Cherokee Street
My fellow hipsters, rejoice. On Cherokee Street you will find myriad quirky eateries, including the best Mexican restaurants in the city, the best coffee in the city (for more info, see “Coffee Shops” in the Food section), a hole-in-the-wall microbrewery, artists’ studios, and dance clubs (featuring EDM, salsa or vinyl record sets). The businesses here are even more respectable for the numerous community-enriching programs they create for lower-income neighbors. Also, on the historically ritzier half of Cherokee Street, there is a boutique-y, antique-y vibe perfect for entertaining your mother when she comes to visit. If you do not embrace the label of “hipster,” yet identify as someone with a strong fondness for fine coffee and/or beer, an eclectic music taste, and/or a penchant for perusing thrift shops, this is certainly the place for you.
– Christine A., M1
Lafayette Square
Central West End has the swank, but Lafayette Square is trying to give it a run for its money. Centered around Lafayette Park, the city’s oldest park, in what was once and may be again the most desirable part of St. Louis City, one finds delicious restaurants and bars nestled amongst beautiful renovated three-story French townhouses. For those who want to add some classiness to their life, check out Planter’s House for nationally recognized cocktails and food. A special dinner? Vin De Set has exquisite French cuisine and a rooftop with a view of the downtown. Special dinner, no French? Element has you covered. In the same building, you can make those flexor digitorum muscles (you’ll know soon enough) sore as you rock climb at Climb So Ill, and then head upstairs for a drink at Element’s rooftop bar. Square One Brewery and Distillery will pair their excellent $2 Tuesday build-your-own burger with their craft beers and liquor. SqWires will serve you a delicious weekend brunch with a mimosa/bloody mary bar to boot. Have a sweet tooth? Chocolate or ice cream? There’s Bailey’s Chocolate Bar and Clementine’s Creamery to fill that void. So, when you have had all of the Wildflower you can handle, take the short jaunt to Lafayette Square. You will like what you find.
– Derek B., M1