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    Joe's Cafe

    4.8 (16 reviews)
    InexpensiveJazz & Blues
    Closed Closed

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    Entrance
    Susan D.

    The word eclectic can not even begin to describe the decor at Joe's Cafe. There is just so much...vintage, sports, St. Louis, Aliens, Hollywood; somewhat bizarre. But, definitely a fun atmosphere with plenty of photo ops, both inside and outside. It is nestled on a residential street in the CWE. I was there for a private event. There is no food or beverage service, but you can BYOB as well as food. Besides being available for private events, they are occasionally open to host local talent for a small cover charge. The bathroom facilities left a lot to be desired. Other than that, a fun evening.

    Dan B.

    Eclectic and whimsical, one of the coolest music small venues in STL! The atmosphere is amazing, it kind of reminds me of the Venice Cafe and the city museum. There are few places with character and charm that can match this!

    Hudson Harkins at Joed
    Diane G.

    I wrote a review several years ago that wasn't flattering but I have to say now this is one of my favorite venues to listen to music. In a home in a neighborhood you feel you are in on a secret speakeasy. Bring your own food and wine- so you save on that- and have an indoor picnic close up to the musicians. Don't forget to stroll the sculpture park and grab a kiss in the treehouse.

    Rum Drum Ramblers play a nearly full house at Joe's Cafe
    Kate A.

    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!

    Cynthia M.

    6008 I went for a concert and I sat upstairs (climbed up the bunk bed type wooden steps) amd because I went on a freezing cold night...upstairs was blasting with heat. I dared not move! Lol. Atmosphere: artsy fartsy...u city loop meets New York's SOHO 80's scene. Classic art pieces surround the place, statues outdoors and firepit out front, a yard filled with statues and an attached museum type overflow area. Smell: popcorn and sweat The Star of David is prominent with a street sign which reads JERUSALEM placed proudly at the snack bar. Popcorn $2 Soda & water $2 Setups $1 (cup of ice) Really cool place with excellent musicians. This place is wonderful! WHY? BYOB which includes your own food. Cover charge: $15/pp Really relaxed. But keep your voice down when the entertainment is on stage. No cellphones during performances.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

    A gem. The world needs more places like Joe's. BYOB and don't park on kingsbury :) yelp requires 85 chars?

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    3 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    2 years ago

    We had a great night at Joe's Cafe with Aaron, Emerson and the crew!!! Great music and met new friends!!! Not a bad seat in the house!!

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Thanks to yelp we checked this place out while on vacation in central west end. Very cool place to enjoy music & I love the byob concept.

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    7 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Joe's Cafe

    Both weeks were phenomenal musicians that made me feel like STL has some real hidden talent.

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    Blueberry Hill

    Blueberry Hill

    3.3
    (743 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    We had a good stop at this Delmar Loop staple, spending a good hour and a half chatting without…read morebeing interrupted or pestered by our server who was lovely and gracious and just the right amount of attentive. We were just about to order the toasted ravioli which are locally noteworthy here. Except that in the introduction and telling about the place, our waitress informed us that Blueberry Hill is also owned by the same people who own Pin Up Bowl across the street. We had been there earlier in the week for a work party and the toasted ravioli there are the same ones that arrive by the same delivery here. So we skipped those. We ordered drinks and found some nice options. I had a tin of a local light beer and that was quite tasty. Looking for something different, we went with the fried cheese balls. Sadly, not that great. Battered and fried, they were not very flavorful and no sharpness to the cheese. Peel off the batter and they look like just the same cheese cubes you can get at the supermarket. So I'd say skip these too. Otherwise, Blueberry Hill is cool. The memorabilia on the walls, the fun games in the next room and don't skip the Duck Room. It's a neat place and maybe on my next visit, something more substantial to eat with our drinks. [Review 439 of 2026 - 508 in Missouri - 25622 overall]

    Blueberry Hill is an old music and dining establishment where many legends have played. Many! I…read moreonly have gone for the food because I'm not much into live music. I don't remember what I had on my most recent visit. It may have been only a lemonade; I wasn't feeling well after an ice cream float at Fitz's across the street (lol @ my dietary choices). Blueberry Hill is locally iconic to the point that the place feels borderline touristy on a busy weekend afternoon. However, if you come in the evening during the week, it's much quieter and low-key, and I prefer that vibe. After you order, if it isn't too busy, try to spend a few minutes looking at the walls of photos of celebrities who have visited Blueberry Hill. (At least, I think they've all visited and it isn't a mixture of those folks & photos from founder Joe Edwards' private collection. Even if it were the latter, it still would be fun to look at the photos.)

