With all the money they charge after the pandemic (cost has doubled), you would think that they…read morewould provide better support for weekend and pay issues. It's amazing that they can have your service cut off during the weekend and force you to wait until Monday to restore service. IL Am Water won't restore without the approval of sewer who only works M - F, so if freezing weather is coming, you're just out of luck, just pray that your pipes don't freeze. Trash and water should be totally separate. Reality is nobody earns their pay anymore. Sad!

City of Belleville- A good place to live. School district is good, great local small businesses, it…read moreboasts a old eclectic almost historical movie theatre in the downtown area, with restaurants, and bars. Belleville is good for nightlife, arts, and festivals. Come check out the annual chili cook-off, Art on the Square, Eckert's orchard, and the Fairgrounds. The city has public transportation, three MetroLink stops, and Lindenwood college campus.

Such a fun neighbor especially during Mardi Gras! Lots of bars and restaurants. Fantastic…read moreexperience!

-- The Lovably Wild Aunt of St. Louis…read more If Soulard were a member of your family, she'd be that crazy aunt you can't help but adore -- the one who shows up already tipsy, tells stories that make your parents cringe, and might just leave with something from your mother's jewelry box. But here's the thing: you'd always ask if she's coming, because she's the life of the party. This neighborhood is pure character -- historic brick buildings, streets meant for wandering, and an endless lineup of bars, restaurants, and live music joints that feel like they've been here forever. Stroll the streets with a drink in hand, pop into a corner pub for some blues, or time your visit for one of the many events that take over the area. From Mardi Gras to market days, Soulard never fails to please the senses... even if it occasionally offends your nose. Honestly, Soulard should lean into its reputation even more -- imagine a Crazy Aunt Run in the spirit of the Mrs. Roper Romp or the Red Dress Run. The crowds are already here, so why not throw in a few more wild, themed events to keep the energy rolling year-round? It's gritty, it's charming, it's unpredictable -- and that's exactly why you'll want to keep coming back.

Clayton tends to be "upscale" and not super welcoming to those who are "outsiders". Go somewhere…read moremore fun like the Tower Grove farmers market!

Love Taste of Clayton! I've attended for 30 years! I love the various food and people I encounter!…read moreAlways top shelf and very diverse.

Dave was readily available and more than willing to help us honor our parents with a dedication…read moreceremony at their gravesite. The beautiful melodies provided by Dave Gallagher was a welcome surprise and sentiment by our family. Thank you, Dave, for helping me provide this gift for my Irish family!

The City of Edwardsville has really come a long way over the years. It's grown into a great college…read moretown while still keeping that welcoming, family-friendly feel. There's a nice balance here--plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from, along with a strong sense of community. Whether you're a student, a family, or just visiting, there's always something to do and somewhere new to check out. Overall, it's a well-rounded area that continues to grow and it's easy to see why so many people enjoy living and spending time here

From my yelp hub of St. Louis to home, you go over the bloodcurdling bridge, past the terrifying…read moretower of trash, left at the horrible hill, and north until you enter the heart of E'ville. My facetious "directions" are inspired by encounters with people who seem fearful of crossing the Mississippi, like the medieval cartographer who wrote on the edge of his map: "Beyond here, there be dragons." In response to this fear, I like to remind people that Edwardsville functions as a "suburb," using the second definition in Webster's Dictionary: "A smaller community ... within commuting distance of a city." I know many residents who commute to downtown for work, and some as far as west county. They'll tell you that the drive to downtown is easier than from places like Wildwood, St. Charles, or Lake St. Louis: commuting time is generally shorter, and morning into St. Louis and evening out, you have the sun at your back rather than in your face. There are at least six ways to approach E'ville, but, if you're coming from St. Louis, three make the most sense. If you happen to be looking for something on the east side of town, you could take I-55 to exit 23, then travel the new Governors' Parkway west. This is the way most people approach if they're coming from northern Illinois, or from eastern outlying areas to shop in grocery stores or strip malls. If you want a peaceful approach that takes you by the northern outskirts of SIUE, and through the historic St. Louis Street residential area, you could travel I-255 north to New Poag Road, then go east. Perhaps the best all-purpose route, not too busy, but takes you by or near restaurants, schools, and shopping, is to travel I-270 to exit #9, then left over the bridge, then veer right on Illinois 157 and northeast up the long hill on the bluff. You'll travel five or six miles through several traffic lights, and end up at the "T" intersection for St. Louis Street, where you'll turn right to find downtown. My LEAST favorite approach is I-270 to exit #12, which takes you north along Illinois 159, Troy Road, sort of the Manchester Road of our area. I've lived in Edwardsville very nearly ten years. It's the seat of Madison County, with a long history (third oldest city in Illinois). The establishment fifty years ago of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville slowly changed the flavor of the community, in many positive ways, I think. I moved here for two reasons: a fine job, and excellent public schools for my children. The bike trails are as good as any you'll find in the metro area. The shopping and dining options get better every year. I don't work for the city or the chamber of commerce, but I want to encourage you to try it sometime. It may be E'ville, but it's really not so scary.

