Soulard is a beautiful Saint Louis neighborhood known for its nightlife, historic community, pub crawls, and year-round events and celebrations.
Learn everything you need to know about living in Soulard, what to do here, and why it’s a top-rated St. Louis neighborhood.
Soulard’s Prime Location in St. Louis, MO
Situated near the interstate, Soulard offers entertainment, nightlife, and beautiful brick homes.
Living in Soulard is never dull.
And it’s one neighborhood away from the iconic Mississippi River.
Here are the triangular boundaries for Soulard:
- North boundary: highway I-44
- East boundary: S.7th St and S.Broadway
- West: highway I-55
Soulard’s convenient location makes it easy to explore nearby neighborhoods such as Lafayette Square, Benton Park, and Tower Grove.
The neighborhood is just steps away from Downtown.
It’s close to all the St. Louis classics like:
- Busch Stadium
- The Gateway Arch
- St. Louis Zoo
- St. Louis Union Station and Aquarium
- Missouri Botanical Garden
- City Museum
- St. Louis Art Museum
The Oldest Neighborhood in St Louis
Soulard is well-known as the oldest neighborhood in the City of St. Louis.
South 8th Street is home to the area’s oldest standing structure.
In the 1840s, a lot of the neighborhood started to develop. Some of the earliest homes were country estates in the Greek Revival Style.
German and Eastern European Immigrants lived in rowhouses or “half” houses.
Homes built after 1850 were more decorated, and many mansions were built after the Civil War.
The Franz Arzt House was built during this time, and its new owner is currently undergoing a loving restoration.
This restoration includes rebuilding a greenhouse, which was originally part of the building but had been lost over the years.
Soulard is home to several historic churches:
- Trinity Lutheran Church
- Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
- St. Vincent de Paul’s Church
These historical landmarks are still in operation.
Homes in Soulard
Soulard has a variety of homes, from historic mansions to row homes to quirky apartments and modern lofts.
As one of the oldest communities in St. Louis, Soulard embodies a rich tapestry of architectural styles and historical significance.
Many houses date back to the late 1800s, with some new construction sprinkled throughout.
Single Family homes
Soulard has gorgeous brick homes.
Historic Soulard features beautiful architecture dating back to the 19th century. You’ll find historic buildings with a modern touch of restoration.
There are examples of Italianate, French Second Empire, and Federal-style homes in Soulard, showcasing the neighborhood’s rich architectural diversity and heritage.
Flounder Houses
A flounder house is a working-class home that was often an alley house.
Flounder houses are in the oldest St. Louis neighborhoods, like Soulard, which has the city’s highest concentration!
Here’s how to spot a flounder house:
- They are narrow
- Two or two and a half stories high
- They usually share a lot with a larger residential building
- They range from “folk” houses to Victorian-style
- Some were added onto over the years
Multi-Family Homes
Soulard has a lot of multi-family duplexes and fourplexes.
Some multi-family homes are converted single-family homes with interesting layouts.
The older buildings have distinctive features, such as wood floors and high ceilings.
Apartment Buildings
There are several apartment complexes and buildings in Soulard. Many of them are converted historic buildings.
Steelyard Apartments, situated on Soulard’s easternmost border, are prominently visible from 7th Street at Victor Street. This residential complex comprises two historic buildings complemented by a newer structure that wraps around the block.
Lafayette Lofts was originally Lafayette School, an elementary school that remained open until 2004. After closing, real estate developers converted it into apartments but kept its outer architectural details.
Soulard Market Lofts are just north of the Soulard Market Park. This conversion property was built as a baby carriage factory in 1875 and had several incarnations before being redeveloped into 131 modern loft apartments using historic preservation tax credits.
SOHO apartments are a new building by Lux Living that sits on the northernmost corner of Soulard off of South Broadway. Unlike some of the other apartment buildings in Soulard, this one is entirely new and has a more modern-looking facade. Allen Market Lane Apartments offers senior living accommodations within a converted historic International Hat Company building.
What Should You Know About Living In Soulard?
Golf Carts
In Soulard, people like to drive golf carts. It’s one of the unique features of Soulard.
You’ll see plenty of people cruising around the neighborhood during events and festivals.
Residents and businesses often use these carts for transportation and deliveries, adding to the area’s unique and eclectic vibe.
