Still searching for the ideal St .Louis neighborhood to call home? This week's neighborhood spotlight may be the perfect place for you. St. Louis’ Central West End was named one of the nation’s top ten neighborhoods for a reason. This hip and unique area on the eastern edge of Forest Park offers a variety of amazing restaurants, cultural activities, neighborhood festivals, and stunning turn-of-the-century architecture. Here are a few highlights this neighborhood has to offer.

Location

Located just west of downtown, the area of Central West End is on the eastern edge of Forest Park, near Saint Louis University and the Cortex Innovation Community. The business district spans about a mile down Euclid and is home to an array of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and art galleries. The architecture of the area is a sight to be seen with old architecture, winged griffin lamp posts, and iconic churches. 

Restaurants

Central West End is a haven for foodies with restaurants galore. If you’re having a craving, surely it can be satisfied. You can choose from sushi, tacos, burgers, steaks, seafood, BBQ, vegetarian – the list goes on and on. Stop in to Bowood Farms Cafe Osage for breakfast or lunch with produce and herbs straight from their garden. In the mood for some authentic and delicious Italian food? Enjoy a lovely dinner at Bar Italia Ristorante. Craving sushi with a cocktail and a puff of hookah? Yes they have that too, at BBC Asian Cafe and Bar. Whether you’re looking for a quick cup of coffee or a four course meal, Central West End has you covered.

Drinks

The bar scene in this district is just as vast as the restaurant scene. The Chase Club, set inside the Chase Park Plaza Hotel, is a favorite amongst tourists and locals alike due to their signature cocktails, gastropub fare, and poolside views. If you’re in the mood for some dancing check out Club Viva, a nightclub that features Latin, reggae, Bollywood, and other music from around the world. If you’re a whiskey connoisseur, you can enjoy an extensive whiskey list and mouthwatering menu items at Gamlin Whiskey House. Vodka fans should pay a visit to Sub Zero Vodka Bar who claim to have the largest selection of vodka in the country. Or if you are simply in the mood for a nice glass of wine, try out the Pagan Wine Bar or The Vino Gallery.

Festivals

Central West End holds annual festivals for residents and tourists to enjoy. Summer festivals include the Central West End Cocktail party, the Make Music St. Louis Festival, the CWE House Tour, the CWE Summer Music Series, and the Summer Sidewalk Sale. With fall comes Halloween and the well-known CWE Halloween street party, complete with costume parades for the kiddos and pets, food trucks, and live entertainment followed by an adult only Halloween bash. As the winter holidays approach, the businesses of the Central West End participate in the CWE Window Walk as well. Take a stroll through the district and see all of the artistically decorated storefronts to get you in the mood for the season.

Art

The CWE is an artistic and creative community, so there’s no shortage of live entertainment and art galleries. There are six art galleries in the area, along with an auction house and The World Chess Hall of Fame. The Cathedral of the Basilica is also a must see. Completed in 1914, its architectural beauty is one of a kind and is adorned with the largest collection of mosaics in the world.

There’s always something fun to do in this unique neighborhood. Are you ready to move to Central West End?