Oh, what a beautiful morning. Oh, what a beautiful day. I just had a delicious breakfast at,…read moreMorning Glory Diner. Yes, I just participated in the first round of, "Meet the Diner". It's a new monthly CYE, that is going to expose us all to the fabulous and delicious diners within our great city of STL. Best of all, you get to do experience them with fellow Yelpers aka foodies just like yourself. David one one of the co-owners was the perfect host. You could hear his passion as he explained each item on his breakfast menu to our group of Yelpers/foodies. He shared which were his personal favorites and which contained house-made items/ingredients. Seriously, whatever you selecte, would be the right choice. Nobody was disappointed with their choice and everyone cleaned their plates. Max, this was a fun CYE. I am looking forward to the next diner, and personally, I am hoping to make it to each and everyone on the diner tour.

If you recognize the place, the cozy restaurant (Vista) used to be my go-to for little Korean fried…read morechicken sliders. They were the best this world could offer and I was so bummed that were shutting their doors. And then, Morning Glory Diner breathed life back into the space. They're your classic diner without the classic diner look or overly greasy and heavy feel. Their menu focuses on some breakfast staples like buttermilk biscuits, the slinger, and cornmeal pancakes- all priced reasonably (it's nice when you can dine out and not hurt your wallet). Be sure to make a trip and indulge a little. :)

I really enjoy the Hibernian parade and Dogtown event every year. It's a hokie, noncommercial…read moreparade and street party. This event is a shot in the arm for this areas uniquely neighborhood-esque business district. The residents have parties, picnics, etc. the restaurants have tents, beer gardens, music, and food. The local church has Irish dancing performances and the weather tends to cooperate most years. A good time is had by all. I tend to spend the first half of the day on or around Tamm (the parade route, restaurants, bars, and house parties). As the crowd gets younger, denser, and a wee bit drunk around the Clayton/Tamm corridor, I generally hike it with my group to lower Dogtown, where the restaurants have outdoor seating, live music, ample potties, etc. Since the Dogtown event falls on St. Patrick's Day and rarely falls on the weekend, there is some level of crowd control, which I like. It's still crowded, with lots of heavy drinking. SO, I do have to ask some of the folks with young kids WHY they hang around for hours after the parade is over. Once it becomes a big party, it is time to take the kiddos home. Seriously!!

For those of you looking for an official parade with floats and pageantry, the Dogtown St…read more Patrick's Day Parade is not it! But if you are looking for authentic, local Irish revelry, then this is for you! Always held on March 17, no matter what day of the week it falls on or what kind of weather we're experiencing, this parade consists mostly of flatbed pickup trucks, fire engines and groups of pedestrians. There are also some adorable little Irish dancer girls, Irish wolfhounds and bagpipe players spread out throughout the parade as well. One thing you will notice right away is that everyone in the parade and those attending the parade are either related, neighbors or send their kids to the same school. Normally this kind of small town mentality freaks me out, but once a year it comes across relatively quaint. If you are going to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Dogtown, be sure to get there early, find a good spot in front (so you can catch good beads), and make sure you have a DD to pick you up!

Are you shaw you want to hear about this neighbourhood?…read more OK then here goes. This is a really lovely neighbourhood in St Louis which has been seeing something of an urban resurgence and Renaissance around here, but it is still possibly the highest crime city in America and one of the highest crime cities in the world by many yardsticks, whatever a yardstick is. So this neighbourhood isn't safe by the standards of other cities, but it's not too bad by St Louis standards. And it's lovely, and I hang out here whenever I'm in town. We like the ice cream here, there's a Ted Drewe's not too far away too.