ST LOUIS TRIP QUESTIONS
Jun 24th, 2006, 09:37 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ST LOUIS TRIP QUESTIONS
My wife and I are heading to st louis next weekend. I've already received v. helpful advice on my Cardinals game question, so i figured i'd ask a few more:
1) we enjoy shopping at Plaza Frontenac, but are wondering if anyone can recommend any other good shopping areas (or specific stores) which you like with interesting home accessories (not necessarily antiques), unique boutique clothing stores, etc...nothing specific, just good St louis shopping.....how about Webster's Grove? Maplewood? others?
2) Has anybody had a late dessert at Bailey's Chocolate bar and can describe it? fun? loud? crowded on weekends? good desserts? just stumbled across it on the web and was wondering about it?
3)any recs on a good place to have lunch in general vicinity of Plaza frontenac...we liked Brio Tuscan Grille last trip...again, no food or price requirements, just something unique to st louis that you've enjoyed
4) we usually try 1 or 2 Italian restaurants if we can (so far Zia's, Cunnetto's, Lorusso's, Rigazzi's (with youngsters - none on this trip)...I've very tentatively picked out Charlie Gitto's and Trattoria Marcella for this trip, but willing to be easily swayed by anybody passionate about another choice (cost not necessarily an issue, but not much interested in stuffy or overly fancy--just looking for really good italian food in good atmosphere)
5) we're seeing AIDA at the MUNY Sat. nite...is there somewhere nice to get a drink/quick bite after the show? how is the Boathouse at Forest Park?
6) finally, any good sunday brunch suggestions? again, the boathouse? others?
sorry for the wordiness and thanks in advance for any advice.....
1) we enjoy shopping at Plaza Frontenac, but are wondering if anyone can recommend any other good shopping areas (or specific stores) which you like with interesting home accessories (not necessarily antiques), unique boutique clothing stores, etc...nothing specific, just good St louis shopping.....how about Webster's Grove? Maplewood? others?
2) Has anybody had a late dessert at Bailey's Chocolate bar and can describe it? fun? loud? crowded on weekends? good desserts? just stumbled across it on the web and was wondering about it?
3)any recs on a good place to have lunch in general vicinity of Plaza frontenac...we liked Brio Tuscan Grille last trip...again, no food or price requirements, just something unique to st louis that you've enjoyed
4) we usually try 1 or 2 Italian restaurants if we can (so far Zia's, Cunnetto's, Lorusso's, Rigazzi's (with youngsters - none on this trip)...I've very tentatively picked out Charlie Gitto's and Trattoria Marcella for this trip, but willing to be easily swayed by anybody passionate about another choice (cost not necessarily an issue, but not much interested in stuffy or overly fancy--just looking for really good italian food in good atmosphere)
5) we're seeing AIDA at the MUNY Sat. nite...is there somewhere nice to get a drink/quick bite after the show? how is the Boathouse at Forest Park?
6) finally, any good sunday brunch suggestions? again, the boathouse? others?
sorry for the wordiness and thanks in advance for any advice.....
Jun 25th, 2006, 09:38 AM
#3
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,628
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I will do my best to answer questions...
First, where are you staying? Downtown near the stadium, or someplace closer to Plaza Frontenac? Knowing the answer might help in guiding your choices.
I think the best place to eat at Plaza Frontenac is at Cardwell's at the Plaza. Make a reservation, even for lunch, or you will be stuck in the part of the restaurant that is partly jutting out into the mall. They do have an outside patio that is pleasant enough if the weather cooperates.
Other Ladue/Frontenac choices for lunch are Sportsman's Park or Truffles. The contrast between the two couldn't be much different. Sportsman is a bar with decent burgers, salads etc. Big spot for locals for lunch. Truffles is much more high end. Both are just east of Plaza Frontenac on Clayton Road. You didn't specify what kind of food you are looking for, so it's hard to know what to suggest. The best website for St. Louis restaurant is http://www.saucemagazine.com/
You should be able to search any of the above choices and get an idea of menus, hours etc. FYI: Cardwells, Sportsman and Truffles are all local St. Louis restaurants vs Brio, which is a nationwide chain.
