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St. Louis Guide: Tower Grove

St. Louis Guide: Tower Grove

The Grove provides breathtaking views

Located south of Saint Louis University, the Tower Grove neighborhood offers a pleasant escape from city life.

It is comprised of residential divisions, like Compton Heights and Shaw; shopping and eatery; and two large parks, Tower Grove and Compton Hill Reservoir Park.

The area begins blocks away from SLU and is centered around Grand Boulevard.

Tower Grove Park came to be in 1868, and was created by Henry Shaw.

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The Water Tower was originally built as a standpipe. The area was growing and the delivery system of water needed assistance. To make it more aesthetically pleasing, a tower was built around the pipe in 1898, complete with an observation deck at the top.

It was adored by visitors of the 1904 World’s Fair because of its impressive views.

In 1929 the standpipe was retired, due to advances in water delivery to the surrounding areas.

The Tower was kept open until 1984, when serious safety problems were discovered.

It was due to be demolished in 1995. Luckily, residents of the area thought it was too good to lose.

The Tower was reopened in 1999 after massive renovations.

Restaurants

MoKaBe’s Coffeehouse, located on Arsenal, features a large menu with several vegan options.

Meals like the “Who Needs Meat?” sandwich and the “Lou Melt” four-pound cheeseburger make their lunches and dinners more than your average café meal.

However, nothing tops the Sunday brunch, which features everything from a broccoli Swiss quiche to French toast to meat-free sausage patties.

The brunch is an all-you-can-eat buffet with both traditional and vegan-friendly items, and is available until 1 p.m. It is so popular with guests that employees constantly appear to be adding more food. Along with these hot items, fresh fruits, muffins and juices are also served.

The atmosphere inside MoKaBe’s is almost as impressive as the food.

The restaurant has two levels of seating, with handmade pieces of work adorning its walls.

Hours of operation aim at both the early birds and the night owls, opening at 9 a.m. and closing at midnight. Since it is a quick MetroBus ride away, it could easily be a great contender for off-campus food.

Entertainment

Although admiring the parks and Water Tower are quite entertaining, they are not the only activities in the area.

The enjoyment continues at the Hartford Coffee Company, on the corner of Hartford and Roger, with Open Mic Night. Hartford offers affordable coffee drinks and unique meal options, including the spicy jalapeño-bacon Grand B.L.T. and Tower Grove Club.

Finding Hartford Coffee Company can be a little difficult, as its impressive garden blocks the view from the street. There is a small outdoor nook with tables and chairs surrounded by a jungle of shrubbery, flowers and grasses.

Inside, there is a retro play-area for children and an eating counter (perfect for laptops) amidst the pastry display case, booths and cash register.

Open Mic Night takes place every Friday, from 7:30  to 9:30.

Attractions

Visiting the Tower Grove area simply would not be complete without seeing the Water Tower or Tower Grove Park.

The Water Tower, which is open for tours from April through November on the first Saturday each month, is surrounded by a lush, grassy area, a large sculpture and a pond complete with a fountain. The tours cost $5 per person.

The walk up the stairs may be slightly grueling, but it is broken up by landings and historic pictures.

At the top, the views are so breathtaking, it validates the exercise.

Down South Grand is the spectacular Tower Grove Park, featuring themed pavilions and carriage houses, along with gardens and trails.

The pavilions feature varying architectural themes, including Turkish, Chinese and Classical Revival.

The park also includes four full-length statues, six marble composer busts and several ponds, complete with water lilies.

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