Emily & Scott
To Do on Saturday
Forest Park
This is a park with forests. If Emily isn't busy with the wedding maybe you'll run into her on a run with Luna. Probably not, though. Not because she doesn't run, she just has a busy weekend. Scott can be found somewhere else in the park, like at the Boat House eating a burger or paddling a boat, pretendinh he's a historian at the renown MO History Museum, hitting golf balls at the driving range, or walking the zoo with his nieces and nephews. Lots to do here!
Tower Grove Park
Woof Woof! It's Luna's favorite park! Scott and Emily fell in love on the walking paths at this park. They walked Luna, they went on runs, they went shopping at Farmers Markets, they went to concerts, had picnics, played in softball leagues, and more. Sure, it will be cold, but if by chance it's warmer take a stroll!
The Gateway Arch
It's that big silver Arch thingy. Visit St. Louis' National Park - walking distance from our wedding hotel!
Missouri Botanical Garden
Scott and Emily love MOBOT, and can't recommend it enough, grab a burger at O'Connell's down the road, a donut from World's Fair Doughnuts, a glass of wine from Sasha's, or a coffee at one of the many surrounding coffee shops, and then skedaddle on over to enjoy the zen of what is a true urban garden oasis.
Saint Louis Zoo
Might be Scott and Emily's favorite place on the list. The zoo in St. Louis is FREE! And they are world renown for their top notch care of their beautiful animals. Scott and Emmy live just a block up from the back entrance and cannot recommend the zoo enough.
Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery
Just a short Uber from the venue, this is where the real magic happens...Tours occur daily and yes complimentary beer is included at the end!
Soulard Farmers Market
Need a goose? a rabbit? some funkadelic shrooms? a bizarre gift no one would want? a bizarre gift anyone would want? Soulard Market is the oldest public market in the United States west of the Mississippi River. You have to see it to believe it. This is kind of a must see....
City Museum
How do you describe this...the City Museum is that place you wanted to live as a kid come to life...but you finally get to experience it as an adult, and oh there's beer. This wacky place is a must see to believe experience. Just do your research, maybe bring some knee and elbow pads, too.
Cherokee Street
Cherokee Street is known for its established taquerias, as well as its eclectic global eateries and hip bars. Vintage stores, antiques shops and contemporary art galleries showing local work also line the street.
City Foundry STL
Wow, this place proves why you should buy stock in St. Louis. 17 kitchens, multiple shops, soon to be a movie theatre, and concert venue, all right in the heart of midtown. This place is too cool to understand, just go and go hungry and thirsty, they have every food imaginable and it is so New York, so big city, in yet here you are in lovely St. Louis!
Armory Building
Opening its doors to the public on December 15, 2022, this $60-million complex features nearly six acres of flexible space to gather, play, eat, drink and discover. Think of it as like a Bar-K but for humans...fun games everywhere, bars everywhere, music, just a party all around you...again, buy stock in St. Louis people!
Left Bank Books
Scott and Emily love books. One of them is MUCH better at finishing them then the other. We will let you guess which one...Any who, this is one of the coolest and most popular of the book stores in town, though TBH, we haven't found one we dislike yet!
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, also known as the Saint Louis Cathedral, is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church located in the Central West End neighborhood. The church is known for its large mosaic installation (which is one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere, and for its burial crypts.
Union Station St. Louis
Another place Downtown. How do you describe a place that has so much. Well to start, a fun fact: Scott's grandpa started his journey to WWII and the European Theatre here via train. Those days for the station have vastly changed. Now folks enjoy the multiple bars, light shows, Ferris wheel, restaurants, rope course, mini golf, carousel, and more!
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
This is one the latest and greatest additions to the growth of downtown St. Louis. The Aquarium is especially great for younger children, though adults seeing it for the first time will be equally impressed with the wide array of sea life.
National Blues Museum
Ahhh the St. Louis Blues. That's right, it all started on this soil. So go ahead learn about it here, you won't be disappointed. The National Blues Museum explores the Blues and celebrates the genre as the foundation of all modern American music.