What kind of shopping are you looking for? There really isn't anything unique to St. Louis. Plaza Frontenac is usually considered the most upscale with Saks and Nieman Marcus as their anchor stores. Two other busy malls are West County Mall and the Galleria (in Richmond Heights), both are fairly close to PF and have much the same merchandise as each other, although people are often devoted to one mall over the other.West County is bigger and newer, so that is often a factor. St. Louis also has a Mills outlet mall that I know has a huge Bed Bath and Beyond, if that's what you mean by home accessories.
There is a fairly new Crate and Barrel on Brentwood, across the street from the Galleria in one of those manufactured city/street type shopping malls. Included there is a PF Changs's, a Maggiano's Little Italy and some other shopping. I think it's called "The Boulevard".
Of your Italian restaurant choices, the one I highly endorse is Trattoria Marcella . Once again, make a reservation, info on Sauce Magazine.
The boathouse is fun, and always mobbed in nice weather. I've never been to it post-Muny, but assume it would be busy. It would be easier to suggest where to go, if we knew where (east or west) you were trying to end up. Most bars and restaurants in the Central West End are open late and would work for after the Muny.
Sunday Brunch: I really like Sqwires in Lafayette Square (near Baileys Chocolate bar, which I've never been to, so I can't comment). But, once again, it would help to know where you are staying to answer that question. So come back and give us some more info, and I'm sure you'll get more responses.
First, where are you staying? Downtown near the stadium, or someplace closer to Plaza Frontenac? Knowing the answer might help in guiding your choices.
I think the best place to eat at Plaza Frontenac is at Cardwell's at the Plaza. Make a reservation, even for lunch, or you will be stuck in the part of the restaurant that is partly jutting out into the mall. They do have an outside patio that is pleasant enough if the weather cooperates.
Other Ladue/Frontenac choices for lunch are Sportsman's Park or Truffles. The contrast between the two couldn't be much different. Sportsman is a bar with decent burgers, salads etc. Big spot for locals for lunch. Truffles is much more high end. Both are just east of Plaza Frontenac on Clayton Road. You didn't specify what kind of food you are looking for, so it's hard to know what to suggest. The best website for St. Louis restaurant is http://www.saucemagazine.com/
You should be able to search any of the above choices and get an idea of menus, hours etc. FYI: Cardwells, Sportsman and Truffles are all local St. Louis restaurants vs Brio, which is a nationwide chain.
What kind of shopping are you looking for? There really isn't anything unique to St. Louis. Plaza Frontenac is usually considered the most upscale with Saks and Nieman Marcus as their anchor stores. Two other busy malls are West County Mall and the Galleria (in Richmond Heights), both are fairly close to PF and have much the same merchandise as each other, although people are often devoted to one mall over the other.West County is bigger and newer, so that is often a factor. St. Louis also has a Mills outlet mall that I know has a huge Bed Bath and Beyond, if that's what you mean by home accessories.
There is a fairly new Crate and Barrel on Brentwood, across the street from the Galleria in one of those manufactured city/street type shopping malls. Included there is a PF Changs's, a Maggiano's Little Italy and some other shopping. I think it's called "The Boulevard".
Of your Italian restaurant choices, the one I highly endorse is Trattoria Marcella . Once again, make a reservation, info on Sauce Magazine.
The boathouse is fun, and always mobbed in nice weather. I've never been to it post-Muny, but assume it would be busy. It would be easier to suggest where to go, if we knew where (east or west) you were trying to end up. Most bars and restaurants in the Central West End are open late and would work for after the Muny.
Sunday Brunch: I really like Sqwires in Lafayette Square (near Baileys Chocolate bar, which I've never been to, so I can't comment). But, once again, it would help to know where you are staying to answer that question. So come back and give us some more info, and I'm sure you'll get more responses.
