Clayton
Clayton is almost idyllic--the tall skyscrapers, the wide, clean sidewalks, the parking availability--and with its own downtown, it's like a miniaturized version of St. Louis itself. Clayton, like most cities, is divided into its downtown and suburban aspects, albeit much more starkly. The suburbs are wide and vast, while downtown seems like an oasis of skyscrapers and bustling activity during the work-week. Aside from the high concentration of business professionals, Clayton is also home to one of the best restaurant scenes in St. Louis, hosting a variety of culinary enjoyment for all price ranges, in addition to a host of shops and boutiques.
The day begins early in Clayton, due to the high number of professionals there, and nothing could start the day off better than a meal at First Watch, a specifically breakfast/lunch locale, that offers healthy options alongside the standard diner fare, with clean, spacious booths and tables making it look like an upscale diner, but the prices keeping it humble. If it's a weekend or special occasion and you're looking for an elegant eating experience, try the brunch at the Restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton on Sundays. The atmosphere and decor are sure to lend that special touch.
With breakfast under your belt, you're ready to conquer the day and explore all that Clayton has to offer: Scout out apparel store ScholarShop, which resells high-end clothing and uses the proceeds to support area students, or become a little more educated yourself with the cooking classes offered at the Kitchen Conservatory. Be sure to book in advance, as some of the more popular classes, like the "Couples Night Out" series sell out quickly. If the Kitchen Conservatory gives you the cooking bug, check out Extra Virgin: An Olive Ovation, a specialty store offering gourmet olive oils and tastings, similar to a wine event, without the alcohol; but if you do want a wine event with the alcohol, try either The Wine Merchant, Parker's Table, or the aptly named Wine and Cheese Place. All offer the finest in fermented grape juice, as well as accompaniments like cheese and cigars to round out a rich-flavor experience.
Even with all this munching, you can't miss lunch in Clayton--the food is just too good. Try out local haunt J. Bucks, named after the St. Louisan sportscaster for some upscale American cuisine. In the mood for sushi? Wasabi has some of the best Crunchy Rolls in the city, and Miso on Meramec has amazing Japanese fusion dishes that you can gobble communally, with their plate-by-plate ordering technique. Italian food is also taken care of in luxury by Luciano's Trattoria, or those in the mood for a quick bite can dash to Il Vicino, known for their wood-oven pizzas and frequent benefit events for local organizations.
The abundance of food may have put you in a slight eating-induced-coma, so either lay back for a nap and wait for your stomach to digest the magnificence you've been feasting on, wander around downtown and see the numerous works of public art the city has on display, or just go through a stroll of nearby Wydown or Forest Parks. The afternoons in Clayton are fairly sedate due to the prevalence of the work-oriented, so you have the interim to enjoy time to yourself.
If the shopping bug has a hold on you, though, Clayton won't disappoint. Laurie Solet, founded by a native St. Louisan who has traveled the world, offers contemporary women's clothing from Europe as well as both coasts. Elements of Denim is a designer jeans bar suited to both men and women, focused on finding that perfect pair. St. Louis-specific apparel boutiques are rounded out by Byrd, a women's work and casual clothing store started by Margo Kopman that has thrived since opening in 2002.
You don't have to spend money to have a good time, though. Fine art can be admired or purchased at Barucci Gallery, including glassware and watercolor pictures. Duane Reed Gallery, named for the owner, also showcases contemporary artists' glasswares and sculptures, participating in shows across the country. Any art-lover should stop by to admire, if not purchase a piece.
Don't get too comfortable, though, because as soon as night falls, work is over and the people of Clayton are ready to have fun. Snag an exquisite meal at The Crossing, which specializes in seafood and French delights or Jimmy's On The Park, whose cozy dining area and primo pasta are almost as classy as the decor. For a chic dining experience, try fusion restaurant Araka, whose menu presents twists on old favorites, like a strip steak served with a hard-boiled egg. Your nightlife options are usually in conjunction with restaurants, and you should double-check our listings, but almost all of the lunch and dinner options having a lounge area that's open until the early morning, so you're able to go straight from dinner to partying with the locals.
Whatever your taste or mood, there's a good chance Clayton has an eatery to please you, as well as other odd-ball entertainment to keep you occupied.
Insider's Tip: Clayton may seem small-town--the traffic lights shut off at 8pm--but don't let that fool you. During the day, restaurants are jammed with the lunch rush due to the high number of office buildings in the area, and dinner is no better. Try to go at off-peak times or make reservations so you're not left waiting for 45 minutes. Then again, if it's dinner time, that's more time to meet folks at the bar or relax in the lounge area.
