WHEN IN ST. LOUIS

 

In the hours before and after Quilt Market, you’ll find plenty to do in downtown St. Louis, including a vast array of attractions, dining, shopping, and nightlife. To help you navigate the area, we’ve included info below on a number of entertainment and restaurant options, as well as helpful information on public transit in downtown St. Louis.

 

Getting Around Downtown

MetroLink is the light-rail system that runs through downtown St. Louis, and has been called one of the best mass transit systems in the country. The rail system has multiple lines and stops at favorite attractions, including the Gateway Arch and America’s Center. Visitors can purchase a 2-Hour Pass for $3.00, or an all-inclusive single day pass for $7.50. Tickets can be purchased online at the MetroStore, or with cash, debit, or credit card at Metro Ticket Vending Machines, or various retail vendors.

 

Another efficient option for getting around is the Metro Downtown Trolley (these colorful metro buses are painted to look like trolleys). The Trolleys travel through downtown St. Louis and stop at all of the popular dining and shopping destinations in the area, including the America’s Center. Trolleys run every 20 minutes, and tickets are $2 for adults and $1 for children (ages 5-12) for unlimited use all day.

 

Gateway Arch

Just footsteps away from where Lewis and Clark completed their journey along the Mississippi River lies the tallest man-made national monument in the United States. The Gateway Arch, at 11 North 4th St., is a short 10-minute walk from the America’s Center and offers a variety of activities including riverboat cruises, helicopter tours, shopping, and casual dining.

 

The Journey to the Top is a visitor favorite, which includes a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, for exquisite views of the city and Mississippi River. Make sure to take time out to watch the award-winning documentary, Monument to the Dream (included in the “Journey to the Top” ticket) about how the Arch was created.

 

The Arch Store, at 11 North 4th St., is located in the Gateway Arch Visitor Center and has a variety of items for purchase, including videos, books, posters, and educational toys related to the history. The Arch View Café, located at 50 South Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., is a casual dinning spot with a glorious view of the Arch. You can choose from a variety of menu items such as burgers, fries, hot dogs, and more. Enjoy a nice meal after the end of your busy day, or take a break and grab some food to reenergize before returning to the Quilt Market show floor.

 

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A few steps away from the Arch is a swanky urban oasis, covering nearly three acres of land in downtown St. Louis. Citygarden, at 801 Market St., features a plethora of trees, three water fountains, and modern and contemporary sculptures by world-renowned artists.

 

Market Street

Relax and take some time out of your busy day for a stroll along Market Street, which includes a series of six parks to enjoy: The Serra Sculpture Park, Poelker Park, Washington Square Park, Kaufman Park, Memorial Plaza Park, and Aloe Plaza and Aloe Plaza West.

 

Market Street also offers a variety of dining options to fit your mood. Looking for some fine–dining Italian? Tony’s, at 410 Market St., is just the place. Other restaurants include Angelo’s Taverna, Landry’s Seafood, and Syberg’s on Market. Or, enjoy good music while you dine at the Hard Rock Café, 1820 Market St.

 

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Charlie Gitto’s On The Hill restaurant, located in downtown St. Louis

 

Wining and Dining

Need some coffee to get your morning started before heading to Quilt Market? Park Avenue Coffee, 417 N 10th St., (See photo below.) has just what you need. Don’t forget to try St. Louis' famous Gooey Butter Cakes; they have over 70 different flavors! Yummm!

 

Charlie Gitto’s Downtown, at 207 N 6th St., is known for their toasted ravioli, which is also a must try while in St. Louis.

 

And if you love a good steak, Carmine’s Steak House (20 S 4th St.), known for St. Louis’ Pork Steaks, is just the place to get one. Ruth Chris’ Steak House, at 315 Chestnut St., is another great option for your steak cravings.

 

Or, if you’re in a hurry to get to your next destination, grab a St. Louis-style pizza to go from Pi Pizzeria-Downtown STL, located at 610 Washington Ave. Teza Mediterranean Street Food, at 626 Washington Ave., #103, is a counter-serve spot that lets you build your own meals, and serves local craft beers.

 

Dare to try something different at Mango Restaurant (1001 Washington Ave.), which serves delicious Peruvian dishes. Mizu Sushi Bar, at 1013 Washington Ave., is one of the best Japanese restaurants in St. Louis…and also serves burgers!

 

Looking to grab a few drinks after a busy day at Market? Stop by Tigin Irish Pub, at 333 Washington Ave., for some beer and live music. 400 Olive Bar & Grill, at 400 Olive St., is located inside the Hilton Downtown, which was previously a 19th-century bank building! Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar, located at 1004 Locust St., is a sleek restaurant with an extensive beer and wine menu.