Food & Drink in Cahokia

Inside the St. Louis Downtown Airport, travelers excitedly bustle about on their way to distant destinations or emerge from vacations rested and ready to return home. The constant stream of action is all part of the experience for diners at Crusoe’s on the Runway, which combines the spectacle of air travel with hearty American meals. Whether they’re traveling or just stopping by for a bite, diners fill their bellies as they overlook two of the three runways from the airport’s east ramp. St. Louis–style pizza, steaks, and pastas satiate hunger pangs, along with comfort food such as Mom’s meatloaf and country-fried steak. As they watch Airbus A320 jetliners and lightweight Boeing 757 aircrafts launch into the sky and gently touch down on the runway from their tables, guests can hold up score cards to judge the pilots’ form.

A huge yellow sign in the shape of a two-man log saw hangs above the unpainted clapboard fa?ade of Sawmill BBQ, emblazoned in bold block letters with the straight-forward phrase "BBQ RESTAURANT". Inside, the restaurant hums with the activity of diners chowing down on bratwursts and cheeseburgers as the scent of dry-rubbed spare ribs and tender beef brisket fills the air. Traditional dishes of coleslaw and baked beans sidle up to morsels of turkey beast and pork loin, while homemade hot, sweet, and mustard-based sauces complement pork, beef, and the faces of ravenous diners. The surroundings promote a feel-good vibe of backcountry hospitality, with its big, grassy lawn, huge, screened-in porch, and rustic handcarts, pumps, and farm implements.

Property Location A stay at The Cheshire places you in the heart of Richmond Heights, convenient to St. Louis Art Museum and St. Louis Zoo. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Washington University and Missouri History Museum. Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 108 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring iPod docking stations and flat-screen televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with triple sheeting and Egyptian cotton sheets. 37-inch high-definition televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms have designer toiletries and hair dryers. Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities Pamper yourself with onsite massages, body treatments, and facials. You can take advantage of recreational amenities such as a 24-hour fitness facility, a seasonal outdoor pool, and bicycles to rent. Additional amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands. Dining Satisfy your appetite at the hotel's restaurant, where you can enjoy drinks at a bar, take in a pool view, and even dine alfresco (weather permitting). Dining is also available at a coffee shop/café. Relax with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge or a poolside bar. A complimentary English breakfast is served daily. Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and an Internet point. Planning an event in Richmond Heights? This hotel has 1200 square feet (111 square meters) of space consisting of exhibit space and a meeting/conference room. Extended parking is available onsite.

Grab a seat at Hwy 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen if you're hungry for an easy American meal — sandwiches and salads are popular options at this low-key establishment. Watching your diet? Stay on track at Hwy 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen, a local restaurant with gluten-free and low-fat options. Take your pick of beer, wine, or other beverages offered on Hwy 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen's menu. Youngsters don't need to sit out a trip to Hwy 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen — it's super family-friendly and perfect for little diners and their folks. At Hwy 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen, the prime seating is on the patio. Come check out what all the buzz is about. Whether you have a group of five or a group of 20, Hwy 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen can seat both large and small groups. For no extra charge, utilize Hwy 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen's free wifi. Between the music and the crowds, be prepared for a lot of noise at this restaurant. Dress is typically casual at Hwy 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen, so leave the fancy duds behind for the evening. Catering makes it easier to organize any event, and Hwy 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen will ensure that it is delicious. Dining out isn't your only option here — pickup is available, too. Patrons have access to free parking in the neighboring lot. Hwy 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen's mid-priced fare will typically cost you about $30 per person or less. Hwy 61 Roadhouse and Kitchen accepts all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served at the restaurant, but reviewers rate the dinner menu the highest.

Paul McCartney. Luciano Pavarotti. Ronald Reagan. Besides being household names, these icons all have something else in common??they've all had the honor of dining on Chef Giovanni Gabriele's authentic, award-winning cuisine. While his passion for cooking was born in his native Sicily, it was Giovanni's other great love??his wife, Fina??that eventually led him to St. Louis, where he opened his restaurant in 1973. Just six years later, he found himself cooking for President Reagan at Reagan?s inaugural dinner, and the dish he made??a creamy bow-tie pasta topped with salmon and parmigiano??was renamed farfalline del Presidente Reagan in the commander in chief's honor. Today, it remains one of the most popular items on Giovanni's menu, alongside a host of other Italian pastas named for the celebrities who supped upon them. But you don't have to be a celebrity or a politician to get the star treatment at Giovanni's. The restaurant has earned an AAA Four Diamond Award for 27 years running, and a 4-Star Mobil Travel Guide Award every year since 1983, in part due to the careful attention lavished upon each and every guest. Today, nearly 42 years after its inception, Giovanni's son Frank runs the kitchen, blending its iconic sauces and forming the housemade crepes, but Giovanni still commands the show, supervising in the kitchen, greeting patrons tableside, and mining the pepper and salt from nearby mountains himself.

Property Location With a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, you'll be centrally located in Clayton, convenient to Washington University and St. Louis Art Museum. This 4.5-star hotel is within close proximity of Componere Gallery and St. Louis Art Museum. Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 300 air-conditioned rooms featuring iPod docking stations. Rooms have private balconies. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have makeup/shaving mirrors and designer toiletries. Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities Relax and unwind with massages and body treatments. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a sauna, and a steam room. Additional amenities include a concierge desk, gift shops/newsstands, and shopping on site. Dining Grab a bite at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of 24-hour room service. At the end of the day, relax with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge. Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include a business center, limo/town car service, and audiovisual equipment. Planning an event in Clayton? This hotel has 29000 square feet (2610 square meters) of space consisting of conference/meeting rooms, small meeting rooms, and a ballroom. Parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.