Jeeves is getting drug along: STL Mardi Gras

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 9:22 am

Any of you guys ever been? My sister is getting married in a couple months and I'm getting thrust into the bachelor party group going to STL this weekend.

We're apparently going to a tent party on Saturday that's all inclusive, but anything else to do? Anyone been to the casino downtown/is it any good?

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 9:32 am

Maybe I'm just old, but that sounds awful.

Rex · Post by **Rex** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 9:38 am

Looks like it's in the track of the next winter storm--was New Orleans closed?

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:04 am

mister d wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 9:32 am Maybe I'm just old, but that sounds awful.

It's gonna be. All these guys are 6ish years younger than I am. I'm just gonna try and blend in and not get too pissed off. Upside if I'm the guy that disappears and goes to the casino, no one is going to question that.

Joe K · Post by **Joe K** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:20 am

It’s going to be cold as shit this weekend so it’s definitely not ideal for Mardi Gras. The only part of STL Mardi Gras I’ve been to is the Purina-sponsored World’s Largest Mardi Gras Pet Parade, which already happened last Sunday. But there’s a good restaurant (great BBQ if you’re into that) and microbrew scene here, although I’m not sure many of the best places will be part of the Mardi Gras events. The casino is fairly large and has all the normal table games and poker. But, like almost all casinos, it’s far more smoky and skeevy than glamorous. Are you staying near downtown?

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:21 am

Joe K wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:20 am It’s going to be cold as shit this weekend so it’s definitely not ideal for Mardi Gras. The only part of STL Mardi Gras I’ve been to is the Purina-sponsored World’s Largest Mardi Gras Pet Parade, which already happened last Sunday. But there’s a good restaurant (great BBQ if you’re into that) and microbrew scene here, although I’m not sure many of the best places will be part of the Mardi Gras events. The casino is fairly large and has all the normal table games and poker. But, like almost all casinos, it’s far more smoky and skeevy than glamorous. Are you staying near downtown?

Right downtown on Olive St.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:23 am

Is this even mandatory attendance? Opposite family shouldn't have to go for everyone's sake.

Joe K · Post by **Joe K** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:35 am

Ok. I never really go out in that area but there are a number of bars near there. My biggest restaurant recommendation among places near where you’re staying is Sugarfire Smoke House. I haven’t been to the downtown location but the other location is great. Pi Pizza is also good and Rooster has pretty good brunches. Since it’s Mardi Gras I’m guessing they’ll go to Soulard, which is a neighborhood just South of downtown. I’d recommend Mission Taco and Four Hands brewery. I’ve also heard great things about Bogart’s, which is a BBQ place down there.

There’s also Blues game Saturday night. Tickets aren’t cheap but probably a better way to blow your money that the casino.

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:36 am

mister d wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:23 am Is this even mandatory attendance? Opposite family shouldn't have to go for everyone's sake.

I'm not bitching. I like the guy just fine, I just don't know any of his friends. I can get along with pretty much anyone so it's not that big a deal, 2 nights and I'll survive. Just looking for alternate plays. If all else fails and I hate it I snag a hotel so I don't have to be around them and hoof it back early. It's only a 4 hour drive.

govmentchedda · Post by **govmentchedda** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:58 am

When my sister got married, the bachelor party was in STL as well, but mid summer. We went to a Cards game, and my brother in law and his brothers and friends were pretty tame. Seems like we were there just after the Josh Hancock crash, and someone noted that we were drinking in the same bar that he'd reportedly been to just prior to the accident.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:59 am

There's a back pocket conversation topic for you, BSF.

Post by **brian** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:02 am

BSF21 wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:21 am
Joe K wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:20 am It’s going to be cold as shit this weekend so it’s definitely not ideal for Mardi Gras. The only part of STL Mardi Gras I’ve been to is the Purina-sponsored World’s Largest Mardi Gras Pet Parade, which already happened last Sunday. But there’s a good restaurant (great BBQ if you’re into that) and microbrew scene here, although I’m not sure many of the best places will be part of the Mardi Gras events. The casino is fairly large and has all the normal table games and poker. But, like almost all casinos, it’s far more smoky and skeevy than glamorous. Are you staying near downtown?
Right downtown on Olive St.

