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Missouri is usually known as a fly overstate. Nothing much to do there….

Well, I’m here to prove you wrong. Missouri is “The Show-Me” State, and there are plenty of things to see and do all over.

Now, I am not a native Missouri resident, in fact, I’m from Chicago where the Cubs and Cards rivalry is real. I moved to the St Louis area in 2009, to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Upon graduation, I stayed in the region and secured a job with a car rental company. While working for this company, I quickly learned each neighborhood of St. Louis, having to drive cars around to different branches within the city and surrounding areas.

I want to share with you the best of each of these St. Louis neighborhoods including what to see and eat.

Let’s get started!

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St. Louis Neighborhoods

Downtown

The Downtown St. Louis neighborhood, is where you will find all things Cardinals and Blues. Which are the baseball and hockey teams, and fans take things pretty seriously during game time. If you’re visiting during the summer, definitely visit a Cards game at Busch Stadium. Make sure you’re wearing red, otherwise you’ll stick out like a sore thumb! You’ll also want to check out Ballpark Village located across the street from the stadium which is easily described as a “bar food court” with some restaurants. It is one of the main hubs of nightlife in the Downtown area along with Washington Ave. 

Food, Food, Food

Typically known as Wash Ave, this is the main street that runs east and west through the city. There are tons of amazing restaurants located on this street. For Mexican food, hit up Rosalita’s Cantina and get one of their margaritas and enjoy outside on the patio. Across the street will be Lucas Park Grille for all your American food cravings. If you’re looking for Southern comfort food and arguably the best BBQ in St. Louis go to Sugarfire Smokehouse. This is also right next to the National Blues Museum. Right outside is a local gem called Pi Pizzeria and a block away is Sauce on the Side which has the BEST calzones I’ve ever had.

Bailey’s Range is a diner that uses 100% grass-fed American beef, and the burgers are to die for. They are also known for their spiked milkshakes. Bailey’s also has sister restaurants located throughout many other St Louis neighborhoods, called Rooster (serves breakfast), Bridge Tap House and Wine Bar, Small Batch, and my personal favorite Bailey’s Chocolate Bar.

After you’re done eating everything on this street it’s time for a St Louis staple called gooey butter cake from Park Avenue Coffee. You honestly can’t go wrong with any of the flavors and you’ll wonder how you’ve gone this far in life without having one before.

The Arch

Last but not least, you can’t leave the Downtown area without seeing the most well-known landmark, The Arch, and the Old Courthouse. The Arch Grounds were recently renovated and the city has created a very nice green space right next to the riverfront. 

Fun Fact: None of the buildings Downtown can be taller than the Arch which stands at 192 meters.

Oh, and one more thing! Check out The City Museum. It’s a giant playground for adults and is sure to be a great time.

Central West End (CWE)

The CWE is one of the ritzy parts of St Louis. Here you will find The Fabulous Fox Theater for Broadway shows, St Louis University, Powell Hall, the Moolah Theater, St Louis Children’s Hospital, The Chase Park Plaza, IKEA, and Forest Park.

Fun Fact: Forest Park is actually bigger than Central Park in NYC by 1,300 acres.

As you explore this St. Louis neighborhood, you’ll see a lot of older style brick houses, and lots of gated communities that contain larger mansions. There are some baseball players that live in this area.

For food definitely walk around the area by the hospitals and a few blocks north by The Chase Park Plaza. Check out Mission Taco Joint, Hot Box Cookies (they started in STL and now have locations all over the US), Bar Louie and Straub’s Grocery store. The Chase Park Plaza hosts different events throughout the year, but the most popular is their exclusive themed NYE party.

Forest Park is its own little getaway from the city. Within the park, you’ll find a zoo, the art museum, a skating rink, planetarium, golf course and driving range, The Muny (outdoor theater), the boathouse for paddle boating, the Missouri History Museum, and a ton of green space for picnics, and sports. The zoo and the art museum are free and the last few rows in the Muny are free. Locals typically hangout on art hill right outside the art museum. This is also popular for 4th of July celebrations where the city puts on a concert and fireworks.

