Things To Do
Blueprint Coffee
Our favorite local coffee roaster! Stop by as you stroll through the Delmar Loop, a historic and artistic neighborhood near Washington University full of interesting restaurants and shops.
Kaldi's Coffee
Delicious local coffee in the heart of CWE, around the corner from the hotels.
Kingside Diner (CWE)
Easy brunch spot with a great patio down the block from the hotels.
Bowood by Niche
A favorite brunch/lunch spot in the CWE.
Blues City Deli
New Orleans-style sandwich shop. One of our favorite places to grab a quick lunch on a Saturday. There's usually a line but it moves fast and the live music, food, prices are worth the wait.
Adriana's on the Hill
Delicious and classic sandwich shop located on the Hill, Saint Louis' Italian-American neighborhood.
Southwest Diner
Hands-down Keith's favorite brunch spot. His go-to's: Jonathan's fiery scramble + biscuits and gravy. Lara loves the cornmeal pancakes.
Union Loafers Café and Bread Bakery
A neighborhood favorite of Lara's. Delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches for lunch; the best neapolitan pizzas and salads for dinner; plus fresh-baked bread and chocolate chip cookies.
St. Louis-Style BBQ
STL loves BBQ! So many good options to choose from for ribs, brisket, pulled pork, etc. Our faves are Pappy's, Adam's, and Bogart's. For more of a sit-down restaurant, we recommend Salt + Smoke, with nearby locations in the CWE or U City Loop.
Louie
One of our fave date night restaurants. Make a reservation or walk in late/early and sit at the bar.
Mission Taco Joint - Central West End
The site of our first date!
Brasserie by Niche
French bistro by local celeb chef Gerard Craft. Delicious dinner and weekend brunch, and super close to our hotel blocks.
OLIO
Great cocktails and middle-eastern small plates with a lovely patio close to our home.
iNDO
Delish upscale Thai/Japanese close to our home.
Local Breweries
STL has a bustling beer scene! Some of our favorite local breweries are Side Project (known for its sours), Urban Chestnut (two locations--biergarten in Midtown, German-style bierhall in the Grove), Rockwell (delicious burgers), and 4 Hands (downtown). For something a little more informational and mainstream, we also recommend doing the Anheuser Busch brewery tour.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
The home of the original Concrete, a delicious frozen custard concoction with mix-ins of your choice, emulated by STL's Danny Meyer at Shake Shacks across the world. When you get your concrete, it should be so thick that you can turn it upside down without any spilling. Try it at your own risk!
The Tower Grove Farmers' Market
A short walk from our house, this is Lara's favorite way to kick off a Saturday. Start with donation-based yoga at 9am or go straight for a Poptimism popsicle or Honeybees biscuit to eat as you peruse local produce and artisan goods. With live music, a fountain + splash pad, and two playgrounds, all surrounded by an awesome park, there's plenty to enjoy whether you're on your own or with little ones.
Forest Park
One of the biggest and best parks in all the land! Home to Keith's favorite 6-mile running loop, the St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, paddle boats, tennis courts, 2 golf courses, and the world-renowned (and free!) Saint Louis Zoo, to name a few. You can walk in from the Central West End or start at Art Hill and wander from there. Stop at the Boathouse for refreshments along the way!
City Museum
One of our top recommendations for out-of-towners! Run around like a child at this unique adult- and kid-friendly indoor/outdoor playground made of all repurposed materials. Check out their website and photos for more information, but you may just need to experience it to understand. Wear comfy clothes and shoes!
Missouri Botanical Garden
Just a couple blocks from our home, this is one of our favorite places to stroll on a beautiful day. With so many twists and turns, it's easy to get lost (in a good way). Joe and David Gershman (Lara's nephews) also highly recommend the children's area.
The Gateway Arch
The Gateway to the West! St. Louis' iconic arch is located downtown, right next to the Mississippi River, which separates Missouri from Illinois. If you've never been, it truly is a sight worth seeing. Just walk around and observe from the bottom, or pay to take a tram-ride up to the top.
Saint Louis Aquarium at Union Station
Brand new as of December, we haven't been to this one yet but are hearing good things! Located downtown in the historic Union Station, which is also home to the new and popular Saint Louis Wheel--a 200-foot high ferris wheel with enclosed gondolas.
Busch Stadium
The Cardinals will sadly be out of town, but check out stadium tours!