"Best of St. Louis 2024" presented by Student Life, Washington University in St. Louis

STUDENT LIFE PRESENTS BEST OF ST. LOUIS 2024 BEST OF ST. LOUIS 2024

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Best of St. Louis staff picks

Cafes for off-campus studying

Where to go to find frozen treats

Reilly Brady

Riley Herron

Ved Patel

Tuesday Hadden

Sydney Tran

James Ellinghaus

Lily Taylor

Elle Su

Bri

Mia Burkholder

Cathay

Jared Adelman Managing Multimedia Editor

Ian Heft

Zara Shariff

William Rosenblum

Sylvie Richards

Jasmine

Student Life readers cast their votes for the best spots in St. Louis

The undisputed guide to toasted raviolis

Best of STL concert venues

Staff Review: Gramophone sandwiches

The top picks of St. Louis sports experiences

Park loops and basin paths: the best of Forest Park running

Best of STL in photos

Tony Tong Senior Web Editor

Julia Robbins

Zach Trabitz Investigative News Editors

Camden Maggard Social Media Editor

Lydia Nicholson

Alan Zhou Junior Photo Editor

Amelia Raden

Jordan Spector Junior Forum Editors

Lewis Rand

Elaheh Khazi Junior Sports Editors

Olivia Lee

Sophia Hellman

William Labrador Junior Scene Editors

Sophie Leong Junior Illustrator Editor

Aliana Mediratta

Joel Swirnoff Junior News Editors

Tim Mellman Newsletter Editor emailedition@studlife.com

Brooklyn Hollander

Samantha Elegant

Tim Mellman Copy Editors

Sanchali Pothuru Multimedia Editor

Adrienne Levin Coleman General Manager a.coleman@studlife.com

Sarah Huff Advertising Sales Manager huffs@studlife.com

A letter from the editors

Readers,

Welcome to the Best of St. Louis issue!

Via and I have spent a lot of time exploring the city around us. We’ve spent summers searching for the perfect ice cream store to cool off and escape the heat. We’ve looked for the best coffee shops to hunker down during the winter freeze. And there’s nothing that we love more than a good recommendation from a friend — which is why we’ve put together the Best Of St. Louis issue.

This issue puts together staff picks of our favorite St. Louis spots. We cover a lot of ground, both literally and figuratively, from St. Louis running spots to a breakdown of what you should get at the popular sandwich shop, The Gramophone.

I (Clara) am sad that my time in St. Louis is (likely) coming to

an end. I’m going to miss my peaceful walks down Forsyth and my quest for the best frozen drinks (I can’t recommend the Taco Buddha frozen margaritas highly enough in the summer). I’d invite everyone who picks up this issue to do a little exploring of their own. I (Via) would encourage everyone – whether you have three years or four months left in the city – to go out into St. Louis and get a real taste of the place you’re in. From food to dancing to museums, there is something for everyone. Next year, I know I’m gonna miss Seoul Taco (yes, I know it’s cliche), dancing at Club Viva, and jogging my Forest Park loops. So savor St. Louis while you can!

Cheers!

Clara & Via

Copyright

2024 Washington

Cover Design

Sophie Leong

Layout Design

Sydney Tran

STAFF PICKS STL STAFF PICKS

The Battle of the Jewish Delis

One of the primary ways I understand my Jewish identity is through the food. I found out that there are two standout Jewish delis within a few minute drive of campus, and I had to try both. First is Protzel’s Deli. Open since 1954, Protzels carries a nostalgia that few other restaurants in St. Louis can match. A sandwich counter and market with a few tables outside, Protzel’s nails all the classics without any of the frills. The corned beef Reuben is a classic, and doesn’t break the bank.

Challenging Protzel’s is newcomer Deli Devine.

