STL - Need Recs near Scottrade Center

[Dallas Alice]

We're coming to lovely St. Louie to see Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band on August 23rd at the Scottrade Center. What are the best places to eat nearby? Price not an issue -- good food (and drinks) are what matter. We'll be neatly dresed, but, hey, it's a rock concert. So nothing too snooty. Thanks.

[Dallas Alice]

Thanks for your suggestions. We had dinner at 1111 Mississippi, and really enjoyed it. Three of our party had the heirloom tomato salad, and loved it; I went with the wild boar raviolli, and it was great. Same story on entrees -- sea bass, prime rib, pork tenderloin, and rabbit: everything was wonderful. We were so full by then we shared 1111's great bread pudding for dessert. Then off to a stupendous concert.

Next morning, brunch at Sqwires. Good food (loved the brisket hash), very reasonably priced.

All told, for a short visit, St. Louis acquitted itself very well. And Bruce even played "Little Queenie," by your native son, Chuck Berry.

[squabbit]

Next time I would go to Square One Brewery in Lafayette Square. Good food, good beer, good ambiance, and only about a mile and a half from downtown. Straight shot north on Tucker.

[CheesemongersWife]

I would actually take 14th St. to Chouteau, make a left....make right on Truman Pkwy and a right on Park Avenue....it's on the corner of Park & Dolman. They have a great brunch as well.

[nosh]

Thanks for reporting back. Read in the Post-Dispatch that he played for over three hours and that it was a great show. Hope you had good seats, and glad you enjoyed your St. Louis visit.

[jberendzen]

Try 1111 Mississippi

[bobzemuda]

I always hit 10th Street Italian when I go to anything at Scottrade as I can park in between and walk to both.

[CheesemongersWife]

Is 10th open late? I love that place but always figured them a strictly lunch.

[bobzemuda]

It's open until 8:00PM

[CheesemongersWife]

Here's a list of where I would go...An American Place (some think it's snooty, but I go in jeans and a nice blouse/sandal and always feel comfortable), Anthony's Bar, Niche or Sidney Street Cafe....a little further south is Revival...casual but delicious!

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Larry's Forgione's an American Place
822 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63101

Niche Restaurant
1831 Sidney Street, St. Louis, MO 63104

Sidney Street Cafe
2000 Sidney St, Saint Louis, MO 63104

Anthony's
10 S Broadway # 150 St, Louis, MO

Revival
3800 Chouteau Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63110

[nosh]

Cheesemonger's -- I enjoy your posts (and your wine and cheese shop) and usually agree with your recommendations. But I don't think these fit what the poster needs right before a Springsteen concert. Niche, Sidney Street, and An American Place are all among St. Louis's best dining experiences, but all of them are more for a dining-centered evening where a leisurely meal is the focus. Also, none is within walking distance of the concert venue.

I think what the poster wants is a place where they can park once, get a little food and a lot of drinks without paying auditorium prices, and then make the show. Personally, I'm a little at a loss for what is in that immediate neighborhood -- the only thing that comes to mind is parking to the west of the Scottrade Center, walking a couple of very long blocks to Union Station (which is a tourist venue with a bunch of mostly chain, quick-food stalls) and finding a place there. Used to be a Hooter's on the second level where you could get wings, bar food, beer and cocktails -- not sure if it is still there.

[CheesemongersWife]

Nosh...you are free to think as you wish. Just to clarify...we do not own the shop...my husband is simply the cheesemonger (or was until today). We are moving to Arizona on Saturday.

But what I read was: money not an issue...somewhere nearby on the drive in....BEST places to eat nearby....my recommendations fit that bill. But, hey...if they want Hooters...they'll have to walk farther over to the old Mike Shannon's. Not much in Union Station these days. There is chain seafood restaurant, a Hard Rock and a bagel shop there.....not what I think they had in mind.

Not much within walking distance of Scottrade anyway when you think about it...they'll need to drive somewhere.

Just because it's a rock concert doesn't mean they have to eat mediocre food. I have had many early leisurely dinners at all of those spots. Sidney Street has a bar area for pete's sake....you can go in for some drinks are really great food....you don't have to get a tasting menu. Niche has a great prie fixe that's reasonable...same with An American Place.

Again, just my suggestions.

[CheesemongersWife]

OH! Another spot you could try would be Frazers! Great bar area and good food. It's by the AB Brewery.

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Frazer's Traveling Brown Bag
1811 Pestalozzi St, Saint Louis, MO 63118

[nosh]

So sorry to hear that you are leaving the St. Louis area -- you were one of the more active and accurate posters on the board. And OMG, no offense intended -- all of the spots you mentioned are among the city's best in their genres. I was just emphasizing the preconcert gearing up for a 3-hour plus Springsteen and E Street Band experience -- fine dining might be the focus the night before or after or even lunch, but a one-time park and walk is what I'd want before a show.

[CheesemongersWife]

No offense taken in the least! It's sad that there are not many options in that area of town within walking distance.