Clayton

Clayton is the business district of St Louis. There are lots of office buildings and very serious business-looking people. It’s a popular place for local businesses to have their main offices in Clayton because it’s easily accessible from all sides of the city. Because it’s the business district most the dining is upscale.

Notable things to do in this St. Louis neighborhood are: shopping at the Galleria, visiting Shaw Park, and attending the Art Fair in September. You’ll want to eat at Cafe Napoli which has excellent Italian food, Louie’s Wine and Dive for some great wine and cheese, 5 Star Burgers, Tani Sushi Bistro, and Cantina Laredo.

Soulard

Soulard is known for its crazy Mardi Gras scene. It’s probably up there with New Orleans. The streets are packed with people and the party goes on forever. Typically not the best area to live during that time of the year. However, I’ve heard of residents charging people to use their toilets during the festival.

If you want to check out the bar scene go to Big Daddy’s, McGurk’s, and Molly’s.

Outside of Mardi Gras, Soulard is home to Anheuser Busch Brewery, the farmers market, and the haunted Lemp Mansion which turns into a real haunted house during Halloween.

If you want free beer, take a tour of the brewery, which is also free. You’ll be able to see the famous Clydesdale horses and stables and learn the process of making Budweiser. Christmas is a great time to visit because all the buildings are decorated with lights and there are different events to attend with the kids. There is also an estate that used to belong to the Busch Family called Grant’s Farm which breeds the Clydesdale horses located in Crestwood. There are 900 different animals to see and a great place to bring kids.

Here’s a more in-depth guide to beer culture in St Louis that you might find interesting.

Tower Grove

Tower Grove is a charming little St Louis neighborhood that has its own park. It is adjacent to the Missouri Botanical Garden which is the oldest botanical garden in continuous operation in the country, founded in 1859. The Garden hosts lots of different events throughout the year including the Orchid Show (Feb-Mar), Tulip Trot (Apr), Whitaker Music Festival (Jun-Aug), Japanese Festival (Labor Day Weekend) and Garden Glow (Nov-Dec).

The best event in Tower Grove Park, in my opinion, is Food Truck Friday sponsored by Sauce Magazine which is a local foodie mag. This event only happens during the summer on either the first or second Friday of the month. There are at least 20 food trucks that line the sides of the park starting in the late afternoon to evening or until the food runs out. The event is free to attend and there is usually live music. Just bring a picnic blanket!

Right next to Tower Grover is an area called The Hill which has the best Italian food. You’ll be thinking you’ve been transported to Italy.  Long–time restaurant Charlie Gitto’s is a favorite and always has a waiting list. Reservations are a must and you have to try the toasted ravioli which is another St Louis staple. 

The Loop

The Loop is actually not an actual loop, but a popular street called Delmar which is close to University City (U City) – any Nelly fans out there? The sidewalks are lined with stars like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but only Missouri celebrities.

Everything on this street is worth checking out. Start at the Pageant and work your way westward. The Pageant is a local concert venue that regularly hosts shows. Next door is the Moonrise Hotel which has a great rooftop bar. Pin-Up Bowl is a retro theme bowling ally with great drinks. The Peacock Diner caters to the college student open 24/7. Three Kings is a pub with a great atmosphere. Vintage Vinyl is a long-time local record store. Blueberry Hill is a popular diner with live music. The inside is decorated with pop culture collectibles accumulated from many years of business. And last but not least is The Melting Pot for fondue.

The Suburbs

Basically, anything after Interstate 270 is considered the suburbs of St Louis. You’ll see towns such as Ballwin, Chesterfield, Town and Country, and St Charles. Six Flags St Louis is also a popular attraction and located at least an hour outside the city.

And that about sums up each St Louis neighborhood! If you’re planning on driving around the state, be sure to check out the small town of Hannibal, known for the boyhood home of Mark Twain, and Columbia, home of the University of Missouri Tigers.