Midtown St Louis - Saint Louis, MO Area Guide

The area now known as Midtown was mostly rural until 1850, when lots were sold to develop a neighborhood known as Highland. In 1852, the neighborhood was incorporated into the city.

In 1867, Saint Louis University acquired a block of land along Lindell Boulevard, for the future development of the school. The school’s church was quickly constructed and a coordinating classroom building followed. Soon, businesses began to flock to the growing area, and between 1880 and 1900 much of the vacant land around the campus began to develop commercial tenants, particularly around Grand and Olive Boulevard. During these developmental years, St. Louis cornerstones such as the Fox Theater, Coronado Hotel and Moolah Temple were all developed. It didn’t take long for Midtown to become the cultural center of the city, and today it is known as the Theater District.

At the historic Samuel Cupples House, residents can explore this massive former home and see decades of memorabilia and artwork from both Saint Louis University and the surrounding community. Art fans can also stroll down the street to the Sheldon Art Galleries, which has a rotating collection of different types of art work as well as permanent displays honoring the history of Midtown.

Residents in the mood for a gourmet lunch or casual dinner visit Cafe Ventana, where soups, salads, sandwiches and cheeses make up the menu. With a stone-paved garden, and plenty of outdoor seating, this little cafe is a popular destination for those looking to take in the charm of the neighborhood. It features a rotating menu of house lattes, with all of the syrups made in-house, and even offers a “spiked pairing” option for those who want spirits in their drink.

The best place for a nice night out, perhaps for date-night or a pre-theater dinner, locals head to Best Steak House, a St. Louis favorite since 1964. For a drink (or two), locals head to the Urban Chestnut Brewing Company on Washington Ave, and if it's the right time of year, enjoy their locally brewed craft beers in their stunning "biergarten." Field House Pub & Grill is another favorite, but for the more sophisticated, the Dark Room Wine Bar & Photo Gallery offers a selection of hand-picked Artisinal wines from around the globe.

Nightlife lovers frequent Library Annex. The hot spot features a full bar and nightclub, complete with darts, pool tables, and a massive dance floor with DJs that perform most nights during the week. Although the bar sells several drink specials, its signature offering is the “Billy Bucket,” a mixture of clear spirits and energy drinks meant for groups to share.

The busy Forest Park Parkway Road runs right through the heart of Midtown and connects the neighborhood to downtown St. Louis as well as neighboring communities such as Clayton and Brentwood. Interstate 64/40 borders Midtown. Most residents choose driving as their primary mode of transportation. However, there is limited free parking in the area, and during the school year, parking is particularly difficult to find.

The community is very pedestrian- and biker-friendly, with most local establishments hosting their own bike racks. Cabs are also plentiful, thanks in most part to the number of bars and restaurants around the community.

Those who prefer to take public transportation utilize the city’s MetroBus route, which has several stops throughout Midtown. The neighborhood also has its own Midtown stop on the MetroLink rail system called Grand.

The Midtown community borders the city’s massive Forest Park. Just seconds from the heart of Midtown, this public park is one of the largest city parks in the entire country. Here, residents can explore miles of paved trails, take out paddle boats along the park’s lakes and waterways, or just enjoy the open grass fields of the area. The park is also home to the free St. Louis Zoo, a golf course, the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum. The World’s Fair Pavilion, which was part of the 1904 Summer Olympics also stands on the park grounds.

The park is open every day until 10 p.m. and plays host to several city-wide cultural and entertainment events, including the Great Forest Park Balloon Festival, the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, and the LouFest Music Festival.

Dog lovers bring their pets to Midtown's local dog and sculpture park located along Lindell Boulevard. This charming park allows well-behaved dogs to roam its grassy confines unleashed while their owners explore community sculptures and artwork.

The cost of living in Midtown is above average compared to the rest of the city of St. Louis and the entire state of Missouri. This mostly has to do with the increased cost of housing, as food and entertainment are right on par with the rest of the city. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Midtown is around $844 a month, which is significantly higher than the average in the rest of St. Louis.

Modern, trusted brands and everyday conveniences make up the shopping experience in Midtown. Shoppers can find everyday necessities at the local CVS or Walgreens drug stores, both conveniently located along Lindell Boulevard. Down the street, the Office Depot sells the standard mix of office and school supplies.

City Boutique stands behind a philosophy that states that customers' needs come first. Committed to meeting those needs, the success of this credo may be measured by the high percentage of business derived from repeat customers and referrals. With a 14-day layaway plan offered for in-store purchases, every outfit becomes that much more affordable. From shoes and accessories to plus-size garments, this store can dress you from head to toe.

For a pampered, personalized shopping experience, ladies should visit the Epiphany Boutique, located within a beautifully renovated historical loft space, where patrons can enjoy a glass of wine while their personal shopper assists in finding just the right outfit.

Midtown residents can buy their groceries at the Schnucks located on Lindell Boulevard, which provides affordable prices on fresh food essentials, including meat, fruits and vegetables. Located just a few miles down Forest Park Parkway, Historic Soulard Farmers Market sells fresh local produce from Wednesday through Sunday year-round.