Jun 25th, 2006, 09:40 AM
#4
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have been to St Louis and here are my suggestions
http://www.diningstl.com/TheHill.htm
Can't go wrong with any of these
And for Unique shopping go to St Charles area
Quaint little stores and cobblestone streets
http://www.historicstcharles.com/visit/
Enjoy the new stadium !!
http://www.diningstl.com/TheHill.htm
Can't go wrong with any of these
And for Unique shopping go to St Charles area
Quaint little stores and cobblestone streets
http://www.historicstcharles.com/visit/
Enjoy the new stadium !!
Jun 25th, 2006, 11:24 AM
#5
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good info Liz5959! And ditto re: Tratorria Marcella.
I can't think of any unique shopping areas...we're becoming so homogenized with our chain stores! I'll be interested to hear about what I'm missing. There is a store in the Galleria (name escapes me, but I believe it's 2nd floor in the middle of the mall) that has a lot of home accessories, furniture, and art.
I can't think of any unique shopping areas...we're becoming so homogenized with our chain stores! I'll be interested to hear about what I'm missing. There is a store in the Galleria (name escapes me, but I believe it's 2nd floor in the middle of the mall) that has a lot of home accessories, furniture, and art.
Jun 26th, 2006, 07:38 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,052
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I live in St. Louis so I will try to help on some of your questions.
If you are looking for more like boutique clothing shopping, check out Webster Groves (I like Daisy Clover) and the Loop. For malls, I prefer either the Galleria or West County mall.
I have eaten at Bailey's Chocolate Bar on numerous occassions. The desserts are amazing and they have quite a selection, and they have a huge assortment of chocolate drinks and wine. Its kind of pricy but so worth it. Be forewarned; the place gets packed. The later you go the longer you will have to wait, and you will probably be waiting outside because the inside is crowded. Its semi-loud but more intimate, with very low lighting and dark painted walls.
The Canyon Cafe in Plaza Frontenac is nice for lunch, with pretty good salads and sandwiches.
I've been to Charlie Gitto's on the Hill. To be honest its not my favorite. I prefer Zia's or Favazzas, both of which are a little less formal and more my style, but Gitto's does have a great reputation.
Sqwires is a great idea for a Saturday evening drink as they usually have a jazz band playing on weekend nights.
For brunch you may want to check out Nadoz. Its on the SLU campus, in the old Coronado hotel. They are known for their brunch and serve over 40 different items. Its kind of expensive but its wonderful. http://www.saucemagazine.com/nadoz/menu.htm
Good luck!
Tracy
If you are looking for more like boutique clothing shopping, check out Webster Groves (I like Daisy Clover) and the Loop. For malls, I prefer either the Galleria or West County mall.
I have eaten at Bailey's Chocolate Bar on numerous occassions. The desserts are amazing and they have quite a selection, and they have a huge assortment of chocolate drinks and wine. Its kind of pricy but so worth it. Be forewarned; the place gets packed. The later you go the longer you will have to wait, and you will probably be waiting outside because the inside is crowded. Its semi-loud but more intimate, with very low lighting and dark painted walls.
The Canyon Cafe in Plaza Frontenac is nice for lunch, with pretty good salads and sandwiches.
I've been to Charlie Gitto's on the Hill. To be honest its not my favorite. I prefer Zia's or Favazzas, both of which are a little less formal and more my style, but Gitto's does have a great reputation.
Sqwires is a great idea for a Saturday evening drink as they usually have a jazz band playing on weekend nights.
For brunch you may want to check out Nadoz. Its on the SLU campus, in the old Coronado hotel. They are known for their brunch and serve over 40 different items. Its kind of expensive but its wonderful. http://www.saucemagazine.com/nadoz/menu.htm
Good luck!
Tracy
Jun 26th, 2006, 07:39 AM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,052
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
fuzzbo, you are probably thinking about Anthropologie in the Galleria. Its a chain but fairly new to St. Louis, and they have lots of great home decor, along with some cosmetics and perfume, clothes, etc.