Best book store

For your reading needs, look no further than The Book House in downtown Maplewood, MO. The bookstore’s extensive collection of new, used, rare, and out-of-print editions on any topic imaginable make it a bibliophile’s paradise. Whether you’re seeking books on rare gemstones, medical dictionaries, biographies of Princess Diana, or timeless works by James Baldwin, The Book House will likely have it. Due to their sheer abundance in the shop, books fill the shelves and line the hallways and staircase leading into the basement. Nonetheless, they are

While the decor is modeled after more traditional delis like Katz’s in New York City, the food has a newschool flair. While a classic pastrami sandwich starts their specialty sandwich list, a BLT hotdog, and a shaved beet coleslaw sandwich highlight more creative approaches to Jewish-American cuisine. If you find yourself strolling down the Delmar Loop, it’s worth venturing a little further east to try a modern take on a classic Jewish deli.

— Jared Adelman, Managing Multimedia Editor

ILLUSTRATION BY JAIME HEBEL

Best place to go dancing

alphabetized, stacked neatly, and thoughtfully categorized to ensure customers can find what they are looking for. Both the new and used books can be a bit pricey, but there are “Books at a Bargain,” available for purchase for only $5, located in carts outside the store and in the basement. The shop has a rolling library ladder, weathered wooden furniture, and antique scent that all add to the mystique. Make the short drive with friends and enjoy exploring the space any day of the week!

– Aliza Lubitz, Staff Writer

If you’re looking for a place to dance the night away, look no further than Club Viva, located in the strip of the Central West End. Thursdays and Saturdays are Latin Nights, and with the price of a $10 cover you can attend a lesson for the basics of salsa, bachata, and merengue at 8:15pm., before diving into the social dance

scene starting at 9 p.m. If you’re feeling the beat on a Wednesday or a Friday, head over to Viva for Reggae, dancehall, and afrobeats. With a packed dance floor and only a few miles from campus, Club Viva is the perfect destination for almost any night of the week.

– Via Poolos, Editor-in-Chief

Best niche museum

The Pulitzer Arts Foundation is a small, free museum in Grand Center, tucked away behind the CAM near Grand Avenue. Half of the appeal is the Tadao Ando designed building, with long, narrow forms looking out to a reflecting pool in the center of the building and a network of below-surface galleries. An observation room and balcony on the upper level provides views of the surrounding neighborhood and courtyard space. The Pulitzer, like the neighboring CAM, is a non-collecting institution,

meaning no permanent collection is owned or displayed. Instead, the museum rotates exhibitions covering a wide range of topics. On display through Feb. 4 is “Urban Archaeology: Lost Buildings of St. Louis,” a collection of construction materials, relief sculpture, and documents from demolished St. Louis buildings curated by WashU professor Michael Allen. Later in March a new exhibition of the work of Columbian artist Delcy Morelos will open.

– Camden Maggard, Social Media Editor

Need an off-campus cafe study day?

Here’s your starter list.

William Weinstein Staff Writer

Are you longing for a main-character moment in the big city, alongside some good coffee and baked goods? Here are the three cafes that have made my top-tier list around St. Louis to try. So pick your caffeinated poison, put on a vibey playlist, and enjoy.

Fiddlehead

Fern Cafe: Located in the Shaw Neighborhood of St. Louis, this cafe/lunch

spot is the best St. Louis offers. From its delicious lattes with homemade cashew milk to its to-diefor variety of over-the-top roasts and salads, it is a worthwhile endeavor, and located four miles from campus, you’re steering clear from running into any opps.

Quarrelsome Coffee:

A hop and skip across Forest Park, adjacent to the Central West End, this coffee spot is an underrated study spot because of its delicious coffee, bountiful study spots,

and relatively late closing time. Grab a beverage from its internationally diverse list of offerings, and listen to your favorite artist while you study. This spot offers a package deal for anyone looking for an off-campus day.

Blueprint Coffee:

With your selection of two spots, one on-thego spot on the Delmar Loop, and a second, more spacious, study-friendly location south of campus, coffee is the main focus here, and for a reason. The coffee is the best in St. Louis, meaning you

ILLUSTRATION BY JAIME HEBEL

can’t go wrong with any drink here. With friendly staff and impeccable offerings, this is your place on a beautiful spring day.

