St. Louis Loop
 

I'm coming into St. Louis next week for a few days, and I heard that the Loop area (around St. Louis University?) is a great place to hang out at night. Anyone from around there able to give me some information, alternatives, etc? Thanks.

LaClede's Landing offers a lot of nightlife.

How close is that to Clayton (where my hotel is)?

The Loop is in University City, near Washington University. It is right next to Clayton.

If you feel like making your way out to St. Charles, there are some nice casinos there.

The U City loop (named "the loop" because it was originally a street car turn-around) is, as MikeT said, located near both Clayton and WashU. WashU campus is offically located in 3 different locales, part of campus is in St. Louis city proper, part in U. City and part in Clayton.

see http://www.visittheloop.com/
for some helpful info.

The Loop is great with several excellent restaurants and lots of cool shops. Check out Blueberry Hill for dinner, drinks and darts. Vintage Vinyl is a great little record shop. If you like jazz head down to the Delmar Lounge.

If you are looking for alternatives, unless you are between the age of 18-23, I would skip Laclede's Landing. Too many kids down there. Head to Soulard. Tons of great bars and restaurants there as well. You can always find music at McGurk's Irish Pub, Hammerstone's and 1860s. If you like a bit more of a clubby atmosphere, head to Molly's. Nadine's is good for darts and pool and is very laidback.

I'm a bit biased because I live in Soulard. What exactly are you looking for?

Also, the Loop is much closer to Clayton than Laclede's Landing or Soulard. But you also might want to check out the Central West End. Several good restaurants/clubs/bars in that area too. And it is close to Clayton as well.