    Photos
    Small nick-nacks
    Small nick-nacks
    Fried Pickles
    Fried Pickles
    Unique atmosphere

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    Unique atmosphere
    Blue Strawberry

    Blue Strawberry

    3.8
    (66 reviews)
    2.5 mi

    Blue strawberry is a special spot. It's locally owned and operated, and they feature local and…read moreregional talent. You will notice how special it is when you walk in and are greeted warmly, shown to your table and enjoy the vibe. The first three rows of tables the music can be rather loud, so if you feel like that would be an issue sit further back or towards the bar. While most of the focus is on the talent that they host, the food is absolutely incredible here. We got there early to enjoy a peaceful dinner before the show. My favorite item on the menu is the brussels sprouts appetizer. No one makes them like this. My dining companion ordered the chicken Kiev served with seasonal vegetables (squash with grilled pepper strips and onions), and roasted potatoes. I ordered the beet salad with an incredible horseradish dressing. I normally would never choose that, but the flavors complimented each other so well, and the horseradish dressing was not overpowering. Rather it balanced the sweetness of the roasted beets and the dried cranberries. We decided to get the chocolate cake for dessert, which is plenty for two people. It's so decadent and rich that we couldn't even finish it. They have a rather large cocktail menu and wine list. There's also beer and soft drinks available. Please note during shows there is a $15 minimum food/drink order person. The service is excellent! I highly recommend our server, Arissa (sp?), who took great care of us all night. There is street parking available so if you're disabled get there early to get a close spot. They have two unisex bathrooms with locks that don't always quite work though.

    Review: March 11th, 2026…read more I was on a mission to find a music event to attend to ON the NIGHT of my birthday which was March 11th. I came across Blue Strawberry during my search and decided to book. I didn't care if I would have to attend solo being that it was midweek and I didn't confirm with my friends. The Venue: I had a hard time locating the building, especially since it was night and I've never been there. Parking is on the street. I parked a block or two away and walked. Once I found the building, I tried to open the door, well it didn't open. That's when I realized that it was closed. I was like, I know they didn't lock the door after the event started. I then saw a buzzer so I decided to press it, hoping that it wouldn't interrupt, but alert the staff...After a minute or so, I noticed a paper sign stating to "use other door"...but which? The door adjacent it was for another business. I then locate the correct one around the side. Wallah! Once inside: the hostess checked me in. Her tablet decided to lock and she had to ask an older guy for the password (seem as though he might have been the owner or manager, he didn't look very pleasant nor welcoming). Anyways on to my seat to enjoy the show which already had started. The venue is very small, with low lighting in the audience and lighting focused on the proformers. Black tablets with seatings for two or four were throughout with one table for larger group. I suppose they can rearrange to accommodate.I was offered to sit anywhere as this event was very low turned out. The Attendees: The event attendees were mostly LGBTQIA folks, maybe due to the area or maybe the entertainer followers, either way I didn't care. I was out for a good time & I love, love regardless. Requirements: Venue has a minimum of $15 spending per person. I noticed most attendees opted for a drink. The larger party ordered food. I decided to skip on the food. I had the St Louis Swing to sip on. It was perfect. Larger than I expected! Overall: Great for small intimate events, especially locals or non "mainstream." Great views regarless of seating, and inexpensive! Honestly, I am not sure If I'll visit again although I enjoyed the event, nothing really stood out about the place or it's hospitality.

    Photos
    Interior view of some of the dining room
    Interior view of some of the dining room
    Brussel sprout small plates.
    Brussel sprout small plates.
    St Louis Swing

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    St Louis Swing
    Duck Room At Blueberry Hill

    Duck Room At Blueberry Hill

    3.9
    (19 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Want a fun night out? This is your place to be! I've been to Blueberry Hill a number of times, but…read morenever to a show downstairs in the Duck Room. It's amazing. So many phenomenal musicians have made their mark at this venue--you might check out the various memorabilia throughout the bar and find out yourself! A group of friends and I came out on the weekend, we bought tickets to the show at the door ($18) & jammed out to a Beatles tribute band all night. The show lasted 2 hours or so and was well worth the money. You can see what bands are playing in advance online or maybe you just decide to be spontaneous and show up without prior knowledge. :) I did snack on some fries and enjoyed a few drinks that night--all very reasonably priced.

    Went to The Duck Room to see Cole Chaney this weekend. The venue was a neat little place in the…read morebasement of Blueberry Hill. I was disappointed that when we went to the table at the top of the stairs to check in, we were told that since my daughter was under 21, there was a $2 CASH upcharge for her. I now see that's listed on their website (I didn't purchase the tickets). After making it through security (which was tougher than going through TSA), we made it down to the venue. The opener was already performing. We found our spot to stand for the evening. We were right up by the stage. The venue is very intimate. When the show was over, we were hoping to get a picture with the artist as he had been selling merch at the table when we arrived. The security guard announced that the venue was closing in 5 minutes. He then looked at my daughter (with the 2 huge permanent marker Xs on her hands and loudly said "you have to leave NOW!" We were dumbfounded. She was one of only 3 under 21 folks in attendance. What if we wanted to purchase a shirt, CD or sticker from the artist? Based on this interaction alone, I might not visit this venue again. There are plenty of other live shows happening on the loop that I can patronize.

