This American-style restaurant is situated in the Downtown business district and caters to a large business-lunch crowd. You can always find something exciting and pleasing on the menu, whether you are here for lunch, dinner, or a cup of coffee and dessert. Harry's creates many special entries, from steak and chicken dishes to smoked items and more. Among the specials are Harry's Strip Steak, the Greek salad, Harry's Greens and Harry's Meatloaf or Quiche. Harry's is not the cheapest place to have lunch, but it is worth the trip.

Broadway Oyster Bar exudes a vibe reminiscent of New Orleans' French Quarter. The 150-year-old building that it calls home is a community gathering spot and has been a party destination for patrons and visitors to the city. Enjoy entertaining live performances by local and national bands that represent the funk, blues, reggae and rock genres. The menu features traditional Cajun and Creole specialties including po'boys, muffuletta, fresh oysters, jambalaya, crawfish, gumbo and fried alligator. Select a table at the outdoor patio where a laid-back atmosphere is met with a nostalgic Louisianan ambiance and high spirits.

Have a great time at the region's largest casino, an action-packed night club or one of seven restaurants. The Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles is a 397-suite luxury hotel in the St. Louis area with many rooms containing floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Missouri River or the city below. This new, all-suite hotel features a 7,000-square-foot full-service spa with an indoor-outdoor pool. You'll really get star treatment during your Ameristar vacation in St. Charles.

Voted best nightclub, bar, hangout, restaurant...you name it: Blueberry Hill is the place to go for great food and live bands. Whether it is a local band or a national touring act, this five-star establishment has the best in blues, reggae and rock 'n' roll. The menu contains an array of heart clogging selections like chili fries and hamburgers. But you will find numerous veggie offerings and specials like Trout Almondine and jerk chicken. Sandwiches and breakfast grub is also available.

The Bissell Mansion has been dubbed St. Louis' Oldest "Hysterical" Landmark. Built in the 1820s as the home of Captain Lewis Bissell, it features period decor along with many of the original furnishings. Comedy/mystery dinner theater shows are produced throughout the year. A five-course dinner is served between acts. Guests receive an identity upon arrival, with the murderer and suspects being randomly chosen. The menu consists of a choice of appetizer, soup, garden dinner salad, entree, and three glasses of wine and beverage. It is topped off with a chocolate mousse. Meals are included in the Mystery Theatre.

Take a break from gaming at Lumiere Place casino to grab a bite and catch all the live sporting action at Stadium Sports Bar & Grill. Over 55 screens and beers on tap and by the bottle make this a popular haunt on game days. If you're not a sports fan, you could stop by just for some delicious sandwiches, steaks and pizzas. If you complete the Stadium Challenge, that is, manage to finish a six pound reuben along with all the sides, your meal is free, and you get a T-shirt to boot!

Located at Hyatt Regency Saint Louis at The Arch, Red Kitchen & Bar is the place to head to for a relaxed Italian meal, with a few drinks thrown in. The menus vary with the season, and the dishes you will be served are concocted from the freshest possible produce. Some of the house specialties you could enjoy are the spaghetti bolognese, roasted organic chicken and butternut squash ravioli. Sandwiches and pizzas are also available. There are daily specials like Martini Mondays and Draft Tuesdays to be enjoyed at the bar. The breakfast menu is available from 6a to 11a, while the buffet is from 7a to 11a every day of the week. Lunch and dinner hours vary, so do make an inquiry before dropping by.

Enjoy an authentic Italian meal at Gio's Downtown, which also affords you views of some of the city's landmarks like Kiener Plaza, the Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse. Some of the fresh, steaming hot delights you can enjoy are the various brick oven pizzas, baked garlic bread and meatball sliders. The entrée list features tasty treats like the Sicilian style grouper and the country-style pork chop with its honey and balsamic glaze. There are a number of vegetarian and daily specials for you to enjoy, along with a number of wines by the glass or bottle.

Stop by The Side Bar any day of the week for good food, infused vodkas, live music, beautiful waitresses, and great company. The atmosphere at this happening spot is fun, flirty, and chic, minus the congestion of the traditional club. Menu items fill a wide range of options from pizza and burgers to seafood and vegetable dishes. For the quality of the food served, the prices aren't bad. The staff is fun and energetic, adding to the venue's appeal. Located on the bustling Washington Avenue strip downtown, The Side Bar attracts a nice mix of people from all over St. Louis. -Cathryn D. Blue

The cool, sweet, Italian wonder of gelato has been taking St. Louis by storm! Gelateria Tavolini is a wonderful little gelato vendor in the heart of downtown St. Louis, nestled snugly on a corner amidst the excitement that is Washington Avenue; an oasis of sweet goodness, if you will. Though small, this quaint gelateria features all the charm of an old Italian gelati parlor, complete with all the modern amenities that would be expected of a chill-out cafe. Bring a laptop and enjoy the free wi-fi or catch up on summer reading while eating each bite of a mocha gelato cup as quickly as possible. This stuff melts fast! -Cathryn D. Blue