Rock Down to Washington Avenue
Need a St. Louis vacay destination? You can find all sorts of attractions on just a single block.
St. Louis provides a plethora of options when it comes to the weekend vacay. Galleries. Shopping. Fabulous eats. It’s not advised, however, to try to tackle the entire city in one weekend. Instead, take it one avenue at a time. On your next trip to the Gateway of the West, make Washington Avenue your destination. The up-and-coming area has refurbished lofts, gourmet dining and plenty of trendy nightlife spots.
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Play
Bowl a few rounds at Flamingo Bowl (1117 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314-436-6666, flamingobowl.net), a contemporary bowling alley featuring a variety of drinks, ranging from classic, modern to signature cocktails. There’s more in the kitchen, which serves up an eclectic mix of great food. Although it’s not on Washington Avenue, Lumiere Place (right) is only a teeny jaunt away. Visitors to Lumiere Place (999 N. 2nd St., St. Louis, 314-881-7777, lumiereplace.com) have a variety of reasons to visit, whether it be for slot machines, poker tables, dessert burgers or views of the Mississippi River, the Arch and the downtown St. Louis skyline.
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Eat
For a night when everything on the menu sounds great, check out Mosaic Modern Fusion Restaurant and Lounge (at left, 1001 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314-621-6001, mosaictapas.com). Tapas-style dining is all the rage at this fine-dining venue, allowing you to try a little bit of a lot of things.
If low-key is the buzzword for the night, check out Bridge and Tunnel Pizza, otherwise known as B&T (1131 Washington Ave., St. Louis, bntpizza.com). This corner pizzeria offers a New York-style pizza experience, by the slice or by the pie, for extremely affordable prices. Whether you’re looking for a drink, a meal or an excuse to see and be seen, Lucas Park Grille (1234 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314-241-7770, lucasparkgrille.com) is a good option. Serving lunch, dinner and drinks until the wee hours of the morning, the grille offers a wide menu, full bar and expansive wine selection all in a century-old building.
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Stay
History meets comfort and modern design at the Roberts Mayfair (at right, 806 Saint Charles St., St. Louis, 314-421-2500, wyndham.com). The hotel recently underwent a $9 million renovation and now combines traditional beauty, including stained glass windows and marble floors, with today’s conveniences. Just a short walk from St. Louis attractions and nightlife is the Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel (800 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314-621-9600, mariott.com), one of the city’s luxury hotels. Be prepared for great views, three restaurants and overall sophistication before you pack your bags.
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Party
Get your bit o’ the Irish at The Dubliner (at left. 1025 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314-421-4300, dublinerstl.com), an authentic European gastropub, which features sustainable food sources throughout its menu. In addition to its traditional Irish selections, the pub offers the chance to sample some of its drinks during happy day and happy night hours.
Feel like you’re a celebrity at swanky Sugar Lounge (1405 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, 314-621-9946, kyostl.com), one of the city’s ultimate up-and-coming nightspots. Formerly KYO Lounge, a club-like atmosphere fills the bar, complete with white interior that gives it a sleek look.
