St. Louis On The Cheap: Milo's Tavern

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It is pronounced "bow-chi", not "botch-e," but if you are one of the many regulars at Milo's Tavern you already knew that. Even on the most brisk of evenings, crowds gather on the brick-laid patio awaiting their turn to play the traditional Italian lawn game on the bar's outdoor courts. But housing the only public bocce court in the city isn't the only reason the last thirty years have been so good to this little bar in The Hill. Milo's, located on the corner of Wilson and Marconi, is a neighborhood favorite even for those inclined to pronounce the game "botch-e."

Milo's offers patrons reasonably priced traditional drinks and brews (leave the foo-foo drink orders at the door), a relaxed atmosphere, and food served in white and red checked paper boats befitting of a bar with a strong Italian heritage. I recommend the roast beef sandwich, a great pick if you aren't in the mood for the great pizza they serve.

This weekend Milo's is hosting their annual Risotto Cook-Off. For a five dollar donation to benefit St. Ambrose School, you can try Risotto entries from eight chefs. Home cooks and professionals enter the yearly competition for the title of our city's Best Risotto. A People's Choice Award and a Judge's Choice Award are selected from the entries. Last year Tony Catarniccia, head chef a Gian Tony's, won the judges choice award. The Risotto Cook-Off starts at 1pm.

Milo's Tavern and Bocce Garden is located at in the heart of The Hill. They are open daily from 11am until 1am. Since the bar is nestled in the neighborhood, the bocce garden and patio close at 11pm but socializing and imbibing continues inside. Parking can be a little tricky but with some patience and a couple of loops you can find street parking (the earlier you start the evening the better).