Tracy
Tracy
Jun 26th, 2006, 10:33 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i beg to differ with some of the psosters who said there is no unique shops to St. Louis.
There are lots!!
In fact, there is a boutique in Ladue that has been mentioned in countless magazines and is one of the only boutiques in this state to carry certain designers. The store is called "VIE". It is on Clayton Road in Ladue in an area called the Market Place.
On this section of clayton rd. there are several unigue on of a kind stores from Outdoor gear, european childrens clothing, hobby stores, and boutiques that carry upscale clothing and accesories.
Maplewood has some great shops. There is a famous spice shop there and great new restaurants there,... no chains.
There are several little shops in Clayton as well.
Schneithorst's across from plaza Frontenac has a nice lunch and serves breakfast as well.
Balabans in the Central West End has a good brunch. I have heard that the History Museum has a REMARKABLE brunch, I have not been, but it recieves great reviews!!!
I love the boathouse, the food is very mediocre, but is so much fun.
There are lots!!
In fact, there is a boutique in Ladue that has been mentioned in countless magazines and is one of the only boutiques in this state to carry certain designers. The store is called "VIE". It is on Clayton Road in Ladue in an area called the Market Place.
On this section of clayton rd. there are several unigue on of a kind stores from Outdoor gear, european childrens clothing, hobby stores, and boutiques that carry upscale clothing and accesories.
Maplewood has some great shops. There is a famous spice shop there and great new restaurants there,... no chains.
There are several little shops in Clayton as well.
Schneithorst's across from plaza Frontenac has a nice lunch and serves breakfast as well.
Balabans in the Central West End has a good brunch. I have heard that the History Museum has a REMARKABLE brunch, I have not been, but it recieves great reviews!!!
I love the boathouse, the food is very mediocre, but is so much fun.
Jun 26th, 2006, 12:23 PM
#11
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,628
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Schneithorst's German "white table cloth" restaurant closed several years ago. It was torn down and a new shopping center has been built on the southeast corner of Lindbergh and Clayton. BUT, the Schneithorst's kaffee haus stayed open. Very busy at breakfast and lunch, they have a menu of pancakes, eggs and waffles. The lunch menu has salads, burgers, a bratwurst sandwich....perfectly fine lunch. I've eaten there many times, but the food is just ordinary, at best.
And, yes I guess you could say the group of shops in the Ladue Marketplace on Clayton Road are somewhat interesting and unique to St. Louis. I drive on that stetch of Clayton Road daily, and besides stopping in at the hardware store or to buy a needlepoint project at Sign of the Arrow (which is a great store, IF you are interested in needlepoint) I don't do much shopping there, and the OP asked about home accessories,so I guess I was trying to think along those lines. Stores like Vie and Merle Freed on Clayton Road would be worth looking into for women's clothing if that is the kind of shopping that the OP is intested in.
And, yes I guess you could say the group of shops in the Ladue Marketplace on Clayton Road are somewhat interesting and unique to St. Louis. I drive on that stetch of Clayton Road daily, and besides stopping in at the hardware store or to buy a needlepoint project at Sign of the Arrow (which is a great store, IF you are interested in needlepoint) I don't do much shopping there, and the OP asked about home accessories,so I guess I was trying to think along those lines. Stores like Vie and Merle Freed on Clayton Road would be worth looking into for women's clothing if that is the kind of shopping that the OP is intested in.
Jun 26th, 2006, 12:47 PM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,052
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Liz, thank you for the clarification. I was thinking more of the "old" Schneidhorsts, which my father in law used to rave about. I haven't been out that way in a few months, and I guess I'm not very good at paying attention!
Tracy
Tracy
Jun 26th, 2006, 08:53 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thanks for all the great replies....lots to think about this week instead of working...would have responded earlier but I like thousands others in the eastern US spent last 2 days in airports dealing with monsoon season.....will spend much time studying ideas this week and report back after trip next week...thanks again...
