When you enter The Grove, you’re immediately greeted by the unmistakable neon sign welcoming you to Manchester Ave, the heart of the neighborhood.
The Grove is known for its diverse food and bar scene, lively nightlife, and LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere.
Over time, it has grown into one of STL’s favorite hubs for entertainment, arts, and culture.
Location
The Grove is the entertainment district in Forest Park Southeast, with Manchester Avenue as its main artery.
Although Forest Park Southeast is technically the name of the neighborhood, most people just call it “The Grove.”
Stretching between Kingshighway and Vandeventer, this lively street is lined with restaurants, bars, dance floors, coffee shops, and tattoo parlors.
The area has become a hotspot with more business and mixed-use buildings, adding to the landscape and extending beyond the main Manchester Ave drag.
The Grove has a distinct vibe that sets it apart from other nearby neighborhoods in the City of St. Louis.
Not to Be Confused with Tower Grove
Although The Grove sounds like Tower Grove, it’s actually a separate neighborhood from Tower Grove East and South, bordering Tower Grove Park.
Unlike Tower Grove East, known for its international flair along Grand Boulevard, where businesses like The Shaved Duck Smokehouse and TickTock Tavern are woven into residential areas, The Grove stands out with its own unique character.
It’s also different from Tower Grove South, where Morganford Road is lined with a mix of vintage stores, fitness studios, bars, and restaurants.
A Little History of the Area
The Grove was originally known as “The Manchester Strip” and served the working-class population of Forest Park Southeast.
The area fell into decline, and by 1953, it was classified as a “reconstruction” area and was almost lost to the urban renewal effort of the 50s. By the 1980s, the area had gained a reputation as a sketchier part of town.
Residents were interested in turning the neighborhood around, and members of the LGBTQ+ community began investing in the neighborhood.
This sparked a wave of new businesses and residents, who joined in the revitalization effort, helping to transform the area.
In 2009, The Grove’s Community Improvement District (CID) was formed and continues to work to support businesses and enhance the neighborhood.
The influx of money into The Grove has made some long-time residents uneasy about being displaced and priced out.
Community leaders dedicated to diversity and housing justice are actively working to preserve the neighborhood’s unique character and ensure that The Grove remains true to its roots and stays home to the people who made it what it is today.
Living in The Grove, St. Louis
The area has become more and more popular for city living, and with that comes new development.
Mixed-use buildings, apartment buildings, and newly built houses are popping up everywhere.
Older homes are being renovated and fully updated.
Recent Mixed-Use Developments
Adam’s Grove is a mixed-income housing development that was completed in 2018.
It has 50 rentals of various property types that range from 4-bedroom townhomes to 1-bedroom garden units.
Some of the units feature private entrances and stainless appliances with a focus on lots of natural light.
Union at The Grove is a new development that offers student housing options. It’s popular with Washington University students.
It comprises six buildings with studio apartments to 2 bedroom apartments.
Chroma is a mixed-use project that includes 235 apartment homes with various floor plans and space for businesses. It opened in 2018 and includes Seoul Taco, Salon Lofts, and Chao Baan.
Terra at The Grove is a mixed-use property that was completed in 2022.
It includes 307 apartments and 1400 square feet of commercial space with a courtyard open space and a rooftop terrace for residents.
Newer Homes vs. Historic Homes
The Grove experienced a surge of new development in 2018, but large-scale projects have slowed since then.
The area still sees ongoing growth, with recent additions, including contemporary homes, smaller-scale developments, and revitalized historic properties.
This mix of new and old ensures that The Grove continues to offer diverse housing options for those looking to call it home.
These new contemporary homes on Vista Ave (below) are just a stone’s throw from all the action in The Grove.
With some homes already completed and others slated for completion soon, these residences boast high-efficiency appliances, hardwood floors, large living areas, and private backyards with decks.
Below is an example of a contemporary home that was built alongside more historic homes, a common practice in St. Louis.
This home was built in 2018 and features a carport, fireplace, and balcony.
Below are more modern homes built along working-class historic homes from the 1890s.
This is from Hunt Ave, a few blocks south of Manchester Ave. The gray house to the left was updated and remodeled while other houses were taken down, and a new home was built in its place.
One thing to note is that a large section of Forest Park Southeast, including The Grove, is in a National Historic District but not a Local Historic District.
- This means that as a nationally protected historic district, it is recognized for its importance to the country’s history but has fewer restrictions on property changes.
- A locally protected historic district, like Lafayette Square or Benton Park, has stricter rules to preserve its character and is managed by the local government.
So you’ll see a more modern design mixed in with older buildings.
This is unique compared to other neighborhoods in St. Louis, where new construction must match the style of historic buildings.
Historic Homes in The Grove
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, when many of the homes in this area were built, the neighborhood catered to the working class.
These historic homes, whether wood siding or brick, are moderately sized, typically ranging from 800 to 1,500 square feet.
Many of these homes have been updated or had additions.
Homes in The Grove cover a wide range of styles and sizes.
