good bet, mostly family owned and very good.
BBQ is still good here - We like Bandana'a though - its a chain.
The zoo is internationally recognized - must do

bubba

Yes, East St. Louis is quite a lovely town! The crime rivals NY, Philadelphia, and Boston. So, in that regards, St. Louis is a lot like an East Coast city. Other than that it's just another East Coast/West Coast wanna-be. The poster above is right in recommending Chicago. Chicago is a great city w/ truly great museums, restaurants, and baseball. While St. Louis might be in first place today, they'll be talking up what a promising next year will be soon. I'm somewhat of a baseball fanatic and would think the posters above are still pissed to losing to Royals in 1985! In my opinion, neither team is going to do much so think about the barbeque and go to KC!

Kathy

I love the people in KC and the Plaza, but there I draw the line. I went to college at KU and loved my road trips into KC. but I was ready for a change - went to St. Louis...20 years ago.
The people in St. L generally aren't as freindly, but there is an array of things to do..
The Loop in U. City
The central west end
Clayton - upscale dining
Ladue - upscale shopping
The Arch
The landing - boat rides on the river
Wine country 30 min from Stl
Fair St. Louis is one of the largest and Best 4th of July festival in the country. 4 days long
Clayton has the 2nd best Art Fair in the US takes up several blocks in Clayton -Sept.
Stassenfest - German Festival downtown
Have Fun

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