Missouri History Museum
The soon to be Pickels...yep, they admit it...they are museum people. This one is FREE! So they watch for the exhibits going through the Art and History museum regularly. Both museums are incredibly well done and located in bustling Forest Park.
Saint Louis Art Museum
The soon to be Pickels...yep, they admit it...they are museum people. This one is FREE! So they watch for the exhibits going through the Art and History museum regularly. Both museums are incredibly well done and located in bustling Forest Park.
St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum
This one is a bit self-explanatory, but hey, if you're even just a baseball fan -- you don't have to be a Cardinals fan -- this is worth it. Think no doubt about it Hall of Famer, never before seen material.
Pieces Board Game Bar And Restaurant
If it's a Johnson Wedding there has to be plenty of places to get your game on, and this is a great one. A full bar, a huge library of games, and workers who can help with game play, Scott and Emily love going here on a rainy day....or on a sunny day come to think of it!
Horseshoe St. Louis Casino (Formerly Lumiere)
You didn't think we would forget a casino now did ya! This is the nicest and most fun casino in town. We would recommend at least starting here (of course after the wedding festivities)! Scott and Emily ask for a 50% minimum share of winnings. Thank you.
Lafayette Square Park
Want to see where the famous engagement photos of Scott and Emmy were taken? Head to Lafayette park which is surrounded by stately Victorian townhouses, with wine bars, relaxed coffee shops and Italian restaurants nearby. George Clooney was known to enjoy the area while filming "Up in the Air".
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves the central section of the largest prehistoric Native American city north of Mexico. Occupied from 700 to 1400, the city grew to cover 4,000 acres, with a population of between ten and twenty thousand at its peak around 1100.
Jazz St. Louis
For nearly three decades, Jazz St. Louis has been the foremost jazz presenter in St. Louis and throughout the region. We are dedicated to preserving the legacy of this musical genre. Hundreds of local and nationally renowned musicians, such as Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall, Harry Connick, Jr., and Al Jarreau have graced our stage. Our state-of-the-art Ferring Jazz Bistro has earned praise from artists and patrons alike as one of the best listening rooms in the country.
Felix's Pizza Pub
Here it is. The granddaddy of them all. This is Scott's second home. Scott and Emily live behind this place and all of their friends go here to watch any big game. One time Scott just watched Shawshank Redemption, another time it was Jaws. Scott cried here when the St. Louis Blues won the Stanley Cup. Great beer selection, HUGE pizza by the slice. Invite Scott if you go here, he may pivot his plans for the weekend to join you.
Protagonist Cafe
Well isn't this just the cutest little place you've ever laid your eyes on!? Why yes, yes it is. This shop is in Scott's old hood of Soulard, same location as the wedding venue. Emily once cheated in Scrabble here (Scott is pretty sure). Anyhow, get a baked good, you won't regret it, and if Soulard Market is open, skip over there to walk the halls with your coffee, or simply grab a chair and Scrabble from the back table, but don't cheat, you cheater.
Road Crew Coffee & Cycles
This was coffee shop 1 of 2 that was within easy walking distance of Emily's place when she lived in Tower Grove. Scott preferred this one, Emily preferred Hartford Coffee. It seconds as a full bike shop and Scott always said he was going to buy a bike, he never did, well he did, but it took him 2 years and he bought a hand me down. Trust Scott, he knows coffee better, go here. (Disclaimer: Scott is typing this as he drinks coffee)
Hartford Coffee Company
This was coffee shop 2 of 2 within easy walking distance of Emily's apartment in Tower Grove (the other being Road Crew Coffee - see recommendation). Emily and her friend's love the bagel sandwiches here - especially after a long night out at Stella Blues or Alpha Brewing.
Blueprint Coffee
Scott drinks their iced coffee like its water. Washington University students love this place, so there must be something special in the water, I mean coffee.
Planter's House
The cocktail/mocktail takeover of St. Louis started here with Ted Kilgore - a mixologist genius. If you can dream it, Planter's can make it, and they'll make it with the freshest ingredients you can find this side of the 'ssippi.
Scarlett's Wine Bar
This is where it all started folks! Scott and Emily had there very first date here. Scott was dumb and Emily had to ask if they were going to get food or not.