My office is at Olive and 10th Sts, so I know that area pretty well. Joe's recommendations are echoed, but I'd add Broadway Oyster Bar (which is likely to be part of the celebration as it's a Cajun/Creole place). As far as good bars downtown, it's a mixed bag but Hair Of The Dog on Washington Street is a pretty decent vibe and has a great draft beer list. It's a few blocks from the hotel but maybe worth the walk (or those damn Lime scooters are everywhere). Depending where on Olive St your hotel is Jack Patrick's is a old school dive bar with cheap beer and good burgers. Four Hands is by far the best brewery anywhere near downtown if you end up anywhere near there (it's not TOO far from Broadway Oyster Bar). If you're looking for some quick sandwiches, you have to hit up Gioia's Deli -- some of the best sandwiches I've had anywhere in the country (get the hot salami or something with the hot salami at least).

The casino is honestly not worth your time in my opinion. In my estimation it's even sadder and dingier than most. If you end up going with your buddies and just want to gamble a bit you probably won't be disappointed, but it's nothing special.

I'd stay away from any of the places in the Ballpark Village near Busch Stadium. It's all overpriced, lame crap. Likewise if anyone tries to talk you into going to any of the bars in Laclede's Landing by the casino, don't bother.

Text me if you have any other questions or want any other tips.

BSF21 · Post by **BSF21** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:03 am

mister d wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:59 am There's a back pocket conversation topic for you, BSF.

Yea can't wait to liven up the party with that.

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:08 am

[silence]

"And ... uh ... you may have forgotten that Darryl Kile didn't actually die in St. Louis but rather in Chicago. Oscar Taveras was in the Dominican. Anyone else have one?"

Post by **brian** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:11 am

(Oh and I'm probably obligated to mention one of my best friend's husband is the GM of Peacemaker, which is an awesome seafood place in Soulard if you should find yourself in that area.) And I'm not just saying that-- the food there is the tits.

Post by **brian** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:12 am

mister d wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:08 am [silence]

"And ... uh ... you may have forgotten that Darryl Kile didn't actually die in St. Louis but rather in Chicago. Oscar Taveras was in the Dominican. Anyone else have one?"

"Luis Valbuena was in Venezuela. Man, thank God for President Trump to help control that mess, huh?"

mister d · Post by **mister d** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:25 am

Pretty sure that gets you a free round in St. Louis.

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:30 am

I would pick a slow time to raise your glass and yell "TO THE BEST FANS IN BASEBALL" and then when they all cheer you put on the Red Sox hat and everyone looks at the camera and shrugs their shoulders

Joe K · Post by **Joe K** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:48 am

mister d wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:25 am Pretty sure that gets you a free round in St. Louis.

I’m not gonna defend the full region or State of Missouri on this but if we’re just talking about the City of St. Louis, I bet the percentage of Trump supporters here is a lot lower than in the New Jersey suburbs. No Republican has a chance in hell of winning a citywide election and you see businesses everywhere with prominent anti-Trump and pro-immigrant messaging.

Post by **brian** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:49 am

Joe K wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:48 am
mister d wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:25 am Pretty sure that gets you a free round in St. Louis.
I’m not gonna defend the full region or State of Missouri on this but if we’re just talking about the City of St. Louis, I bet the percentage of Trump supporters here is a lot lower than in the New Jersey suburbs. No Republican has a chance in hell of winning a citywide election and you see businesses everywhere with prominent anti-Trump and pro-immigrant messaging.

Yeah, if you were at a Cards game might be one thing, but those are mostly suburbanites who run from their cars to the stadium and back (or if they're really daring will ride the light rail).

DaveInSeattle · Post by **DaveInSeattle** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:00 pm

Mardi Gras? In St Louis?

Post by **brian** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:04 pm

DaveInSeattle wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:00 pm Mardi Gras? In St Louis?

It's the second-biggest Mardi Gras in the country behind New Orleans.

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:06 pm

Cross-thread promotion: The STL flag is fantastic

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:23 pm

I asked my wife about St. Louis Mardi Gras. She was born and raised in St. Charles County, and lived-in St. Louis in University City for awhile.

