State Street - St. Louis

While flip-flops might be a bit too casual, I can confidently say that you won’t find a dining experience like this anywhere else in such a laid-back atmosphere. Joe crafts the best cocktails at the bar, and if you’re lucky enough to have him as your server, just relax and enjoy the experience. He knows the menu inside and out and will guide you perfectly. Tony's is a well-established favorite, and Anthony's Bar offers access to the full Tony's kitchen and menu. I couldn't recommend it more highly. Whether before or after a ballgame, this should definitely be your go-to spot—it's mine!

The ravioli and chicken, which wasn't even on the menu but the waiter insisted we try, were only mediocre. When I requested a glass of Cabernet or Merlot, the waiter brought a nice, affordable Chianti instead. I was with my adult daughter, and since we were on our way to a Cardinals game, I didn't want to confront the waiter about his rudeness. However, the rolls were quite good!

We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. What I appreciated the most was the cozy, tranquil atmosphere, which made it easy to have a conversation—unlike many other restaurants that tend to be noisy.

Anthony's Bar, a spinoff of sorts of the iconic Tony's restaurant that has been a St. Louis landmark since 1946, occupies eight tables and 22 stools at the bar at 10 South Broadway, in the lobby of the Equitable Building at the southeast corner of South Broadway and Market Street in downtown St. Louis. For shoppers and business men and women and tourists, it's a convenient stop for lunch and drinks. And people-watching. My wife and I don't drink but we were told that Anthony's is a great place for lunch. The tipster was right. We shared a Tony's salad, a signature item from Tony's restaurant that consists of mixed greens, scallions, tomatoes, radishes, celery, salami and provolone cheese. My wife had a Reuben sandwich with pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on rye bread with fries. I was delighted with a roasted turkey sandwich with local pepper bacon, provolone cheese and house slaw on toasted sourdough bread. Yes, downtown St. Louis has added a lot of pizzazz since I worked at the old St. Louis Globe-Democrat in the 1960s.

This is an excellent bar. While it is not cheap the wines were good and the service was first class. We got excellent food here also. The steaks were excellent.