DOWNTOWN. Evoking classic steakhouses of yore, Al's offers dark wood decor, a tuxedo-clad waitstaff, the wafting fragrance of cigar smoke, a nautical-themed bar, and tableside preparations. There are no printed menus; waiters recite dinner options, and the kitchen practically invites special requests. Beef, duck, veal, lamb, lobster, fish, chicken, and pasta are prepared in a seemingly endless list of variations. Try a crab-stuffed filet or lamb Ettinger for something unusual. For a sweet ending, it's hard to go wrong with luscious bananas Foster.

DOWNTOWN. This popular steak house is a favorite spot after ball games and for family dinners and business occasions. The menu is typically American and features chicken noodle soup, savory spinach salad, escargot, flavorful bruschetta, steamed salmon, and plenty of steaks. The Missouri Beef Council has named Mike Shannon's the top beef restaurant in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Shannon, of course, gained fame as a Cardinals baseball player and as a sports broadcaster.

DOWNTOWN. Upscale and elegant, this popular seafood establishment offers more than 200 choices on its expansive menu. Opt for a cooked dish, like cold water lobster tails with dauphine potatoes or fried Gulf shrimp with Maine sea scallops, or choose something from the sushi menu ­ shrimp tempura rolls, Atlantic salmon sashimi, and eel cucumber hand rolls are among the selections. Tempting side items like sauteed baby portabella mushrooms and tempura vegetables provide tasty accompaniments. Occasionally, live jazz adds to the ambience.