How to Eat in St. Louis on the Cheap

From its own "Little Italy" to a great selection of brewpubs and coffeehouses, St. Louis offers a variety of restaurants that will suit every budget. With a little online or travel guide research before you go, you'll have your finger on the pulse of the city's dining scene and be ready to take advantage of the best bargains in town.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Budget travel guides
• Newspapers
• Newspapers

1. Call your hotel to see if it offers any special packages or arrangements with local restaurants. Sometimes you can get dinner at a nearby restaurant included as part of a lodging package.

2. Purchase a budget travel guide to the St. Louis area. Check the dining section for suggestions on restaurants that are easy on the budget.

3. Check your hotel's lobby or your room for coupons, ads and special offers at nearby restaurants.

4. Pick up a copy of the "St. Louis Post-Dispatch" when you get to town. Check for restaurant reviews and special offers.

5. Explore St. Louis neighborhoods. Look for brewpubs, sidewalk cafes and small ethnic restaurants that tend to offer decent meals for low prices.

6. Go to the Farmer's Market in Kirkwood or Soulard and feast on the fresh produce, including seasonal fruits and vegetables and other goodies. You can easily make a meal of what you find here, then take the leftovers back to your room to eat later.

7. Ask the locals where you can get great food for a small price. Expect to hear about all kinds of fabulous Italian places, Mexican cantinas and coffeehouses.

8. Search the Web for information on all types of St. Louis restaurants. Pay special attention to online reviews and information about price ranges.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to avoid really touristy areas like Laclede's Landing, where you are likely to have to pay more for food.
• Use Metrolink rather than a cab to get to area restaurants, or choose a restaurant within walking distance of your hotel to save even more money.

[DavidG]

on 12/11/2006 This Frozen Custard might be the greatest summer treat ever invented. the Custard comes 40+ flavors. So thick that you must eat it with a spoon - they even turn the custard over - proving that Newton's Law does not apply here. This is a perfect dessert or sweet treat for a hot summer day.
I think you can even have it shipped to you via overnite air frieght. A must if in STL during the summer.

[stikfig]

on 9/27/2006 Make sure you stop by Ted Drews for some amazing frozen custard> You can only get it in STL.