They provide a convenient way to navigate Soulard’s bustling streets, particularly when parking is limited.
A Casual Vibe
Soulard has a casual vibe that residents cherish.
You won’t find many upscale restaurants or clubs. That’s exactly how the locals prefer it!
Despite lacking formal venues, Soulard offers high-quality food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.
What Do Locals Say?
Residents of Soulard enjoy the convenience of walking everywhere, the strong sense of community, and the neighborhood’s proximity to other trendy areas.
However, they acknowledge the occasional late-night crowds, particularly near bars in the northern end of Soulard.
Despite this, many residents believe that the benefits of living in Soulard outweigh any drawbacks, appreciating the vibrant atmosphere and unique charm the neighborhood offers.
Related Article: St. Louis Neighborhoods for Young Professionals
Living in a Historic Neighborhood
Ordinances and guidelines safeguard buildings within Federal and Local Historic districts. These regulations aim to preserve the area’s historical and architectural integrity.
Residents of Soulard benefit from the presence of the active Soulard Neighborhood Association, Soulard Business Association, and the Soulard Restoration Group.
These organizations are excellent resources for navigating repairs, redevelopments, and new buildings in the area.
They provide support and guidance to ensure that projects align with the neighborhood’s character and preservation efforts.
Things To Do In Soulard
From annual events to a bustling bar and restaurant scene, Soulard offers something exciting every night of the week!
Soulard Farmers Market
Soulard Farmers Market is the oldest operating public market in St. Louis and the oldest farmers market west of the Mississippi.
The market is one of the best-known landmarks in the Soulard Historic District.
The market holds a variety of produce vendors, meat shops, florist shops, spice shops, and vendors who sell baked goods, hot food, soaps, jewelry, and more.
The market is held in a historic two-story brick building with a covered area that extends off of it. It’s open year-round, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors looking for reasonably priced produce and other wares.
Bars and Restaurants
Soulard is famous for its vibrant bar and restaurant scene. It’s not unusual to spot a traveling trolley bar or a group of partygoers celebrating a wedding or birthday in the neighborhood.
Most bars are up near Russell Boulevard and Menard Street, with a few local favorites in the southern part of Soulard.
They range from quirky dives to sports bars to classic Irish pubs, many of which are housed in historic buildings, adding to the neighborhood’s unique charm.
Here are a few to get you started:
John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub and Garden, or “McGurk’s,” has Irish food and drinks. The pub features live music and a landscaped outdoor space, providing a welcoming environment for patrons to enjoy their meals and drinks. Inside, the warm and inviting brick interior adds to the cozy atmosphere.
The 1860 Saloon, Game Room, & Hardshell Café offers Cajun cuisine in a cozy brick space. Visitors can enjoy photo-worthy sights like Mardi Gras-inspired statues, pool tables, and live music.
The International Tap House, Soulard, or “I-Tap,” offers a wide selection of rotating local and international beers. Although I-Tap doesn’t sell food directly, patrons can order from neighboring establishments like Mission Taco or Epic Pizza. Delivery is available directly to the tap house, allowing guests to enjoy a delicious meal alongside their drinks.
Bogart’s Smokehouse is a famous BBQ joint across the street from Soulard Market. Arrive early on weekends as they often sell out of their offerings quickly!
Eat Crow is the sister restaurant to The Crows Nest in Maplewood. Its eclectic interior features a life-size E.T. figurine and other collectibles. The menu features items like pork poutine, smash burgers with inventive names, and mac ‘n’ cheese bowls. Of course, there is a decent selection of draft beers and cocktails. Be sure to check out their Metal Brunch.
The Hi-Hat Lounge is a classic Soulard bar characterized by its brick interior, pub food offerings, reasonably priced drinks, and live music.
Molly’s in Soulard features six bars and a spacious terraced patio. It offers American fare and is a destination during Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Big Daddy’s is a local favorite. It’s always a good time, whether you’re looking for great food, drinks, a trivia night, a bachelorette party, or a private get-together.
Mission Taco Joint is a fantastic spot for creative tacos and fun drinks. St. Louis has several locations, and one is right here in historic Soulard!