Jared Adelman

Justin Lewitus Managing Multimedia Editor Contributing Writer

Ted Drewes

You know you’re in St. Louis when you step off the plane and the first thing you see is a Ted Drewes vending machine. Ted Drewes is the standard for the St. Louis frozen custard scene and offers the original “concrete,” a frozen custard so thick the customer receives it upside down. The recipient of numerous awards, dessert enjoyers pack its brick and mortar

locations throughout the day while the company’s to-go cups are a strong draw to many on-campus events at WashU. Ted Drewes offers a variety of St. Louis-themed flavors, including Cardinal Sin (with cherries and hot fudge), Muddy Mississippi (with peanut butter, chocolate chips, and cone pieces), and Terramizzou (well, tiramisu). The delicious mixing and matching of flavors makes Ted Drewes a must-visit for anyone spending time in the Lou.

6726 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109

Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery

A truly local favorite, Clementine’s locations in DeMun and the Central West End are perfect for late night munchies and date nights alike. Considered a microcreamery, all of its locations make batches by hand using an all natural base with real butterfat. Their flavors rotate periodically, so be sure to check their websites for the updated menu. For those of age, Clementine’s “boozy ice cream” combines wonderful flavor combinations with the fuel for a perfect night out. Current specialty flavors are Coquito, the Puerto Rican coconut drink, and Brown Butter Brownie. Whether it cures test anxiety or caps off a

night out, Clementines has well-crafted, diverse flavors for everyone.

730 DeMun Ave, Clayton, MO 63105

Andy’s Frozen Custard

Andy’s is the largest frozen custard-only chain in the United States, and the Andy’s versus Ted Drewes debate is a hot topic for many in St. Louis. Originating less than 40 years ago on the shores of the Lake of the Ozarks, Andy’s now boasts locations in fifteen states. Conveniently, Andy’s is one of the only establishments open late on most weekdays within a few minutes’ drive from campus. Going to Andy’s feels

like eating at your favorite fast food restaurant: you have a go-to order (like the classic BootDaddy Concrete) because you know it’ll hit the spot every time. With aptly-named variations on the concrete such as the jackhammer (a concrete with hot fudge “hammered” into the center), the quality of the frozen custard is fiercely competitive with the best in the city.

1600 S Hanley Rd, Brentwood, MO 63144

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

President and infamous ice cream eater Joe Biden is often spotted on the campaign trail eating Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams,

or Jeni’s for short. And it’s for good reason, with founder Jeni Britton winning a James Beard award for her ice cream. Founded in Columbus, Ohio, the chain has spread across the US, including to St. Louis’ very own Central West End. Primarily known for its Brambleberry Crisp, Jeni’s selection of flavors is filled with all-star candidates such as Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Gooey Butter Cake, an homage to the legendary St. Louis dessert. High quality ingredients mixed into a smooth buttercream base makes Jeni’s a must stop for all ice cream enthusiasts.

389 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108

BEST OF ST. LOU IS SURVEY

We surveyed 217 students, alumni, employees, parents, and St. Louis community members on their St. Louis favorites. Here are the results:

Favorite STL Dish

1. Toasted Ravioli

2. Frozen Custard Concrete

3. Gooey Butter Cake

Best BBQ in STL

1. Salt+Smoke

2. Pappy’s Smokehouse

3. Sugarfire Smokehouse

Favorite Restaurant on the Loop

1. Thai Country Cafe

2. Salt+Smoke

3. Nudo house

Favorite building to spend time in on campus?

