Edition: Top 25 Attractions
Springtime Seating
Author: Anne T. Makeever
Though one of the city's most celebrated native poets, T.S. Elliot, named April the cruelest month, we just don't see things that way. April in St. Louis truly is the harbinger of spirng, and once the weather warms, and it surely will, you'll find St. Louis restaurants are eager to open their sidewalks, patios, and courtyards to outdoor diners. Following is a list of our favorite warm-weather spots.
Almond's
An outdoor table here means dining alongside downtown Clayton's Maryland Avenue in the midst of chic boutiques and shops that dot the tree-lined street. This perennial favorite offers good Southern flavor with its popular pan-fried chicken. You might also find tasso strudel topped with jalapeño créme fraiche on the menu or chicken and sausage gumbo, as well as nicely grilled fish (the salmon is always good). Almond's is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. (8127 Maryland Ave., 314-725-1019).
Landry's
Landry's is terrifically popular in New Orleans and has an avid following in St. Louis as well. Part of the restored St. Louis Union Station shopping center - once St. Louis's bustling train station - Landry's has outdoor tables on a deck that overlooks Union Station's lake and fountains. An ideal setting when you consider the menu, which is made up of seafood specialties, including blackened red snapper, crawfish dishes, softshell crab, flounder filleted tableside and lots of shrimp specialties. If you've been craving a piña colada, this is a good place to indulge. Landry's is open for lunch and dinner daily. (St. Louis Union Station, 314-231-4040).
La Piazza
Situated on Pershing Avenue in University City, right on the edge of Clayton, this neighborhood favorite has a dozen or so tables along the sidewalk under trees made festive with twinking lights. You can choose to dine light and fashion a meal of soup, salad, and one of the restaurant's thin, crisp pizzas, or set yourself up quite nicely with several courses. Look for gazpacho on the menu, as well as filet mignon, pasta dishes on the inventive side, as well as grilled fish and seafood entrees. La Piazza is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, for dinner Monday through Saturday. (7401 Pershing Ave., 314-862-5224).
Magpie's Café
St. Charles's historic Main Street is grand for walking, shopping and sightseeing. But once you've done all that, you'll surely want a spot for sitting and refreshing. Magpie's is just such a place with a garden patio that is lush and separate from the hustle and bustle of Main Street. If you want to order like the locals do, then don't miss the baked potato soup - always on the menu and always good. Magpie's Café is open for lunch daily and for dinner Friday and Saturday. (903 S. Main St., 636-947-3883).
John D. McGurk's
Situated in St. Louis's historic Soulard neighborhood, this internationally known Irish pub is a popular watering hole. When the weather warms, the outdoor courtyard, with its wrought iron furniture and pleasant fountain, is a perfect place to meet, drink, and eat. The kitchen does burgers well, but is also adept at corned beef and cabbage, lamb stew, and fish and chips. What's on tap? Guinness, of course, as well as Murphy's Irish Stout and Bass Ale. Live Irish music is part of the ambience, and we hear musicians from the mother country look forward toa McGurk's gig. A sister restaurant, McGurk's Public House, is located in O'Fallon, MO (636-978-9640). John D. McGurk's is open for lunch and dinner daily. (1200 Russell Blvd., 314-776-8309).
Wild Flower
This spot in St. Louis's Central West End neighborhood is wildly popular with the alfresco crowd. Its umbrellas and tables line the sidewalk and its patrons always look like they're having a pretty good time. You can come casual, but do come early if you want a good see-and-be-seen seat. The menu ranges from salads to sandwiches to a good number of specialties, and the kitchen's flavor palate includes French, Asian, and Mexican tastes. Garlic-filled chicken is popular, as are the flavored martinis. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and is open for lunch and dinner every other day of the week, as well as for Sunday brunch. (4590 Laclede Ave., 314-367-9888).
