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The Central West End has long been a popular nighttime destination for college students, singles, the gay community and everyone in between. And with such a variety of clubs and bars, it is easy to see why. The CWE has everything: an exotic corner café serving $2 martinis, a traditional sports bar and grill, a gay bar/club and a swanky nightclub serving over 185 different types of vodka from all over the world.
Here is your guide for every possible flavor you could be looking for when venturing out to the Central West End with your buds.
Start your evening off at Mense City Market and Café, 725 Union Blvd., at the corner of Union and Pershing, just off the northeast corner of Forest Park (MetroLink anyone?), and in the West End City Apartments' Congress Building.
Two-dollar cosmos, and apple and chocolate martinis daily means you may find it hard to leave. Besides the martinis, which recently earned the café the title "Best Place for a Midday Drink" by the Riverfront Times on Sept. 29, you can also get $2 glasses of wine (or purchase by the bottle), beer, juice, soda, tea and of course, coffee, which comes from local CWE distributor Northwest Coffee, and can be bought by the cup or in bulk.
Add six hot wings to your martini or beer and pay only $5.50 on Friday and Saturday evenings. In a hurry with no time to coquettishly sip your martini? Just ask for a to-go cup and enjoy when you reach your destination.
They also feature gourmet meals weeknights that the regulars have come to depend on. "I have no food in my fridge because I eat here all the time," said Chris Coffey, a loyal customer.
Mense has brought the outdoor patio inside, with mosaic tables and chairs from a local distributor, textured stone tiling, and an assortment of plants-plus a real outdoor seating area. And "Guapa," the cafe's owner, is happy to serve you inside or out.
Additional info: Mense is open Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Look for this week's specials: Monday New York Strip Steak and fried potato salad, Tuesday Shrimp Rockefeller and sauteed spinach, Wednesday gourmet pizza any way you want it, and Thursday Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo and Broccoli. $8-10 a plate.
Get back on the MetroLink for just a few blocks to the Euclid stop and hit Tom's Bar and Grill, at 20 S. Euclid Avenue.
The perfect setting for friends looking to kick back with a pitcher of beer (or two) and a list of songs for karaoke, Tom's has been open since 1976 and has become an established tradition for many St. Louis alumni, including the bar's second proprietor, Dave Wessel, a '73 UM-St. Louis alumnus.
The crowd at Tom's is diverse, ranging from white-collar business men, hospital workers and construction workers during the day, to college students, retirees, university alumni, and gays and lesbians at night and on the weekends.
Tom's is famous for hot wings and burgers, but I personally recommend the Tenderloin Tips from their appetizers.
Tom Dimitriades, the original proprietor, sought woodwork and relics from all over the city when designing his bar, featuring unique moldings, doors, and other fixtures which have come to compliment the vaulted wood ceilings, fire place and original artwork hanging on the walls today. The front swinging doors originate from an old South St. Louis church. But there is no need to genuflect upon entering Tom's.
Wessel says he is protective of his bar and his customers. "I want people to be comfortable," he said. He wants all customers to feel safe, welcome, and free to enjoy themselves.
Additional info: Open until 1:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, midnight on Sunday. Open Friday and Saturday for karaoke, and Sunday for every football game on television. Check out its website: www.tomsbarandgrill.com for more info, pics and coupons.
Right next door to Tom's Bar and Grill is the Loading Zone, at 16 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis's premier gay bar.
Not gay? Not a problem. This hotspot hosts anyone looking for a spicy evening-regulars and newbies alike.
Proprietor Mark Erney (the "hotspot") said, "We are one of the only gay bars [in St. Louis] with such a diverse mix in our clientele. All walks of life are welcome here-and all walks lead to the Zone!"
Erney also joked that his place is a traditional "testing ground" for women to bring their boyfriends.
Recently named the best gay bar in St. Louis by the RFT, the Loading Zone features the main bar to mix and mingle, a cozy lounge to the left with the best "ocean view" in the neighborhood, a lofted martini bar for overflow crowds, a pool table in the basement, and TVs all around for the hottest music videos (Saturday night's "You call it, we show it" request night) and the Sunday Sports Zone/Beer Bust.
Featuring a different theme every night of the week, the most popular is Tuesday, for "Show Tunes Tuesday." Wednesday's "80's Night" has also built a large following.The bartenders are among the friendliest and most welcoming in the business, and, by the way, make awesome martinis. Bartender Mikey Kueker said his favorite night, if he had to choose, is Monday night's "50% Industry Party."
"Other people in the industry come in for an oasis, to get away and have a good time," Kueker said. All are still welcome, however, on industry night. "I love our customers-girls, boys, everyone ... It doesn't seem like work," he said.
Additional info: Open daily until 1:30 a.m. Look for the New Year's Eve bash!
Step into Sub Zero-306 N. Euclid, a few blocks north of Tom's and the Loading Zone-the icy, big-city nightclub right here in St. Louis, serving over 185 different types of vodka from all over the world (all stored at the ideal 0 degrees) for all of you connoisseurs out there, and sushi seven nights a week. And, to keep those tasty martinis at the optimum temperature, you will find a handy strip of ice built right into the marble bar for your short martini glass.
While this club is a little pricier than what a typical college student might like to spend, bring your UM-St. Louis student ID for a deal on the infusion vodkas: usually Stoli or Smirnoff vodka with a mix of fruit and spices for a truly unique martini or bloody mary-named "Best Blood Mary" by the RFT, featuring the four-pepper and sun-dried tomato infusion vodka. These house specialties are very popular and perfect for penny-pinchers.
Otherwise, look to spend $8 or $9 dollars for a rather large, and potent martini, cocktail, or champagne cocktail. But these drinks are well worth the extra dough, especially the Oreo cookie or limeade martinis.
Derek Gamlin, the club's original proprietor of one and a half years, built his business from the ground up, seeking to provide St. Louis with a unique, upscale club experience.
Every night is a good night for Sub Zero, but be sure to catch Thursday night for live music, and Friday and Saturday for the biggest crowds and thumping beats.
Additional info: Watch out for this year's New Year's Eve bash. Gamlin says he wants to get the streets blocked off like this year's Halloween party. The "Taste of Central West End" is also one of the biggest events for the club and the CWE. Check out www.subzerovodkabar.com for pics and the menu.
Each place will provide a unique experience. It all depends on your mood: Are you feeling mellow, laid back, frisky, hungry, hip, social, single or maybe a little bit of everything? My suggestion is to take a few nights to explore each place to see for yourself.
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