St. Louis

Also the City Museum is a wonderful weird place to waste hours of time and energy
The roof top has a Bar (4-5 on property) to help pass the time while watching the kids on the big slides. Great spot. Decent views of downtown.

Pretty sure it’s all local beer with other canned goodies.

Also the 10 story slide for the more adventurous or after some day drinking.
 
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I live in STL. Don’t waste your time with Lion’s Choice or Bandana’s. Both are chains.

I would recommend Bogart’s in Soulard for BBQ. Way better. Pappy’s too. The Italian restaurants are all good, and Gioia’s Deli is fantastic.

I’ve also not seen it mentioned much but Blue’s City Deli is arguably the best deli shop in town. It’s also south of downtown but close.
Blues City is great. Very small not much seating. We get it to go
 
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The Iowa State Alumni Association is having a pregame party on Friday at the Tin Roof, 1000 Clark Ave, roughly four blocks from the Enterprise Center. The bar opens at 9:00am.
Anyone have parking recommendations near Enterprise/Tin Roof?

I'm driving straight into town for this pregame (hopefully) and then Session 1. Assuming no hiccups along the way. Not checking into hotel until after ISU game finishes tomorrow.
 
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Anyone have parking recommendations near Enterprise/Tin Roof?

I'm driving straight into town for this pregame (hopefully) and then Session 1. Assuming no hiccups along the way. Not checking into hotel until after ISU game finishes tomorrow.
Surface lot directly east across the street from the arena. Enter off the 1300 block of Clark. Much quicker getting out than the attached garage.
 
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I also posted this in the "Roll Call" thread, but I thought I would post it here too.

SOULARD NEIGHBORHOOD OF ST. LOUIS

Several people have recommended the Soulard neighborhood (pronounced “Sulard”) as a place to check out, so I did some scouting for you. It is only about a mile south of the Enterprise Center/Ballpark Village. For people who want something other than the expensive franchise-type places downtown, Soulard is a fantastic alternative.

Each place below is in an original building dating to the early 20th Century. And all are within 1-2 minute walks of each other. To be honest, if you just go to the neighborhood and walk around, you will find something great. And all of these places are local treasures first, not tourist traps, but very welcoming for those who venture into their neighborhood. In nearly every place, I was warmly welcomed by locals who really like their neighborhood and its establishments.

Please note that some of the places have shuttles to the stadium (I didn’t ask everywhere, so my comments below are only for the ones that I know have shuttles).

The following is a list in the order I scouted them, not in order of my recommendations. I could find a reason to recommend almost all of them.

If you go to any of these places, please let them know that you are with Cyclone Fanatic, not just Iowa State. I'm looking forward to making another round on Saturday or Sunday to find out if we made an impression on them.

Hammerstone’s. This place is the place to go if you want to listen to blues music. They have two bands scheduled each night. I doubt if this is the place to go if you want to watch games, but it seems like a really good place to hear good local blues bands.

Bastille. I spotted a Busch Light sign in the window, so I thought this might be the place for us. Several guys were sitting at tables outside the bar, so I walked up and started talking. Very friendly guys. “Not that I’m gay” (channeling my inner Mike Williams). However, they told me that it is a gay bar. It’s not over-the-top, but it is definitely a gay bar.

McGurk’s. This is a classic Irish pub. However, don’t let the entrance fool you. In addition to the corner pub vibe when you walk in, they have a very large outdoor area too, including a coi pond. They also have big TV’s at the outside bar.

Duke’s. Their sign declares that they are a sports bar (and not a gay bar, despite what the name might imply). As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by a bunch of Illinois fans who have an AirBnB nearby. One of them had a daughter go to Iowa State. And one was actually a Hok fan, but his friends took the lead in trashing him for me. It isn’t very big, but it has a great sports bar vibe. They have a square bar in the middle with bar stools and tables all around it. And TV’s are on every wall. The food menu was very good. In fact, it was so good, that I think they must have additional dining rooms too.