These homes typically range in price from $125,000 to $600,000.
So whether you’re looking for a starter home for yourself or a home for your family, there’s something in The Grove.
New Development on the Horizon
Exciting developments are on the way.
AHM Group, in collaboration with the prominent St. Louis design firm JEMA, has proposed a new mixed-use building at 4100 Manchester Ave.
The project is set to include 24 apartment units along with 1,200 square feet of retail space.
Just a few blocks west, at 4210 Manchester Ave., another investor is planning a three-story infill building, with additional plans to add a third floor to a neighboring structure.
This project will also bring more apartments and retail space to the area, further enhancing The Grove’s dynamic landscape.
Things to Do in The Grove
The Grove is home to St. Louis’ most vibrant and eclectic attractions, offering a mix of entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences that cater to every taste.
Whether you’re in the mood for a lively night out, unique shopping, or exploring the local arts scene, The Grove has something for you.
There’s street art, barbecue joints, music venues, dance floors, a comedy club, and more.
Here are some of the best places to eat, drink, dance, and explore in The Grove, and all a short walk away:
Urban Chestnut Grove Brewery and Bierhall: One of the more prominent beers made in St. Louis, specializing in German-style beers, their bierhall features games and a great space for socializing, especially in large groups. Be sure to check out Wolpertinger in January. This beer fest invites beer makers from all over the region to come and share their craft.
Grace Meat + Three: This southern-inspired restaurant by chef Rick Lewis has become a staple of The Grove, known for its amazing sides, great fried chicken, and cornmeal-crusted catfish.
La Calle STL: Authentic Mexican cuisine in an eclectic setting. Be sure to check out the patio!
Sanctuaria: This tapas bar has a variety of international and local dishes with a modern twist. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, featuring art from churches around the world, as well as modern art pieces. Be sure to check out their cocktail menu.
Serendipity Ice Cream: Ice Cream shop with boozy ice cream options, sweet treats, ice cream sandwiches as well as a full coffee bar.
The Gramophone: This place has the feel of a neighborhood bar with a patio off the back. They are known for their great sandwiches. Don’t be surprised to see it packed around lunchtime on a weekday.
Handlebar: If you’re looking for a place to dance and relax in a diverse atmosphere, you’ve found it. The Handlebar has a 2-story patio and dance floor with daily drink specials.
The Grove is known for its lively nightlife, but it stands out from other neighborhoods with a more eclectic vibe. For example, Soulard has a more casual feel where you’ll see people mostly in jeans and a t-shirt, while The Grove has a mix of nightclub wear, casual, dressed up, and party wear.
Hot Java usually has a party going on inside its 800-person capacity concert venue.
Or Just John, an LGBTQ-centered club with an outdoor patio and DJ.
There’s also Prism, a cabaret lounge with drag shows and karaoke. The bar scene is amazing with top-notch cocktail bars like Platypus (which also features some amazing mocktails) or more laid-back digs like Taha’a Twisted Tiki.
More Experiences
If you’re looking for holistic healing, Chakra Wellness is a holistic wellness center with classes and products.
Or maybe you fancy yourself a home bartender? Intoxicology offers barware, books, glassware, and classes.
If you’re looking for a fresh look, there are a few salons in the area to choose from: Cultivate Salon, Southside Barber and Beauty Salon, Up and Up Salon, and ChopShop.
Tattoo the Lou advertises customs tattoos in a clean, safe, and friendly environment. Tower Classic Tattoo offers more traditional-style tattoos.
There’s also a Photography Studio, financial institutions, and City Greens Market that sells fresh produce at affordable prices.
The Grove is close to other popular areas like Central West End, Tower Grove, The Missouri Botanical Gardens, and Delmar Loop.
And you can’t forget about Forest Park, which has attractions like the St. Louis Science Center, two museums, The Muny, and the zoo!
Schools
The Grove is close to colleges in the area: WashU and Washington University Medical Center are just around the corner. Saint Louis University’s facilities are nearby as well.
For public schools in the area, Metro High School is ranked as the #1 magnet school in Missouri and the #9 best public high school in the state according to Niche.
GreatSchools Ratings also gives it a 9/10. However, keep in mind it’s not an attendance zone school since it’s a magnet school.
If you prefer private schools, there’s plenty to choose from, with the closest being St. Louis University High School, a Catholic High School.
Is The Grove Safe?
Community-centered groups like the Community Improvement District (CID) work to make The Grove safe and inviting.
The Grove had a sketchy past, but these days, residents express feeling safe.
The area is well-lit, and because the area is so popular, there are usually people out and about well into the night.
That said, it’s still wise to take a few basic precautions, like locking your car doors and keeping valuables out of sight.
Life in The Grove
The Grove offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modern amenities that make it one of the more dynamic neighborhoods of St. Louis.
From its diverse nightlife to its rich architectural character and ongoing development, The Grove continues to evolve while maintaining its eclectic charm.
Whether you’re looking to explore, live, or invest, The Grove stands out as a fantastic and vibrant community with something for everyone.
