Neighborhood Spotlight
The Grove: An eclectic, diverse area
This sign indicates the start of the Grove on Manchester’s intersection with Vandeventer. The same sign also hangs at Kingshighway to indicate the end of the area.
One-of-a-kinds
Handlebar
This is no regular bar—HandleBar is bicycle friendly, though non-cyclists are welcome too. Although there are no bike racks outside, patrons are encouraged to bring their bikes in and hang them on the wall. As you might expect, the place has a hipster sort of vibe and is covered with bicycle-based artwork. The food is Russian inspired (though there’s pizza and food for vegans, too).
No Coast Skateboards
This shop is the first skateboarder-owned skate shop in St. Louis. The walls are lined with skateboards, making the vibe officially fit the purpose of the shop. The establishment not only sells skate-related wares, but also has a half-pipe that’s open to the public and occasionally hosts concerts on site.
Sweetie Pies at the Mangrove
You’ve probably heard of it, since this establishment is a cornerstone of St. Louis culture. With a line that frequently spills out the door, Sweetie Pies offers southern comfort food cafeteria-style. The restaurant has been featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” and on OWN, Oprah Winfrey’s network. Robbie Montgomery, a former Ikette who sang and toured with Ike and Tina Turner, runs this iconic place.
The Gramophone
A unique music venue and bar, The Gramophone hosts music ranging from jazz to hip-hop to indie to rap. It’s smoke free, and has gained fame with its biweekly dance party, London Calling.
The LGBT Center of St. Louis
This center not only has resources for the LGBT community, but they also organize events and host art shows for the public. The center moved to the Grove in 2008.
The Grove is a unique business district located on Manchester Road between Kingshighway Boulevard and Vandeventer Boulevard. It hosts a variety of unique businesses, art galleries, restaurants and the LGBT Community Center.
“This is a very welcoming neighborhood and business district, so no matter what kind of business you have, LGBT owned or black owned, you’re welcome in the neighborhood,” Stephanie Co, Project Manager of Marketing and Community Outreach at Park Central Development, said.
The neighborhood boasts unique places like the only skate shop in St. Louis with a half-pipe, a bar for bicyclists and Sweetie Pies, the famed comfort food joint that has been featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” as well as in its own TV series on OWN, Oprah’s network.
The Grove first became a vibrant place in 1850, when it was a busy business district called Adam’s Grove. After experiencing urban decline throughout much of the 20th century, it’s now become a revitalized commercial district.
“The name ‘The Grove’ was coined due to collaboration of various community members in an effort to re-brand the growing commercial district,” its website explains.
Now, ethnic food and nightclubs are a draw for Washington University students. Students can get there by driving east on Forest Park Parkway and then turning on Vandeventer Avenue and then Manchester for a 10- to 15-minute drive. Students without cars can reach the Grove by taking the MetroLink to the Central West End stop and hopping on the 80 Park Shaw bus.
“It’s kind of a hidden gem because if you’re used to taking the MetroLink or driving, you could skip over it,” Co said.
Annual events
Grove Fest
Grove Fest takes place every October and showcases everything the Grove has to offer. In addition to food from restaurants, there’s also live music, tattoo artist competitions, art shows, street performers and fashion shows.
Tour de Grove
If you’re in St. Louis for the summer, check out Tour de Grove, scheduled for May 11 this year. It’s the largest professional cycling race in the state, and this will be its third year. More than just a bike race, the Tour de Grove lasts for three days and includes running races, races for children, family events and, of course, cycle-based art.
PrideFest
The Grove area partakes in the larger PrideFest of St. Louis, which happens every summer during the month of June. People parade on the street and host celebrations in the Grove.