1. Olin Library

2. Hillman Hall

3. Anheuser-Busch (Law School)

Favorite Restaurant on Campus

1. Coffeestamp at Hillman

2. The Fattened Caf. at Bytes Cafe

3. Collins Farm at Law Cafe

Favorite Dessert Place

1. Clementine’s

2. Ted Drewes

3. Jeni’s

Favorite WashU tradition

1. WILD

2. Mardi Gras

3. Moonlight Breakfast

Favorite activity in Forest Park

1. Going for a walk or a run

2. Lounging on Art Hill

3. Going to the Zoo

Favorite thing to do in St. Louis

1. Spend time in Forest Park

2. Walk around the MO Botanical Garden

3. Go to a Cardinals game

What’s one thing in STL that you want to do but haven’t done yet?

» Cementland

» Go to Tower Grove

» Sledding on Art Hill

» City Museum

» AB tour

» City Foundry

» Venice Cafe

» Brewery Tour

» Go to an STL SC game

» St. Louis Aquarium

» Go kayaking in Forest Park

» The Botanical Garden

» Go apple picking at Eckert’s in the fall

» Get married

» Ride the elevator to the top of the STL Arch

St. Louis Gateway Arch: Overrated or Underrated?

said Underrated 63.21% 36.79%

said Overrated

Favorite neighborhood to visit in St. Louis

1. Central West End

2. Tower Grove

3. The Hill

Illustration by Ryan Davis

Best of The Loop’s Toasted Ravioli

Vivian Zweig Abbie Sapira Contributing Writers

St. Louis is known for The Gateway Arch, Anheuser-Busch, Midwestern hospitality, and above all, boasting some of the most delicious food in the

Midwest. One must-try of St. Louis is the famous toasted ravioli. Packed with meat or cheese, these “toasted ravs” or “T-ravs” are a St. Louis delicacy. For any WashU student looking to sample these treats for themselves, here are a few spots to get them on the Delmar Loop.

Fitz’s Delmar “The Classic”

The hustle and bustle of Fitz’s added to the good-spirited atmosphere of the double-decker restaurant. Seated at the upstairs bar, we watched root beer floats piled high with mounds of ice cream, wind through the tables to their orders. Fitz’s circular ravs, paired with a marinara dip, feel like the epitome of the classic toasted ravioli. The golden outside, the meat filling, and the sprinkling of parmesan on top make for a delicious and classic appetizer.

Writers’ Choice

Each restaurant boasted its own, uniquely delicious toasted rav, but one stood out to us in particular. We thought that the overall best ravs on the Delmar Loop belong to Fitz’s. This restaurant’s deadly duo — delicious sauce and crunchy crusts — earned it the number one spot in our hearts and our stomachs. If you don’t believe us, you’ll have to try it for yourself.

In Da Loop “Best Vibes”

Clearly a family favorite, In Da Loop was packed with families enjoying a laid-back Saturday lunch. Lined with retro-red diner booths, the restaurant felt like an Italian-inspired diner. Red LEDs adorned the wall, bathing the space in an intimate glow. There was even a karaoke machine that the staff invited us to use. This restaurant’s toasted ravs were piping hot, crunchy, and served with a smooth red sauce. The exteriors of each rav were crispy from the oven, and the dusting of parsley on top complimented their savory fillings. Great ravs for a great price!

Salt + Smoke BBQ “Most Unique Flavor”

Salt + Smoke was an inviting and rustic restaurant, filled with the sweet scent of barbeque. This farmhouse-esque establishment offered two types of ravioli — Burnt End Toasted and Pimento Cheese. We ordered the fan-favorite Burnt End Toasted Ravs. These tasty treats were filled with bits of sweet and smokey barbeque ribs. They were also served with a tangy and garlicky white sauce. The flavor profile is what stuck out most — distinctly smokey, cheesy, and crunchy.

