Cherokee Street is one of St. Louis’s most interesting art, entertainment, and food districts. It gained commercial significance beginning in the 1890s as a transfer point between street car lines. Today, it is host to many local businesses, along with St. Louis residents in its surrounding neighborhoods. The street’s commercial blocks are packed with art exhibition spaces, cafes and restaurants, and shops. Here are several locally-owned businesses to check out:
Melt
2712 Cherokee Street
https://www.facebook.com/meltoncherokee
Waffles? Enough said. This great “upcycled” restaurant has a unique decor and caters to late night sweet and savory breakfast seekers. Melt also has a live music stage and hosts a variety of local artists.
The Mud House
2101 Cherokee Street
Part coffee bar, part big city restaurant, The Mud House offers a rotating cast of coffees and local and sustainable food ingredients. It is a great gathering place for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
Fort Gondo
3151 Cherokee Street
http://www.fortgondo.com/fort_gondo.html
Fort Gondo compound for the arts is a nonprofit community arts forum founded in 2002. Their approach is to offer small loans of time and space to under-recognized and developing artists.
Spoked Bikes & Stuff
2716 Cherokee Street
Winner of the The Riverfront Times’ 2015 Editor’s Choice for Best Bike Shop, Spoked Bikes & Stuff is a new addition to the neighborhood.
STL Style House
3159 Cherokee Street
STL-Style has grown from a basement t-shirt shop to a bustling full-service retail and custom design shop.