Going to a show? Here are the best places to eat near St. Louis-area theaters (2024)

Dinner and a show is as classic a combination as peanut butter and jelly. But in St. Louis, it can be a challenging feat. Why? Because we’re the land of the car. If the restaurant isn’t within walking distance, you have to park twice: once at the restaurant, then at the theater. And it seems like the restaurants are never within walking distance.

So we have searched the scene for nearby dining for all your favorite theaters. There are, of course, places that just don’t have any decent food within walking distance, but even then we have a few suggestions for you.

The Chapel

Why you’d go: The Chapel is attached to Memorial Presbyterian Church, and smaller theater companies, such as First Run Theater and Slightly Askew Theater Ensemble make frequent use of it.

Best bet: Kimchi Guys, 282 Skinker Boulevard, kimchiguys.com, 314-735-0600

Walkability: 3 stars (out of 5)

Price: Cheap to moderate

Why you’ll love it: This is a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in Korean-style fried chicken, but also offers loaded fries, nachos and Korritos (Korean style burritos). While it’s not as fancy as some other nearby options, it gets a recommendation because it’s fairly walkable. The 12-minute walk to the Chapel is on the longer side, but it will take you past Washington U. and Forest Park so at least it’s scenic. And there are plenty of lights to get you across busy Skinker.

Other options: Parking is usually not a problem at the Chapel, so it’s possible to drive to a fancy Clayton eatery, such as Akar, Wright’s Tavern or Bistro La Floriason, which are all just up Wydown Boulevard.

COCA

Why you’d go: Many companies stage shows at the Catherine Berges Theater at COCA including the Black Rep and Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Or your kid may have a show here. COCA is primarily known for offering art classes and performance opportunities for kids and teens.

Best bet: Nobu’s, 6253 Delmar Boulevard, University City, nobustl.com, 314-323-9147

Walkability: 2 stars (out of 5)

Price: Expensive

Why you’ll love it: We hate to send you on a nearly 15-minute walk to get dinner, but Nobu’s is worth the trek. The sushi restaurant is from famed chef Noboru Kidera, and food critic Ian Froeb calls it a “revelation.” You’ll need a reservation.

Other options: If you want something a little more kid friendly, head to the slightly closer Salt + Smoke, which has the addictive cracker mac and cheese and some of the best barbecue in town.

Edison Theater

6465 Forsyth Boulevard, Clayton, theblackrep.org, 314-534-3810

Why you’d go: The Black Rep stages plays in Edison and in the A.E. Hotchner Black Box, which is in the same building.

Walkability: 5 stars (out of 5)

Price: Moderate

Why you’ll love it: Ibby’s is a sit-down restaurant in the neighboring building named the Danforth University Center (aka the DUC). The trick is that Ibby’s is usually closed in the summer and has variable hours, so check the website before you go. The menu is seasonal, but always delicious. Make a reservation because the place is popular with students.

Other options: Ibby’s is really only an option for Friday night shows, but the DUC also has a food court (serving more typical college-food fare). If you’ve left your cafeteria days behind you, your only option would be to drive to nearby Clayton eateries listed under the Chapel. There is a parking garage underneath the DUC, so parking at Edison shouldn’t be an issue.

Forest Park

Why you’d go: Shakespeare Festival St. Louis is in the glen in June, and the Muny is churning out Broadway-caliber musicals all summer. You can also catch a movie on Art Hill.

Best bet: Picnic

Walkability: 5 stars (out of 5)

Price: Cheap

Why you’ll love it: You could eat at the Boathouse in Forest Park but the Muny can hold 11,000 people, many of whom have the same idea. Instead, a picnic is a great preshow option. You can stretch out in the glen or find a chill spot around the Muny. But what to pack? You can grab some international options at United Provisions in the Loop, or pick up something from Whole Foods in the Central West End if you’re coming from that direction.

Other options:If you don't want to schlep food around Forest Park, then you can typically buy concessions. You can get food from Steve's Hot Dogs and the Fountain on Locust at Shakespeare Festival and dine at the Culver Pavilion before a Muny show. There are usually food trucks at Art Hill movie events.

Fox Theater

Why you’d go: Umm, it’s the Fox.

Walkability: 5 stars (out of 5)

Price: Moderate to expensive

Why you’ll love it: The Fox actually operates the Curtain Call Lounge, which has decent food and themed drinks related to that night’s show. Plus, the staff knows why you’re there. They’re getting you in and out before the show starts, you can take your doggy bag into the Fox, and you don’t even have to step outside to get into the theater.

