With its prime location, diverse architecture, and great restaurants, let’s dive into why Benton Park is one of the best St. Louis neighborhoods for city living.
City Living: Everything is Within Reach
Benton Park is perfect for people seeking convenience in the city without being in the middle of the party.
Think of it like Soulard but without the chaos. If you want to be close to the bars, Mardi Gras celebrations, and parties in Soulard without living there, Benton Park can be a great place.
Plus, there are many restaurants and attractions within Benton Park, and plenty of fun places and quirky bars along Cherokee Street.
Benton Park Neighborhood Boundaries
- North: Gravois Ave
- South: Highway 55 (I-55)
- East: Cherokee St
- West: South Jefferson Avenue
Benton Park is right next to the neighborhoods of:
- Soulard
- McKinley Heights
- Fox Park
- Tower Grove East
- Gravois Park
- Marine Villa
- Benton Park West
Benton Park vs. Benton Park West
Benton Park West is Benton Park’s more eclectic neighbor that expands west past Jefferson Street.
The two neighborhoods share some characteristics: historic working-class homes mixed in with larger homes from the mid- to late 1800s.
You tend to find cheaper, more multi-family homes in Benton Park West compared to Benton Park.
Both neighborhoods have access to everything along Cherokee Street, but Benton Park West will put you closer to Grand Blvd with more restaurants and proximity to Tower Grove Park.
The neighborhood takes a lot of its character from Cherokee Street with its mix of diverse restaurants, quirky bars, niche businesses, and music venues.
Be sure to check out the annual Cinco De Mayo Street Festival and the annual Print Bazaar.
Living in Benton Park
Benton Park has a charming, close-knit community feel.
It also has a very active neighborhood association and safety committee. These groups work hard to make Benton Park a great place to live.
Benton Park features diverse architectural styles, primarily dating from the mid to late 1800s.
This neighborhood has a little bit of everything. It’s common to see a small one-story house next to a 3-story Italianate-style row house with a large Victorian house on the corner.
And if you especially love a good Victorian-style home, be sure to check out the Painted Ladies of Lafayette Square!
Many residents have also preserved remnants of the old businesses by keeping the original signage.
Some homes have undergone extensive rehabilitation, restoring them to their former glory, while others need rehabilitation.
Multi-family units have been converted into single-family homes and vice versa. Historic buildings have been converted into apartments, condos, and artists’ lofts.
Additionally, new constructions mimic the 1800s brick exterior row houses
You’ll also find mixed-use buildings where the business is below, and living space is above. If you’re looking for a place to rent or buy, there’s plenty to choose from.
Related Article: 10 Best Neighborhoods St. Louis, MO
Living in a Historic District
The neighborhood is designated a Historic District, which imposes restrictions on new construction and renovations.
These limitations primarily apply to the exterior, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the building’s original appearance.
Bottom line:
- Avoid alterations that would make the building look either newer or older.
- Ensure that any new additions match the existing aesthetic.
Modern Homes
There are newer homes in Benton Park, mainly along Pestalozzi Street, with several being on Indiana Ave. These brick townhouses are mixed in with older homes and designed to blend in, and many have a modern touch that gives them away.
New Development
The corner of Salena Street and Pestalozzi Street: These brick townhomes were completed in winter 2023.
BP Lifestyle
One of the amazing things about Benton Park is how the restaurants and other small businesses are woven into the neighborhood, nestled between the homes.
You’ll usually have a fun restaurant, shop, or local business on every corner.
This pattern is common throughout many St. Louis neighborhoods.
This makes for a lively community where you’re sure to find something within walking distance.
Live Music
Venice Cafe: a unique performance venue adorned with mosaics, sculptures, and a larger-than-life portrait of PeeWee Herman. Known for showcasing local music, it hosts a weekly open mic night and offers indoor and outdoor performance spaces.
Spine Cafe: a cozy indie bookstore and coffee shop located next to the park. It offers a space to gather and enjoy events such as live music, poetry readings, and open mic nights.
Restaurants
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Benton Park. The neighborhood is known for its phenomenal restaurants.
Some are a bit pricier than typical bar food, but they are worth it.
There are a couple of coffee shops, an ice cream shop, and an arcade.
Benton Park is better known for its restaurants than the bar scene. Though it has some top-notch bars, check out Soulard if you’re looking for more drinking options.
Related Article: Soulard Neighborhood Guide
You’ll find eclectic antique shops, bars, and art galleries along Cherokee Street.
Gus Pretzels: A family-owned restaurant serving pretzels the same way since 1920! They have Pretzel Sandwiches (sausages wrapped in a pretzel), salted and unsalted pretzels, cinnamon sugar, and garlic butter pretzels.
Benton Park Cafe: A beloved brunch spot where the owners have created a French Quarter, New Orleans vibe. Starting January 2024, it will also be open in the evenings for cocktails!
