St. Louis Trip - Suggestions?

[brwrsfan]

Me and some buddies are going on our annual Brewers roadtrip next weekend to St. Louis. Sucks that the games are meangingless but thats the chance you take scheduling a trip in August, had no choice this year due to some weddings and whatnot.

 

That being said, anyone have any suggestions for things to do in the area? We're staying downtown at one of the Hiltons. Currently have tickets to all 3 games (all night games actually) so we'll have lots of time during the day, as well as bar time after the games. Currently these are the things we have planned:

 

Arch Tour/Ride

Budweiser Tour

Schlafly Brewery Tour

Visiting a couple restaurants from Man vs Food

 

That's about it. Might go check out the Clydesdales, but that's not for sure. I've heard about the free zoo, but I go to the zoo here like 5 times a year so we'll likely skip that. Looking for cool restaurants or bars or just fun stuff to do in St. Louis. We're all males, about 30.

 

Anyone else going?

[TURBO]

Funny you should mention this, my wife and I, plus our 2 teenagers, were considering a trip to St. Louis as well.

 

If anyone would like to expand suggestions to include cool family things as well as cool 30ish guy things, that would be great!!!

[temke]

Just took a trip to STL, but we did it with a 3 year old and a 6 year old.

 

All the stuff we did probably wouldn't fit either demographic. We checked out the City Museum, which was pretty much awesome for kids our age. We also heard good things about the science museum and the zoo, neither of which we had time to check out.

 

We did the obligatory arch tour, which was pretty anti-climactic. Kind of one of those things you feel you have to do.

[RockCoCougars]

Don't take the wrong exit when you cross the river... and if you do, roll 'em up.

 

[Baldkin]

I went in '06 (thanks for blowing that save, Coco), so my information may be a bit dated, but the Riverwalk area was a lot of fun for us for late night entertainment.

 

Also, another older thread

[rwa12]

I live 10 minutes outside of the city, happy to help!

 

For those without kids, the nightlife isn't too far from the stadium. Laclede's Landing is always popular, expect covers at most places. Washington Ave can trend a slight bit older (maybe a little more 30s than 20s). Depending on if you have a DD, I prefer Westport, which is on the North western side of the city. As far as during the day, the Arch may be obligatory, but I found it a waste of time. The Bud tour isn't bad, and last time I went, they had Clydesdales there. I haven't seen the MvF episodes, but guessing Crown Candy, and maybe Pappys is on there. If you're BBQ fans, check out both Pappys (near SLU), and Bogarts (in Soulard, not far from downtown). Vastly different, but equally excellent. May want to check out Ted Drewes frozen custard, it's pretty good. Casinos are always fun, the Lumiere has good restaurants as well.

 

For those with kids, most of the same applies. City museum is pretty cool, regardless of age. Forrest Park is really nice, the zoo, a number of museums, and a whole lot of other things to do in there. STL has a really nice zoo, if they're at all interested, it's worth it.

 

If anyone has specific restaurant questions (best place for..) feel free to ask. I will give my non-expert opinion!

 

I'm sure it's been mentioned, but STL isn't really a tailgating city for Cardinals games. The stadium is in the middle of downtown, so most parking is garage parking.

[brwrsfan]

You are correct about Crown Candy and Pappy's, along with the Iron Barley. Those places worth going to? They all look pretty good on TV.

 

Yeah, I'm sure the arch is somewhat dull, but it feels like something we have to do.

 

Of the bars you speak of on Washington Ave, are they like sports bars? Dance clubs? How many are we talking in that area? We tend to like to bar hop more than sit at one place, and I belive it's only a half mile or so from my hotel. We should be ok walking around downtown right?

[rwa12]

I've not been to Iron Barley, but have been told it is good. Pappy's is good, it's one of those line goes around the building places, but worth the wait. Crown Candy is good as well.

 

I hear you on the arch, you have to do it, even though you know it's meh.

 

Washington Ave. has a mix of bars/clubs. If I'm not mistaken, most of the bars there are kinda trendy/high end/clubby. If you're looking for more of a Madison/bar atmosphere, I would try Soulard. It is near the SLU campus, and it's a pretty good time. Cab ride would be cheap.

[brwrsfan]

How far is Soulard from downtown? Not walkable I'm assuming.

[Funketown]

I'm here to give this warning, which I give whenever anybody on this board says they are going to St. Louis:

 

Stay far, far away from St. Louis style pizza. It is a hellish abomination of molten processed cheese on a cracker crust. It's absolutely horrible.

[RockCoCougars]

I'm here to give this warning, which I give whenever anybody on this board says they are going to St. Louis:

 

Stay far, far away from St. Louis style pizza. It is a hellish abomination of molten processed cheese on a cracker crust. It's absolutely horrible.

 

Call me crazy, but I don't mind an Imo's pie- well saltine- I guess, when I'm down that way. I actually even get the occasional craving for one. They are definitely an acquired taste though.

 

I do draw the line at Budweiser, however.

[rwa12]

Soulard is not walkable, but it would be a relatively short and cheap cab ride.

 

As far as STL style pizza, I agree, it is offputting. I occasionally enjoy it, but don't consider it pizza.