The Central West End, or CWE, is one of St. Louis’s iconic neighborhoods. Adjoining the northeast of Forest Park, the CWE mixes it up with pedestrian-friendly side streets and busy city thoroughfares. It’s the perfect place to spend a day browsing specialty boutique shops, drinking cocktails on a patio or sidewalk, and enjoying diverse and delicious cuisine.
Come explore this walkable, tree-lined corridor in the outskirts of the city of St. Louis with us!
EXPLORING THE CENTRAL WEST END
KALDI’S COFFEE AT THE EUCLID
Kaldi’s at the Euclid sits, naturally, on Euclid Avenue, the main north-south corridor of the Central West End business district. Centrally located, it’s perfect for swinging through and getting a pastry or breakfast burrito to go. Our newest café in St. Louis, it’s got a sunken main floor that puts the street at eye-level, perfect for people watching if you have time to linger.
This cafe may be small in size, but don’t let that stop you from swinging through and getting a pastry or breakfast burrito to go. Our team of baristas is ready to make your favorite pour over or latte to get you fueled for your busy day ahead.
RASOI
We're quite familiar with Rasoi, and that's not just because we see their sign from our window all day. A mainstay of the CWE dining scene, Rasoi offers an array of delicious Indian dishes. Rasoi is currently open only for carryout and delivery. Try a classic dish or find a new favorite.
BRASSERIE/TASTE 
From his humble beginnings in Benton Park, Gerard Craft’s skill and hard work have won national acclaim. Two of his restaurants, Taste (now Brass Bar) and Brasserie, conveniently sit side-by-side in the CWE, a block south of the Euclid. For small plates and cozy dates, nothing matches Brass Bar's cozy intimacy and open kitchen. And just next door, but a world away, the breezy French bistro, Brasserie, is a delight for lunch or dinner.
YELLOWBELLY
Inspired by the island lifestyle, Yellowbelly offers a uniquely tropical menu and relaxing ambience to make your CWE lunch date unforgettable. A well-designed cocktail list rounds out the island experience, or to experience a full bar experience designed by co-owner Tim Wiggins, drop in next door to Lazy Tiger.
PAGAN WINE BAR
This is one of those hidden gems that just makes you stop and say, “Wait, what?” A micro-bar nestled into the heart of the CWE, this cozy nook offers tasty cocktails and an impressive selection of wines, but it’s true charm is the decor, intimacy, and excellent service provided by its barkeep-owner, Ed King. Pagan Wine Bar opens later in the day, so plan ahead.
WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME
Did you get all fired up for the old 8x8 after watching “Queen’s Gambit” on Netflix? Yeah, us too. Our Tech Team even keeps a chessboard out on a table most days of the week, for some days-long games from passersby.
Check out the World Chess Hall of Fame in the heart of the CWE, or if you’re ready to really dive in, cross the street to the St. Louis Chess Club! Visit the gift shop or learn more about the game of chess, from elaborate strategies to the game’s history to the lives of its champions.
A bit further north on Euclid, past some shady mansion-lined sidestreets, you’ll arrive at the relatively quiet crossroads of Euclid and McPherson, often called Writer’s Corner, where 4 literary giants from St. Louis keep watch from every angle (see our Honorable Mention down below).
Writer's Corner
LEFT BANK BOOKS
A literary and cultural institution since 1969, Left Bank Books, St. Louis’s oldest and largest independent bookstore is right at home with Eliot, Burroughs, Chopin, and Williams. With over 300 events annually, there’s always something interesting going on, never mind the deeply satisfying sensation of just strolling the two floors of expertly curated shelves as you search for your next read. Learn more about Left Bank Books.
UP-DOWN STL
One of the youngest but definitely most vibrant establishments in the CWE, the Up-Down St. Louis Arcade Bar offers a huge variety of classic arcade games, pinball, and so much more. They also serve pizza, and a huge selection of beer.
CLUB VIVA
Walk out the door from UpDownStl and look directly across the street, if you don’t want to miss Club Viva. Nestled between two buildings, you’ll find the nightly musical schedule and entrance to this long time CWE Club. With closed classes available during the week, or complimentary lessons before the floor opens up on Thursdays and Saturdays, you’ll be dancing the night away in no time.
SCARLETT’S WINE BAR
Catch some outdoor live music, sample wood-fire oven-baked pizzas, and enjoy the summer breeze while sipping on delicious wines from around the world, local beers, and custom cocktails. Scarlett’s Wine Bar is the patio hangout we all need this summer! Pizza may be the piece de resistance here, but there are also salads, charcuterie, sandwiches, and a variety of tasty appetizers.
THE SCOTTISH ARMS
Shh...don’t tell anyone, but The Scottish Arms may be one of the best Sunday brunch places in town! Savory Scotch Eggs, tasting flights of Scotch Whiskey, and classic British Isles breakfast plates are some of the highlights at this cozy, dark public house. Nonetheless, an elegant and wholesome dinner and lunch menu offer other options for dining out, whether for a date, a birthday, or just a casual get-together.
NARWHAL’S CRAFTED
We’re all a sucker for a good sea shanty, and what better to pair with a rousing tune than some frosty adult beverages? At Narwhal’s Crafted, you can enjoy an oceanic variety of wild frozen drinks and spiked slushies. Perfect for a summer day of chilling!
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MORE ADVENTURES TO COME
We hope you enjoy your walk through in the Central West End. Stay tuned for more blogs about the amazing depth and variety of the neighborhoods of St. Louis where Kaldi’s is proud to call home. And as always, stay caffeinated!
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