Yemanja Brasil: Temporarily closed but a staple in the Benton Park community since 1995, serving authentic Brazilian dishes. They are gearing up to reopen with a more casual vibe (date to be announced). They also host an annual Brazil Fest in September in front of their restaurant. Keep an eye out for their reopening!
Arzola’s Fajitas + Margaritas: A new addition to Benton Park, this upscale Tex-Mex restaurant’s signature dishes are in the name! Fajitas and Margaritas.
Blues City Deli: It’s not uncommon to see a line wrapped around the corner at this popular lunch spot. Great sandwiches with a casual vibe.
Hodak’s Restaurant and Bar: Some will swear it’s the best-fried chicken they’ve ever had. Hodaks has been serving St. Louisans since 1962!
Peacemaker Lobster & Crab: Serving up New Orleans-inspired cuisine in a rustic Americana setting. Don’t miss out on their locally famous lobster rolls.
Bluewood Brewing: This local brewery is housed in the historic Lemp stables. Known for its fantastic beer selection, Bluewood also hosts numerous community events and features live music regularly. And dogs are welcome on the patio!
Even More To Do in Benton Park!
Benton Parkade: That’s right, an arcade right in Benton Park! It features a skee ball, pinball, pool, and more. Conveniently connected to Cafe Piazza, grab a slice, a pint, and play!
Lemp Mansion: Lemp Mansion is an inn and restaurant that hosts events regularly. Mystery Dinners, ghost tours, annual parties, and more. Check out their site for the most up-to-date happenings.
Ghost Tours by the St. Louis Paranormal Research Society: This tour includes stories about the Lemp Mansion and other local legends in a walking tour. Recommended for adults, as some of the material can be very scary.
St. Louis History and Architecture Walking Tour: Book a historic walking tour to learn more about the diverse architecture and origins of Benton Park.
Indigo Massage and Wellness: This local wellness center offers massage and yoga as well as other restorative experiences.
Check out The Benton Park Neighborhood Association’s business directory for a complete list of offerings in the neighborhood.
Parks
Residents of this Missouri neighborhood enjoy the scenic views of the parks whether they’re going for a morning jog or walking their dogs.
Benton Park: The neighborhood’s largest park. It boasts:
- Benton Park Lake: A favorite spot for local residents to enjoy the scenery and feed the geese and ducks. There’s also a charming stone bridge that adds to the picturesque scene.
- A charming stone bridge, an expansive playground with a splash pad, and tennis and pickleball courts.
- Don’t miss out on the Summer Concert Series!
Fremont Park: Featuring a multi-purpose field and vibrant playground, this shaded park is a great place to take the kids.
Cherokee Park: Sports enthusiasts will like the amenities, which include a baseball field, soccer field, and playground.
Carnegie Park: Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this small city park, with picturesque landscaping and benches offering scenic views.
A Dive into Benton Park’s History
Benton Park was originally set aside as City Cemetery and was considered far from St. Louis’ center. But in the late 1850s, German immigrants started moving in, attracted by the cheap land and the breweries nearby where many of them worked.
The population increased enough that in 1866, St. Louis City decided to move the cemetery to Bellefontaine.
The area was then renamed City Park. This drew in businesses and some prominent families who built larger homes in the area, most notably the Lemp Mansion.
In 1882, City Park was renamed Benton Park after Senator Thomas Hart Benton.
By the mid-1900s, Benton Park had fallen into decline.
Rebuilding Benton Park
In the late 1960s and 1970s, the neighborhood began to undergo revitalization. Its efforts paid off when, in 1985, Benton Park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Then, in 2006, it was designated as a city Historic District.
From Hidden Beer Caves to Haunted Houses
One of the most fascinating things about Benton Park is the local lore.
English Caves
Nestled beneath Benton Park, English Cave ranks as St. Louis’ second-largest cave network.
It owes its name to Ezra English, who was a brewer who used the caves to chill his brews.
Ezra opened an underground beer garden where people could explore the caves, drink beer, and bowl.
In the early 1900s, the city sealed off the cave, and the lost beer garden became local lore.
For years, cave enthusiasts and history buffs searched for its lost entrance.
Recently rediscovered, the cave remains sealed. However, scans give us a virtual glimpse into the cave’s past glory.
Lemp Mansion
This historic mansion was constructed in the early 1860s and served as both the residence of the Lemp family as well as offices for the Lemp Brewery.
It is now a restaurant, inn, and event space, hosting regular events such as mystery dinners, ghost tours, brunches, and parties.
The tragic tale of the Lemp family and their legacy has contributed to the rumors of the mansion being haunted. There are several ghost tours and historical tours that feature The Lemp Mansion.
And if you’re walking by, be sure to check out the historical marker in front of the property.
