1. Basso

Located underneath the Restaurant at the Chershire, Basso is a unique mixture between a sports bar and date place. There are happy hours from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Fridays that includes the option of a $7 two topping pizza. This restaurant is dimly lit and has bar seating, booths, and tables. The food at Basso is typically Italian and they have truffle fries.

2. Baileys' Range

If you are going to a game downtown, or you just need a good burger, Bailey's Range is the place to go. They offer beef, chicken, veggie, lamb and bison burgers, cooked to taste, and there are at least six cheese options. Their fries are also amazing, and you can get them loaded and/or with sauce on the side. Their sauces are unique and include homemade catsup, beer mustard and chipotle and sriracha mayos. Bailey's also offers incredible milkshakes...but more on that later.

3. La Patisserie Chouquette

You wouldn't expect to find a authentic French bakery next to a Montessori, but in South City, there one lies. Delicate macaroons and frothy cappuccinos are just the start of what Chouquette offers. Decorated chef Simone Faure has indeed made this place a little slice of heaven, and if you close your eyes while biting into a macaroon, you may just feel like you are on the steps of the Paris Opera House.

4. Sump Coffee

Real people. Real coffee. Sump is a great place to go and get some genuinely amazing coffee. It's a fun place to go and is located in a great part of South City. They also offer wholesale options if that is what you are looking for.

5. Baileys' Chocolate Bar

A restaurant under the same ownership as Baileys' Range doesn't just serve dessert...they also offer a wide assortment of cheeses and other small plated options. But, they stick out above the rest when they come to their desserts. Their milkshakes (that are also offered at Baileys' Range) are impeccable and their salted caramel shake specifically is to die for. My favorite in their "plated dessert" section would have to be - of course - the Baileys' Chocolate Bar.

6. Crêpes etc.

If you like crêpes, look no further than Crêpes etc. Located in the eclectic Central West End (CWE) area, there are five crêpes offered consistently. On top of those, there are also sandwiches and desserts. When you're done eating there, wander around the CWE and shop (or window) around!

7. Shaw's Coffee

The Hill (the local Italian neighborhood) is home to many authentic Italian restaurants and shops, but my favorite place is Shaw's Coffee. They offer fresh roasted coffee and have newspapers written in Italian that allows you to truly feel transported to Italy.

8. Crown Candy Kitchen

Full disclosure: I myself have not been to this place, but I always hear great things about it. They offer lunch and dinner, but also offer great sweets options. With the ice cream cone historically being invented at the St. Louis World's Fair, they offer several items that are centered around ice cream/shakes.

9. Vin de Set

You might want reservations for this busy place. If you're looking for a date place with a distant, but nice, view of the city, look no further. A rustic French atmosphere and unique architecture are just the start of why this place is so good. Braised lamb crepes, Alsatian Tarte flambe, and vanilla bean creme brûlée are just a small snapshot of what this menu offers.