City
Foundry STL is the kind of
place our city needs to remind you that
St. Louis is
still thriving. This century-old industrial site has been transformed
into one of the most happening spots in town, complete with sizzling
food stalls, indie boutiques and
interactive attractions, plus plenty of space to roam around and
explore. It’s family-friendly and full of casual energy by day, and
transforms into
the
perfect spot for date nights, drinks or catching a movie each
evening. Every visit feels
a little different, and every corner hums with the kind of ingenuity
that makes
St.
Louis special. City Foundry isn’t just a place to eat or shop, it’s
a place to experience.
1.
Food hall
More
than just a food court, the City Foundry food hall is a showcase of
local flavor and creativity. Our favorite stalls include Fordo’s
Killer Pizza for some of the best pizza in town, BerryBox Superfood
Bar with nutrient-dense options galore, Intergalactic Burgers for
some far-out indulgences, and Chez Ali, which offers a compact
selection of Afro-Caribbean favorites. But with about 20 different
options to choose from, there is truly something for everyone as the
cuisines represented here run the gamut. There’s also a bar right
inside the food hall for those looking for an adult beverage or two.
2.
Expat BBQ
Adjacent
to the food hall and spanning three floors, Expat BBQ offers some
seriously good barbecue, along with laid-back rooftop vibes. The
comfortably furnished patio is a major draw: you can sip a cocktail,
look out over the Midtown skyline and snack on smoked meats tinged
with a range of global influences or simple yet succulent cheese
curds.
3.
None of the Above
The
cocktails aforementioned in this list are
undoubtedly worth a sip, but if you want something really
stellar, find the red light outside the
unmarked door (aside from a faint logo) and
head down to arguably the coolest speakeasy
in town. You can hardly go wrong with any of their inventive drinks,
but In the Mood for Love
is a crowd pleaser, as are Claws of Light and Blood of the Dawn. They only serve
light snacks, but the charred scallion dip is exactly what you need
in this setting.
4.
Puttshack
Think
of Puttshack as mini golf with a literal glow-up. This spot uses
techy, high-energy scoring
systems and a slick course design to turn mini golf into a
full-on night out. Add
in better-than-expected craft cocktails (we
are partial to the Hennessy Island and the NA spritz) and shareable
plates, and you’ve got a
grown-up version of the arcade experience that still works for
families during the day.
5.
Alamo Drafthouse
Now
that you can watch almost any movie from the comfort of your
home with a mere click of a button, theaters where the movie is just
part of the experience are the new norm. Alamo Drafthouse offers
plush seats, full-service food and drinks, and themed screenings that
make it feel like an event. If you haven’t watched a cult classic
here with a specialty cocktail in hand, you’re missing out. Plus,
watching a movie in a theater and not on your couch harkens back to
the days of old, and a deja vu moment of core youth
memories is something money cannot buy.
6.
City Winery
Part
music venue, part tasting room, part urban winery, City Winery
is a great place to catch national touring acts or local bands in a
warm, intimate space. Otherwise, it’s a nice place to sip through a
wine flight and share some charcuterie on a casual evening.
7.
Fresh Thyme
An
everyday essential, Fresh Thyme is perfect for a quick stop after
work or a full weekend grocery run. It’s smaller and more curated
than a big-box store, but still has everything you need.
8.
Museum of Illusions
This
one’s for the kids and your camera roll. The Museum of Illusions is
filled with mind-bending photo opps, including tilted rooms, optical
tricks and brain-teasing exhibits that get you laughing and
second-guessing what you see. It’s an hour well spent, especially
on a hot or rainy day.
9.
Retail therapy
City
Foundry’s mix of local and lifestyle shops gives it more texture
than your typical development. Whether
you’re browsing vintage finds, picking up handmade gifts, or
shopping for sustainable goods, it
feels more intentional and not like just another mall.
10.
Location, location, location
Nestled
in Midtown, just off the highway and with easy access to the Central
West End and downtown, it’s nice to see an attraction within the
actual city of St. Louis truly thriving.
11.
Live music & events
From
casual weeknight performers to weekend festivals and seasonal
markets, there’s almost always something happening. The vibe is
approachable: you can join in, hang back or just let the sound spill
into the rest of your night. It’s the kind of passive programming
that makes a place feel alive.
12.
More fun around the corner
This
isn’t a place that’s standing still. Additions like Sandbox VR,
Trufusion fitness studio, an escape room, and the forthcoming Urban
Fort Play Cafe keep rounding out the experience, and there’s more
growth planned in every direction. It’s the rare development that
keeps getting better, not just bigger.
3730
Foundry Way, St. Louis, cityfoundrystl.com
This article appears in August 2025.