Hello,
I'm just fishin' for anything happening in the area when I'll be in town. Any general restaurant tips would be appreciated, as well.
Thanks

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Did you check out digitalcity.com for St. Louis? I find it to be a good reference site - put in the dates that you will be in St. Louis and it will tell you the events in town during those days.

Digitalcity isn't consistent or exhaustive.

Check out the "Post-Dispatch's" website at stltoday.com, then visit "Entertainment."

Brazie's is our favorite Italian restaurant, a real hidden gem on Hampton Avenue near the Hill. Casually upscale.

For Mexican, visit Hacienda on Manchester. Their margaritas are top-notch.

Bandana's has good barbecue. Visit the Clayton location.

Have fun!

stltoday.com is one online resource for what's happening in St. Louis...but I find that riverfronttimes.com is more comprehensive.

I second the recommendation for Brazie's. It's tucked away in a little strip center, but don't let the location put you off, should you decide to try it.

If you like Vietmanese food, go to Pho Grand on S. Grand Ave. Another good, "hidden treasure" for Italian/Continental is Spaghettaria (sp?)...in Dogtown. (Just ask, any local can tell you where that is.) Or you could try just about any Italian restaurant on The Hill. My favorite is Zia's. (Be sure to ask about the price range, because there are several different price levels on The Hill.) Best brunch in town is at Bristol's on Olive in West County.

Also, check out http://www.saucecafe.com/
(Restaurant guide for St. Louis)

The Central West End (eclectic & upscale-ish) or The Loop (eclectic & arts-y) are probably the best areas to go to find a bunch of different restaurants plus interesting shops & bars. You could go to either of these areas, park your car (or get out of the cab)...and walk around for a while & find plenty to do. S. Grand area is sort of the same, but not quite as much going on.

Thanks everyone! Very helpful info.

There will be the annual St. Louis Jazz Festival this weekend in Shaw Park in Clayton.
http://www.saintlouisjazzfest.com/

My favorite restaurants:
Italian (high end): Kemolls
Italian (on the Hill): Zias
Steak (high end): Sams
Steak (normal): Tuckers in Soulard
Cajun: Broadway Oyster Bar
Romantic: Sidney Street Cafe
Unique: Yemanja Brasil
Mexican: Chuy Arzolas
Sweets: Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Bar: Blueberry Hill
Sushi Bar: Rue 13 or Miso
Dance Club: Velvet
Blues Bar: 1860 Hardshell Cafe or BB's Jazz Blues and Soups
Irish Pub: McGurks
Asian: Pho Grand
Mixed Drinks: Absolutly Goosed
Dive Bar: Hi-Pointe Cafe
Late Night Food: Courtesy Diner or Uncle Bills
Greek: Olympia or Michaels
Microbrews: St. Louis Taproom
Take A Drive: Fast Eddies in Alton (after driving the Great River Road)

Thanks for taking the time to write out your greatest hits! I will be taking this with me!

Just to confuse you a little more

My fav Italian on the hill - Favazza's (brilliant cannelloni)

Agree with Tuckers for casual steaks.
Upscale Steaks: Dierdorf & Harts
Laid back bar: The original Trainwreck Saloon on Manchester Rd.
Favorite dish anywhere: Hannegan's, on Lacledes Landing. The baked double pork chop stuffed with apple-rosemary stuffing and covered in poivrade sauce. Yowsah.

Excellent...I'm going to need to make a return trip!

All of the suggestions are great. St. Louis is a food town. The above posters haven't even touched Clayton where my favorite restaurant and wine bar is Remy's or any of several other really good Clayton choices are Almonds, Figarro, Barcellona, Portabella (expensive), Shitake, or really expensive Crossings. Another favorite(not in Clayton) not mentioned is Frazer's Traveling Brown Bag by the brewery. Personally, I am going to Remy's then the Jazz Festival this weekend. If it ever stops raining it should be a great time. I hope you enjoy your visit!

Is there still a place called Ballabans (sp?)??

Yep, it's still there:

www.cafebalaban.com

Though I prefer Chez Leon in the Central West End, and it's a bit closer to the MetroLink.

Hey Thanks Indytravel !