Henry’s. They have a small corner bar inside, but a long narrow bar with tables outside. They had one TV outside, but this place seemed a little “clubby” and was mostly interested in its loud music (yes, I’m a Boomer).

Eat Crow. Again, I saw a Busch Light sign in the window and I thought this might be our place. However, there was almost no one inside. I noticed a long list of “Help Wanted” positions posted on the door which made me think the place is understaffed.

Pizzeoli’s. This place served authentic wood-fired pizza with an oven imported from Italy. They have a bar in one room and a small square dining area in another. It is the place to go for good pizza, but probably not game-watching.

Calypso – Closed.

The Great Grizzley Bear. They claim to be the oldest place in Soulard. It was very big, inside and outside. It is definitely a sports bar. They have TV’s every (with sound on). Lots of big tables for groups. And a better-than-average food menu. The server I talked to was really sharp and I felt like they would really take care of you there. Also, they were the first one to tell me that they have a shuttle to take people to the game.

Hi Hat. I didn’t stop here. It was located in the middle of a street, not on a corner, which was unusually, but probably not important. It had a few outside tables and may have had an outside area in back, but I don’t know for sure.

1860 Saloon. This is actually three places that are connected on the inside. The first is a full bar that has a saloon-vibe and has a corner set up for a band to play. The second is called their “game room,” both because of a big multi-part TV and because of a foosball table, etc. The third seemed like a simpler saloon with a bar on one side and the rest of the room fairly open. They also have a shuttle.

Molly’s. This is actually four spots. Two inside and two outside. It felt a little nicer than most of the others, but its food menu was surprising average.

Tucker’s. They probably had the best food menu, featuring lots of steaks and chops. However, they only had a few TV’s and no sound. Fortunately, they are right next door to Duke’s, so if you want a good steak and then watch games, you don’t have to go far.

One more note: This is a genuine neighborhood, so there is very little off-street parking. You may have to park a block or so away from your chosen venue.
 
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From a reputable Des Moines personality from St. Louis...

Must-try St. Louis Sites

Gioa’s Deli
, The Hill – Try the hot salami sandwich on garlic cheese bread.

Amighetti’s Bakery & Deli, The Hill – Try the Little Bit of Italy (hot) or Amighetti’s Special sandwiches and the Special or Sicilian salads

More great St. Louis-style Italian food at places like Charlie Gitto’s, Farotto’s, Anthonino’s, Cunetto House of Pasta, Zia’s, Rigazzi’s, Pietro’s, The Pasta House and Favazza’s. Get pizza, pasta, salads, and anything artichoke. Basically, any local Italian restaurant in the metro is going to be able to bring it strong or they’d already be out of business.

Any dingey-looking Chinese/chop suey restaurant in the city – Try the St. Paul sandwich with ham, turkey, or shrimp. It’s an egg foo yung patty on two pieces of white bread with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo. It’s inexpensive and oddly delicious. A favorite of national food shows like America’s Test Kitchen.

Katie’s Pizza, Pasta & Oyster, Ballpark Village – I haven’t been here but it comes highly recommended by friends.

Lion’s Choice (many locations) – the roast beef sandwiches have gotten pricey but they’re still great. Get the biggest one…and some fries. And it’s better if you can eat inside where you can get plenty of au jus and horseradish sauce and dip your sandwiches.

Southwest Diner (near The Hill) – go for breakfast and while it’s all great, try the Southwest Slinger (St. Louis classic)

Ted Drewe’s Frozen Custard, south St. Louis – the originators of frozen custard and no one does it better. The Concretes are the specialty but even their regular malts are next-level.

Also…

St. Louis is widely considered one of the best BBQ cities in America (St. Louis-style ribs) and you can’t go wrong with a stop at Bandana’s, Dalie’s, Smoki O’s, or any one of a hundred other local BBQ joints in the city or the metro. Ribs, brisket sandwiches, and the local-favorite pork steaks are the ones to get.

