Watching a Cardinals baseball game and riding to the top of the Arch are, of course, required activities if you’re hanging out downtown. But Downtown St. Louis has far more to offer—dining, shopping, countless events, public art, parks, museums, and more. Here are six things not to miss.
Chef Gerard Craft uses his Brazilian nanny’s cooking as the inspiration for his newest restaurant. But the James Beard winner puts his own take on traditional Brazilian fare. Instead of preparing feijoada as a stew, for example, he cooks each ingredient separately. Cinder House is also located on the eighth floor of the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, making it home to some of the best views of the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River.
The historic theater may have a new name—it changed from Peabody Opera House to Stifel Theatre in July 2018—but it continues its tradition of playing host to some of the best shows in town. (Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, and the Rolling Stones have all played here.) “The Stifel Theatre is an icon in our region, and much like Stifel, it has played a major role in the revitalization of downtown,” said Ron Kruszewski, chairman and CEO of Stifel in an online statement. This fall, don’t miss Christina Aguilara, Carol Burnett, Elvis Costello, among others, performing at the 3,100 seat venue.
You can find some of the most breathtaking views of the city, and, ideally, a nearby Cardinals Game, at this restaurant/bar perched on top of Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. Three Sixty offers a long list of signature cocktails and their menu provides a modern twist on traditional tapas. (Think oysters, but barbecued and served with a side of tomato-horseradish granita.) They also serve fish tacos, sushi, and pizza, all of which are best enjoyed around the outdoor fire pits.
Spanning two blocks, Citygarden is an urban park located in the heart of Downtown. It features large works by well-known names such as Jim Dine, Keith Haring, and Aristide Maillol. But don’t miss the tucked-away “Dance Chimes” by artist Alfons Van Leggelo—walking on the piece’s bronze tiles will activate bell-like sounds. The park also features several fountains, a splash pad for kids, walking paths, and over 100 different species of plants. During the summer, you can catch a Cardinals baseball game or a movie playing on the park’s 16-foot LED video screen.
Opened in 1946, Tony’s is one of the oldest restaurants still in operation in Downtown St. Louis. St. Louis Magazine named it Restaurant of the Year in 2014, but that’s just one of the Italian restaurant’s many awards. The bedrock of the restaurant is Vince Bommarito, Sr. the charming restauranteur often credited as raising the restaurant to its iconic status. Expect “decorous dining,” according to SLM‘s dining editor—an upscale atmosphere, expert service, and some of the best prepared dishes in St. Louis.
Even before the museum officially opened in April 2016, it was receiving attention from national outlets like The New York Times, Smithsonian, and CNN. The hype was deserved. The museum combines artifacts, interactive exhibits, and a very entertaining player piano to educate its visitors about the history of blues, in St. Louis as well as throughout the country. The museum also hosts live concerts several times a week and includes an art gallery with rotating exhibitions. After your visit, head next door to Sugarfire Smokehouse for some barbecue.
This post was created by St. Louis Magazine Partner Studio on behalf of Downtown St. Louis, Inc. Visit their website to learn more about everything downtown St. Louis has to offer.
