Let's not really have a conversation about pizza...it's very subjective and debated endlessly. I would point out that sktutor is from Boston, and unlikely to appreciate the finer points of an Imo pizza (whatever they may be, I think Imo's is vile).
Cicero's can be fun, but for a one shot stop in the loop, I would suggest Blueberry Hill instead.
http://www.blueberryhill.com/

Ugh....I can't stand Imo's pizza. It's definitely a love/hate thing and I absolutely loathe it. Something about the cracker crust and provel cheese makes my stomach queezy even thinking about it! They do have decent salads though. My favorite pizza in St. Louis is probably il Vicino in downtown Clayton.

Blueberry Hill is fun. We also like going to Fitz's, just up the street, for the root beer and decent food.

Tracy

My theory: if you're not born within a certain radius from, say Manchester and Hanley, that you can never really love provel cheese or, by extension, Imo's. The radius length could be debated, but for the sake of argument I'd say 10 miles.

Well, that theory may not work because I was born and raised in the St. Louis area and still hate it. I am 29 and just left St. Louis in late 06 for Charlotte, NC. I love pizza, I love cheese....but I just don't love Imo's.

Tracy

Congrats to your son! Wash U is an excellent school, and has a gorgeous campus. It's well-situated in St. Louis, for the students to get around by bus.

I do suggest you get a car, though, so you can investigate the city and see lots of it on your short visit.

Definitely go to The Loop, and check it out. The students hang out there and Blueberry Hill is fun. See if any musicians are playing there. Sometimes they have amazing people.

Clayton is nice to explore, too, and the Central West End. Go down to St. Louis University, which is an easy commute from Wash U. down Lindell Blvd.

Check out the many possibilities for good rental apartments in neighborhoods near Wash U.

With a car, you could get excellent Italian food at the Hill. Toasted ravioli! Yum.

Have fun making your decision. Our daughter was accepted there, but she chose Johns Hopkins University (she won the Hodson Scholarship).
>-

P.S. I forgot to mention a nice restaurant on the other side of Wash U.. It's called Jimmie's and it's in the DeMund neighborhood, off Clayton and Skinker Blvd. It's a cute little neighborhood, nice coffee shop on the corner. Jimmie's is a great restaurant for a special dinner with your son.
>-

Glad someone else hates Imo's too, especially someone who grew up in STL. I grew up in NYC so I figure I'm allowed to be both a pizza and bagel snob. Imo's is NOT pizza, and Bread Co (aka Panera), does NOT make bagels---case closed

For some reason everyone equates Imos Pizza with St. louis. I rarely eat the stuff except when it catches my fancy every few months. Much better pizza options in St. Louis
-Deweys
-Feraros
-Pi
-Joanies
-Black Thorn
-Fortels

Slight correction Mambo:

1)it's DeMun or Demun: no d at the end.

2)It's Jimmy's on the Park: with a y and not ie.

Not trying to be snarky. I live about a block from Jimmy's.

Yum...I forgot about Joanies! I love sitting outside on nice sunny days enjoying their pizza and salads.

liz, I agree on both accounts. I don't really think of myself as being a pizza snob, but as I've been to Italy numerous times and had some delicious pizza its hard to even call that stuff at Imo's pizza! And don't even get me started on the Bread Company...we have it here in Charlotte as well (Panera Bread, obviously) and the only thing I like is the hot chocolate. The service is always terrible (both in St. Louis and here) and the food isn't nearly good enough to justify the crowds that it seems to gather!

Tracy

Thanks for the clarification, Dweebe. I love your neighborhood. My husband went to CBC in the 60s.
>-

St. Louis cut ribs describes the cut of a rack of ribs. Doesn't have much to do with St.L as a Q center.
http://www.amazingribs.com/tips_and_.../rib_cuts.html

Wow. Who knew the mention of a pizza place could unleash so much hatred I can't wait to get it when I come back for visits - to each his own!

Hatred - no. Extreme dislike for Imos - yes. As you said, to each their own!

Since you are coming tomorrow - you probably already have your plan mapped out.

If you need any last minute suggestions - please let us know.

BTW - I hate Imo's too - Yuk.

Super Smokers is great but not near Clayton. The Plush Pig is good - near Wash U.

Congrats on Wash U!!

St. Louis isn't the style of cooking BBQ. It is the cut of meat.

I've tried most of the best known BBQ restaurants in metro St. Louis, and never found one that made me want to hurry back.

When in St Louis, be sure to get a St. Paul sandwich. They are great, inexpensive sandwiches made of eggfooyoung. Available at most Chinese restaurants.


Keith

A few years ago, I saw an article in a Sam's magazine about Richard's Ribs in St. Louis. It looked so good and I found so many good comments about it on various websites when I googled "Richard's Ribs". It has been voted some of the best STL BBQ, featured in many magazines and let me tell you first hand, it WAS FABULOUS!!!

We were traveling through STL on our way to VA, but we drove out of our way to find it and we were sure glad we did. It is in Kirkwood, a suburb of STL. They do not take credit cards, so take cash or check book. I don't think you will be disappointed. I look forward to going back there again. Do a google and check out the websites about Richard's Ribs. I vote this place as one not to miss!

Richard's Ribs listed in Sauce Magazine.

http://www.saucemagazine.com/rest/318

oh yes, and congratulations, sktutor, on your son getting accepted to Wash. My cousin went there and I know how hard it is to get in. He's definitely one of the lucky ones.

Well, I didn't pay attention to the dates at the beginning, so by the time I posted, you were already there. Anyway, hope you had a good trip and if your son accepts Wash., he will have lots of time to try Richard's.

Thanks for the tip, P_G. It'll be nice to have a place to take my BBQ loving brother when he comes to town.