Best of: STL Concert Venues

Kate Theerman Rodriguez Contributing Writer

The music scene in St. Louis has had a long, vibrant history. An exhibit at the Missouri History Museum chronicles legendary artists and spaces, including St. Louis natives Chuck Berry, Sheryl Crow, Nelly, Metro Boomin, and Jordan Ward, who all have graced the city’s stages. While iconic venues like Mississippi Nights have closed their doors for good, the ones remaining are equally as impressive. Here’s a guide to some of the best concert venues in the St. Louis area:

Blueberry Hill

Duck Room:

Housed in the basement of Blueberry Hill on The Loop, the Duck Room is a great venue if you’re interested in a cozy, albeit packed, and close-up concert experience. A lot of acts that have become larger over time have started out by playing the Duck Room before moving up in the Delmar Blvd chain of venues. For example, Indigo De Souza played in 2022 before recently playing at the slightly larger Delmar Hall. Many local bands composed of WashU-affiliated students and members of KWUR 90.3 FM are known to play there as well, including Non-Euclidean Geometry. Blueberry Hill itself is teeming with vibrance and nostalgia — a great option if you’re looking for somewhere affordable and close to campus.

Delmar Hall:

Joe Edwards, a wellknown St. Louis businessperson and owner of the Duck Room, co-owns Delmar Hall and The Pageant along with Patrick Hagin. This coordinated management effort makes finding shows to attend on the Loop simple, as all acts visiting are listed on The Pageant/ Delmar Hall’s website. Being relatively new, the venue is very clean and pristine. While not the coziest on the list, its lack of square footage still allows for a pretty intimate concert from this newer venue.

The Pageant:

Perhaps most wellknown to the class of 2027 as the land of Fall WILD, was described as St. Louis’ “premier midsize venue”, by the Riverfront Times. It is also located on the Loop and attracts most popular acts. Tickets can be pricier here, and parking space can be hard to find. Though finding good standing room at crowded shows is more difficult, often enough, the seats on the second floor are open. Getting to this venue early would be advised. However, the venue makes for a great sonic concert experience even when a good visual may not be attainable (for the vertically challenged).

Old Rock House:

A quaint venue located between Busch Stadium and the Soulard neighborhood, Old Rock House is a great option if you’re looking to get off campus to experience more local music. A standout performance from Samia at the venue this past

year has cemented the location as a personal favorite. The room was inviting, staff welcoming, parking abundant and secure, acoustics lively, crowd kind, and visibility clear, from almost anywhere in the pit. Unfortunately, it is pretty rare to see more well-known acts at Old Rock House, but the experience of the venue itself is worth traveling the distance from campus.

The Focal Point:

This Maplewood venue is “St. Louis’ premiere folk listening room.” The smaller space is ideal for absorbing intimate, acoustic performances. As well as being a folk and roots venue, the location also offers regularly occurring events including songwriter session events hosted by Songbird Cafe and the St. Louis Poetry Society. There are also varying dance lessons and events including sessions of international folk and Irish dance, a dance orchestra, and Argentine Tango dance events. If you’re looking for somewhere that offers a little bit of everything, The Focal Point is a great place to start.

Off Broadway:

Though a smaller venue, its offerings span widely. Everything from local bands,

to smaller touring artists and DJ/dance party events are consistently booked at Off Broadway. This venue has the appeal of the Duck Room and Old Rock House’s cozy atmosphere, while also offering a much wider array of artists from multiple genres. It is the best of both worlds (while also simultaneously having a balcony). The venue resides in the Historic Cherokee Lemp District, which is a little ways from campus, but situated in an area with much to offer and explore.

Stifel Theatre:

A civic performing arts venue located downtown close to the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, the Stifel Theatre offers a variety of events, including touring comedians and entertainers like Dancing with the Stars, Wanda Sykes, and Good Mythical Morning, as well as, quite notably, numerous events put on by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. A historic theater, the venue is loosely adjacent to the Fox in majesty, but excels in event variety. A trip to Stifel theater is ideal for any WashU student interested in experiencing a formal theater event and getting off campus.

