Birthday at Busch

This post may have some info for you.

… and walk from there. it’s not a super-short walk, but you save some $$ (it’s often free parking) and get a nice walk through the city, including up the Arch steps.

i also love eating at Charlie Gitto’s (downtown version; not the one on Hill): good Italian food at affordable rates (i recommend the linguine w/ clam sauce or the veal parmesan), casual atmosphere (Cards’ attire is welcome), within walking distance of the arch and the stadium. Tommy LaSorda has a perpetually-reserved table there… if he walks in at any moment, whoever is sitting there has to move.

other things to do… depends on what you like, but there isn’t a ton downtown except for bars/restaurants. you could hit up Mike Shannon’s for a liberation or several, or just get to the park early enough for batting practice.

I live in IL and also take I-64 to get to St. Louis. I NEVER pay to park near the stadium. The two best options:

- Park in the Lumiere Place parking garage (FREE unless there is a special event going on) and take their FREE shuttle to the game.

- Park at the Casino Queen (East Riverfront) for FREE and ride the Metrolink to Busch. A round trip ticket is 4 or 5 dollars.

Lunch: I agree with the post about Charlie Gitto’s. I also like a place called Caleco’s, which is on the north side of Kiener Plaza. If you like sushi, the Drunken Fish on Laclede’s Landing is a 2 block walk south of Lumiere Place, but I don’t think they open until 4 PM.

If you’re looking for a place to drink before/after the game, Al Hrabosky’s, Patty O’s, and Mike Shannon’s are all within a block of less of the stadium and are always packed with Cards fans.

HAVE FUN!