This pub is as close to Dublin as you can get in St. Louis. You will find a large selection of beers, including 16 on tap, and live Irish bands frequently perform traditional Celtic music here. If you are looking for comfort food, especially on a chilly evening, try the traditional Irish potato soup, which is thick with potatoes, celery and onions and topped with cheese. If you are looking for the Irish-American favorite of corned beef and cabbage, you can order that, too. McGurk's was named Best Pub by an area publication.

Looking at the classy décor, it is hard to believe how relaxed the atmosphere is in this bistro, a hot spot in the Soulard district. It also offers an outdoor patio with the same classy style as the indoor dining area. Two special rooms are available for parties and business functions. Menu items include a vast selection of grilled shrimp entrees, fried shrimp, crab cakes, soups, salads and steaks.

Murder, mystery and mayhem are all part of what you'll find here. No one knows whether he or she will be the next "victim" or the one to solve the case. The haunting history of the 1860s mansion adds to the exciting atmosphere. Although this is a bed-and-breakfast establishment, the dinner theater is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays at 7p. Reservations are recommended.

This is basically a restaurant for chicken lovers, but there are a few other items on the menu. The kitchen makes a great picnic lunch, while the bar has a good selection of beer, wine and mixed drinks. You can also order a meal to take home. See their website for further details. While the both the decor and dress code are casual, a select group of businesses chooses this restaurant to cater their parties and meetings. The clientele ranges from business executives to families and college kids. Hodak's serves deliciously crispy fried chicken with cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans and America's number one dessert, apple pie.

This Rock Hill location opened on July 2, 1982 and is the oldest tavern in the area. Housed in an old 1800s mansion, this tavern/bar/restaurant caters to customers ranging from the average Joe to the elite business professional. A historical, fun atmosphere is present in every corner, from the tables to the real caboose bar outisde on the patio. While dining outside, eat in the gazebo or at one of the redwood-stained picnic tables. If the thought of Bison Tongue doesn't set your mouth watering, you might just stick with a regular hamburger. This is a must-see place, and the food is pretty grand, too!

Since 1976, this upbeat restaurant has catered to a varied clientele ranging from business travelers to families in search of a relaxed, fun dining atmosphere. There is much to enjoy here beyond the great cuisine. You can wind down while playing pool, pinball or video games, watch television in the game room, or listen to live music six nights a week. Try the delicious Chicken Breast Parmigiano, breaded and covered with red sauce, mozzarella and provolone cheese cooked to a golden brown. The menu also features pizza, pastas and numerous artery fillers like potato skins and chicken wings.

Located in University City within minutes of many hotels and attractions, this restaurant/cafe/market offers an eclectic menu. Choose from more than 300 labels of fine wine or 45-plus labels of beer and taste one of the many tempting desserts. Live music is featured nightly and twice on Sunday. The menu features numerous soups and salads along with creative entrees like Pasta del Mar, which consists of angel hair pasta covered with shrimp, crab meat, scallops and tuna, all in a light cream sauce.

Located two minutes from downtown and within one block of the historic Soulard Market, this restaurant has earned accolades since it opened in 1977. Among the many delicacies served here are the baked Brie with toasted almonds and pumpernickel bread and the Bow Tie Pasta prepared with smoked salmon in a Creole cream sauce. Daily specials often feature fresh fish or items from the mixed grill. When dining here do not forget to try a slice of Bailey's Mousse Pie with a Chocolate Cappuccino.

Zia's Restaurant on The Hill is a gem of a place. The menu is full of Italian and American favorites: toasted seafood ravioli, parmigiana di melanzane (their incredible eggplant appetizer), steak, fish, chicken, and sandwiches. The elegant decor and relaxed atmosphere make Zia's great for a family or social dining experience with all the flare. The shiny bar offers a stellar selection of international red, white, and sparkling wines by the bottle or the glass. Of course there are specialty drinks for the adult crowd including the Bocce Ball, a unique mixture of Amaretto and orange juice. For what is offered, the prices are relatively reasonable. Stop by or have them cater an event. -Cathryn D. Blue

If food is the reason, Bartolino's Osteria is the place. Recognized citywide for their cuisine, Bartolino's has been serving exceptional Italian dishes for the past 40 years. The staff lives by the credo "Cook good food and give plenty." Live music on various nights, a romantic atmosphere, and a traditional menu makes this restaurant great for first dates, anniversaries, or even wedding receptions. The restaurant is available for banquets, business lunches, and private parties and also offers boxed lunches for those who are on the run. -Cathryn D. Blue