Located between the Central West End and the U City Loop, Legacy Books & Cafe is the everything place. The grill is always hot, even for vegans. Books are for sale, but if you wanted to bring a book and chill all day, no one would object. Legacy also hosts an open poetry reading spot. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and after visiting a couple times, everybody knows your name.

A very fashionable night-spot, Sub Zero features a Japanese-inspired menu, wines and mixed drinks, and so many choices of vodka, that the online menu takes the form of a world map. True to their name, the vodka is always kept ice-cold. A live band or a DJ provides music two or three nights every week, and with no cover charge, the bar often fills to capacity under its high ceilings.

Tucked amidst the lush greenery of Forest Park on the Post-Dispatch Lake, the Boathouse is a perfect dining destination for those looking for a unique, unconventional dining experience. A landmark in itself, this restaurant cum boat rental facility offers an impressive lakeside dining room and outdoor patio, ideal for romantic dinners, heartwarming family affairs and celebrating special occasions. Ambiance and food please all senses, transporting you away from the humdrum and busy downtown life. Rent a rowboat or a paddle boat and enjoy the lake and surrounding scenery. Later, join other patrons for a leisurely lunch or dinner consisting of classic American fare. Exquisite wines and friendly service will complement your dining experience and will surely leave you impressed. A definite must-visit in St. Louis!

Situated in the upscale Central West End area of St. Louis, the Wild Flower serves contemporary American cuisine. Using organic produce as far as possible, the restaurant starts off your meal with delicious appetizers like goat cheese fondue and chicken quesadillas before moving on to entrées like the signature garlic chicken and St. Louis style BBQ ribs. Happy Hour is not once but twice a day; you can enjoy great deals on wines and beers between 4p and 6p and then again between 10p and 1a. Brunch is served between 10a and 3p on Saturdays and Sundays.

Southern comfort food is the order of the day at Almonds, an atypical Clayton restaurant with a homey decor that features real oak trees. Cajun specialties like the chicken and sausage gumbo and pan-fried chicken are big sellers. A good choice for starters is the chopped vegetable salad medley. Noteworthy seafood entrees include the Idaho trout with pecan butter sauce and the halibut topped with tomatoes and garlic. Beef lovers should try the peppercorn beef filet.

The ambiance of understated elegance at Chez Leon is reminiscent of an authentic Parisian bistro. For an appetizer try the excellent pate; a different variety made fresh each night. The robust French onion soup (gratinée) is another traditional hit. The menu features a wealth of splendid entrees, notably the red snapper with the chef's special red sauce and the beef fillet. See their website for further information.

Sansui has been a fixture of the Central West End for many years, serving a wide variety of Japanese dishes. The list of appetizers is impressive, numbering more than thirty. Sample different types of sushi, oysters on the half-shell, salmon caviar, or the mouth-puckering hot wasabi. For entrees, the Cherrystone Clams and the grilled mackerel are both excellent. Also popular are the enormous stuffed deep fried shrimp. For the less adventurous, fried chicken and steaks are also available.

One of the oldest Chinese restaurants in town, the Hunan Wok offers consistently good food in a friendly atmosphere. House specialties include Beef with Black Pepper Sauce and Shrimp Hunan style. Other Chinese favorites like spicy Moo Shu (made at your table) and crispy egg rolls are expertly prepared. Dishes can be prepared more lightly spiced, if requested. The restaurant is conveniently located just a fortune cookie's throw away from the St. Louis Galleria.

Outstanding Italian food is the hallmark of this casual, yet fashionable, Midtown restaurant. The outdoor dining area adds to the European ambiance. Try the wonderful tortellini in cream sauce, or the equally good chicken with almonds and raisins. Even the pastas are something special, like the fettuccine with ricotta cheese and eggplant. For dessert, they have a mouth-watering tiramisu. But this is not the restaurant to visit if you are in a rush. The service unfortunately has a rather relaxed, Italian attitude.

A Central West End favorite for more than 25 years, Tom's is a great place to drop in after work for a beer, and also an ideal spot for family and friends to come and enjoy typical St. Louis pub food. The bar area, with its large, Victorian-style bar, welcomes visitors in the front. In the rear, a large, skylighted dining room offers plenty of space for diners. The burgers and steaks are favorites; the French fries are excellent, too.