MBU in STL: Central West End
St. Louis is a diverse city with limitless options for food, coffee and exploring. Spread throughout the St. Louis metro area are neighborhoods just as diverse as the people that inhabit them. From the upscale Central West End to the eclectic Tower Grove neighborhoods, when combined, these neighborhoods create the perfect mixture that makes St. Louis such a great city to call home.
Located on the edge of St. Louis city, sits Central West End. Known for boutique shops, luxury apartment buildings and directly across Kingshighway from Forest Park. Scattered along the tree-lined sidewalks of the CWE sit numerous restaurants, cafes and shops. Here are some of the best options CWE has to offer:
World Chess Hall of Fame
4652 Maryland Avenue, Saint Louis, MO
The World Chess Hall of Fame is the home to both the U.S. and World Hall of Fame for chess. It pays tribute to one of the oldest and most challenging games and the accomplishments of the men and women who have mastered it. With vibrant displays and areas to partake in a game of chess, the World Chess Hall of Fame is a unique way to spend your afternoon.
Kingside Diner
4561 Maryland Avenue, Saint Louis, MO
Only open until 2 p.m. on weekdays, this diner is the perfect location to grab breakfast on a warm summer morning. Situated across the street from the World Chess Hall of Fame, Kingside bears tribute to centuries-old game with its name and decor. With outside seating, a CWE staple, as well as rooftop seating this makes the perfect first stop of the day. Kingside offers omelets, burritos, DIY waffles, cheddar drop biscuits and that’s just to name a few. If you stop by on a Friday or Saturday, Kingside is open until 10 p.m. for your late night diner food cravings.
Coffee Cartel
2 Maryland Plaza, Saint Louis, MO
One of the few 24-hour coffee shops in the city, Coffee Cartel is centrally located right on the corner of Euclid and Maryland Ave. With a wide-offering of specialty coffee drinks and plenty of food offerings, this coffee shop is perfect for late-night cram sessions or just catching up with friends.
Left Bank Books
399 N Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO
This independent bookstore boasts a wide selection of best sellers and independently published books. It rounds off these offerings with a huge children’s section, St. Louis history section and an entire bottom floor dedicated to used books. While browsing through the books you might also happen to see the cat-in-residence or one of the many authors that come for signings, most recently Alton Brown and Chelsea Clinton. Stop by this bookstore to find your summer reads.
Brasserie by Niche
4580 Laclede Avenue, Saint Louis, MO
If you’re looking for a place to brunch look no further. Only offered on Saturday and Sunday, Brasserie offers a solid selection on their brunch menu, including their locally renowned Eggs Benedict. Brasserie offers the perfect outside seating location to enjoy a beautiful St. Louis summer weekend. If you aren’t wanting brunch, Brasserie also offers lunch and dinner.
Jeni’s Spendid Ice Cream
389 N Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO
A premiere, boutique-esque ice cream shop. Jeni’s is a national chain from Ohio with scoop shops in around the country. With unique flavor options that you won’t be able to find at any other ice cream shop, like sweet cream biscuits and peach jam, wildberry lavender and roasted strawberry buttermilk. But for you non-adventurous food people out there don’t worry, Jeni’s also offers decadent ice cream staples like vanilla, chocolate and cookies and cream.
El Burro Loco
313 N Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO
Traditional, authentic Mexican food with a fun, exciting environment. The main dining room is elevated and lined with large, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Euclid Avenue. Guests can enjoy a performance as well while they eat, most nights a sombrero-wearing gentleman serenades guests with a guitar in hand.
Pi Pizzeria
400 N Euclid Avenue, Saint Louis, MO
The St. Louis-bred pizzeria has a location right in Central West End. The upbeat, dimly lit environment is perfect to enjoy some of the best pizza St. Louis has to offer in deep dish or thin crust form.
Chase Park Plaza Cinema
212 Kingshighway Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO
This theatre is gives a modern take on Hollywood’s great theatres of the past. With five intimate auditoriums with luxury seating, movie lovers can enjoy today’s box office hits in this historic, art-deco hotel built in the 1920s.
What are your favorite things to do in St. Louis? Share with us on Instagram and Twitter using #MBUinSTL.