Mardi Gras in Soulard
Soulard Mardi Gras is an annual celebration that extends far beyond a single day. Events span from January until mid-February, culminating in the Mardi Gras parade and street party.
Be sure to check out the event page for a complete list of Mardi Gras events.
The Purina Pet Parade invites participants and visitors to bring their dogs dressed in their Mardi Gras best! Expect to see four-legged friends adorned in purple, green, and gold festival attire. This wholesome event is perfect for the whole family, and all proceeds go to a no-kill shelter to support our furry friends in need of a loving home.
Taste of Soulard offers a self-guided tasting and pub crawl experience, allowing participants to explore many of the restaurants and bars in Soulard. It’s a fantastic opportunity to sample various culinary delights while immersing yourself in the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere. Participants are encouraged to dress in Mardi Gras colors to embrace the festive spirit of the event.
The Mardi Gras Parade is one of the grandest parades in St. Louis. The route takes you down S Broadway from downtown to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. There are beads, floats, drinks, food, and more.
After the parade, the carnival continues in the streets and Soulard’s bars and restaurants.
Pro tip: The party will close by 8 pm as the city cleans the streets. While it may seem early for some, residents appreciate the early call for a quieter evening.
Trolley Bars
During the warmer months in Soulard, you’ll often spot trolley bars cruising down the streets, offering patrons a unique experience.
Two popular options include Trolley Pub, which takes you on a bar crawl through Soulard, and Cycle Saloon, a BYOB tour through the neighborhood’s streets.
These experiences add to Soulard’s lively bar scene and provide a fun way to explore the area with friends.
Art Galleries
Art galleries like Soulard Art Gallery and Gallery on Geyer feature innovative artwork from local artists.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery
The North American headquarters for Anheuser-Busch is just across the I-55 bridge from Benton Park in Soulard on Lynch Street.
The brewery features a beer garden and hosts special events and tours annually.
On nice days, visitors might even spot the iconic Clydesdales or Dalmatians hanging out on the grounds.
Don’t miss the annual Brewery Lights event around the holidays.
This festive celebration is perfect for both kids and adults. It offers a magical experience with dazzling light displays and seasonal activities.
Soulard: From Past to Present
Soulard takes its name from Antoine Pierre Soulard, an early settler who fled France during the French Revolution.
Aware of fellow Frenchmen residing in St. Louis, Antoine Pierre Soulard made his way there when he arrived.
Antoine Soulard established himself by taking on various appointments, including serving as a surveyor. He was given a substantial amount of property to compensate for his work.
His marriage to Marie Julia Cerre, the daughter of a wealthy merchant and fur trader, expanded their land holdings to include the Cerre Farm.
Julia took on the name Soulard when she married.
Before adopting the name Soulard, the area was referred to as “Frenchtown.”
Julia Soulard: Why We Have The Soulard Market
Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, their land ownership came into question. They filed a lawsuit, but Antoine died in 1825, leaving Julia in the legal battle. She settled the case in 1836 and was awarded 124 acres of land.
Julia divided the property and began selling lots of land. In doing so, she actually became the first female real estate developer west of the Mississippi!
She gave land to Bishop Rosati to build St. Vincent de Paul’s Church.
She also gave two city blocks to the city for Soulard Market, under the condition that it would always be a public market.
The first Soulard Market building was a one-story brick building in the 1840s. It expanded in 1865 to include a second-story meeting hall.
In 1898, a tornado caused significant damage to the building. The market continued in randomly built sheds.
In 1928, the current building was constructed. In 1971, Soulard Market became a city landmark.
Soulard’s Decline and Restoration
After World War II, Soulard experienced a decline that extended into the 1960s.
The trend of people preferring to live in western neighborhoods like the Central West End contributed to this decline. Many properties fell into disrepair.
A failed plan to level the neighborhood prompted a group of passionate residents to advocate for Soulard’s protection as a federal and historic district, which was achieved in 1972.
In 1976, the Soulard Restoration Group was formed, a neighborhood organization that promotes, preserves, and enhances the neighborhood’s historic character.
Today, we can see these efforts in beautifully restored homes, thriving businesses, and a community proud to be part of Soulard’s history and culture.
Soulard is a quintessential neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, showcasing our history and incredible entertainment options.
If you’re moving to St. Louis, Soulard could be your perfect neighborhood!
