Art has a way of bringing people together, and there is nothing quite like a night at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Midtown St. Louis. Broadway season kicks off Oct. 7 with Life of Pi, followed by a fantastic lineup of fall shows including La La Land, The Notebook, The Wiz and Les Misérables.
To help you make the most of your evening, we’ve rounded up a list of nearby spots to visit before or after the show, so you can turn your theatre night into a full experience from start to finish.
Angad Arts Hotel St. Louis, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Just steps away from the Fox, this art deco boutique hotel houses two ideal spots for pre- and post-theater connectivity, where art, music and creativity set the scene.
Commonwealth
Head to Angad’s signature restaurant, Commonwealth, for dinner and enjoy a refined twist on your favorite comfort foods. Executive Chef Lauren Anthony invites guests into a cozy yet upscale setting, where a dimly lit dining room and stylish cocktail bar set the tone whether you’re sipping a Campfire Old-Fashioned with marshmallow and toasted almonds at the dimly lit bar, enjoying a Spiced Pear Cobbler Mule crafted with spiced rum, or seated in one of their plush booths.
The contemporary American fall menu features standout dishes like curried mussels, truffle fries, Creole shrimp and grits, a trip the Caribbean with the grilled Jamaican jerk lamb, seafood ravioli, and a flavorful vegan tikka masala, served against a backdrop of curated art. Treat yourself to a rotating selection of desserts, including carrot cake, lemon raspberry cake, double chocolate cake, and the classic New York-style cheesecake.
The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, offering breakfast from 7-11 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner is available Tuesday-Thursday from 5-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5-11 p.m. The kitchen closes at 9 p.m. on nights of operation, with the bar open for drink orders until closing.
634 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, angadartshotel.com/restaurants-bars/commonwealth
Art Bar
Pop into Art Bar, the rooftop bar on the hotel’s Rainbow Terrace, for pre- or post-show drinks with a beautiful view of Midtown all the way downtown to the Gateway Arch. Art Bar is first-come, first-served, with access to cozy lounge seating, tables, and a lively outdoor patio.
Sip on refreshing seasonal cocktails like a pumpkin martini, the Fire Ciderball and the bourbon-based Haunted Hotel. Pair your drinks with creamy spinach dip or hearty beef sliders, to end the night. You never know what DJ or tunes will be spinning, so stop by and kick off or wind down your night with great vibes and even better views.
Art Bar is open Monday-Wednesday from 4-10 p.m., Thursday 4-11 p.m., Friday 4-1 a.m., Saturday 2 p.m.-1 a.m., and Sunday 2-9 p.m.
3550 Samuel Shepard Drive, St. Louis, angadartshotel.com/restaurants-bars/art-bar
Sophie’s Artist Lounge
A popular nightlife destination in the Grand Center Arts District, operated by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, Sophie’s Artist Lounge is where rhythm and creativity unite. Whether you’re two-stepping or just finger-snapping, the vibe is always high thanks to a rotating lineup of resident DJs and themed music nights like Global Beats, Jazz Edition, Sample Nights, ’80s Club Music, and DJ sets honoring iconic artists.
Surrounded by immersive street art and vibrant murals, the space doubles as both a lounge and an art gallery, frequently hosting exhibitions that spotlight local St. Louis artists. High-fidelity audiovisuals set the mood with specialty cocktails including the Skee Yee, a strong mix of rum, vodka, gin, lime, simple syrup, and grenadine, inspired by St. Louis’ own Sexyy Red and the StarBoy, a nod to The Weeknd, made with vodka, lemon, simple syrup, and lavender.
Sophie’s also hosts Cypher Nights, A Turn at the Table (an open DJ and turntablist forum), Motown Throwdown, and a rotating calendar of weekly events. Sophie’s is open Wednesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
333 Washington Ave., Suite 102, St. Louis, kranzbergartsfoundation.org/sophies-artist-lounge
The Best Steakhouse
I have such fond memories of visiting The Best Steakhouse with my parents, located just across the street from the iconic Fox Theatre. Since 1964, this cafeteria-style restaurant has been a local staple for its familial atmosphere.
