For some time now, the South Grand area has been billed as the
next Loop or the next Central West End. Its potential continues to
show itself as more and more unique shops and restaurants continue
to appear in the storefronts. But the ever-changing face of South
Grand is not a mere duplication of other neighborhoods–it has a
flavor of its own.
The South Grand district is located about two miles south of
SLU’s campus, just past Tower Grove Park. The area is bordered by
Arsenal Street to the north and Utah Street to the south.
Asian restaurants dominate the scene. The King and I
(3157 S. Grand, 771-1777) serves up reasonably-priced, delicious
Thai food. Attire is casual, but the atmosphere is refined.
Lemon Grass (3216 S. Grand, 664-6702), Pho Grand
(3191 S. Grand, 664-7435) and Mekong (3131 S. Grand,
773-3100) both offer high-quality Vietnamese fare at a low price.
St. Louis Wok offers Asian food in a classy setting.
If Asian food doesn’t tickle your palate, then check out
Mangia Italiano (3145 S. Grand, 664-8585) or Siete
Mares (3204 S. Grand, 776-7074). Mangia Italiano has great
Italian food in a small, cozy setting. Live jazz is played every
Thursday night. Siete Mares cooks up Nicaraguan and Mexican food.
And if you prefer standard American food in a hip diner atmosphere,
then check out the new South City Diner (3139 S. Grand,
772-6100) with its authentic diner booths and Marilyn Monroe’s face
plastered on every wall. The crowd here is as interesting as their
new decor, which includes a pop art mural of John Lennon and the
Statue of Liberty. Young kids in their prom attire and elderly
couples sit along side the alternative crowd that hangs around the
diner for its greasy spoon goodness. The diner also provides
vegetarian offerings.
A new edition to the South grand scene is Tanner B’s
(2855 Shenandoah Ave., 762-9800). This bar and grill is aspiring to
become part of the lively atmosphere in the neighborhood. American
food and a fun atmosphere is to be expected.
One of the most romantic restaurants in the area is Once Upon
A Vine (3559 Arsenal, 776-2828). Over a candlelight dinner, you
can eat filet mignon or salmon while enjoying a $20 bottle of wine
(that’s the cheapest) or a fine selection of bottled beers. Outdoor
dining is available in the spring and fall. Reservations are
recommended.
There is also the standard Saint Louis Bread Company
(3114 S. Grand, 772-5300) for more traditional food and tasty
breads.
If you are looking to shop, the South Grand area has a lot of
collectible art and music and decorative items perfect for
enhancing the ambiance of any apartment or dorm room.
Botanicals on the Park (3014 S. Grand, 772-7674) located
next door to Once Upon a Vine, has a combination of beautiful flora
and knick-knacks like candlesticks, statues and well-crafted,
ornate furniture.
For items of an offbeat nature, peruse the other specialty shops
lining the area. Artifice (3030 S. Grand, 865-3030) offers
different styles of art as well. Faru (3111 S. Grand,
773-7733) offers a selection of international folk art and beads.
And if you’re looking for furniture, check out Futon Express
(3117 S. Grand, 664-4011).
Cheap Trix (3211 S. Grand, 664-4011) has a wide
assortment of interesting novelty items for sale to suit your
uninhibited needs. The store also pierces any body part that you
could possibly, or impossibly, want pierced.
For dance music, bounce on over to On the Grid (3207 S.
Grand, 664-7437) for all the bumping beats.
If you’re looking to add a little variety to your grocery
shopping, Jay Asian International Foods (3172 S. Grand,
772-2552) is a highlight of South Grand. Do not let the grimy look
of the exterior frighten you. The selection of foods and sweets
from a variety of foreign countries is unparalleled.
Other bars in the area include the gritty rock knock-off,
CBGB (3163 S. Grand, 773-9743) and Black Thorn Pub
(3735 Wyoming, 776-0534). Black Thorn is neighborhood bar located a
block away from Grand, and serves up a selection of drinks.
Grand also has a couple of coffee shops for those who like to sit
and talk over a cup of java.
SoHo Cybercafe has computers for people to work on while
they sip on their coffee. Or you can visit MoKaBe’s (3606
Arsenal 865-2009) , which has a large outdoor patio that overlooks
Tower Grove Park. South Grand Coffee Company (3183 S. Grand
865-2326) is another place to get your caffeine fix.
Most importantly, all of your copying and printing needs can be
fulfilled at the Kinko’s (3112 S. Grand, 776-2290) located
next to the Bread Co.
There are also numerous thrift stores in the South Grand
district. There is great selection at these stores, but you pay for
the quality of these vintage wares: The Future Antiques
(TFA) (3203 S. Grand 865-1552), RE: Generation and
The Vintage Haberdashery resell clothing and shoes and the
such. If you’re in need of an eclectic tuxedo rental, or a lamp
with the body of a poodle, these are the shops to visit. Shop for
unique birthday gifts or something kitsch to add sparkle to your
apartment or dorm room.
Planet Proud Books and Gifts (3194 S. Grand, 772-4538)
has literary and video offerings for the gay and lesbian
community.
If you’re in need of a haircut and are afraid of the barber, try
one of the salons located in the South Grand district, including
David’s (2233 S. Grand, 771-9001) and Salon St. Louis
(3012 S. Grand, 771-8820). The chatter among regulars and the color
specialists at David’s make it a smart choice. A paraffin wax dip
for your hands is part of the ultra-chic and sort of expensive
treatment at Salon St. Louis, but if you’re in the mood for
pampering and a great haircut, it’s the place to go.
China, Vietnam and Thailand: Different countries, different
tastes
Do you love Chinese food, but are afraid to venture into the
local establishments for the sundry options for Asian cuisine in
St. Louis? Here are a few tips for the beginner, and encouragement
for the timid.
Fried is good, but tofu is better: Asian cuisine is
potentially one of the healthiest choices for diners, but watch out
for the fried food and the high sodium. Most restaurants have
MSG-free options and plenty of non-fried veggies, as well as
wonderfully-prepared tofu and meats.
Believe it when they say it’s hot: It probably is. Thai
food and Vietnamese dishes include many spices such as curry, and
the fiery offerings are not for the meek of palette.
Try something new: Ask the servers what they recommend,
and ask questions before you order. Bring a friend who has braved
the way before you.
