Old School Denny's, South of Downtown Kansas City

Chinese Restaurant, Hazelwood.

Back in the day, this splendid restaurant was the place to get Chinese food in Hazelwood. Nowadays, it sells granite sculpture imported from China.

Eisele's Black Forest/El Lenador

Do you remember dining at the Black Forest back in the day, or any of the old German restaurants in South City? I'm interested, as there really doesn't seem to be much of a written record for these vanished but venerated institutions.

Virginia Avenue, Dutchtown

I recently discovered the Virginia Avenue business district in my exploring, anchored by the old Virginia Theater above, and the Stork Inn, one of Anheuser Busch's restaurants.What I love about this neighborhood is how the residential and commercial properties segue seamlessly, without any evidence of massive parking lots that so often litter even the most stable neighborhoods in St. Louis.The Stork Inn is a gem, and is the perfect focal point for the strip of businesses.The houses above look at the Inn across the street. While more or less identical, they each have taken on a life of their own over the years.

Benton Park Restaurants

Benton Park is anchored by its neighborhood restaurants, some of which can be seen here. Niche, above, has garnered national attention for its food and location.Sidney Street Cafe continues to operate in the neighborhood, long a symbol of its revitalization.Frazier's Brown Bag is another great restaurant across the highway from the brewery.I've never been to Yemanja or Benton Park Cafe, but I've heard they're good as well.

Hofbrau Haus, Peoria, Illinois

Fast Eddie's Bon Air

Five's Parking Lot

Frazer's

My family and I discovered this great reuse of an old storefront across 55 from the Brewery. The food's great too.