Crepes in St. Louis

Upon arrival at Crepes, etc., diners order at the long service counter, take a number and seat themselves while they await their food's arrival. As expected, the menu features crepes aplenty, but other options include French toast, pancakes and a variety of omelets. The menu divides crepes into savory or sweet, with the former featuring playful choices such as the Beef...I Must Eat More Beef crepe, which is stuffed with prime rib, sauteed peppers and onions, mushrooms and mozzarella. Sweet crepes are of the more straightforward variety (think: Nutella and crepe Suzette).

There's not much they don't do at Lola: live music seven days a week, stellar cocktails, upscale small plates, brunch, crepes. Located just off Washington Avenue, Lola strives to be a joint for downtown denizens that's by the neighborhood, for the neighborhood - balancing loft-district energy with food and drink you actually want. The crêpes are a good bet: the Delilah, stuffed with shrimp, crab and crawfish étouffée, is especially tasty. The lineup also includes sandwiches (these, too, have female names, though not as sexy as the crêpes) and small plates such as polenta fries paired with ratatouille and pan-fried lamb chops with a panko coating. The cocktail list, many of its entries named for downtown buildings, features truly excellent martinis and even mocktails (cleverly named after infamous celebrity rehab facilities) for those on the wagon. You'll never be without live entertainment at Lola, whether it's a hip-hop spin in the Absinthe Bar or up front with the soulful stylings of Mo E or Javier Mendoza.

The second location of Sasha's (the original is in Clayton) sits in the Shaw neighborhood near the botanical garden. When you’re greeted with a novel as a wine list, you know you must be in the right place. Clever descriptions introduce each of the more than 60 wines available by the bottle or the glass. It’s also one of only a few places in town to offer Coravin tastings right out of the bottle without removing the cork—a great way to taste an expensive wine for just a few dollars. The appetizer menu features delicious wine bar fare, such as charcuterie, pate and smoked salmon plates. Made-to-order crepes and pizzas are perfect for grazing, while the lamb chops, beef brisket and grilled tenderloin will satisfy a heartier appetite.