What differentiates an Irish pub from just another bar? Some say the food, some say the beer and some say the decor. So what makes 100 West an Irish pub? Well, the owner is Irish, there are plenty of beers on tap, and there are a few clovers alongside the dart boards on the walls. Other than that, 100 West is just a standard, friendly neighborhood bar. The place's claim to fame are its liquor pitchers, which you can get for just $8 on Saturday nights. They're also experimenting with regular Saturday lingerie nights, which are exactly what they sound like: If ladies show up in lingerie, the liquor pitchers are free. Should ladies in their unmentionables fail to pull you in, they've got daily happy hour, friendly waitresses and free shuffleboard.
The 12th & Park Recreation Center is a great facility in a great location. An indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, weight room and boxing gym accompany outdoor basketball courts and sports fields just south of downtown - all free of charge. All it takes is a basic registration and you can play basketball on courts that won RFT’s “Best of St. Louis” award in 2009, or spar in 2008’s best boxing gym. You can pump iron day and night if that’s your thing, or take a water aerobics class in the morning. Since the '70s, this versatile facility has kept innumerable children and adults entertained. Currently, a local charter school holds recess at the center, and various after-school programs keep children busy in the afternoon. Adult class offerings vary by season, but the weight room is available as long as the center is open.
Among the clubs and hip hangouts on Washington Avenue downtown lies 12th Street Diner. The place is a throwback to the '50s and rock & roll. The menu features root beer floats, omelets, pot roast and burgers, including the La Bamba burger that is topped with pepperjack cheese, jalapenos, chipotle mayo and guacamole. This bright spot also features another diner classic: apple pie, cherry pie and a pie du jour.
17th Street Bar & Grill is a barbecue restaurant in Murphysboro.
17th Street Bar & Grill 1711 West Highway 50, O'Fallon, Illinois; 618-622-1717. Mike Mills has been named grand champion at the annual Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (a.k.a. the Super Bowl of Swine) three times -- a dynasty as notable as the Yankees of the late 1990s or the Patriots of this decade. His trademark sauce is a coppery brown, layered with flavor and applied with proper restraint. Two- and three-meat plates allow you to sample several different meats (brisket, chicken, pork shoulder, spicy smoked beef sausage), but the standout dish is the baby back ribs. Smoked in a pit over apple- and cherry-wood for as long as seven hours, Mills' ribs taste like pork raised on pure autumn sunshine.
Curbside Mon-Fri. 11 -2 & 4-8, Sat- Sun 4-8
In the heart of Soulard, 1860 Saloon, Game Room and Hardshell Cafe serves up traditional, delicious fare, plus cajun and creole food. Customer favorites include our Famous Crab Cakes and Homemade Chicken Strips. The oysters, cajun pasta, pizzas and burgers are always a great choice. Enjoy a reasonably priced meal and drinks before taking the complimentary shuttle to Cardinals and Blues games. You can enjoy live Blues, Classic Rock, R&B, and Motown bands 365 days a year in the 1860 Saloon. Play foosball, pool and more in the Game Room. The third area, the Hardshell Café, also has a full bar, ample seating, and a several hundred gallon fish tank. There is lovely outside dining where fur babies are always welcome!
2 Girls 4 Wheels is a food truck serving the Greater St. Louis Area. It serves pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, brats and more.
Located in Arnold, 21 Rock Bar and Grill is surrounded by thick forests, farmland, and not a whole lot else. 21 Rock has been around for thirteen years and includes a spacious stage and dance floor, six pool tables and the "best priced drinks in Jefferson County" within 3500 square feet. Although it used to be a rough biker bar, and still a stop on many bikers' run, regulars promise 21 Rock is safe and comfortable. (Just think of those big, tough bikers with hearts of gold and "MOM" tattooed prominently on their biceps.) In fact, 21 Rock was the top donor for the March of Dimes three years in a row and regularly participates in other charity events. Friday night is ladies (and gentlemen) night at 21 Rock, with $10 rail and drafts. They also have regular bucket specials -- and famous hot wings.
636-227-2213