Civil Life Brewing Co.
Civil Life is that brewery for the common man, the blue collar guy. And while Scott doesn't drink anymore, he loves what these guys do for the city and they have arguably the best and boldest beer coming out of St. Louis. Be Civil, Be Well.
Rockwell Beer Company
Rockwell is one of Scott and Emmy's favorite places to grab a burger, why you ask? Because the burger is one of those melt in your mouth type burgers. Scott and Emily swear they could out eat any couple in a contest. They also have quickly risen up the ranks churning out some damn good brews with even cooler designs for their cans. Try the Byrd Up, Passing Clouds, Stand By and more.
Urban Chestnut Grove Brewery and Bierhall
Want to take a trip to Munich but still make the best wedding ever? Say no more and step inside this authentic Munchen bierhall. Scott and Emily enjoy going here and pretending they are Euro travelers for the night, they usually get a pratzel to complete the picture.
Earthbound Beer
Earthbound is on the heart of Cherokee Street, one of Emily and Scott's favorite places. This is one of their go to stops. Parked on top of former beer storing Missouri caves, Earthbound is whisking up good brew in a hipster cove of a spot. Ask them about the history of the place and caves underneath.
4 Hands Brewing Co
4 Hands has become a St. Louis institution. Scott and Emily end up here (happily) about once a month. With free skeeball and arcade games upstairs, a wide variety of beers, and jolly young and old folks here around the clock, you simply can't not enjoy yourself here.
Alpha Brewing Company
Alpha Brewing was down the street from Emily's place in Tower Grove. Emily and her friends were known by name. Famous for their sour beers, saisons, and ales, if you have the taste buds of Emily you gotta get to this place. Tell them you know Krista and maybe you'll get a free pour. (Don't actually do that)
John D. McGurk's Irish Pub and Garden
If you like authentic Irish Pubs and a properly poured Guinness, aye this the spot for ye laddy. McGurks is walking distance from the venue and is one of Scott and Emily's favorite pubs. It might even be Scott's favorite!
Molly's In Soulard
This is where Scott and Emily are holding their rehearsal dinner. On the other side of the restaurant from where the rehearsal dinner is being held is a big patio and bar area that is walled in during the winter months. Scott and Emily spent a lot of time here when Scott was living nearby. Regularly voted as one of the best patios in St. Louis.
Broadway Oyster Bar
BOB, or Broadway Oyster Bar, makes you feel like you're seaside. First off, great seafood right here in St. Louis. But the vibe is what really sells the place. Music will get you up to dance, bartenders will have you spending more money than you intended to, and after a few hours you might realize you need to call a cab when you just came for a Sprite and lobster bisque. Fun doesn't begin to describe the vibe.
Stella Blues
Get a shot (or bottle) of Soju here and an order of wings from the small back kitchen - be sure to bring cash. If you order the boneless wings, Emily will berate you, Scott learned this the hard way.
Sasha's on Shaw
You boujee? Ya, you are. This little wine bar a short Uber from the Downtown and Soulard area is cozy, cute, and whispers sweet nothings of hey, come on in, stay Saturday in St. Louis after the Friday wedding and spend a few extra dollars than you probably want to on a glass of wine. (OK, it isn't that bad). This is the first spot people think of in St. Louis for a good glass of wine. There is also a location in Demun, just down the street from where Scott grew up.
Union Loafers Café and Bread Bakery
"I want to stay for Saturday, Scott and Emily, and I just want to sit in my hotel and eat the best pizza I have ever had". Say no more, fellow comrade. Emily introduced this pizza to Scott and his life (and belly) has never been the same. Make a reservation or do carry out with this one, she's popular.
Retreat Gastropub
They call it Retreat but run, don't walk here. The mocktails and cocktails are some of the best in the city. The burger and fries, the pork toast, the ambiance, you'll have a smashing time.
Blues City Deli
Step into the Bayou and get yourself one of the finest deli sandwiches this side of the 'sippi. Live music, good vibes, and a sandwich menu made for kings. If you fancy a muffuletta this is the best in town.
