Restaurants

Dining in one of St. Louis's distinctive neighborhoods ranks high on a short list of must-dos. Clustered around Forest Park are trendy Central West End, with its grand residences, antiques stores, and fashionable eateries (many with sidewalk seating); the Loop, named after an old streetcar turnaround and home to funky shops, art galleries, ethnic restaurants, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame; and the Hill, an Italian district famous for its many Italian restaurants (a perennial favorite is Charlie Gitto's, 5226 Shaw Ave.; tel. 314/772-8898; www.charliegittos.com).

For children, good bets include the Old Spaghetti Factory, housed in an old warehouse in Laclede's Landing at 727 N. 1st St. (tel. 314/621-0276; www.osf.com); and Hard Rock Cafe (tel. 314/621-7625; www.hardrockcafe.com), in Union Station, which also has a food court.

It's a St. Louis tradition to drop by Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, 6726 Chippewa (tel. 314/481-2652; www.teddrewes.com), after a night on the town. Founded almost 80 years ago and open daily except January, this roadside stand and Route 66 attraction specializes in frozen custards, including the Concrete, available in a range of flavors and so thick that it's served upside down. An additional location is open summers only at 4224 S. Grand (tel. 314/352-7376).