On your way into town from Iowa, or on your way home:

Stefanina’s Pizza, O’Fallon and Wentzville – Get the extra large pizza and eat it in the car. Salads and apps are great, too. Just call ahead and pick it up. Takes about 25 minutes. We always make a stop here on our way back to Iowa.

Bar districts worth a drive or Uber ride

Soulard – McGurk’s Irish Pub (great burgers, here), Venice Café, Molly’s

The Delmar Loop – Blueberry Hill, Soul 2 Soul, International Tap House, ‘Ssipi

Planter’s House
, Lafayette Square (totally cool restaurant and cocktail bar)


Wanted Ice Cream tonight and got the infamous Ted Drewe's. Excellent decision

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Woke up early jazzed up. Didn't want the hotel breakfast and there's a greasy diner downtown that's been around 120+ years called Chili Mac. They do a Cincinnati-ish style spaghetti chili concoction, got the one with eggs too since it was before 7am.

No avocado toast here :D

IMG_4042.jpegIMG_4045.jpegIMG_4052.jpeg

Prices are good too


IMG_4043.jpeg
 
From a reputable Des Moines personality from St. Louis...

Must-try St. Louis Sites

Gioa’s Deli
, The Hill – Try the hot salami sandwich on garlic cheese bread.

Amighetti’s Bakery & Deli, The Hill – Try the Little Bit of Italy (hot) or Amighetti’s Special sandwiches and the Special or Sicilian salads

More great St. Louis-style Italian food at places like Charlie Gitto’s, Farotto’s, Anthonino’s, Cunetto House of Pasta, Zia’s, Rigazzi’s, Pietro’s, The Pasta House and Favazza’s. Get pizza, pasta, salads, and anything artichoke. Basically, any local Italian restaurant in the metro is going to be able to bring it strong or they’d already be out of business.

Any dingey-looking Chinese/chop suey restaurant in the city – Try the St. Paul sandwich with ham, turkey, or shrimp. It’s an egg foo yung patty on two pieces of white bread with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo. It’s inexpensive and oddly delicious. A favorite of national food shows like America’s Test Kitchen.

Katie’s Pizza, Pasta & Oyster, Ballpark Village – I haven’t been here but it comes highly recommended by friends.

Lion’s Choice (many locations) – the roast beef sandwiches have gotten pricey but they’re still great. Get the biggest one…and some fries. And it’s better if you can eat inside where you can get plenty of au jus and horseradish sauce and dip your sandwiches.

Southwest Diner (near The Hill) – go for breakfast and while it’s all great, try the Southwest Slinger (St. Louis classic)

Ted Drewe’s Frozen Custard, south St. Louis – the originators of frozen custard and no one does it better. The Concretes are the specialty but even their regular malts are next-level.

Also…

St. Louis is widely considered one of the best BBQ cities in America (St. Louis-style ribs) and you can’t go wrong with a stop at Bandana’s, Dalie’s, Smoki O’s, or any one of a hundred other local BBQ joints in the city or the metro. Ribs, brisket sandwiches, and the local-favorite pork steaks are the ones to get.

On your way into town from Iowa, or on your way home:

Stefanina’s Pizza, O’Fallon and Wentzville – Get the extra large pizza and eat it in the car. Salads and apps are great, too. Just call ahead and pick it up. Takes about 25 minutes. We always make a stop here on our way back to Iowa.

Bar districts worth a drive or Uber ride

Soulard – McGurk’s Irish Pub (great burgers, here), Venice Café, Molly’s

The Delmar Loop – Blueberry Hill, Soul 2 Soul, International Tap House, ‘Ssipi

Planter’s House
, Lafayette Square (totally cool restaurant and cocktail bar)
It would have saved you a lot of time to just write "Andy Fales".
 
Your handle is self explanatory. Unless you change your dietary guidelines, your cast iron gut will be a test case for Medicare actuaries.