St. Louis, the second largest city in Missouri after Kansas City, is home to all kinds of Black-owned businesses. It has Midwest charm and is both friendly and affordable compared to other cities in the US. According to Visit The USA, “travelers looking for cosmopolitan fun, excitement and adventure will discover a great fit in St. Louis. It has a variety of attractions, exhibits and cuisine, all wrapped in a friendly, diverse atmosphere.”
St. Louis is closely linked to blues music, a genre pioneered by Black artists. In addition to being the home of the National Blues Museum, there are venues featuring live blues bands. St. Louis is home to the Gateway Arch, the tallest monument of its kind in the world. The city also takes barbecue and brewery culture seriously, and let’s not get started on baseball!
Here are some ways you can spend two days in St. Louis supporting Black-owned establishments.
Day 1 - Morning
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Some people have pancakes or waffles for breakfast, so why not ice cream? You are on vacation–it’s okay to break the rules.
Check out Ari’s Ice Cream Parlor and Cafe, which is Black and family-owned. They offer a broad selection of flavors, from butter pecan to strawberry cheesecake, and they take pride in being affordable.
There are also meals available, like sandwiches and burritos. Have a look at the menu here.
Take a tram ride to the top of the famous Gateway Arch. Please note that there are some stairs involved, making it a poor fit for visitors with mobility issues.
Day 1 - Afternoon
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12oh7 is a vegan eatery owned lovingly maintained by Black women. It refers to itself as a “herban” restaurant, as the meals are plant-based.
The menu includes the Baja Phish Taco, Crispy Spring Rolls and OG Chickun Sammich, among many others. Check their Instagram for updates on the rotating menu.
Once you’ve eaten, take in some Black history at The Griot Museum of Black History. There are interactive programs and life-sized wax statues of prominent Black figures from history.
Day 1 - Evening
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Creole With A Splash has a regular menu, brunch menu, and Sunday brunch menu.
Dinner specialties include Cajun pasta, gumbo and Creole shrimp and grits. Round it out with bananas foster, cheesecake, or peach cobbler.
No visit to St. Louis is complete without catching at least one live show. BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups offer some of the best in R&B, jazz, blues, and soul.
Also check out The Gramophone in the Grove district, Broadway Oyster Bar, and Backstreet Jazz and Blues Club. Note: The Gramophone still offers live music and DJs, but starting in 2015, they put their focus into expanding their sandwich selection.
Day 2 - Morning
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Start your day by exploring one of St. Louis’ green spaces. Carondelet Park and Castlewood State Park offer grounds for picnics, biking, jogging and more.
Afterwards, head to African Naturals for herbs, healing crystals, and natural beauty products. There are two locations in Missouri and an online store.
Day 2 - Afternoon
The George B. Vashon Museum of African American History was built in 1879 and is located in the historic “Millionaire’s Row.” You’ll find artifacts and more connected to Black history in St. Louis and elsewhere.
Grab some tea and tea-infused smoothies at Teatopia on Cherokee Street. You can purchase loose tea to enjoy at home and order online.
Day 2 - Evening
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SweetFixx is Black-woman owned. It specializes in cupcakes, candy apples, and the dessert that made them famous–the dipped Oreos. They make an assortment of gorgeous, custom cakes for all occasions.
The House of Soul on Washington Avenue offers live entertainment. Also, you can enjoy karaoke, Trap Soul Paint nights, and tasty drinks.
Related: These Are The 10 Best Black-Owned Food Places to Try In St. Louis
