The Hill is an Italian American neighborhood in St. Louis, known for its historic craftsman homes and various Italian cafes, markets, and restaurants.
Let’s dive into the rich history, delicious cuisine, and quaint community that make The Hill an iconic part of Saint Louis, MO.
Location
The Hill is just south of Forest Park and Northwest of Tower Grove Park in St. Louis, MO.
It’s about a 12-minute drive west of Downtown St. Louis, Missouri.
The neighborhood is generally bounded by:
- Manchester Avenue to the North
- Southwest Avenue and Columbia Ave to the South
- Kingshighway to the East
- Hampton Avenue to the West
The Hill is popular not only for its walkability, history, and cuisine but also for its proximity to other areas like Central West End, Sublette Park, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and Forest Park.
A good chunk of the restaurants, cafes, and Italian groceries are between Macklind Ave and Kingshighway, north of Bischoff Ave.
The Hill is located near the highest point in the city, which is how it got its name.
It was originally called “St. Louis Hill,” not to be confused with St. Louis Hills, a different neighborhood about 3.5 miles south.
You’ll know when you enter the area by the brightly colored banners and fire hydrants that have the Italian flag colors.
The Neighborhood Association was formed in 1970 and is very active in the area. They came up with the slogan “Improve, not move.”
Part of that effort was to brand the neighborhood, with help from the city of St. Louis, celebrating its Italian Heritage.
The branding project recently wrapped up in 2022 with the completion of the Italian-looking crosswalks at Shaw Ave and Marconi Ave.
History: Little Italy in St. Louis
The Hill’s early settlers included immigrants from Northern Italy, Germany, and Ireland, along with African Americans.
They were all drawn to the area due to The Hill’s proximity to the railroad, which provided convenient access to Downtown St. Louis.
In the 1830s, the discovery of clay deposits sparked a mining boom in the area.
What would eventually become known as “The Hill” was then considered remote, situated about five miles from the Mississippi River.
Despite its distance from the city center, it became an ideal location for those seeking work in the clay mines.
As the brick industry in St. Louis grew, so did the demand for labor.
Italian immigrants began arriving in the late 19th century to work in the clay mines.
Initially starting as a mining camp, the area gradually evolved into a self-sufficient community as more miners brought their families.
It developed into a thriving neighborhood, complete with grocers, bakers, construction workers, and barbers.
And, as was common in neighborhoods of that era, a church was built to serve the Italian community.
While some Italian community centers on The Hill have faded over time, the neighborhood has largely preserved its culture and traditions.
Events like Carnevale in February and Ferragosto in August bring the community together to celebrate Italian heritage.
The Hill’s active neighborhood association and places like The Hill Neighborhood Center work to maintain the area’s branding and educate residents and visitors about its rich history.
St. Ambrose Church has remained an active cultural and religious center for the neighborhood.
Some of The Hill’s shops and restaurants have been in business for over a century, reflecting the neighborhood’s enduring spirit.
The Hill is also known for being the childhood home of baseball legends Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola!
The Best Italian Cuisine in STL
Whether you’re in the mood for an Italian sub, a take-n-bake meal, or a more formal dining experience, The Hill has got you covered.
Places like Gioia’s Deli, Amighetti’s, and Volpi Foods have been around for over 100 years while more contemporary places like Collina Eatery offer diners a more modern experience.
Let’s take a look at what some of the restaurants, delis, groceries, coffee shops, and Italian bakeries on The Hill have to offer.
Groceries
These Italian Markets make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Many feature meat counters, a variety of cheeses, and shelves stocked with Italian food, tomato-based sauces, pasta, and wines.
They also offer frozen meals like ravioli, lasagna, and manicotti, ready to take home and enjoy whenever you like.
DiGregorio’s has been open since 1971, John Viviano & Sons Grocers since 1950, and Urzi’s Market since 1926.
Deli’s
If you’re into a good traditional Italian sub or just like a good sandwich, there are plenty of deli’s and sandwich shops to choose from!
- Gioia’s Deli (open since 1918)
- Eovaldi’s Deli
- Charlie’s Market & Deli on the Hill
- Adriana’s on The Hill
- Joe Fassi Sausage and Sandwich Factory
- Volpi Foods: this historic shop has been making artisan cured meats for over 100 years, since 1902!
Restaurants
There are so many Italian restaurants on The Hill to explore! Here are a few to get you started:
Anthonino’s Taverna: St. Louisans will tell you that toasted ravioli is a local staple and according to Feast Magazine’s Readers Choice awards, Anthonino’s Taverna’s is among the best. Their menu also features pizza and other tavern favorites.
Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill: Called one of America’s most romantic restaurants by OpenTable, this restaurant has been delighting customers with its classic Italian cuisine in an upscale dining room since 1981.
Collina Eatery: A newer addition to The Hill, this cozy Italian eatery is known for its cocktail menu and comfortable outdoor area.
Milo’s Bocce Garden: Originally an Anheuser-Busch tavern around 1902, this historic tavern passed hands to various families from The Hill, but has always remained a ‘little corner tavern for people looking to have a drink with friends.
Guido’s on The Hill: If you’re looking for St. Louis-style pizzas, you’ve come to the right place! In addition to their Italian food, they also offer Spanish-style tapas.
There are definitely more to choose from than these few, all of them with their different takes on Italian cuisine, or from different regions.
For a more complete list of all of the different restaurants The Hill has to offer check out The Hill’s business directory.
Are there other types of restaurants or bars? Absolutely!
Carnivore is a top-notch steakhouse on Edwards St 2nd Shift Brewing, a local craft brewery, offers a patio, and board games, and often hosts a weekend pop-up market.
There’s also Rock Star Tacos, and Sado, a sushi restaurant that recently opened on The Hill. Don’t forget Chris’ Pancake & Dining! It’s popular for its classic breakfast, so be prepared for a wait on weekends.
And if you are a chocolate lover, Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate is one of the best and they offer factory tours!
Things To Do on The Hill
The Hill boasts a range of things to do that extend beyond its amazing cuisine, showcasing a vibrant community filled with unique shops, cultural experiences, and rich history.
Annual Cultural and Holiday Festivals
The Italian Heritage Parade and Festa were put on by The Hill Neighborhood Association. This family-friendly annual culture festival features food, music, games, vendors, and a parade!
Christmas on The Hill is an annual holiday tradition packed with family-friendly cheer. There’s shopping from local artisans, storytelling, and of course, visits with Santa.
Outdoor Activities
Berra Park, located in the heart of The Hill and named after politician Louis G. “Midge” Berra, hosts a variety of community events, races, and festivals throughout the year. The park features sports fields, a pavilion, and a playground, making it a hub for recreation and gatherings in the neighborhood.
Giro Della Montagna, This annual cycling competition draws hundreds of spectators to the region for Labor Day weekend. This event started in 1986 and was started by a long-time resident of The Hill.
Piazza Imo is a charming private square on The Hill that opens its gates to the public seven days a week from 6 AM to 10 PM. This inviting space features a beautiful fountain and serene prayer gardens, making it an ideal spot for reflection and relaxation. Often hosting community events, Piazza Imo captures the vibrant spirit of the neighborhood while providing a peaceful retreat.
Shopping on The Hill
The Hill offers a variety of shopping experiences, from boutique specialty shops to an antique mall and even pop-up shops.
Whether you’re looking for apparel, an apothecary, or kitchen essentials, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Homes on The Hill
The Hill offers a diverse mix of historic and newer homes, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Whether you’re drawn to historic charm or sleek new designs, The Hill has something to offer.
Historic Homes
Many of the historic homes, built in the early 20th century, are cozy brick bungalows and
Craftsman-style houses, typically priced between $150,000 and $400,000, depending on size and condition.
All of the homes on The Hill are within walking distance from a variety of restaurants and shopping!
Some of the historic homes in the area that have been restored and updated have a higher price point.
New Homes on The Hill
La Collina by McBride Homes offers new construction homes from the $500,000s.
Just a stone’s throw from Five Bistro and Rigazzi’s, these homes feature stainless steel GE appliances and thoughtfully laid-out floor plans.
New Townhomes on The Hill
Built by McBride Homes, these townhomes offer a more affordable option for those seeking new construction on The Hill without compromising on quality or design.
Schools
St. Ambrose Catholic Church and School has been around for more than 110 years and is considered to be a cultural hub and community center for The Hill. The school serves pre-K to Eighth grade and has an A- rating according to Niche.
Gateway STEM High School, located just north of I-44 on The Hill, is a magnet public school with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Serving approximately 970 students, the school offers a range of specialized programs aimed at preparing students for careers in STEM fields. Admission to Gateway STEM is determined through a lottery system.
Moving to The Hill
The Hill invites you to experience a unique blend of rich history and vibrant culture, where each corner offers a taste of its Italian heritage.
From its amazing Italian cuisine and specialty shops to the variety of homes available, The Hill is a place where American Italian tradition meets modern living.
Welcome to The Hill—a neighborhood rich in history and alive with character.
