Maggie O'Brien's is an Irish pub that just so happened to be next door to my hotel while in St. Louis. So, it made for the perfect place to destress and unwind after a busy day.



While there, I opted for a drink, but I can't go anywhere without sampling some of the fare.



The menu has items like St. Louis' famous "toasted ravioli," plus salads, chicken tenders, pizza and ribs.



But since we're in an Irish pub, I wanted to find something with an Irish flair.



O'Kaci's Reuben Rolls • $9.99 - Hand Rolled Right here at Maggie's Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese and Sauerkraut. Served with a side of Thousand Island.



And I'll admit - most of these waited until the next day because I was full. But, for the few bites I had while hot and fresh were great. A mild sauerkraut and finely chopped corn beef were perfectly paired with oozing swiss cheese.

We know Sam's Hot Dogs has a solid, standard hot dog.



And at the Barboursville Sam's location, that was an option. Along with pork BBQ, burgers and fries.



On this day, none of those were cutting it. Instead, I opted for a corndog. A corndog is usually reserved for a special occasion for me - a carnival, an amusement park, etc. But this day felt special enough.



And, it was good. I won't bore you with my deep thoughts on this culinary delight. But, it had a nice crisp on the outside and the sweetness with the hot dog just makes me think of every fair I've ever been to. No culinary miracle but definitely a pleasant treat.

I'm working my way through all the Sam's Hot Dog Stand locations in West Virginia, which brought me to Lavalette.



This spot had its own location - connected to a larger building - but not just a small outpost in a gas station.



The dog is a classic Sam's dog - steamed bun, mild chili, packed slaw. A standard, utilitarian dog.

St. Louis has a special sandwich that is local to the area: The Gerber. T

he Gerber is an open-faced sandwich made in St. Louis, Missouri. The Gerber consists of a half section of Italian or French bread, spread with garlic butter and topped with ham, and Provel cheese (the original sandwich was made with provolone), seasoned with a sprinkling of paprika and then toasted. - Wikipedia

The sandwich can be found across the city, but I found one spot on GrubHub that could deliver it right to my hotel room: DB's Sports Bar. And, I got a side of macaroni and cheese, too.

The sandwich is really good. Think of a ham & cheese that is even better - because it has garlic and the cheese has a richer flavor. Mac & cheese was fine. But the gerber was the star here.

Just across the street from the hotel I was staying in in Missouri was the St. Louis Union Station Soda Fountain - complete with ice cream, candy, burgers and booze.



This spot seems very commercial with giant ceilings, beautiful finishes and a sprawling space. I tend to love places that have a bit of a personal touch in some manner. But that's not to say this place isn't fun.



They serve diner fare, gigantic milkshakes - and boozy drinks, too.
 


The St. Louis Standard drink caught my eye because it's made with Clementine's Gooey Butter Cake Ice cream, Still 630 Expedition Rum, and Golden Road Brown.



Now, this is one very boozy drink.



So, there's another entire section of the restaurant that is dedicated to a shop with all kinds of retro candies or uncommon sweets.



And of course I left with a whole bag full of goodies.