A very neighborhood diner, Deluxe is where the locals gather when tummy rumbles. A pleasant little place, the ambiance here is very casual, the interiors too are simple, minimalistic and homely. Though serving the regular fare on menu, there is nothing regular about the food, for it is simple and nourishing. The drinks are decent, just the ones that seem great to gulp down. However the icing on the cake is their live music events, where, local and upcoming bands are featured who dramatize the evenings like no other.  

Home of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra since 1966, Powell Symphony Hall began life in the 1920s as a vaudeville hall and movie palace. The 2,700-seat facility has been magnificently restored and remodeled, featuring chandeliers and grand staircases. The entry area was designed to emulate the Louis XIV Chapel at Versailles and includes a spectacular stained glass window of St. Louis on a horse. A permanent orchestra shell, rather than an orchestra pit, was included in the refurbishing of the theater to provide better sound. World-renowned performers including Isaac Stern have praised the hall's acoustics.

Plush has entertainment, food and fun all wrapped into one. With three floors of space for everything from private parties to hosting live gigs, this quite the place to party. On entering this establishment you'll realize that they have a penchant for everything unusual and unique. And the fun isn't restricted to adults alone; you are welcome to bring along the tiny tots who will really enjoy their special kids menu.

Laclede Street Bar & Grill is famous among the local college students, being right across from Saint Louis University. As a campus bar, Laclede's (as it's been nicknamed) is a great place to go to get away from the school cafeterias and enjoy the night life without having to drive or venture far from campus. Starting Wednesday night and into Saturday, the place is popping with 20-somethings and a DJ who knows how to get the party started. Everyone's carded at the door, and the fun is only for the 21+ crowd. Locals in the neighborhood frequent Laclede's for their happy hour menu and lunch specials. The food is pretty typical. Naturally, there's the burgers, fries and chicken wings, but "Billiken Specials" include steak and homemade lasagna. -Cathryn D. Blue

From the DJ to the food to the live musical entertainment and drinks, the Loft Jazz Club is high energy and full of excitement. It can get pretty crowded on the dance floor and most of the people who come through are looking to just dance and let loose. Open until 3a some nights, this venue attracts the late night party people. The music ranges from R&B to hip-hop with jazz and rock thrown in from time to time. The Loft Jazz Club hosts one of the hottest open mics in St. Louis once a month, which brings people from all over the country to showcase their talents in front of an audience of up to 1500, which often includes music industry moguls. The food isn't bad, not a large menu, but enough to buffer against a mean hangover. -Cathryn D. Blue

The Black Repertory Theatre is a local landmark that has been bringing theater, arts, and entertainment from the African-American perspective to St. Louis since 1976. Being the largest African-American theater company in the nation, no other theatre company is like it. The Black Rep has presented an African-American twist to known classics such as Shakespeare's Hamlet and has been an open stage for independent Black playwrights to showcase their original works. Tickets are discounted for students and for those who purchase their tickets 2 hours before show time. This theatre company never disappoints. Come be a part of St. Louis history. -Cathryn D. Blue

Olive Garden serves up authentic Italian cuisine. Their signature bread sticks and one-of-a-kind menu make them an American icon. Standard Italian options like bruchetta, calamari, ravioli and eggplant parmigiana line their lengthy menu. More exotic items like salmon, chicken dishes and innovative pizzas are also available. For the calorie-counter, Olive Garden has a range of low fat and low carbohydrate options. Enjoy your meal with a bottle from their extensive wine list or one of their tropical island drinks. Finally, top it all off with a little something from their dessert menu their cakes, custards and ice creams are sure to win you over. Lunch and take out menus are available.

With almost 20,000 square feet of playing area that comprise of volleyball courts, billiards, darts, football and a huge dance floor, Stratford Bar & Grill has a lot to offer. The food is excellent and the rates are competitive too. The bar offers a wide variety of drinks and you can also catch up on your favorite game on TV while sipping on a glass of beer.

The attraction of this Clayton restaurant is not so much the food as the popular bar, which is a busy meeting spot with singles. Of the entrees on the menu, the baby back ribs are a bestseller. The thin crust pizza with mozzarella and provolone cheeses is also a favorite. Oddly, you will need to ask for the separate appetizer menu to see the majority of the appetizers. The onion rings are nice and crispy and definitely worth a mention.

A combination sports bar and family-oriented neighborhood pub, Duffy's is a good place for a casual meal. Burgers are the specialty, thick and juicy, and offered with a variety of toppings. The Chili Rounder is another favorite with regulars, but you will need a big appetite to finish it. Sample the crispy chicken strips for an appetizer or entrée. Various soup and entrée specials change daily. The large bar also serves food from the menu.