She said, "St. Louis has a Mardi Gras celebration??"

Post by **brian** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:29 pm

sancarlos wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:23 pm I asked my wife about St. Louis Mardi Gras. She was born and raised in St. Charles County, and lived-in St. Louis in University City for awhile.

She said, "St. Louis has a Mardi Gras celebration??"

It's mostly in Soulard and some adjacent parts of downtown No one is going to confuse it with New Orleans'.

rass · Post by **rass** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:39 pm

Post by **brian** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:40 pm

Would have been funnier if Zipper had done that, but I'll allow it.

Brontoburglar · Post by **Brontoburglar** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:43 pm

there's a flying saucer in ballpark village, which makes ballpark village perfectly fine because it's the only place you have to go

I fifth mission taco. they opened one in KC recently, and it's connected to an ITap. ITap is also good. beer bar like the saucer that lets you bring food in because they don't sell it

you're in StL a weekend ahead of me. we've gotta go back next weekend for a family reunion type thing for the GF's family

tennbengal · Post by **tennbengal** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:50 pm

“And don’t get me started on Bo Diaz and old school satellite dishes.”

Post by **brian** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:54 pm

Brontoburglar wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:43 pm there's a flying saucer in ballpark village, which makes ballpark village perfectly fine because it's the only place you have to go

I fifth mission taco. they opened one in KC recently, and it's connected to an ITap. ITap is also good. beer bar like the saucer that lets you bring food in because they don't sell it

you're in StL a weekend ahead of me. we've gotta go back next weekend for a family reunion type thing for the GF's family

The Flying Saucer closed down.

Post by **brian** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:56 pm

Also before I forget -- whatever you do -- do not, under any circumstances get Imo's or any other St. Louis-style pizza. It's an abomination, a sin against G-d and you deserve any bad thing that happens to you if you eat it.

govmentchedda · Post by **govmentchedda** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:58 pm

DaveInSeattle wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:00 pm Mardi Gras? In St Louis?

That's always my reaction to St. Patrick's Day? In Savannah?

Brontoburglar · Post by **Brontoburglar** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 1:56 pm

brian wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:54 pm
Brontoburglar wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:43 pm there's a flying saucer in ballpark village, which makes ballpark village perfectly fine because it's the only place you have to go

I fifth mission taco. they opened one in KC recently, and it's connected to an ITap. ITap is also good. beer bar like the saucer that lets you bring food in because they don't sell it

you're in StL a weekend ahead of me. we've gotta go back next weekend for a family reunion type thing for the GF's family
The Flying Saucer closed down.

what?!

ETA: St. Louis style pizza is good. pizza is good. eat what kind of pizza you like. but Imo's is overrated.

Steve of phpBB · Post by **Steve of phpBB** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 2:23 pm

rass wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:39 pm

Heh.

sancarlos · Post by **sancarlos** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 4:06 pm

brian wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 12:56 pm Also before I forget -- whatever you do -- do not, under any circumstances get Imo's or any other St. Louis-style pizza. It's an abomination, a sin against G-d and you deserve any bad thing that happens to you if you eat it.

Co-sign.

Provel is not cheese.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 8:11 pm

I will absolutely eat the local style of pizza wherever I am. I ain’t proud.

Post by **brian** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 8:25 pm

A_B wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 8:11 pm I will absolutely eat the local style of pizza wherever I am. I ain’t proud.

Serious non sarcastic question. Have you ever had STL style pizza?

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 8:28 pm

brian wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 8:25 pm
A_B wrote: ↑Thu Feb 28, 2019 8:11 pm I will absolutely eat the local style of pizza wherever I am. I ain’t proud.
Serious non sarcastic question. Have you ever had STL style pizza?

No but I’ve only ever been in STl one night and bcg got me fried ravioli.

Just saying I looked up what it was and it doesn’t look inedible.

Post by **brian** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:59 pm

OK fair enough. If you do ever try absolutely avoid Imo’s.

tennbengal · Post by **tennbengal** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 11:13 pm

It just looks so very gross.