Tamm Avenue Bar
Just down the street from where Scott and Emily live, this bar is one of the most popular among the popular and pretty kids of St. Louis. Thus, Scott and Emily go pretty frequently.
Mission Taco Joint - Historic Soulard
Tacos and Tequila. Go to their Soulard location. Emily and Scott frequent all their locations for their cheap tacos and awesome shaken margs.
The Royale Food & Spirits
Scott and Emily enjoy cool vibes, chill patios, and well concocted drinks. This place has all that and is a 2 minute drive from Tower Grove Park, one of Scott, Emily, and Luna's other favorite places to spend time together.
Bogart's Smokehouse
"~!~oMg~!~ I am coming from out of town to St. Louis and I am totes a foodie...I'll be so close to Kansas City BBQ!!!" Shut up. St. Louis BBQ is better. And this is tied with like 2 others as the best. And the beauty of it? It's right in Soulard, and about a 2 minute Uber from the hotel. The ribs are WOW, but honey, you cannot go wrong.
Ninth Street Deli @ Howard's
Good ole 9th Street. This is the closest deli with really good sandwiches to the wedding venue. Get them cold, get them hot, and grab a bag of dirty chips. Sit at the bar, some of the friendliest bartenders in town will take good care of yas. Often has live music too!
The Gramophone
Scott and Emily celebrate Sub Saturday just about every week. Scott sometimes celebrates Sub Sunday, Monday, etc. too. This is one of their top faves furrrr suresie. They have awesome toasted subs, a full bar, and almost always live music. They also have a mean bloody mary and full bar. Try out the Delcortivo, Mississippi Nights Club, The Beef, South Austin Melt, Danimal, ahhhh screw it, try them all.
OLIO
Olio is that spot Scott takes Emily when he probably 'effed up. And this is just for the good wine before dinner elsewhere. Some of the best wine selection in town, very cute ambiance oozing with charm, located in an old filling station, so it hits Scott's love of old town St. Louis/architecture.
Hammerstone's
Want live music and be right down the street from the wedding venue? This shotgun style bar has live rock n roll music around the clock, cheap beers and wells, and often free popcorn. Caddy corner from Scott's old Soulard place!
Sunny's Cantina
Ever find out a new restaurant is opening in your 'hood and you get so excited only to be let down? Ya, well, that didn't happen with Sunny's Cantina. Emily and I LOVE the Mexican food here and it is less than a mile from their place in Dogtown. The jalapeño margarita can be made non-alcoholic and still be the best margarita in town. When Scott stopped drinking this place named an NA Mocktail after him: The Scotty 2 Hotty - give it a whirl! Also, tell the manager Kelly we say hello!
Seamus McDaniel's
It's a question we have gotten asked a lot...where do you guys eat the most? It is right here. The best bar food in town, and just a stone's throw from Scott and Emily's place, you must order the fried buffalo chicken sandwich with tater tots. Yes, it is massive, yes, it is magical, yes, that is your arteries closing...But yes, it is worth it.
World's Fair Donuts
This little storefront of gold dates back to the 1940s, the newest owner worked with the long time, original owners to not change a damn thing, why fix what ain't broke? Also, that new owner? He's a sober friend of Scotts! Donut be jelly of all the others, get yourself a Worlds Fair donut.
O'Connell's Pub
Sick n tired of burger joints that can't keep to the right temperature? Not a smash burger fan and you want that old school thick patty like momma used to make? Head on in to World Famous O'Connells for a pint and a burger. Scott and his Mom would hit this place up almost every month just to "catch up", Lyn and Tony often went on dates here, or Lyn would go to "study" while in grad school, now Scott and Emily can't resist the comfort of O'Connells. Cheers one to Lyn Pickel while you're here :)
Amsterdam Tavern
To all the lads and lassies in town, grab ye scarf, dress on your kit and smash on in to Amsterdam. This is the "soccer" fan's mecca of a futbol bar. You will forget you're in Missouri and will be taken into the streets of Liverpool, Manchester, Barcelona, Milan, Munich, Paris, you name it, they have all the big games on and a wide selection of brews from around the world. Emily and her maids of honor lived right down the street for several years!
