Compton Heights - Saint Louis, MO Area Guide

Laid out in 1889, the planned residential district of Compton Heights stands as a testament to its thoughtful design. The 1904 World's Fair brought national and international attention to St. Louis, and Compton Heights grew rapidly as a result.

Though the neighborhood itself has few public attractions, the surrounding area provides a number of options for the whole family. The Saint Louis Science Center on Oakland Avenue entertains as it educates, including engaging exhibits for the kids. Admission is free, though the planetarium and Omnimax shows require tickets.

Art enthusiasts should head north to the Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis. Free and open to the public, the museum hosts diverse exhibitions of innovative artwork in a variety of media. Annual members also have access to artist talks and private showings.

The planners of Compton Heights left little room for businesses within this neighborhood, though residents can easily reach nearby shops, restaurants and bars in the surrounding communities. That said, many of the restaurants closest to the district rank among the best in St. Louis.

The Purple Martin serves customers just east of Compton Heights in Fox Park. Start your Mediterranean and American gourmet adventure with the flatbread of the day or one of their seasonal cold fruit soups. For your main dish, try the lamb shank or Hindia's plate. The extensive drink menu includes plenty of craft beers and fine wines, plus cocktails such as the namesake Purple Martin, composed of Fitz's Grape Soda, Malibu Rum and freshly squeezed lemon. The patio fills up quickly during the summer, so show up early if you want to dine in the fresh air.

Lona's Lil Eats pairs a pleasant, casual dining experience with its own brand of Asian fusion. Inspired by Asain and Thai cuisine in the Historic Soulard Market, Lona's Lil Eats combines local ingredients with a highly customizable menu featuring different wraps and a variety of tantalizing sauces. Vegetarians rave about the spicy tofu with glass noodles and lemongrass pesto, while carnivores indulge in turkey with spicy eggplant or steak with jasmine rice.

Local favorite Kitchen House Coffee attracts repeat customers with its cozy atmosphere, bold artisan coffee and warm soups. During the summer months, chickens from the backyard behind the restaurant lay the fresh eggs used in menu items. If you want to try a sweet and secret menu item, ask for the Honey Latte. And if you've already had your caffeine fix for the day, the juice bar mixes a number of creative, fruity drinks and teas every bit as good as the coffees.

Compton Heights nightlife generally consists of small, cleverly designed bars and establishments that make for a great evening of quiet conversation with old friends. As its name would suggest, The Tick Tock Tavern seems perpetually stuck in time. A vintage atmosphere provides an intriguing ambiance, and the attached Steve's Hot Dogs adds to the experience. The tavern presents patrons with a large variety of craft beers in addition to the full bar. If the inside gets too crowded, the patio seating provides a great place to catch your breath.

For live music, head just west of the district to the Gramophone, which showcases top local musicians from a variety of genres in an intimate, comfortable setting. If you're looking to dance your cares away, stop by the Atomic Cowboy, featuring local DJs four nights a week as well as salsa dancing on Sundays. Other nearby options include Jazz at the Bistro in Midtown or Beale On Broadway for blues, soul and R&B every day of the week.

Interstate 44 runs along the northern edge of Compton Heights, connecting it to interstate 55 and route 30 just east of the neighborhood, ensuring easy access to the city and beyond in any direction by car. In addition to Lyft and Uber services, a range of taxi cab companies from the greater St. Louis area provide transportation throughout the area. Metro Transit of St. Louis services Compton Heights with bus stops along Russell Boulevard and Grand Boulevard.

Limited public parking is available for a fee on major roads. Many of the historic side streets do not include bike lanes, but the major thoroughfares make room for bikers. Compton Heights and its immediate surroundings are compact enough to make walking to bars and restaurants an option, though shopping may require a car or a cab ride.

The single park within Compton Heights is a sight to behold. The landmark tower in Compton Hill Reservoir Park opens to the public three times each month, twice with the coming of the full moon, and once more on the first Saturday of every month. Guided tours come highly recommended when available. The 186-foot standpipe tower, which is commonly, and mistakenly, referred to as a water tower, provides incredible views of the city for only $5.

Entry into the park is free. Jogging paths run through the middle and around the breath-taking fountain. The park also houses and tennis courts and welcomes dogs. Food trucks stop by delivering fresh, hot meals on Fridays.

The neighborhood does not include the type of venues or areas conducive to large public events, although the Compton Heights Concert Band plays on Sundays and Mondays throughout the summer. Those in search of a true festival atmosphere should check out the Soulard Farmers Market concert series, featuring a variety of music and local artists each summer.

Compton Height's cost of living sits at 28 percent higher than the St. Louis city average. A typical one-bedroom apartment averages $700 for one month's rent, though apartments can be difficult to find directly within the neighborhood.

A bus ride into downtown St. Louis costs $3 for a two-hour transfer pass. A one-day pass good for both the bus and city MetroLink costs $7.50. Though there are no stations within Compton Heights, the St. Louis average gas price hovers around 14 percent lower than the national average. A pint of beer runs about $5 at most pubs.

Compton Heights lacks a designated shopping area, but the neighborhood's central location within St. Louis means a wealth of boutiques, specialty stores and name brands await just around the corner. Head south into Benton Park West to check out its many unique small retailers. Those looking for popular designer brands only need to ride the Grand Boulevard bus north into Downtown West.

Travel back in time when you step inside Rocket Century, a vintage home decor store that specializes in mid-century modern furnishings and accents. If upholstered settees, molded Eames chairs and grand sideboards make you squeal with delight, stop by the showroom to stock up on timeless pieces to design your own retro-inspired living space.

Voted the best personalized gift shop by Riverfront Times in 2009, Looking Glass Designs in Lafayette Square brims with keepsakes you can't find elsewhere. The owner makes many of the jewelry pieces herself to go along with the locally crafted goods, such as loofahs, candles, soaps, wine stoppers, photographs, ornaments and much more.

For groceries, residents love the friendly customer service at Barnett's Market just south of Compton Heights. Travel further along Grand Boulevard to Ruler Foods for low-priced groceries, but be prepared for a smaller produce selection than other local stores. Salama Market also provides a convenient option just west of the neighborhood.

The historic Soulard Farmers' Market, a site where many local chefs purchase their ingredients, has become an integral institution in St. Louis, operating for over 200 years. Located in Soulard Park, just a few miles east of Compton Heights, the vendor booths span several blocks during the summer months. Northwest of Compton Heights, the City Greens Market's has a quieter and more personal atmosphere. Keep an eye out for their Supa' Fresh Veggie Mobile, which makes its rounds throughout St. Louis delivering fresh and locally grown produce.