If you love Thai food and love pizza - this is the fusion for you. While many people hear the combination and are a bit skeptical as to how great it might turn out, there is no need to worry. The kitchen at Thai Pizza Co has mastered the marriage of the two cuisines. Instead of pizzas with traditional tomato sauce, you'll find peanut sauce or curry sauce pizzas that match the spicy Thai toppings such as chicken, beef, pork, tofu or veggies - all perfectly seasoned with Thai flavors. The menu is huge, so allow yourself plenty of time to decide. Make sure you read carefully and pick something that you'll love, as you cannot send something back just because you don't like it. -Rease Kirchner

Located in the bustling Delmar Loop, Thai Gai Yang Cafe is known for its fresh, authentic, inexpensive, and delicious Thai cuisine. The atmosphere is laid back and the service is incredibly friendly and personable. Their menu includes noodle, veggie, fish, pork, chicken, and rice dishes. Among the other Thai restaurants, Thai Gai Yang stands out because of their appetizers. The fried calamari melts in your mouth and their spring rolls are delectable. Try any number of their decadent wines, such as the sweet, mild plum wine. Top it off with a rich, creamy Thai iced coffee. No one leaves this restaurant without a full stomach and a smile. -Cathryn D. Blue

The Market Pub House in the Delmar Loop popped up in 2009 and is a lively addition to the restaurant scene. Specializing in American cuisine and designed to stick to the ribs, patrons come from far and wide to have good food and good times at this watering hole. Naturally, beer is a main attraction and their selection will scratch that itch. There is also a wine list and a kids' menu. In other words, everybody's welcome. During weekdays, stop by for the Power Lunch: USD8 for an entree, a side, and free refills on soft drinks. It's quite the deal for such hearty portions. The specialty martini isn't half bad either. -Cathryn D. Blue

Ginger Bistro is a recent addition to the busy Delmar Loop, but the locals appreciate them as though they were an old friends. The decor is incredible, with modern fixtures and traditional Asian accents. Romance, fun, and relaxation seem to thrive in the large dining area. Though the ambiance is quite classy, the menu prices are terrifically reasonable. Most plates range from USD10-15. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and are able to recommend menu items to suit patrons' tastes. Ginger Bistro is a great place to have a first date or to impress friends, offering plenty of charm for not a lot of change. The space is also available for private banquets and parties. -Cathryn D. Blue

As soon as the waitress hands you the menu, the comforting realization strikes: dinner will be under 10 bucks! Thai Country Café has an easy, country feel with authentic Thai food and a genuine and knowledgeable staff. The menu is so extensive that an initial visit may bode stressful if decision making isn't a strong suit. Furthermore, any entrée can be tweaked as desired: meat dishes can be vegetarian, mild dishes can be extra spicy, and shrimp can be fish balls. This quaint eatery is small, so it gets pretty hectic during holidays and special events. Still, the quality and quantity far outweigh the price.

The Duck Room, located in the fabulous Blueberry Hill is a great performing stage. The music covers hip-hop, rock, reggae, country and folk, and apart from the national and local band that have regular performances, Rock-and-Roll star Chuck Berry is on the playbill once a month. The room has memorabilia collections of Elvis Presley, The Simpsons and Howdy Doody that adds a lot of character to the place. The place is also a perfect location for private parties as it has a well stocked bar, extensive banquet menu and comfortable seating for around 300 guests. On musical nights, one must be above 21 to enter and cover charges vary as per event. The doors open at 11a daily.

Pin-Up Bowl bowling alley and martini lounge offers a long list of classic and signature drinks to accompany the rumble and clatter of their 8 lanes. In case that combination isn't satisfactory, patrons can switch to a game of pool and order some classic American dishes or a different drink. Check the website for details.

The Highlands Brewing Company certainly brews its own beer, there are ambers, Belgian whites, IPAs, wheats, marzens, lagers and  stouts enough for the brashest beer lover. Local musical acts, often cover bands, play here often, and the spacious pub, replete with high definition televisions, dart boards, pool tables and kareoke machines is boisterous with fun. 

Known for some of the best soups and sandwiches in town, Applegate's Deli is just what the afternoon called for. Whether stopping in for a quick bite before or during work, or meeting with some friends after a long day, this deli's got what's needed to keep hunger away. Nothing on the menu is over USD9 and everything on the menu tastes great. The atmosphere is laid back, smoke free, and designed to get patrons in and out, complete with smiles and happy stomachs. Stop by for a bowl of soup, a sandwich, wrap, boxed lunch, and their notorious chicken salad! -Cathryn D. Blue

For fine Russian food in the St. Louis area, Astoria is one of only two choices, the other being Zhivago's. An upscale restaurant in West County, Astoria offers some American dishes on the menu, but the Russian specialties are definitely the favorites. A splendid selection of appetizers includes an unusual stuffed eggplant and tender beef dumplings. For an entrée, the traditional Beef stroganoff is outstanding, served with potatoes instead of noodles. If you don't mind the calories, try a luscious Russian Napolean for dessert.