N. GRAND CENTER/MIDTOWN (SLU)
1. 6 North Coffee Company
2 N. Sarah St, 371-1446
The coffee’s great , the space is great and more refined, and the baked goods are delicious as well.. Also, tons of street non-metered parking; never a problem just pulling up and walking in. Try the chicken salad sandwich or the smoothies! B, L, D. Mon-Fri 6am-6pm, Sat 8am-4pm. $1-$10.
2. Bistro at Grand Center, The
3536 Washington Ave, 534-3663
Better known as home to Jazz at the Bistro, this cozy room serves up great bistro fare and excellent desserts. However, you come for the music. This is one of the country’s premiere jazz listening rooms, and you’ll be amazed at the talent performing every night. Great for a date. Always serves when there’s something going on in Grand Center. L, D. Call for hours. $10-$15.
3. Crazy Bowls & Wraps
3852 Lindell, 533-9727
See Close to Campus for description. L, D.
4. Govinda’s Vegetarian Cuisine
3926 Lindell, 535-8085
One of the stranger restaurants listed here, it’s really more like a temple café – for Hare Krishna practitioners. Food isn’t focus, although it does have decent Indian vegetarian fare. L, D. Mon-Fri 11:30pm-2pm, 5pm-8pm. Sun 6pm-8pm. $1-$10.
5. Humphrey’s
3700 Laclede Ave, 535-0700
Given its location across the street from SLU, it’s no surprise that undergrads (of drinking age, of course) flock to Humphrey’s, particularly after 9pm. L, D. Mon-Tues 11-12am, Wed-Sat 11am. $1-$10.
6. Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop
3674 Forest Park Parkway, 531-8500
See Downtown for description. Also located on the Loop.
7. Joe Boccardi’s Ristorante
3701 Lindell Blvd, 446-4600
In the recently renovated Coronado Plaza, a hotel and student housing building right across the street from SLU. The outside boasts a cool patio, while the cozy, yet contemporary interior is perfect for both families and the college crowd. The menu is extensive, with more than 29 pasta dinners and a lot of other options. L, D. Mon-Thurs, Sun 11am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. $1-$10.
8. Magnolia’s
5 S. Vandeventer Ave, 652-6500
A steadfast presence in St. Louis’ gay scene, Magnolia’s is raucous and welcoming, centrally located, but wonderfully private. Actually several bars in one, Mags encompasses a line of storefronts along Vandeventer Ave (see Niner Diner). Although this is a gay bar, the vibe is footloose and fancy free for anyone who wants to dance, regardless of sexual preference. D. Thurs-Sat 6pm-3am (food til 10pm), $1-$10.
9. Nadoz Cafe @ the Coronado
3701 Lindell Blvd, 446-6800
Sauce Reader’s Choice Winner: 2004, 2005, 2006
Absolutely gorgeous café located in the Coronado (see Joe Boccardi’s) Great for before a show, studyings, or just for some great food. Connected to the swank Coronado Ballroom and its extensive kitchens, its serves amazing food, from crepes to paninis and baked goods. The smoothies are awesome, and don’t miss the incredible dessert case, even if you’re full – they are truly works of art. Everything is made fresh on site – and tastes like it. Sunday brunch takes over the place with tables piled high with 40+ items, all for only $22. B, L, D. Mon-Fri 7am-8pm, Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 9am-2pm. $1-$15.
10. Niner Diner – same number as magnolia’s
5 S. Vandeventer Ave, 652-0171
The Niner Diner is the restaurant establishment next to, and servicing, Magnolias Bar and other gay bars next door. Call for information on the shows at the nearby clubs and enjoy dinner beforehand. A bit of a leather bar, so be warned. D. 6pm-2am daily. $1 to $10
11. Scottish Arms, The
8 S. Sarah, 535-0551
Exhibit A: Bartender in the kilt. Like its name, it’s all Scottish here, from the food to the alcohol. The dimly lit bar offers 23 Scottish draught ales as well as a 9 page list of whiskey. If looking for a hearty alternative to the standard bar fare, then this is a good alternative. Favorites include the ‘’Cock-a-Leekie’’ (chicken and leeks in chicken volute sauce, topped with a flaky crust), ‘’Scotch Eggs’’ (lightly breaded four-minute eggs encased in sausage and served with a mustard dipping sauce). Dinner options focused on meats, and the “Roasted Scottish Pheasant’’ is highly recommended. Fixings for vegetarians are slim to none. L, D. Mon-Sat 11am-1:30am. Sun 12-10pm. $10-$15.
12. Tempt
Contemporary Art Museum
3750 Washington Blvd, 535-0770 x202
Operated by renowned Wolfgang Puck Catering and Events, Tempt features a variety of tasty lunch items including soup, salads, sides, sandwiches, and desserts. Great patio seating overlooks Richard Serra sculpture. L, D. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm (7pm on Sun). $1-$10.
13. Terrene
33 N. Sarah, 535-5100
Sauce Reader’s Choice Winner: 2006
Voted St. Louis’ best new restaurant for 2006, as well as favorite vegetarian cuisine (it’s not all veggie though). Terrene is enviornmental conciousness at its height. Even the table and chairs are made of recycled materials. The focus is on simple preparations of fresh, ecologically sound ingredients and the food is excellent. Be sure to have dessert too. The patio is highly rated too. D. Tues-Fri, Sun 11:30-3pm, 5:30-10pm (11pm Fri-Sat, 9:30pm Sun). $20+
14. Vito’s
3515 Lindell Blvd, 534-VITO (8486)
http://www.saucemagazine.com/website.php?e=459
Sauce Reader’s Choice Winner: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Great authentic sicilian pizza and excellent menu for delivery as well. Great values and good portions all around. L, D. Mon-Tues 11am-10pm, Wed-Thurs 11am-12am, Fri 11-3am, Sat 5pm-3am. $1-$10.
15. Wendy’s
4115 Lindell at Sarah, 531-0094
National fast food chain serving, well, fast food. Great frosties. Drive through is open late. B, L, D. Call for hours. $1-$5.