Other options: The drawbacks to Curtain Call are that it doesn’t take reservations, and it fills up fast pre-show. (It also only opens at 5 p.m. before an evening show.) If you can’t get a seat, try the Angad Arts Hotel three minutes up the road. You can grab a drink and food at the rooftop Art Bar or eat a fancy meal at the Commonwealth, which offers flatbreads and burgers as well as strip steak.

Grand Center, various theaters

Why you’d go: Grand Center, the area around the Fox, is home to a ton of other theaters. There’s the Big Top (3401 Washington Avenue), where Circus Flora performs, the Marcelle (3310 Samuel Shepard Drive), which is home to New Line Theater and others and the .Zack (3224 Locust Street), which has hosted the Tennessee Williams Festival and Story Stitchers events. Further afield is the Kranzberg Arts Center (501 North Grand Boulevard), where Albion Theater and other companies use the black box.

Best bet: Bulrush, 3307 Washington Avenue, bulrushstl.com, 314-449-1208

Walkability: 3 stars (out of 5)

Price: Expensive

Why you’ll love it: Bulrush topped Ian Froeb’s STL 100 2024, so how can you go wrong? Chef Rob Connoley focuses on Ozark cuisine and ingredients in his cooking. The restaurant isn’t a la carte, but instead offers a tasting menu at $135 per person. Unfortunately, it cannot accommodate most dietary restrictions. Reservations are required.

Other options: If $135 is more than you paid for your theater ticket, then you may want to check out Urban Chestnut just down the street. Here you can get German noshes and beer. If you just want drinks, Sophie’s Artist Lounge serves up some delectable (but pricey) co*cktails in a very vibey space. You can also try Angad Arts Hotel, as mentioned above.

Greenfinch Theater & Dive

Why you’d go: Colin Healy and Bradley Rohlf bought the former Way Out Club in part to have a space for their theater company, Fly North Theatricals. But the space is cheap to rent so tons of small theater companies and underground shows come here.

Best bet: Lucky Accomplice, 2501 South Jefferson Avenue, theluckyaccomplice.com, 314-354-6100

Walkability: 5 stars (out of 5)

Price: Expensive

Why you’ll love it: Just up the street on Jefferson Avenue is the Lucky Accomplice led by chef Logan Ely who cut his teeth at the now-shuttered but much-loved Tempus and the lauded Bulrush. The restaurant has a 10-course tasting menu for $105 or an a la carte menu with creative options including a build-your-own charcuterie board. Plus, there’s a happy hour from 5-7 p.m., perfect preshow timing. Reservations are a good idea, and because it’s only open for dinner, you can’t dine here pre-matinee.

Other options: Greenfinch is also a dive bar where you can get drinks, pizza and co*cktails for reasonable prices.

James J. Eagan Civic Center

Why you’d go: The Alpha Players and the Hawthorne Players perform here.

Best bet: Hendel’s, 599 Rue St. Denis Street, Florissant, hendelsrestaurant.com, 314-837-2304

Walkability rating: 1 star (out of 5)

Price: Moderate

Why you’ll love it: Just a five-minute drive from the theater, Hendel’s is a solid option preshow option. The restaurant has nice indoor and outdoor seating, and a wide selection with sandwiches, gluten-free options and a menu for the kiddos.

Jewish Community Center

Why you’d go: New Jewish Theatre is producing award-winning musicals and plays in the black box.

Best bet: Kreis’ Steakhouse & Bar, 535 South Lindbergh Boulevard, Frontenac, kreissteakhouse.com, 314-993-0735

Walkability rating: 1 star (out of 5)

Price: Expensive

Why you’ll love it: While Kreis’ Steakhouse is only 10 minutes away from the JCC by car, it’s more than an hour away by foot. So this is definitely not walkable. Still, it’s recommended not only because the JCC has a huge parking lot, but Kreis’ is essential dining according to Froeb. The atmosphere is upscale, the food delicious and the service is personal. There’s a reason this place has been around since 1948.

Kirkwood Performing Arts Center

210 East Monroe Avenue, Kirkwood, thekpac.org, 314-921-5678

Why you’d go here: Winter Opera St. Louis and Stages St. Louis do their seasons at Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, plus other companies stage the occasional show here.

Best bet: Wasabi Kirkwood, 312 South Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, 314-394-3390, wasabisushibars.com

Walkability: 4 stars (out of 5)

Price: Moderate

Why you’ll love it: There is a ton of food around Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, though when you first park there you may have your doubts. But a quick walk up Monroe Avenue to Kirkwood Road puts you in busy downtown Kirkwood, where you can head to the sushi spot Wasabi, grab Mod Pizza, eat at Crushed Red, or if you’re feeling up for a longer walk, head to Mission Taco. The walk to Wasabi is five minutes and the restaurant serves reliable sushi fare.

The Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts

130 Edgar Road, Webster Groves

Why you’d go here: In the fall and spring you’d be here to see the St. Louis Repertory Theater or Webster Conservatory productions, and in the summer you’d be here for Opera Theatre of St. Louis.

Best bet: Cyrano’s, 603 East Lockwood, Webster Groves, 314-963-3232, cyranos.com/menu

Walkability: 4 stars (out of 5)

Price: Moderate

Why you’ll love it: Cyrano’s is a seven-minute walk from the Rep and has a great happy hour from 4-6 p.m. on weekdays. Of course the desserts are the main reason people go to Cyrano’s: World’s Fair eclair, caramel brioche bread pudding, the Cleopatra and more. But they also have a great list of signature martinis. Reservations recommended.

Other options: An 8-minute (but a bit more complicated) walk from the theater is Big Sky Cafe, where you’ll find good food and desserts that hold their own as well. Reservations are recommended. But if you’re going to Opera Theatre, forget all the restaurants and just get one of OTSL’s boxed picnics from Ces & Judy catering. You can also bring your own picnic to the garden before the show or sign up for a Young Friends Night, where dinner is included.

Robert G. Reim Theater

111 South Geyer Road, Kirkwood

Why you’d go here: Since Stages St. Louis vacated the space, the Robert G. Reim has not hosted as many shows, but Moonstone Theatre Company took up residence here and Kirkwood Theatre Guild uses the space.

Best bet: Downtown Kirkwood

Walkability: 1 star (out of 5)

Price: Moderate

Why you’ll love it: Downtown Kirkwood isn’t far away from the Reim if you want to drive there for food. The theater also has a huge lot, so parking shouldn’t be a problem. If you just want drinks, the Geyer Inn, a hockey-themed dive bar, is pretty much across the street from the theater. It has cheap beer and a Stanley Cup made from beer cans.

Stray Dog Theater

Why you’d go here: Stray Dog Theater produces award-winning plays and musicals.

Best bet: Little Fox, 2800 Shenandoah Avenue, 314-553-9456, littlefoxstl.com

Walkability: 2 stars (out of 5)

Price: Expensive

Why you’ll love it: A 15-minute walk doesn’t sound that far until you’re walking it. But humor us for a moment. Little Fox is definitely one of the best restaurants in the city. The New York Times gave it a shoutout as one of America’s favorite restaurants in 2021, and the food had Froeb feeling optimistic about the future of Italian cuisine in the region. You definitely need a reservation.

Other options: Yeah, 15 minutes is far, especially since Stray Dog is in the epicenter of restaurants. Crafted is another option that’s only six minutes away and TikTok Tavern (along with Buzz’s Hawaiian Grill next door) can get you tipsy and full on Spam for just a five-minute walk. Or you can walk up to South Grand in under 10 minutes for an array of international options.

Stifel Theater

Why you’d go here: Stifel regularly brings in touring productions and stand-up comics, as well as concerts.

Best bet: Idol Wolf at 21c Museum Hotel, 1528 Locust Street, idolwolfstl.com, 314-325-0360

Walkability: 4 stars (out of 5)

Price: Expensive

Why you’ll love it: Idol Wolf offers upscale, Spanish-inspired fare with a top-notch paella, plus the 21c Museum Hotel could double as an art gallery (be sure to head upstairs to see the latest exhibit). While it is seven minutes from Stifel, you can park between the two venues on Pine near Soldiers Memorial to cut down your journeys.

Touhill Performing Arts Center

1 Touhill Circle, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Bellerive Acres, umsl.edu/touhill/index.html, 314-516-4949

Why you’d go here: Dance St. Louis and St. Louis Ballet regularly use the space, and there are tons of concerts.

Best bet: Cathy’s Kitchen, 250 South Florissant Road, 314-524-9200, cathyskitchen.net

Walkability: 1 star (our of 5)

Price: Moderate

Why you’ll love it: OK, you absolutely cannot walk here, but there is ample parking at the Touhill, and there aren’t really any walkable restaurants nearby. So you might as well go for the best of what’s nearby-ish and Cathy’s Kitchen fits the bill. Cathy Jenkins travels all around the country to find unique dishes and brings them back to St. Louis and adds her own twist to them. Expect lots of flavor and a bit of heat with Cajun dishes featured prominently on the menu.

This story has been updated.