Saint Louis University is a close-knit community. Many students, especially those who are not native to the city, live on campus. Talking to these students, I realized that they do not know all that this city has to offer them. I have asked around, and most students know about places within walking distance of campus, places like the Fox Theatre, Forest Park or the resident sports bar, Humphrey’s, located just across the street from campus. A lot of students also know a little of what Soulard has to offer, since it’s a frequent stop for sorority and fraternity parties. However, never exploring much outside of the campus, many students are missing out on the diverse culture that thrives throughout St. Louis’ unique neighborhoods.
If we live in these streets, why not explore them? The SLU community is great, but the St. Louis community offers entertainment for every walk of life and is worth examining. I will highlight a few notable establishments and provide a tour of the nearby neighborhoods, each unique and fantastic in its own right, all accessible by bus, metro or car and not more than a five to 10 minute trip away.
Midtown’s Grand Art Center
Right next door is one of the fastest growing centers for arts and entertainment. St. Louis is working on revamping this once down-trodden area and revitalizing it with new attractions, theaters and concert halls.
Jazz at the Bistro– Jazz at the Bistro is arguably the best jazz club in all of St. Louis. The restaurant/bar houses a concert series put on by St. Louis’ non-profit organizations, Jazz St. Louis. A cool area to relax and listen to the best of today’s jazz musicians that come in from all over the country, Jazz at the Bistro is located at 3547 Olive St.
The Fabulous Fox Theatre– Established in 1929 as the city’s grand movie plaza, this ornate theater hosts national tours of popular musicals and plays, as well as today’s popular music acts and comedians. Just a short walk from campus, The Fox provides an affordable theater experience by offering student prices just minutes before each show. It’s located in the middle of the Art Center, at 527 N. Grand Blvd.
Powell Hall– St. Louis’ very own world-class symphony is housed in Powell Hall. Just a walk down the street from SLU sits one of the most beautiful concert halls in the city. It’s located at 718 N. Grand Blvd.
The Black Repertory Theater– The Grandel Theatre is home to the city’s Black Repertory theater, which provides platforms for the interpretation of the African-American experience that draws social and cultural attention and awareness. With performances by local and nationally acclaimed actors, The Black Rep deserves more attention, as it is one of St. Louis’ premier theater companies. It is located at 3610 Grandel Square.
The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts– Located in St. Louis’ Grand Center district, the Pulitzer presents changing exhibits, while running programs that get the community involved in visual and performance arts. It is located at 3716 Washington Blvd.
The Fountain on Locust– Just a walk down from the Art Center’s main hub is this quirky dessert bar. The Fountain offers a full menu of delicious creative desserts and inventive dessert martinis, as well as entertainment in the form of open-mic nights, where anyone can get up at any time and let the creative juices flow. A delicious treat for your taste buds as well as your eyes, when you first step in through the doors you are struck with the artsy décor that covers the walls; these were painted by the owner herself. The Fountain is located at 3037 Locust Blvd.
The U-City Loop
The Loop is a hipster’s heaven, a six-block stretch of coffee houses, bars, restaurants, tattoo shops and more. Take a stroll down St. Louis’ own Walk of Fame, which stretches down the main strip that commemorates extraordinary men and women associated with St. Louis. An energizing shopping and entertainment district, it is one of St. Louis’ biggest hot spots.
Pi– Relatively new to the area, this Chicago-style pizzeria is as trendy as it is delicious. Pi has a vibrant, friendly staff and an irresistible deep-dish, and it is a great stop to close out a day of shopping. It is located at 6144 Delmar.
Meshuggah Cafe– Looking for a low-key coffee shop that keeps it real? Meshuggah Cafe has some of St. Louis’ best coffee, with a calm and cozy atmosphere. Meshuggah Cafe has that hometown feeling of community mixed with culture, and always has the walls decked with the latest from local St. Louis artists. It is located at 6269 Delmar.
Blueberry Hill– This nationally acclaimed restaurant and music venue is home to Chuck Berry, where the Rock-and-Roll legend comes to perform once a month. A must for anyone who is living or visiting St. Louis, Blueberry Hill is a truly St. Louis experience. It is located at 6504 Delmar.
Tivoli– A Landmark Theatre, the Tivoli is the premier spot for viewing independent films, classic cinema and foreign language films. The theater gives viewers a special treat during the summer and fall months with a series of midnight movies, showing cult classics and classic films that you don’t often get the chance to see on the big screen. It is located at 6350 Delmar.
Benton Park
Home to Cherokee Street and Antique Row, Benton Park is a great area to come hang out with the locals, where almost every shop owner can be found mingling with faithful patrons.
Foam– Coffee and Beer- Relatively new to St. Louis’ eclectic Cherokee Street, Foam is a new coffee house, where if you don’t want an espresso, you can choose from St. Louis’ finest beers.
“It’s a great space. We get all walks of life artists, musicians, teachers, businessmen and businesswomen. The energy is so friendly and comfortable,” manager and barista Tawaine Noah said.
More than just a delicious French-press, Foam occasionally offers live musical performances. Open late, Foam is located at 3359 S Jefferson Ave.
Cranky Yellow– A delightful spin on your typical shops, galleries and venues, Cranky Yellow is a getaway for artists, musicians, hipsters, nerds and collectors. This store buys and sells from independent artists. Everything in the store is handmade and crafted to be one of a kind. Cranky occasionally even hosts traveling and local musicians looking for a spot to perform. It is located at 2874 Cherokee St.
The Grove
Sitting on the edge of Midtown and South City, The Grove’s mantra is that it is at the center of everything, running the slogan: “from everywhere.” Summertime is packed with events happening from Tower Grove Park, to the Botanical Gardens, to the streets where they occasionally block off a few streets for various Blues, Jazz and Funk festivals.
Atomic Cowboy- Situated amidst a plethora of bars and restaurants on Manchester, Atomic Cowboy has deals that are nearly impossible to beat. With different specials every night, drinks start as low as 50 cents. You can enjoy a night with your friends and make new ones, without emptying out your wallet. Atomic Cowboy is located at 4140 Manchester Ave.
Novak’s Bar and Grill– The town’s most popular LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) bar also sits right in the middle Manchester’s popular bar and nightclub district. All are welcome to drink, dance, play darts and play pool. There is never a dull moment at Novak’s, where they keep the dance music pumping through the speakers all night long. It is located at 4121 Manchester Ave.
Tower Grove Park– When the weather is warm, there is no place better to pass the day away than in Tower Grove Park. Located south of Grand, the park plans a jam-packed event calendar that will never leave you with nothing to do. From live concerts, to various city festivals, to family-friendly movie showings, the park is always alive with entertainment. The best part is that it’s all free.
Trying to claim back its big city status and reputation as the Midwest’s most happening metropolitan area, St. Louis is revitalizing the city. Each neighborhood has its own atmosphere. The only way to fully experience all that St. Louis has to offer is to get out.
Go and see for yourself.