ELLE SU | STUDENT LIFE

Music to our taste buds:

Mississippi Nights Club

There is nothing faint about this sandwich. The Mississippi Nights Club is a monster, an institution. It seems like what happens when someone dumps a zillion ingredients in between two pieces of bread and hopes for the best, except that someone is actually a maestro, an artist who knows how to combine ingredients into a perfect concoction. Full disclosure: I ate this at 6 p.m., and it was my first meal of the day. Had I eaten breakfast and lunch, I am not sure I could have finished the whole thing, or half of it. It is gargantuan. There are three proteins, cheese, two sauces, and chips (the crunch is the

cherry on top), all on a pillowy-soft toasted baguette. I can’t recommend it enough; this sandwich has the power to cure hangovers, and fill bellies. It sinks straight to the bottom of your stomach and stays there. The chefs also know exactly what kind of sandwich they have created. They don’t try to make all the ingredients fit between the bread. They know that if you are going to order the Mississippi Night Club, you are okay wearing parts of it on your shirt as you leave the restaurant. With each bite, lettuce and potato chips cascaded onto the paper wrapper below. It doesn’t matter when there is that much sandwich packed into one singular sandwich.

ILLUSTRATION BY TUESDAY HADDEN

Can’t recommend it enough — there is a reason this is the first thing on the menu. No need to look further to

read more, just chow down.

— Avi Holzman, Managing News Editor

Mushroom

Mississippi Nights

If you’re a vegetarian at Gramophone and groaning over the mostly-meat menu, fear not: any sandwich can be made vegetarian by swapping meat with mushrooms. Despite this, however, I find the already-intended-to-be-vegetarian sandwiches to be the best.

Mushroom Mississippi Nights is a whopper (Impossible Whopper, of course) of a sammy, about six inches long and three inches thick — an impeccable sandwich ratio. It’s delightfully moist (mushrooms, tomato), gives a satisfying crunch (Billy Goat Kicker Chips, onion, cucumber, lettuce), and has a nice little spice to it (Billy Goat Kicker Chips again, spicy red pepper spread, pepper mayo). If you’re tempted to order a full sandwich, good luck. By the time you make your way through the first half, you’re likely to be covered in mayo, potato-chip crumbs, and mushrooms and already decently full. Add in a glass of cider, which comes in a brimming 16-ounce glass (only if you’re 21+, of course), and you have a meal.

— Via Poolos, Editor-in-Chief

Enzo Gorlomi

This sandwich pays homage to Lt. Aldo Raine’s Italian alter ego in more ways than one. A take on the classic Italian sub, the Enzo Gorlomi comes with a smattering of different cold cuts, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, giardiniera, Italian vinaigrette, and — perhaps most importantly — pepper mayo. While many true Italian sandwiches stick to oil and vinegar, just like the “Inglourious Basterds” character Enzo

Gorlomi, something makes this one so wonderfully different from other Italians. The creamy finish balances out the saltiness and acidity from the meat and vegetables, while a tasty sesame baguette provides the finishing touch. The sandwich will leave you satiated but, unlike some others on the menu, not sickly full. Whether you stop by for dinner, a late-night munchies run, or you are an inglorious basterd, the Enzo Gorlomi would impress Italian grandmothers and stoned seniors alike.

— Jared Adelman, Managing Multimedia Editor

Steak Out

Much like any self-respecting journalist who was born a few years too late to officially grow up in the early 2000s, there’s no show I love more than “Veronica Mars,” a teen drama that follows a feisty and tenacious high-schooler who moonlights as a private investigator, spying on philandering spouses and would-be murderers. All of this to say, I felt like it was fate when I picked up a Gramophone menu and ordered “The Steak Out.” This sandwich is a modern twist on a classic concept, featuring medium-rare flank steak, bacon, mozzarella, spinach, tomato, red onion, jalapeno, and pepper mayo, all on a ciabatta roll. This is truly what I expect to be handed to me when I order a sandwich — each ingredient pulling its own weight, yet melding so perfectly that they’re indistinguishable as a whole. And, much like my beloved Veronica, it’s perfectly salty and has enough of a kick to it to keep life exciting.

