Shaw - Saint Louis, MO Area Guide

This neighborhood gained its name from Henry Shaw, an adventurous, young pioneer who moved to the largely undeveloped land in 1840. Shaw's passion for the natural beauty of the Missouri prairies inspired him to begin work on what now stands as the glorious Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Hoping to recreate some of his native English neighborhood, Shaw also started developing residences. Under his guidance, the area thrived, gaining a unique character and a peaceful feel that have remained for generations. Selling properties to the many pioneers and newcomers who hoped to build a life in St. Louis, Henry Shaw gave this neighborhood a chance to develop different architectural styles.

While Shaw may not have many museums or art galleries within its bounds, the stunning grounds of the Missouri Botanical Gardens offer up all the history and beauty you could need. Plenty of Shaw residents purchase annual passes as an affordable way to soak up the splendor of nature, though the low entrance fee makes even a one-time visit budget-friendly. Sprawling across 79 acres, the Botanical Gardens play home to a multitude of different artworks, flowers and plant life. Check out the blown glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly and the evocative sculptures by dozens of international and local artists, including Carlo Nicoli and Wheeler Williams.

The Historic Shaw Art Fair takes place annually, in the fall. Located on Flora Avenue, the fine arts and crafts fair draws artisans and interested buyers from all corners of St. Louis. Not your typical arts fair, this upscale event gives you a chance to purchase and marvel at everything from jewelry to furnishings from the most skilled craftspeople.

Primarily a residential area, with eateries and bars scattered throughout the streets, Shaw does not really feature one specific restaurant district. Instead, you can discover these diners as you walk or bike along the neighborhood streets.

Café Madeleine stands out for its unbeatable scenic location. Tucked right within Tower Grove Park, this cozy and exclusive brunch spot has limited tables for a more intimate feel, and the historic building reflects the botanical beauty of the public park. Sit outside to drink in the sight of the lily ponds. Open only on Sundays, Café Madeleine typically requires reservations due to its delightful setting and continued popularity. After paying a set fee for the brunch buffet, choose from freshly prepared waffles, savory orzo salad and a densely decadent bread pudding. Locals know that Café Madeleine is the best spot in Shaw for a celebratory meal. SweetArt, on S. 39th Street, ensures that Shaw vegans, vegetarians and art-lovers have a place to hang out and enjoy tasty treats. With a sunny café space and walls decorated with work by local artists, this quirky spot proves that vegan cooking even appeals to omnivores. Open for breakfast and lunch, SweetArt serves up a rotating menu of savory dishes, with quiche being a local favorite that can run out fast. The bakery items, however, take the cake. The Hummingbird Cupcake, a tropical treat, stands out as a can't-miss for pastry fans.

The nightlife around Shaw centers on socializing at pubs and bars, without any major clubs or music venues within the neighborhood limits.

Sasha's on Shaw possesses just the right ambiance for a neighborhood wine bar, straddling the line between comfy and upscale. Dim mood lighting makes this spot equally appealing for dates or for socializing with a group of friends. During the winter months, cozy up in front of the fireplace for a little magic. When the Missouri summers heat up, sit outside on the patio and maybe catch a little live music to go along with your selection of fine wines or cheese plates.

With pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and a slow-paced neighborhood feel, Shaw stands out as a walkable area. Bike lanes encourage residents to cycle instead of drive when running quick errands around these quiet residential streets, or even on major roads. When walking or biking late at night in the Shaw area, remember to exercise caution.

Street parking tends to be easily available in Shaw. Major attractions, such as the Botanical Gardens, feature their own free public lots. The Shaw MetroBus Center on Shaw Boulevard features a park-and-ride service with 80 lots.

With Interstate 44 running alongside the boundaries of the Shaw neighborhood, accessing the rest of the St. Louis area is easy.

Treat yourself with Uber Black, a premium ride-sharing app and service, which lets you enjoy a luxury sedan ride to various areas of St. Louis. While hailing a cab in Shaw may not always be an option, ordering a taxi online or via phone tends to be more reliable. Try Laclede Cab Company or St. Louis American Cab Company.

St. Louis Metro Transit buses also provide service in the Shaw neighborhood. Bus routes that serve the neighborhood include #80 Park-Shaw and #14 Botanical Gardens as well as #8 Bates-Morganford.

Tower Grove Park, lying just south of Shaw, caters to residents' need for green space in a big way. Whether you prefer sunbathing on the open grass, playing a friendly match of softball or jogging around well-maintained trails, this free, 289-acre city park has your back.

Athletic fields require permits. You can spot lively games of tennis, soccer and more as you take a leisurely stroll along the perimeter of the park. With 11 picnic pavilions, each featuring a unique theme, you can also see families and friends gathering for parties. Photo shoots and weddings give Tower Grove a celebratory air all year long.

Kids can explore two separate playground areas, geared toward different age groups for more fun and age-appropriate playtime. During warm weather, a fountain and splash pool invite kids and their parents to don swimsuits and cool off in the water.

Frequent concerts, events and festivals, such as Food Truck Fridays, give Shaw locals even more excuses to visit the park.

While leashed dogs find a warm welcome in Tower Grove Park, Shaw residents also have the advantage of the Shaw Dog Park. This sizable park keeps the needs of both pets and their owners in mind. With lighting at night for safety and convenience, and water on-site for thirsty pups, the enclosed area allows dogs to run free and romp to their hearts' content. Park memberships are required.

Shaw's cost of living hovers at just above the national average, and about 10 percent higher than the city and state averages. Goods, services and transportation are cheaper than average, while utilities and groceries run higher.

When looking for a one-bedroom apartment in Shaw, you'll likely find apartments in converted and historic buildings, rather than newly built complexes. These spacious apartments typically lease for around $768 per month, only marginally higher than the city average.

A little light on shopping opportunities, thanks to its residential feel, Shaw nonetheless has some treasures. Rather than high-end designer outlets, you're likely to discover affordable or mid-range boutiques that mirror the neighborhood's creativity.

Dunaway Books stocks enough books to appease the needs of even the most dedicated bibliophile. Although the shop features that unmistakable "old book" smell that bookworms always seek out, the organization is crisp and clear, helping you locate just the novel or cookbook you need. Remember to pop down into the basement to look around at an even wider range of used books.

Gringo Jones Imports stands out as totally one-of-a-kind, featuring shelves packed with dozens upon dozens of trinkets, jewelry items, household goods and furnishings. Though the shop may not have traditional organization, this makes Gringo Jones a dream come true if you love to hunt for a bargain and browse through a glorious jumble of interesting items. Gardeners can't miss this converted house on Shaw, since you'll find nearly everything you need to decorate and enhance your garden, from pots to fountains.

Shaw Market acts as a conveniently close neighborhood market, great for when you need to pick up groceries on the way home or quick grab last-minute ingredients for dinner. Located on Shaw near the Botanical Gardens, this small corner market has kitchen staples, plus hosts Eritrean Wednesdays for some extra flavor. Try dishes like injera bread and lentil stew to get some ideas for your own meals. Other grocery options include Save-a-lot and Schnucks.

Tower Grove Farmers' Market takes place on Saturday mornings, located within the park near the playgrounds and fountain during warmer weather. When a cold snap hits, the thriving market moves indoors to the City Garden Montessori School. Within easy distance of Shaw, this market offers more than just fresh, locally sourced goods from Missouri restaurants, stores and farms. You can also do something good for your body with free yoga lessons. During the summer, live music makes your shopping experience even more enjoyable.