I sent my friends and family a questionnaire about their hometowns. My brother James wrote back to explain what he loves – and hates – about Saint Louis.
Where do you live and how long have you lived there? I have lived in St. Louis, MO for three years.
Describe the city in three words. Small, segregated, growing.
Favorite restaurant? Blue’s City Deli. There is nothing bad on the menu. Super cheap and free live blues!
Favorite park? Lafayette Square Park. This was the first neighborhood I lived in and the park is quaint and beautiful.
Favorite museum? The St. Louis Art Museum. Free Friday exhibits and it has that museum smell I love.
Favorite place to buy clothes? The malls here are pretty sad but there is a thriving thrift and vintage store scene all around the city. If you have some money to drop, visit Cherokee Street.
Favorite grocery store? Field’s Foods. It’s not the fanciest and does not have the greatest selection but they have these off-brand Cheez-its that I crave frequently.
Favorite bar? Planter’s House. Best G&T ever. Period.
Favorite neighborhood/spot? I enjoy the pocket restaurants in Soulard. Venice Café has amazing jerk chicken.
Best way to get around the city? Unfortunately, by car.
What do you love? In most neighborhoods it’s house, house, house, house, restaurant, house, bar.
What do you hate? The private school culture. Oh, and Ballpark Village.
Most overrated thing in the city? The arch.
Most underrated thing in the city? The muthafuckin’ St. Louis Public Library.
Last thoughts? Follow this chart to find out which high school you would have attended if you grew up here. It will inform so much behavior you see in St. Louisans.
Featured image provided by James Z.