— Aliana Mediratta, Junior News Editor

Chicka Chicka

Parm Parm

Chicken parm is the bread and butter of the sandwich rotation. If the chicken parm sandwich was a pitcher, it would be the innings-eater reliever who can throw 50 pitches two days in a row. If the chicken parm sandwich was a soccer player, it would be the midfield stalwart who could dart up the open space on the right wing to score, given the right opportunity. If the chicken parm was a tennis player…you get the point. The Gramophone Chicka Chicka Parm Parm sandwich is a stellar combination of thin-chopped shredded chicken, cheese, thick bacon, and marinara sauce. This sandwich is not a light effort — the combination of chicken and bacon means that the full sandwich is a hefty challenge. Also, make sure to have napkins handy, because the Big Willie’s marinara might get everywhere, along with the bacon grease and butter leaking out of the delicious garlic-buttered baguette.

— Clara Richards, Editor-in-Chief

Crustacean Nation

Oh boy! Mmm! Weee! Yippee! Get ready for some Martha’s Vineyard in your mouth. Imagine Cape Cod vomiting into your stomach (positive). That’s what this sandwich is. In the most delightful way possible. Crustacean Nation plops an ocean and a garden into your mouth: shrimp, salt-and-vinegar chips, Old Bay aioli, avocado spread, lettuce, and tomato on a delicious toasted hoagie. We want to live in a world where salt-and-vinegar chips come from a garden. Let us be. Picture yourself sitting in a lighthouse on a stormy

beach while you eat it with salty water blowing through your hair. This sandwich was apparently once a weekly special at Gramophone, but due to popular demand (and inverse popular demand of shrimp) the sandwich is now a regular on the menu. If you want to be ridiculed by your friends for ordering a sandwich with shellfish in the Midwest, this is your best chance to do it. And no. We don’t want to know where the shrimp or crab is from. Anchors away.

— Julia Robbins and Lily Taylor, News Editors

General Patton

How does this sandwich relate to General George S. Patton? I’m not exactly sure. But honestly, I don’t care, because it’s just a delightful sandwich. A relatively traditional take on the classic chicken bacon ranch, Gramophone doesn’t try too hard and still succeeds. The hint of cajun seasoning in the buttermilk ranch adds a bit of spice to what can otherwise (sorry Subway) be a pretty boring bite. What makes this sandwich stand out, like many at Gramophone, is the quality of the meats. The bacon is cooked to perfection, and the proportions ensure that it neither overpowers nor is overpowered by the chicken. The buttery sourdough melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more. Even though I showed up at Gramophone without much of an appetite after a large lunch, I somehow found myself craving a second half of the General Patton even more than when I had walked in. You’ll struggle to find a better chicken bacon ranch in St. Louis.

— Justin Lewitus, Contributing Writer

A sports fan’s guide to St. Louis

Joel Swirnoff

Matt Eisner

Saul Weiss

Junior News Editor Staff Writer Contributing Writer

Chant your heart out at a St. Louis CITY SC match

If you haven’t had the joy of doing so already, try St. Louis’s newest and best sports experience: St. Louis CITY SC. Last year, in its first season in Major League Soccer (MLS), the team finished first in the Western Conference (before getting knocked out in the first round by its I-70 rivals, Sporting Kansas City, but let’s forget about that for now). The team looks to use that momentum as it goes into its second season, backed by some of the loudest fans in the league.

In addition to chants from the “Wall of Sound” behind the northside goal going the full 90 minutes, CITY fans are known for their massive tifos. Before big games, you can find the 6,500 squarefoot paintings, often part of a choreographed display, rigged up behind the goal. The beautiful game is back in St. Louis, the nation’s soccer capital, and you don’t want to miss out.

