Little Italy offers a great taste of St. Louis
The Hill, one of St. Louis’ most iconic neighborhoods, is most known for its deep heritage, notable location and phenomenal food.
Bound by Kingshighway, Hampton and Fyler Avenue, The Hill is a mile and a half trip from the Central West End MetroLink station and can be reached by walking or by a transfer bus ride.
The highest point in the city lies within the appropriately named Hill at the intersection of Arsenal and Sublette. Granted to Charles Gratiot in 1798 by the Spanish government, The Hill was soon bought by the familiar names of Peter Lindell, Henry Shaw and Frances Sublette, as well as David Graham, J.F. Cooper and J.W. Hall.
Italian immigrants working in the clay industry, which blossomed in the area after clay deposits were found in the 1830s, were especially prevalent in the 1890s, and, today, the Italian culture continues to define The Hill.
The close-knit community that has stemmed from these ancestral roots is merely another aspect of The Hill that makes it so interesting.
Somewhat of a 24-hour neighborhood, there is always some sight to see or some event to attend in the area.
Restaurants
Some claim that the best Italian food outside of Italy itself can be found on The Hill. Favazza’s, Joey B.’s, Giola’s, Lorenzo’s and Cunetto’s House of Pasta are renowned for their classic Italian dishes and patron favorites.
If looking for some diversity, Anthonino’s Taverna and Modesto provide excellent Greek and Spanish options, respectively. Besides the restaurants, The Hill offers specialty food shops like Di Gregorio’s Market and international market J. Viviano and Son, Inc. If the lines at Ted Drewes are too long, Gelato di Riso may be a worthy alternative, providing classic Italian treats.
Entertainment
The Hill boasts several seasonal entertainment opportunities.
The Hill is also privileged to be the home of the “Giro della Montagna” Labor Day professional bicycle race, and the community celebrates Columbus Day with a myriad of activities, including a neighborhood-wide parade.
A neighborhood procession on the Feast of Corpus Christi and an annual Soap Box Derby are other exclusive Hill customs.
Besides these annual events, learning to play a game of Bocce at the Italia-Americana Bocce Club, exploring an age-old Italian past time, is popular year round.
Attractions
The culture of The Hill itself is likely the greatest attraction in the neighborhood that a visitor could explore. From the red, white and green fire hydrants to Elizabeth Avenue, where baseball greats Yogi Berra, Jack Buck and Joe Garagiola lived, The Hill offers a variety of sights.
St. Ambrose Church is another important stop, as it has acted as one of the strongholds of The Hill since the neighborhood’s rise.
St. Ambrose is not only known for its beauty and history, but it still hosts the Winter Opera St. Louis, St. Joseph Day Celebration and multiple flea markets throughout the year.
