Maplewood
In Maplewood, every day feels like Small Business Saturday. Walking through the historic downtown, you’ll find everything from locally made crafts to artisan chocolates and independent bookstores to internationally recognized breweries.
The dining options are also vast. Whether you’re craving a casual sandwich in a cozy eatery, an upscale tasting menu at an Italian restaurant or a sweet snack from a “Strange” donut shop, you won’t go hungry in Maplewood. In 2014, the neighborhood was designated as St. Louis’ first Green Dining District by the Green Dining Alliance, thanks to the focus of the area’s restaurants, bars and breweries on reducing their environmental footprints.
One such establishment, Schlafly Bottleworks, hosts Art Outside, a quirky festival that aims to raise awareness and appreciation of art and music created in the St. Louis area. Let Them Eat Art, another annual art event in Maplewood, is a whimsical tribute to Bastille Day. The summer festival features live art demonstrations, performances by regional musicians and children’s activities – plus, food and drinks from the neighborhood’s award-winning purveyors.
While you explore, look for plaques that pay tribute to the businesses that served travelers along Route 66 from 1924 to 1933. Ranging from a bank to a hardware store to a bowling alley, the seven businesses are still family-owned and -operated.
Stories from the Neighborhood
Discover the standout establishments that put Maplewood on the map as one of St. Louis’ premier destinations.
Craft Excellence at the World’s No. 2 Brewery
Don’t miss a sip at Side Project Brewing. Praised for its funky, experimental brews, the Maplewood brewery has a long list of accolades. In 2020 and 2023, Rate Beer named Side Project Brewing the No. 2 brewery in the world; in 2015, Side Project Cellar earned a James Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Bar Program; and in 2014, Forbes put Side Project’s executive chef, Adam Altnether, on its list of 30 under 30. There’s no question that the brewery pushes the boundaries of the region’s beverage scene, and owners Cory and Karen King don’t plan to rest on their laurels.
Shop Fair. Support Sustainable.
Offering socially and environmentally conscious gifts from around the world, Zee Bee Market has a story for every planter, purse and pillow. “Fair trade is one of those feel-good kinds of purchases,” founder Julio Zegarra-Ballon says. “After you spot a product, learn the story behind its creation and fall in love with it, you can’t help yourself.” At the ethical retailer, you can find the perfect St. Louis keepsake – maybe sparkling earrings from Indonesia, a stylish hat from Ecuador or plant-based soap from India.
Sweet Success with Artisan Treats
Kakao Chocolate specializes in sweet temptations. At the brick-and-mortar location along the original Route 66 in Maplewood, you’ll find everything from dark chocolate truffles to sea salt caramels and peanut butter bark to marshmallow pies. “We make everything by hand, pouring, dipping and molding every confection,” Brian Pelletier, owner and chief chocolatier of Kakao Chocolate, says. “You won’t find any Lucille Ball machines here.” As you shop, don’t overlook the sumptuous confections that have won Good Food Awards, including the jasmine green tea and Williams pear pâtes de fruits.
Explore the Neighborhood
Don’t miss the independent businesses that mix retro flair with local flavor in this walkable spot.
All
See & Do
Dine & Drink
Stay
Acero
Book House, Inc., The
Kakao Chocolate Maplewood
Mystic Valley
Post Sports Bar & Grill
Schlafly Bottleworks
Side Project Brewing
The Blue Duck
vomFASS St. Louis
Zee Bee Market Maplewood
Book House, Inc., The
Mystic Valley
Post Sports Bar & Grill
vomFASS St. Louis
Zee Bee Market Maplewood
Acero
Kakao Chocolate Maplewood
Post Sports Bar & Grill
Schlafly Bottleworks
Side Project Brewing
The Blue Duck
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