ELLE SU | STUDENT LIFE

Watch the return of St. Louis football at a Battlehawks game

For those who are also counting down the days until the opening kickoff of the 2024 football season, head downtown to watch St. Louis’ newest professional football franchise — the Battlehawks. The Battlehawks

play in the United Football League, which was formed as a merger of the United States Football League and the XFL. Headlined by former Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron, the Battlehawks are known for having one of the most passionate fan bases in the UFL (their chant, “Ka-Kaw is the Law,” doesn’t make much sense, but it’s fun!). The Battlehawks’ stadium is easily accessible from the Convention Center MetroLink Station. Best of all: former Rams owner and STL’s number one villain, Stan Kroenke, will (hopefully) never move the Battlehawks to Los Angeles.

Cheer on the Blues’ playoff push

If you’ve never been to a sporting event before and are looking for a place to start, you have to experience a hockey game in person. Hockey is fast-paced and action-packed, and you might even be lucky enough to see two players start fighting in the middle of the game. The St. Louis Blues are in the thick of the NHL playoff hunt, meaning each game will be important and intense — making for great entertainment. The Blues are led

on the ice by center Robert Thomas and goaltender Jordan Binnington. In the stands, make sure to count the Blues’ goals with the Towel Man, and always do the power play dance (if you know, you know). Be sure to sit in the upper deck to get the best view of the whole game!

Check out old faithful, the Cardinals

Chances are, you’ve been to a Cardinals game before. If you haven’t, are you even going to school in St. Louis? A staple of the city and one of Major League Baseball’s most historic teams, the Cards look to rebound after missing the playoffs last year. The team has a star-studded starting nine, boasting players like eight-time all-star Nolan Arenado and recent National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt, as well as some of the most committed fans in the league (seeing a theme here?). As spring training gets underway, there’s always good reason to visit “baseball heaven” at Busch Stadium, one of St. Louis’s cheaper sporting experiences. There’s hardly a bad seat in the house, but if you want that iconic view of the Arch, try to sit towards the infield.

The Cheshire Hotel takes pride in the allure of their boutique hotel, offering contemporary amenities, complimentary breakfast, and afternoon tea.

Dining on-site at Basso offers a superb culinary experience, or for more private gatherings of all sizes enjoy Boundary - both, premier venues for celebrating achievements with students, family and friends.

The Cheshire Hotel takes pride in the allure of their boutique hotel, offering contemporary amenities, complimentary breakfast, and afternoon tea.

The perfect signature for every milestone, in close proximity to the Washington University campus.

Dining at the hotel’s outstanding on-site restaurants offer a superb culinary experience for celebrating achievements with students, family and friends, the perfect signature for every milestone, all in close proximity to the Washington University campus. 6300

Best running routes in Forest Park

Lewis Rand Junior Sports Editor

Forest Park is 1,371 acres of trails, fields, and woods located just across the street from the East End of campus. It is a perfect place to run from anywhere on campus, especially on a beautiful spring day. If you’re looking for a route to follow, here are three great options!

Park Loop: Leaving the South 40, head down Wydown Blvd to Forest Park. From there, you can follow the paved and gravel trails all the way around the perimeter of the park. The run takes you past the beautiful Missouri History

Museum, the scenic forested east end of the park, and around the John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest. The roughly seven mile run offers varied terrain and surfaces and is a perfect long run to get a nice start to your morning or end a stressful day.

Cannon: If you are not feeling a longer run, there are two simple shorter routes. Cannon is a go-to route. Take the gravel paths on the left side of the park (facing campus) past the history museum, turn around at the cannon and head back the way you came. It is a nice flat four mile run, perfect for a spring afternoon.

Basin: Three miles in length, this route takes you around the heart of Forest Park: Art Hill. This basically flat three mile loop offers stunning views of the St. Louis Art Museum and surrounding Forest Park Golf Course. Start at the South 40, and

once you are in the park simply take Lagoon Drive to the Basin, run around, and then run back the way you came. It is an easily accessible loop — great when you need a short break between classes or studying.

ILLUSTRATION BY RYAN DAVIS

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