Clementine's Naughty and Nice Creamery
I SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! Clementine's has multiple locations, this being the closest to the wedding venue. Scott and Emily don't care how cold it is...this ice cream is so damn good, you could eat it in pjs with a Snowman in Antarctica and still enjoy it. Scotty and Emily love to get ice cream and then go sit on his mom's memorial bench in Demun Park at the Clementine's Clayton location.
The Midwestern
This bar, similar to it's neighbor Tin Roof, has live music at night, great BBQ, tons of whisky, and begs you to turn drink 1 to 10.
Start Bar
I have a feeling some of the Johnsons will end up at this one....this is a huge arcade bar downtown - a short walk from the hotel - Live by Loews. Has some pretty damn good pizza, all the arcade games you could ask for, and a full bar. Emily regularly kicks Scott's butt at all the games here.
International Tap House, Soulard
"I am a beer snob and the wedding didn't have a wide enough selection of IPAs and Porters." - You. "1. Geeeesh, sorry, Prince William. 2. Then go here after" - Me
Tuckers Place
Dinner was so good at the wedding, but now I want steak! Okay, okay. Settle down. Here is your answer. Tucker's won't break the bank but by gahd will it ever make your day. This might be Scott's favorite steak in town.
Llywelyn's Pub
Scott used to sit here and wait for his laundry to be done across the street, the dragon wings are his fav, but the homemade chips with malt vinegar are the can't miss item. This is the place you always have in your back pocket, it just never fails ya.
The Schlafly Tap Room
These guys went up against heavy weight Anheuser-Busch (also should visit this brewery), back in '91, and somehow through their ridiculously good marketing and more importantly, delicious beer, brought craft beer to St. Louis.
Salt + Smoke
Salt and Smoke has brisket that could end civil war. Their newest location? Well i'll be damned...a short saunter from the wedding hotel - Live by Loews.
Blueberry Hill
Where do you take a new lady in your life when you just took her on a romantic first wine and dine her date? Well you take her to a grungy, seemingly always open, dart bar where you may be the only two not smoking the other types of darts. Yep, this was one of Scott's and Emily's early date spots, but in all sincerity this place is a St. Louis institution, with priceless memorabilia adoring the walls, and a vibe that can't be beat. Grab a pitcher of the cheapest beer, borrow some free darts from the bar, and hell IDK, maybe smoke a cig just for the heck of it on the smokers porch. YOLO.
Pappy's Smokehouse
It's the OG of BBQ in STL. That is Original Gangster of Barbecue in St. Louis, for all you proper folks. Yep, this place get's all the celebrities when in town. Because you know, St. Louis, celebrity hot bed. The ribs are too die for, but get there relatively early, not late, because once they're out for the day, that's it.
Adriana's on the Hill
Adrianas is old school Italian sub shop, they do it the right way and it's a thing of beauty **chef's kiss** Order at the counter, eat there, maybe even eat on the curb if its warm enough. This is the type of place you teach your kid what a real sandwich is.
Gioia's Deli
Okay, just a few more sandwich recommendations. I know it's tough to keep up. But this one is easy: you must order a hot salami on garlic cheese bread. This has changed lives for people who have visited us from out of town who they thought they knew a good sandwich before. My sister in law has their salami shipped to her in NY, I think she has a problem...
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
You may hear about the things that are "so St. Louis". Ted Drewes would have to be in that discussion. Be sure to order a concrete. A concrete is frozen custard with your choice of topping blended in, and damn is it good. Flip it upside down, it wont drop out! Magical.
Imo's Pizza
Prepare yourself out-of-towners...the square beyond compare. Some say it tastes like cardboard, some say its cheesewiz, some fall in love and can't resist it. St. Louisans say it's some of the best pizza you can find anywhere. With locations all around town, order yourself a sausage/pepp or bacon/pepp and let us know what you think!
Yellowbelly
Yes, it is a weird name, but the food? Not weird at all. The mocktails and cocktails definitely not weird at all either, in fact they are delectable and delicious. Scotty and Emmy have this as a top 3 favorite restaurant in town, as do many other STL folk!