Historically rich neighborhood known for celebrations
Soulard, a small community just south of St. Louis City, is a historic French neighborhood named after Antoine Soulard. Soulard was given the land by the Spanish government in the 1790s as payment for his services as surveyor general of Upper Louisiana.
Following Soulard’s death in 1825, a legal battle began between Soulard’s widow, Julia Cerre Soulard, and the City of St. Louis over the rightful ownership of the land.
In 1836, she acquired the deed for the area.
In her will she donated two blocks for a farmer’s market, which is known today as Soulard Market. In 1841, after her death, Soulard was annexed to the City of St. Louis.
Around 1850, Soulard became a ‘melting pot’ of sorts, due to the influx of German, Irish, Bohemians, Lebanese and many other types of immigrants that flocked to America.
Today, Soulard is best known for its festive nature, with several well-attended celebrations throughout the year.
It is also known for its famous landmarks, such as the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Soulard Market.
Soulard is one of the oldest communities in St. Louis, with many of its original Americanized-European buildings still standing.
Restaurants
Soulard is home to around 50 popular restaurants and bars. Some of the most notable restaurants in the area include the Market Grill, Llywelyn’s Pub, John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Sage, and Molly’s.
The fairly new Market Grill is a nice place to visit and it is located on the corner of Lafayette and Eighth Street.
Entertainment
Every night of the week, including Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the 1860 Saloon located on 9th Street, provides live Blues music brought to you by bands that include Soul Reunion, The Blue Tones and Tony Campanella, along with local acts.
Many other neighborhood restaurants such as The Old Rock House, John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub & Restaurant and the Broadway Oyster Bar supply live music by local acts on the weekends.
Soulard Preservation Hall serves as a concert venue, meeting place and reception hall. It also has available an auditorium for theatrical productions, put on by community theaters.
Attractions
Soulard contains some of the most interesting places in St. Louis. You can stop by the Historic Soulard Market, an outdoor farmer’s market open year round, Wednesday through Sunday.
Take a tour of the famous Anheuser-Busch Brewery, where you can visit the famed Clydesdale Paddock and Stables, the Beechwood Aging Lager Cellars, the historic Brewhouse and the Bevo Packaging Plant.
For visitors over 21, the brewery provides a Hospitality Room, where you receive two free samples of Anheuser-Busch products.
Soft drinks and pretzels are also available.
Every year, Soulard hosts the nation’s second largest Mardi Gras celebration. Other popular events include Oktoberfest, Bastille Day and The Barkus Pet Parade.