Listings within the Clayton Area
15 N. Meramec , St. Louis, MO 63101
Phone: 314-726-5007
7515 Forsyth Boulevard , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-678-0200
8127 Maryland Avenue , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-725-1019
131 Carondelet Plaza , Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-725-6777
34 N. Central Avenue , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-863-9909
7816 Forsyth , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-862-0500
200 S. Central, , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-727-1908
7754 Forsyth Boulevard , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 14-863-5731
8100 Maryland Avenue , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-726-5055
8000 Carondelet , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-721-7001
36 N. Brentwood Blvd. , Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-862-2489
8143 Maryland Ave. , Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-352-4770
200 S. Brentwood Boulevard , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-863-4567
8025 Bonhomme Avenue , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-863-8631
8001 Forsyth Blvd. , Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-863-7330
46 N. Central , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-726-6291
7624 Wydown , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-727-7901
41 N. Central Avenue , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-727-1333
7359 Forsyth , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-862-4667
7923 Forsyth Boulevard , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-727-1414
101 S. Hanley Road , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-725-4700
8405 Maryland Avenue , St. Charles, MO 63105
Phone: 314-863-8555
706 Demun Avenue , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-725-8585
26 N. Central , St. Louis, MO 63105
700 De Mun Ave. , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-727-9955
6611 Clayton Rd. , St. Louis, MO 63117
Phone: 314-727-8585
20 N. Central , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-725-0161
172 Carondelet Plaza , Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-863-9969
16 S. Bemiston , St. Louis, MO 63105
7822 Bonhomme Ave. , Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-725-1261
7814 Forsyth , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-725-4411
15 N. Central Avenue , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-725-6588
7910 Bonhomme Ave. , St. Louis, MO 63105
222 S. Bemiston Avenue , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-726-5757
12 N. Meramec , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-721-6472
Ruth's Chris Steak House - St. Louis
1 N. Brentwood Blvd. , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-783-9900
7823 Forsyth Boulevard , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-721-7375
12 S. Bemiston , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-726-1141
100 Carondelet Plaza , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-863-6300
16 S. Central Ave. , Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-721-9970
7616 Wydown Blvd. , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-727-1166
9814 Clayton Rd. , St. Louis, MO 63124
Phone: 314-997-2360
7638 Forsyth Blvd. , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-726-1066
8107 Maryland Ave. , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-725-2526
8117 Maryland Ave. , Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-721-0766
173 Carondelet Plaza , Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-721-9022
101 S. Hanleys , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-863-8820
8125 Maryland Ave. , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-721-3355
Extra Virgin, an Olive Ovation
143 Carondelet Plaza , Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-727-6464
8228 Forsyth , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-727-7467
12-A N. Meramec Ave. , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-725-7205
7352 Forsyth Blvd. , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-862-1828
16 N. Meramec Avenue , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-863-7888
Parker's Table Wines and Foods
8317 Maryland Ave. , Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-863-4090
7514 Forsyth Blvd , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-862-2333
706 De Mun Ave. , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-863-7274
8211 Clayton Rd. , Clayton, MO 63117
Phone: 314-725-3456
7620 Forsyth Blvd. , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-746-1501
8109 Maryland Ave. , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-721-0444
9216 Clayton Rd. , St. Louis, MO 63124
7735 Clayton Rd. , St. Louis, MO 63117
Phone: 314-721-4224
7642 Forsyth Blvd. , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-863-5556
7435 Forsyth Blvd. , Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-727-8788
20 South Hanley , Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-863-6282
17 N. Meramec Ave. , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-721-4548
6706 Clayton Rd. , Clayton, MO 63117
Phone: 314-542-4262
8101 Maryland Ave. , Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: 314-727-2020
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
One Brookings Drive , St. Louis, MO 63130
Phone: 314-935-4523
8025 Bonhomme , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-721-6543
7750 Carondelet , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314-726-5400
1100 McMorrow Ave , St. Louis, MO 63117
Phone: 314-862-190
4304 Dryden , St. Louis, MO 63114
Phone: 314-422-3541 or 1-800-309-5224
26 N. Meramec , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 800-433-6590
7730 Bonhomme Avenue , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 314- 863-0400 or 1-866-716-8134
216 N. Meramec , St. Louis, MO 63105
Phone: 800-325-8302
