Saturday, January 24, 2009

Where do I go for....?

Since we have some new residents in the building, I thought I'd share some thoughts on places to go for life's little necessities. Besides this blog, Greensheet, a publication by one of our building members, is a helpful guide to everything downtown, and you can always pick up one in the lobby.


We all eventually need medicine, double-sided tape, or large bags of candy. Where else but Walgreens? The closest I've found is on Lindell near the Central West End, about five minutes away.


(Update Dec. 2009) There's also a new Walgreens at 1530 Layfayette, at Truman and Lafayette in Soulard. Jefferson to Chouteau (east), and turning right on eith Truman or Tucker should get you there. It's a bit trickier driving than the one on Lindell.

Food

If you feel like an outdoor market, try Soulard Market. You can read my earlier article by following this link.

Sometimes, however, you just want a grocery store or supermarket.


Culinaria is here. It is a Schnucks market located at 9th and Olive. I usaully take Olive straight down because there are many one-way streets in the area. Heading east on Olive, the garage will be on your left, just past 10th Street. Parking is free (just present your receipt when exiting the garage). The prices and variety of food are excellent. Culinaria also has a lot of prepared food, and I believe you can eat it there if you like. There's a wine section, a pharmacy, and just about anything you might need.Since it's a city store, the aisles can be crowded at times, and you can't take your cart to the garage, so make sure you can carry everything to your car. If you can't, however, they are very courteous at this store, and will probably offer to help you. Checking out is fast and efficient. All-in-all, this is a great thing to have in the city, and I want to thank Schnucks for investing in the downtown area

City Grocers - (update Dec. 2009) I haven't been to City Grocers in a while. I believe they deal now more in specialty foods since they don't want to compete with Culinaria. It's located on Olive catty corner to Culinaria.










Since the opening of Culinaria, there is no longer the need to make the drive to Schnucks anymore, unless you happen to be in that area, or are buying a whole bunch of stuff and want to take it directly to your car. Of the three closest to us, the Lindell location is probably the easiest to get to. I've never been in this particular one however. I like the Arsenal location on the Hill. It's close to my job, and has a good selection of food. They also have a whole section devoted to Italian food. (If you're in that area, and you're interested in Italian grocery stores you can check out Viviano or Di Gregorio)



Straub's - Straub's is located in the Central West end, and has upscale specialty foods.

Vincent's - Located on 12th Street, this is a go to place for "Soulardians". Again, I've never been there, so I can't tell you what it's like.

Jay International Food - This store specializes in food from around the world. Need a big bag of basmati rice or a special ingredient to make sushi? For items like these, this is the place to go. It has a ton of exotic foodstuffs, and is just a few minutes away on S. Grand.


Liquor

Of course you can get liquor at the little stores like Lucas Park (on Washington Ave.) or City Grocer, but if you're looking for a store with a huge collection, try Randall's on S. Jefferson. You'll fall to your knees and thank the liquor gods. Culinaria (on 9th and Olive) can also now serve your liquor needs.


Gas

All the driving around will require some gas for your car. There are not as many gas stations as you would think there would be in downtown St. Louis. Luckily for us, there is one very close. (Letter D on the map) Just a few blocks up on Delmar and Jefferson, there's plenty of gas. This station is often crowded, and some residents might be wary of going there at night. Other locations are on Chouteau and downtown Jefferson.
Update Dec. 2009 - There is now a new BP gas station on Jefferson, just south of Hwy 64 /40. It is new and very close.


Auto Repair / Mechanic


I've only been to a mechanic once since living here to get an oil change. I went to Turpin's on Olive. Since then, they've merged with another garage and moved to Locust. The new company is Lawler and Balthasar . I know they've been in business for a long time and seem to have a good reputation. When I went for my inspection, they were courteous and professional.


Hardware



Google suggests True Value on Connecticut (near Arsenal by Tower Grove Park) and Hanneke on Southwest (near Kingshighway). Usually I just ride the highway to a Lowe's. The one off of Hwy 64 /40 and Hanley can now be more easily accessed since the highway has been re-opened.


3 comments:

Wendy said...

just thought i would add my 4 cents (two location reviews) the Schnucks on Lyndell is where i usually go. i get there on Sunday before mass lets out. i can get in and out in no time. but, i don't go at night. not alone at least. the downside is that they have cart stalls about every 5 spaces, so parking is usually a walk.

the gas station on Delmar. again, i don't go at night. i fill up every sunday (after the market) but the advantage is they usually have the cheapest gas i see.

Jenni said...

Thanks Chris! There is also a Walgreen's on Grand. Take Washington Ave. to Grand make a right on Grand and it's a couple blocks up on the right ;)

Debbie said...

I also go to the Schnucks on Lindell and feel pretty safe.
However, I feel very safe at the gas station at Jefferson and Delmar as the Police Station is across the street.
As an fyi, there is a CVS pharmacy in the AT&T building 9th & Pine.