Jim Edmonds 15 Steakhouse

While still chasing down fly balls and crushing home runs out of Busch Stadium, Jim Edmonds knew he wanted to set up shop in St. Louis after his days in a Cardinal uniform. After about five years of planning, he opened Jim Edmonds 15 Steakhouse in 2007 along with co-owner Mark Winfield. Initially, Jim and Mark just wanted a simple but elegant nightclub, but during the planning, layout, and actualization, excitement for the project led them to fill 14,000 square feet with a sophisticated restaurant, club and lounge, and event space. Jim was reluctant at first to have any sports memorabilia in the eatery or to publicize his involvement in the venture, but a few of his framed Cardinals jerseys made it into the restaurant, as did several chunks of outfield wall that he carried home as trophies.

Playing a big part of the restaurant is, of course, the menu, which features a distinctive take on steak-house fare. With former executive chef Mihalis Chophouse's ideas and current executive chef Andrew Shrensker's recent influence, the menu boasts big cuts of meat, corn tortellini, and pesto-crusted salmon. A full bar and extensive wine list allows guests to match their decadent dishes with the perfect libation or just enjoy a drink while hanging out in the lounge.