You will call out your order, likely one of their signature steaks like the porterhouse, rib-eye, or T-bone, all served with a baked potato and Texas toast. The menu features options like burgers, pork chops, chicken, fried fish, and shrimp. A nod to the founder Dean Kases’ Greek heritage, the menu also offers a gyros sandwich. You’ll also find a selection of side dishes, desserts, and a kid’s menu to choose from. The Best Steakhouse is the perfection perfect for grabbing a casual bite before heading right across the street to catch a show.
516 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, beststeakstl.com
SweetArt Bakeshop + Café
SweetArt relocated its long-time home in South City’s Shaw neighborhood to a vibrant new location at The Coronado on Lindell Boulevard in Midtown this summer. The vegan, plant-based eatery is renowned for its comfort dishes, indulgent desserts, and wide selection of drinks.
Owner Reine Keis pays homage to iconic Black women writers through menu favorites like the bell hooks nachos, featuring crispy corn tortillas, house-made bean chili, and a creamy coconut-based cheese sauce. Another standout is the Zora Neale Hurston crispy chik’n sandwich, both served with the signature “love + magic” kale salad, tossed with seasonal veggies and SweetArt’s famous house magic dressing.
Looking for options? Swing by SweetArt Too at the City Foundry STL, where you’ll find mini versions of their popular burgers, nachos, loaded fries and salads. For ingredient details or dietary needs, visit their website.
701 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, sweetartstl.com
City Foundry STL
The City Foundry STL food hall is the perfect spot for groups looking to enjoy a wide variety of dining options that cater to different tastes and palettes. Here, you’ll find a mix of beloved St. Louis staples and new culinary discoveries. Stop by 4 Hens Creole Kitchen for a taste of the South: po’boys, fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits, or head to Chez Ali for Afro-Caribbean fusion dishes like jerk chicken, curry, and jollof rice. Just down the hall, you’ll find Fordo’s Killer Pizza, one of the best pizza spots in St. Louis, or dig into St. Louis-style ribs at Expat BBQ, from award-winning chef Gerard Craft and the Niche Food Group.
Other great stops include STL Toasted for toasted ravioli, Steve’s Meltdown for gourmet grilled cheese, and various dessert stalls. There’s also a fully stocked bar, perfect for grabbing a beer or cocktail before a show. If you’re feeling really fancy, head down to the basement speakeasy, None of the Above, for above-average cocktails.
3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, cityfoundrystl.com
Black Mountain Wine House STL
Tucked away in the Central West End, Black Mountain Wine House STL is a hidden gem, offering an impressive selection of wines in a rustic atmosphere. Once inside, it feels like you’re at a cozy cabin getaway with a crackling fireplace, perfect with a glass or bottle of wine.
Weekly specials include pasta Tuesdays, while Wednesdays feature wood-fired pizzas. The main menu includes carefully curated cheese and charcuterie boards, pork meatballs, and mac and cheese. Stay connected, as they frequently host pop-up dinners with local chefs and oysters on the half shell Fridays. Black Mountain Wine House STL welcomes nightcap seekers until midnight. Black Mountain is open daily from 3 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, and from noon to midnight on Saturday.
354 N. Boyle Ave., St. Louis, blkmtnstlwinehouse.com
Retreat Gastropub
More than just a pub, Retreat Gastropub is the place for flawless craft cocktails and elevated food. Their drink menu features limited-edition creations, seasonal specials and classic cocktails, customizable with house-made shrubs as well as non-alcoholic options. Standouts include the Caipirinha with cachaça, lime and sugar; the Seaside house martini made with vodka or gin, bordiga dry vermouth, fino sherry, lemon oil, and kombu; and Retreat’s classic Three-Toed Flamingo, a tropical, bittersweet mix of white and overproof Jamaican rum, orange bitters, Bruto Americano, Malbec, passionfruit, and lime.
The food is equally impressive, with favorites like the fried Brussels sprouts served with white bean purée, pine nuts and agrodolce; the portobello sandwich; and the Farmhouse smash burger. Dinner is served from 4-9 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, and Sunday, and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Reserve your spot here.
6 N. Sarah St., St. Louis, retreatgastropub.com