Dan DaranciangHow to get there:
By car: Get onto I-64 East and get off at Vandeventer/Chouteau Ave. (Exit 36D). Drive down South Grand.
By Metro: Take the Metro going toward downtown and get off at Grand. The 70 Metrobus runs down Grand Avenue through the Grand South Grand neighborhood.
When living in the Clayton area in which Washington University is situated, it is easy to become accustomed to the Loop’s fine cuisine every time you want to dine, especially if you are living sans car. There is more out there, though, and even though the University’s shuttle ignores the Grand South Grand area, it does not mean you have to do the same.
Located in an area which contains the most diverse neighborhoods in St. Louis, Grand South Grand is a six-block stretch of South Grand from Arsenal Street to Utah, two miles south of Saint Louis University’s campus. This area holds many interesting destinations for the college student, ranging from diverse alternatives to the Bear’s Den cuisine to a perfect activity on those rare sunny days.
In order to properly appreciate the heritage of this neighborhood, it is important to start with the Missouri Botanical Gardens, a 79-acre stretch of lush scenery that includes a Japanese botanical garden and the Climatron conservatory. This garden provides an excellent destination for a romantic pair, a fun group of friends or even the parents (when they are in town). Henry Shaw founded this park, now a national historic landmark, just outside of the South Grand boundaries in 1859, when the surrounding area was merely countryside, and created a wonderful start to this rich community. Mining caused a population explosion and the St. Louis city limits expanded in 1876 to include Grand South Grand.
Even many years after this initial population explosion, new waves of immigrants continue to flood this diverse area, as evidenced by the varied cuisine featured in the six-block stretch. A favorite for the Vietnamese enthusiast is Pho Grand, located at 3191 S. Grand. With an eclectic menu offering any kind of noodle soup, vegetarian or meat dish one could want, Pho Grand’s delicious selection is enough reason to venture to this part of town.
If not in the mood for Vietnamese, the South City Diner at 3139 S. Grand provides good ol’ American comfort food. Set up in the style of a 1950s diner, the diner features pictures of Marilyn Monroe winking at your extra-juicy burger. Although the wait time for dishes can be longer than expected, the diner certainly has an atmosphere of its own. An added bonus: South City Diner is open 24 hours on weekends.
Another place with an eclectic selection is Jay Asian International Foods, located at 3172 S. Grand. This grocery store offers many different items not found in your typical Schnucks.
Centered around the area’s largely diverse population, Grand South Grand holds a two-day Festival of Nations every year sponsored by the International Institute of St. Louis. Area businesses and neighborhood associations surrounding this international district present the festival, which has been a great success since its inception in 2001, when over 16,000 people came, according to the International Institute’s Web site.
Another fabulous entertainment option, if you miss the festival, stands out as the Fabulous Fox Theater. Located just north of Grand South Grand, this theater’s repertoire is as diverse as the area around it. From off-Broadway productions to alternative rock concerts, the Fox has it all. In addition to a great show, the decor of the theater is gorgeous, adorned with rich colors and supported by massive columns. Shows coming up include R. Kelly on March 10, “Rent” from March 17-19 and “Bombay Dreams” from April 4-16.
Grand South Grand provides many different niches for the internationally minded city-goer. From delicious restaurants to great entertainment, this neighborhood should be kept in mind for future voyages.