    Photos
    Duck Room At Blueberry Hill
    Duck Room At Blueberry Hill
    Band playing in the Duck Room

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    Band playing in the Duck Room
    The Pageant

    The Pageant

    3.5
    (276 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Over the years, I've been to The Pageant a few times for shows. The last show was in May of 2026. I…read moretraveled out to see Dayseeker, Northlane, Wind Walkers, and Sace6. I've never been to a bad show here. It also helps that there are other things to do and eat in the area. You want a date night rock show? This area is perfect for that. I'm prompted to this review because this last show was the first time I've sit up top. Results may vary from venue to venue when it comes to sitting up top. I'm not sure but in the future, I might opt to sit up top for every show. Sometimes you run the risk of the sound bouncing off back walls and ceilings which can make things miserable if you're catching the sound from multiple directions. I'm happy to report the sound is contained in this venue. To begin, all 4 of these bands have perfected their live sound. That definitely helps in small and large venues alike. If any of your favorites roll through here, you owe it to yourself to attend. The only peeve I had this time was the merch. It's a bit odd how this venue handles merch. There were multiple locations for the merch inside the venue. Dayseeker merch was in the big room up front but my question... why not put all the acts in one room? they were spread out which also led to mass confusion with multiple long lines snaking and intersecting with each other. Aside from that, A+ venue. Will continue visiting in the future.

    This music and entertainment venue has new life…read more The venue now has seats on the lower level that were only for special shows. I would always call the box office to be sure of the layout before buying tickets. I saw Qveen Herby and Thot Squad (May 20th) and it was a safe vibe of all types of people. The check in process was smooth and someone helped me to my seat up stairs. I enjoyed the show but my accessible seat kind of sucked because once folks stood up I couldn't see. I asked some other people to help me be a mood killer and kindly ask others to sit down, but the venue should adjust those seats one more time. Also they should go back to just being a smoking building because everyone was vaping and the smell of smoke and marijuana was very pronounced! Either crack down hard or let the people smoke it up. Accessibility note: there is not enough parking so get an uber or pray to the parking goddesses. There is stepless entry but if your seat is upstairs, you will need a proper staff member to key in the elevator for you. I waited over 10 minutes for assistance (they bought me a drink tomorrow ease that soreness). Bring headphones or ear plugs as the whole suite booms! Don't be afraid to tell folks down in front because you cannot see.

    Photos
    Bar view inside
    Bar view inside
    Elevator for access if unable to use stairs
    Elevator for access if unable to use stairs
    Not far away even in the balcony

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    Not far away even in the balcony
    Delmar Hall

    Delmar Hall

    3.7
    (53 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Great place for intimate, live music and connections to some of your favorite artist. Artist also…read morehang out with their fans. All the staff are super friendly and aren't too strict about their search policy. You can have bags as long as they're under 12" x 6" x 12". Mushrooms were never busy even though the place was. Everything was cleaned up nicely. They must keep around the clock cleaning though because somebody dropped deuce in the bathroom and it was horrid. Went back 30 minutes later couldn't even tell. I don't drink beer so I can't really comment on that, but my partner does and said that it was great. I was offered THC seltzer, which I also don't drink either but they had limited access for NA. I didn't care give me water, I'm here for the music.

    Going to concerts is one of my favorite activities. St. Louis is blessed with a lot of different…read morevenues running from large auditoriums down to intimate venues. Delmar Hall is what I've always thought of as the Pageant's little sibling. I hadn't gone until recently to see the always wonderful Jon McLaughlin. When you walk into Delmar Hall you enter into a moderately sized bar. Maybe 30 people could mill about comfortably. They had a good selection of mixed drinks and beers. The show I attended was rather lightly attended, so there was no issue getting a drink before the show or at intermission. The hall itself is long and narrow. It is sloped downward, so that if you are at the back you still have no problem seeing the stage. The room can have folding chairs laid out and this is the case for the show we saw. Most of the time though I'd expect it to be standing room only. This is something to be aware of as I could imagine this being a deal breaker for some older concert goers or anyone with a physical impairment. I though that the sound quality was good and overall it had a nice intimate feel.

    Photos
    Delmar Hall
    Delmar Hall
    Delmar Hall

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    Joe's Cafe - jazzandblues - Updated July 2026

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