Benton Park is a great district for beer and grub. Luvy Duvy's holds that reputation very seriously. An honorable mention for "Best Daily Breakfast" by Sauce Magazine, this café is a winner in the hearts of the people. Luvy Duvy's fame is its friendliness; the staff members wear permanent and genuine smiles, and families appreciate the quick service, low prices and kids' menu. The atmosphere is that of a bright, casual, neighborhood corner café. Grown-up drinks are also available. - Cathryn D. Blue

Pretzels aren't just for mall visits, circuses or ball games. Gus's Pretzels, located in the historic Benton Park district, make you wanna grab a napkin and go for it! Since this is the pretzel place, they make sure to keep it interesting. The menu features an exhaustive array of pretzel accoutrement: a variety of dipping sauces, various pretzel flavors, and even pretzel sandwiches. Gus's is a great place to bring the family for a snack, or a meal. - Cathryn D. Blue

Nod your head to great old blues music while partaking in some of the best service in St. Louis. Located a stone's throw away from Lafayette Park, these po' boy-makin' folks specialize in St. Louis, Memphis, Chicago, and New Orleans-style sandwiches on great fresh bread with soups, salads, and cookies. For beer-lovers, the selections hail from some of the best breweries in the country. If planning to dine at this quaint eatery during lunch, come early or late. Around noon, the place gets so busy that finding a seat is nearly impossible. - Cathryn D. Blue

Located in the charming, neighborhood of Benton Park on the historical Cherokee Antique Row, Kevin's Place is a great location for eating and relaxing. The dining experience is reminiscent of sitting in the living room of an old friend who loves to cook and entertain (and has impeccable taste in furniture). Locals rave about the pizzas and sandwiches, which are affordable and fantastic. Kevin, the owner and main staff person, is very friendly and everyone in the neighborhood knows who he is. The restaurant is a great place to have casual lunches with friends or to just stop in for a quick bite. - Cathryn D. Blue

With numerous bands and artists: famous and local, performing at this place, the Wedge, most definitely, is a popular hang-out joint. Be it gorging on a pizza, while enjoying live performances or the sheer adrenaline filled atmosphere, this place is a crowd puller. The hot Toddies, Mungus, D Numbers are some of the regular names performing here. Although the kitchen here dishes out a decent meal, its the Iggy Ziggy Room where all the action is. The Wedge is certainly and deservingly here to stay!

Part of the bustling downtown Washington Avenue scene, the giant pink flamingo on the marquee attracts bowlers and club hoppers. Pink neon lights and a psychedelic décor create a trendy and exciting atmosphere, with exotic cocktails that reflect the tropical motif. Kids under 18 are welcome with adults until 9pm. After that, the under 21-ers have to leave and the " "grown folks' party begins. The bar menu not only has exquisite beverages, but also a more extensive selection of food than other bowling alleys: wraps, sandwiches, and of course, the bowling alley favorite, nachos. Even non-bowlers have a blast in this prime alternative to the night club.

Nestled snugly in the Washington Street entertainment and business district of downtown St. Louis, Wasabi is quite more than meets the eye. This sushi restaurant has won coveted awards from Sauce and Alive Magazine and the Riverfront Times. The menu offers much more than the average sushi bar with traditional and contemporary Japanese victuals that are rarely found elsewhere. The staff is friendly and helpful at thoroughly describing items to newcomers who have no idea what Hamachi Kama is. Menu items like barbecued Baby Octopus and Uni (sea urchin), and the immense variety of sake and other wines make for a unique and memorable dining experience.

Hard Rock Cafes all over the world maintain a distinct character-the use of wood and display of all the fine spirits and drinks offered and the guitars all over the place. Rock music and legendary and contemporary rock artists are worshiped and find a place on the walls of the cafe. The shop sells merchandise and memorabilia, that could be the best gifts or souvenirs. A spacious patio with umbrellas over tables of four is the best for enjoying a drink with some fresh air. A combination of American and Mexican varieties are available at the restaurant, where the theme of the cafe continues. Rock Concerts and performances are held here and the spaces are also available for private events.

This popular downtown bar, formerly called Panama Reds has changed a lot since it was taken over by the the owners of Tin Can. All the beers and the bar food is still as good as it was, but now there's more variety. Burgers, cajun chicken, salads, sandwiches, craft beer are reasonably priced. Since the new acquisition, there has been an addition of Pizza Pies and a variety of starters. Selection of beers is pretty decent to make a choice from. Being at a convenient distance from the stadiums, it is a favorite party spot before heading for a game or a post game celebration as well. Another location of The Tin Can is at 3157 Morganford Road, South Tower Grove.

Atomic Cowboy offers everything the discerning club-goer could want: music and meals, drinks and desserts, even an art lounge and lunch. The music (usually DJ spins, sometimes live) ranges through the past four decades, with funk, hip-hop, soul, and house. Patrons can choose from a full menu of Mexican dishes, a full wall of boutique spirits or the wine cellar, and indoor or outdoor seating.