Fast Eddie's Bon-Air   

Originally opened as an Anheuser-Busch bar in 1921, Eddie Scholar bought the tavern in 1981 and turned it into one of the most beloved and successful bars in St. Louis history. Though it's more or less a blue-collar watering hole for the locals, folks from all over the metro area will drive the distance to Alton, Ill., for the great deals on suds and grub. Fast Eddie's claims to serve more than 4,000 half-barrels of beer a year, and despite the size of the place, the constant standing-room-only crowds are the only testimony one needs to verify such an insane amount of sales. The selection at the food bar is also notorious, serving items like the Big Elwood on-a-stick, Hot Chick on-a-stick, gigantic bratwursts and more -- and everything is under $3. Live music always entertains Thursday through Sunday, so after you've loaded up on all the basic food groups, prepare to party hardy with the band.