A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

St. Louis, Missouri: A Hidden Treasure in the Heart of America

Introduction

St. Louis, known as the "Gateway to the West", is a city full of history, culture, and attractions for the whole family. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, St. Louis is famous for its iconic Gateway Arch, its vibrant music scene, and its love for baseball. But there's much more to this city than meets the eye.

The Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch is undoubtedly the most recognizable landmark of St. Louis. This 192-meter high stainless steel monument was built in the 1960s as a tribute to the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can climb to the top of the arch to enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River.

St. Louis Art Museum

The St. Louis Art Museum is one of the premier art museums in the country. With a collection spanning over 5,000 years of art history, the museum offers an incredible variety of exhibitions, from ancient Egyptian art to contemporary works. Admission to the museum is free, although some special exhibitions may have an additional cost.

Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden is an oasis of tranquility in the middle of the city. With 79 acres of gardens and conservatories, the garden is a wonderful place to stroll, relax, and learn about nature. Highlights include the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Climatron Conservatory, which houses an indoor rainforest.

The St. Louis Zoo

The St. Louis Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country and admission is free. The zoo houses over 17,000 animals from 500 different species, including elephants, penguins, polar bears, and much more. Visitors can enjoy animal encounters, live shows, and animal feeding experiences.

The City of Music

St. Louis has a rich musical history, especially in the genres of blues and jazz. Visitors can enjoy live music at numerous bars and clubs in the city, or visit the National Blues Museum to learn more about St. Louis's influence on this musical genre.

Sports in St. Louis

St. Louis is a city of sports, home to the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball and the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League. Visitors can enjoy an exciting baseball game at Busch Stadium or a hockey game at the Enterprise Center.

Gastronomic Products of St. Louis

St. Louis-Style Pizza

St. Louis-style pizza is a unique variant of pizza characterized by its thin and crispy crust, made without yeast, and its Provel cheese, a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. The pizza is cut into squares, rather than triangles, which further distinguishes it from other forms of pizza.
Toasted Ravioli

Toasted ravioli is a popular appetizer in St. Louis. It consists of meat-filled raviolis that are breaded and then fried until they are crispy. They are served hot, often with marinara sauce for dipping.
Gooey Butter Cake

The Gooey Butter Cake is a dense and sticky cake that originated in St. Louis. It has a bottom layer of butter cake and a top layer of a mixture of cream cheese, eggs, and powdered sugar. It is incredibly rich and is often served as a dessert at celebrations.
St. Louis-Style Barbecue

St. Louis is famous for its barbecue, which is characterized by the use of pork ribs cut in a specific way known as "St. Louis style". The ribs are slow-roasted and covered with a tomato-based sauce that is sweeter and less spicy than barbecue sauces from other regions.

San Luis' Notable Gastronomic Spots

From high-end restaurants to charming taverns, San Luis offers a wide variety of places to enjoy its rich cuisine. Below, we present some of the most notable:

Sidney Street Cafe Restaurant

Located in the historic Benton Park neighborhood, the Sidney Street Cafe is famous for its contemporary American cuisine. Here you can taste creative and tasty dishes such as venison steak with cherry sauce and roasted duck with orange sauce. The elegant atmosphere and exceptional service make this place a perfect choice for a special dinner.

The Shaved Duck Tavern

If you're looking for a charming place with good prices, The Shaved Duck is an excellent option. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of barbecue dishes and craft beers. Its specialty is smoked duck, but you can also enjoy pork ribs, smoked chicken, and a variety of homemade sides. In addition, their extensive beer menu will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of local beers.

Tony's Restaurant

Tony's is a high-end Italian restaurant that has been a pillar in the San Luis culinary scene for decades. Known for its impeccable service and menu of classic Italian dishes, Tony's is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. Don't miss their famous veal steak with mushroom sauce or their lobster risotto.

Blueberry Hill Tavern

Blueberry Hill is an iconic San Luis tavern known for its lively atmosphere and excellent food. Here you can enjoy burgers, chicken wings, nachos, and a great selection of beers while listening to live music. In addition, Blueberry Hill is famous for its "Duck Room", where the legendary rock and roll musician Chuck Berry used to perform regularly.

Sports Activities in San Luis

Baseball

San Luis is home to the St. Louis Cardinals, one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball. Tourists can enjoy an exciting game at Busch Stadium.

Ice Hockey

The St. Louis Blues are the city's pride in the National Hockey League. Visitors can watch a game at the Enterprise Center and experience the thrill of ice hockey.

American Football

Although the Rams moved to Los Angeles, American football remains a popular sport in San Luis. Tourists can watch a college football game at the Dome at America's Center.

Cycling

San Luis boasts a number of scenic cycling routes. Tourists can rent a bike and explore the Gateway Arch National Park or the Forest Park.

Golf

With several high-quality golf courses, San Luis is a great destination for golf lovers. Visitors can play a round at courses like the Bellerive Country Club or the Gateway National Golf Links.

Places near San Luis

If you're in San Luis and want to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Chesterfield

Chesterfield, famous for its crooked spire church, offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and cuisine. Enjoy the local markets, traditional pubs, and restaurants serving delicious local dishes in this charming English village.

San Carlos