stay in THE LOOP
after just a short year of living in University City, home of the loop, i've come to find that it offers some of the most unique, interesting, and eclectic to-do's in the city. located just 15 minutes west of downtown, its locally-owned restaurants, venues, bowling alley, and shops are sure to satisfy all. here's my recommendation of must-stops, but feel free to stroll down the sidewalk and pop in anywhere that catches your eye - no doubt you'll see a few. and as you're walking, notice the St. Louis Walk of Fame under your feet.
for eats:
-Brandt's Cafe: if you like good food, you'll like Brandt's. if you like jazz and good food, you really like Brandt's. if you like good service, jazz and good food, you'll LOVE Brandt's. a top-notch restaurant and wine bar, this place brags the "Best Spinach Artichoke Dip" in St. Louis, and boy, do they mean it. enjoy a light appetizer, a full meal or just a drink while you listen to some jazz favorites (check their site for scheduled live performers).
for live music:
-The Pageant: established by our own Joe Edwards, this mid-size venue is a hip, quirky place to catch your favorite group. purchase reserved seats or--my personal choice--general admission, get there a bit early to snag a first-come-first-serve chair, and enjoy a drink before the show. you can also hit halo bar, located inside the club, for a different scene.
for entertainment:
-Pin-Up Bowl: an urban twist on an old-school bowling alley, this place won architectural awards for its design. sip a martini while you sport your stylish rented bowling shoes, and be sure to check out the restrooms in between frames. you've never seen cleaner potties at a bowling alley.
for drinks:
-Cicero's: also boasts live music in a somewhat sketchy "back room", but their bar outdoes any i've seen. brews from belgium, scotland, greece, holland, and even lithuania on tap, you could spend all day sampling their 30+ styles of beer. when a band is playing, it can be pretty loud, so save your intimate conversations for somewhere else.
for goods:
-Rag-o-rama: it's just a resale shop, but for some reason you can find the coolest items in this shop. much larger than any resale shop i've ever visited, you can find shoes, bags, tops, jeans - and even a costume or two if you're looking for one! fun to look even if you don't buy.
there's much much more to the loop than just these places, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to browse, dine and enjoy.
Place: University City - The Loop
Location: 15 minutes west of downtown
Contact: 314.727.8000 or ucityloop.com
