Welcome to St. Louis: Our Local Neighborhood & Dining Guide

While staying at our historic inn, you are perfectly positioned to explore some of the most vibrant, culinary-rich neighborhoods in the city. From the cobblestone streets of Lafayette Square right outside our front door to the historic charm of Soulard, the global flavors of South Grand, and the matchday excitement of Tower Grove, here are our top recommendations for an unforgettable stay.

1. Lafayette Square (Steps from the Inn)

Lafayette Square is famous for its picturesque Victorian homes and lush 30-acre park. It also happens to host a remarkable collection of walkable dining options:

• Polite Society: A cozy, elegant neighborhood favorite offering creative modern American cuisine and craft cocktails in a warm brick space.
• SqWires Restaurant & Market: Located in a converted historic factory, SqWires serves up delicious seasonal American dishes and a legendary weekend brunch complete with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.
• The Bellwether: Polite Society’s chic sister restaurant, featuring elevated contemporary plates, a phenomenal cocktail program, and a lovely rooftop patio.
• Eleven Eleven Mississippi: An upscale dining favorite specializing in Tuscan and Northern California flavors, complete with an open display kitchen and oak-fired brick oven.
• Vicini Pastaria: A charming Italian spot focused on artisanal handmade pasta, specialty sauces, and counter-service lunches.
• Square One Brewery & Distillery: A relaxed local haunt featuring house-brewed craft beers, micro-distilled spirits, and pub comfort food.
• Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery: Located right around the corner, this famed local ice cream parlor is known for its small-batch artisan scoops and boozy, spirit-infused flavors.
• Park Avenue Coffee: The go-to morning spot for coffee, breakfast treats, and authentic St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake.
• Planter’s House: Technically sitting on the edge of Lafayette Square in nearby Tiffany/Compton Heights, this is one of the premier cocktail bars in the entire city, paired with exceptional upscale tavern bites.

Note on Baileys' Chocolate Bar: A longtime neighborhood staple, Baileys' Chocolate Bar is officially closing its doors after decades of service. Be sure to check out Clementine's or Park Avenue Coffee for your local sweet tooth fix!

2. Historic Soulard (5 Minutes Away)

Just a short drive or bike ride east sits St. Louis's historic French neighborhood, famed for its brick architecture, courtyard patios, and lively music scene:

• McGurk’s Irish Pub: Famous for its massive, winding outdoor garden patio, waterfall features, and authentic live traditional Irish music flown in direct from Ireland.
• Sidney Street Cafe: A nationally recognized, fine-dining destination set in a 100-year-old building, helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Kevin Nashan.
• Russell’s on Macklind / Soulard: Fantastic for elevated comfort food, baked goods, and relaxing weekend brunches.
• Llywelyn's Pub & ITAP (International Tap House): Great stops for a massive draught beer selection and casual sports watching.

3. South Grand Cultural District (7-10 Minutes Away)

Head south along Grand Avenue to experience the city's most diverse international dining strip:

• Pho Grand & Szechuan Impression: Incredible spots for authentic Vietnamese pho and spicy, traditional Sichuan dishes.
• King & I: A long-standing St. Louis institution serving exceptional, fragrant Thai curries and noodle dishes.
• Meskerem: A cozy favorite offering rich, flavorful Ethiopian stews served on traditional injera flatbread.
• Sultan Mediterranean Grill: Delicious, freshly prepared Middle Eastern kebabs, shawarma, and dips.

4. Tower Grove South & CITY Soccer Central (7-10 Minutes Away)

St. Louis is a premier soccer city! If you are catching a CITY SC soccer match at CITYPARK downtown or watching international fixtures with local supporters, Tower Grove South is the ultimate pre-match hub:

• The Amsterdam Tavern: Known as St. Louis’s ultimate soccer bar. On matchdays, the patio overflows with passionate fans watching global games and CITY SC matches on big screens.
• Steve’s Hot Dogs: Located right next door to Amsterdam Tavern, serving up creative, oversized gourmet hot dogs and mac-and-cheese bowls.
• Civil Life Brewing Company: A laid-back local brewery producing sessionable, German-style ales in a cozy taproom setting.

5. Vibrant Downtown Highlights (5 Minutes Away)

For guests looking to experience downtown St. Louis, these high-profile spots offer great food, sports, and city views:

• CITYPARK Stadium & Downtown West: Home to St. Louis CITY SC, this modern stadium district features clean, safe walking corridors, outdoor fan plazas, and local dining options.
• Ballpark Village & Busch Stadium: Right next to the St. Louis Cardinals’ stadium, Ballpark Village features secure, enclosed entertainment halls, sports viewing screens, and casual dining.
• Union Station & St. Louis Aquarium: A beautifully restored historic train terminal housing the St. Louis Aquarium, the 200-foot St. Louis Wheel, and family-friendly dining like The Soda Fountain.
• Sugarfire Smokehouse: Located near the convention center, this spot serves award-winning St. Louis-style barbecue, brisket, and inventive daily specials.