Joe's Cafe is one-of-a-kind! If you haven't yet been there, you're late - check it out as soon as you can. They have shows most Thursdays (looks like it's weekly in warm weather, and every other week in the winter.) It's named for a deceased friend of the owner, famed artist Bill Christman. Some would argue that it's not a cafe because no food is served. But Joe's is a cafe by the lesser-known definition: it's a cabaret/music club.
The aforementioned Bill Christman played a large part in the establishment of the City Museum in St. Louis, so if you're familiar with that vibe you won't be shocked by the decor and environs of Joe's Cafe. Small tables are topped with vintage tablecloths, and a mix of mismatched chairs are clustered around them. Plenty of these are accessible; the able-bodied may choose to go up some steep stairs for a balcony seat. Walls are lovingly cluttered with art and artifacts - sometimes it's old radio parts, sometimes baseball memorabilia, always some religious-inspired pieces that vary in reverential qualities.
Joe's Cafe is in the middle of a three-lot space. To the east is a sometimes art gallery and studio space with limited seating and unlimited fun stuff to look at. Lately it's been mostly about robots, but that's always subject to change. Sometimes there's a true art show in there, featuring work by a local or traveling artist.
To the west of the venu, accessible through the back and side door of Joe's, is what might be called a sculpture garden. It feels a lot like "City Museum for grown-ups," with twisting paths, oddities and art projects throughout, including pieces of a Big Boy, lots of signs, and a head-shaped sort of treehouse. There's plenty of seating out here, and if the windows of Joe's are open you can still hear the music. Bonfires may dot the space on cool nights.
The music at Joe's is phenomenal. The sound is exceptional, and the mood is cheerful and funky. The venue draws folks from the neighborhood, as well as serious music lovers who want to actually listen to music instead of talk over it. Americana, folk, blues, rock, world music - it's all at Joe's Cafe, where they seem to be aiming for an increasingly diverse slate of musicians, and patrons as well.
Most shows are $10 cover, and they pass a tip basket during the second set - but it looks like in 2019 they may go to $15 cover and no basket-passing. Like everything else at Joe's, this is likely subject to change.
Joe's is a listening room, so don't talk during the show. Floor staff will shush talkers, and if they don't get quiet they'll be asked to leave. Ditto to those who hold up their phones to shoot video, blocking the view of the folks behind them, as well as those whose electronic devices make noise. Patrons are asked to pick up their trash when they're done, and respect the neighborhood by being quiet as they leave. And in case you don't hear it anywhere else: DON'T PARK ON KINGSBURY. PARK ON DES PERES. They mean it.
Joe's Cafe is BYOB. Bring your own wine, beer, whatever - and snacks, too, if you like. Some folks bring dinner, but the tables aren't very big, so it's best not to get too elaborate. Lately Joe's has sodas, bottled water, popcorn, and cups of ice for sale.
To find a schedule of shows at Joe's Cafe, check out their Facebook page. Come early, grab a table when doors open, and stroll around the grounds til the music starts. Super fun place! read more