Edition: Dining in St. Louis
St. Louis Nightlife ALIVE!
Author: Bryan S. Audrey
Experience the city's nightlife renaissance.
If Aristotle Onassis were around to carry on an affair with Maria Callas, he would do it at Mandarin (44 Maryland Plaza, 314-367-4447). From the rooftop deck overlooking the Maryland Plaza fountain to the every-present celebrities, pro athletes, and the ultra-hip, this place has everything. Low plush couches provide an inviting and comfortable area to chill. The staff is drop-dead gorgeous and the cocktails are exquisite. They have the best Cosmopolitan, bar none, this side of Manhattan. Bottle service is available. The hottest DJs in town lay down the beats and keep the party going. On the weekends there is a modest cover charge for gentlemen, but ladies are always gratis!
SLeeK (999 North 2nd St., 314-450-5000), a new steakhouse and ultra lounge, is Lumière Place's offering to the smoking nightlife of St. Louis. The ultra-hip decor paired with Chef Hubert Keller's internationally recognized cuisine has created a culinary destination hot spot. Kobe beef, butter poached Maine lobster, and slow roasted Alaskan king salmon are among the creative and diverse offerings that Chef Keller has coupled with the finest French and California wines. SLeeK also has stealth plasma-screen televisions recessed behind mirrors that can be turned on for sporting events. SLeeK has set the bar exceptionally high; with premium ingredients, a world-class chef, and imaginative decor, it has everything to satisfy the discriminating after-hours crowd.
Editor's Tip: For a sophisticated night out, take in a live performance at Jazz at the Bistro (3536 Washington Ave., 314-534-3663) in the Grand Center Arts District. In its intimate listening room, every table feels close to the stage.
The Voodoo Cafe & Lounge (Harrah's Casino, 777 Casino Center Dr., 314-770-8100) is a throwback to the golden age of the nightclub: elevated stage, huge wrap around bar, large booths that envelope you, and cage dancers on Friday and Saturday nights. The Voodoo is located within the casino complex and a spirit of wanton abandon carries over from the gambling floor. World-class light and sound systems round out the total lounge experience. National touring acts share the stage with tremendous local bands, and on Wednesdays they have a great karaoke competition. On the weekend the place is packed with great-looking people partying like its 1999!
At the Atomic Cowboy (4140 Manchester, 314-775-0775) the crowd is diverse and lively - well-dressed business types chat it up with tattooed roller derby girls. This place has it all: great beer selection, full bar, a wonderful menu, and a decor that's hip/modern with a nod to 60s retro. On the weekends they bring in a hot mix of bands from around the country; on weeknights a DJ spins a mix of post-modern electronica and old school jams. A diverse selection of tequilas, infused vodkas, and bourbons wash down Tex-Mex specialties like burritos, burgers, and quesadillas. There's no smoking in the main bar, however smoking is permitted on The Bamboo Hut," a well-lit patio.
My evening at Jive and Wail (7376 Manchester, 314-781-7000) was one of the most entertaining, unique, and enjoyable nights out I have ever had. Two dueling pianists take requests from the crowd and kick out the jams! One of the owners, Phil "Sparky" Manaois, is a former dueling pianist who wanted to bring the dueling piano experience to St. Louis. "We sell fun," Mr. Manaois said. "We want people to participate and have a totally memorable night!" You have not lived until you've seen and heard two dueling pianos and a raucous crowd singing "Sweet Child of Mine" by Guns and Roses. There's live music all night beginning at 6 p.m. every Wednesday through Saturday, with live bands every Sunday, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. The cocktails are reasonably priced and the food is wonderful. Check your inhibitions at the door and belt 'em out.
Lumiere Place Casino
999 N. 2nd Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
New casino and luxury resort located on Laclede's Landing reflects a hip, urban ambiance.
Jazz at the Bistro
3536 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103
Enjoy an up-close and personal jazz experience in the sophisticated atmosphere of this club, where the hottest rising stars, Grammy winners, and legends can all be found.
Lumiere Place Casino: SLeeK
999 N. 2nd Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
The new steakhouse at Lumière Place Casino on Laclede's Landing offers a hip addition to nightlife in St. Louis.
Harrah's Casino: Voodoo® Cafe & Lounge
777 Casino Centre Drive, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
VooDoo Cafe and Lounge is a St. Louis nightlife destination within Harrah's Casino, with top musical acts from all over.
Harrah's St. Louis Casino & Hotel
777 Casino Center Dr., Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Harrah's St. Louis is one of the premier gambling destinations in the entire city, offering nightlife, music, food and fun.
Lumiere Place Casino: HoteLumiere
999 N. Second St., St. Louis, MO 63102
HoteLumiere is an elegant hotel connected to the Lumiere Place Casino, offering rich accomodations, terrific views of the St. Louis skyline, and most importantly, all the entertainment you can imagine.
