Last night at The Key STL was nothing short of incredible. We hosted our very first Bites in the Heights community night, and from the moment we walked in, it felt like exactly what a neighborhood spot should be--welcoming, vibrant, and full of life. The energy in the room was contagious, with kids laughing, neighbors connecting, and everyone just genuinely enjoying being together. Let's talk about the food... absolutely out of this world. The smash burgers were packed with flavor and perfectly crispy around the edges--exactly what a smash burger should be. And a pro tip: order the fries well-done if you love that perfect crispy finish--they do not disappoint. What really sets The Key apart is the atmosphere. It's the kind of place that instantly feels like your place--whether you're stopping in for dinner, bringing the family, or gathering with friends. And with plans to host sporting events, it's about to become a go-to destination for game days as well. We're so grateful to have a space like this in our community. The Key STL didn't just host us--they elevated the entire experience. Compton Heights showed up... and The Key delivered. read more

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Submitting this review as I sit here... having been in Midtown, this place is open until midnight and fresh cut fries (my favs) sound great after having cocktails. Walked in about 8:30p (Saturday), the place was pretty empty. Order at the bar and then they call your name from the Pick-Up Here window to grab. My order: Single Cheeseburger w/American Add Bacon, Loaded Fries, no onion, add side of Ranch and Garlic Aioli. Burger, this is truly a smash single, almost invisible Burger. If it wasn't for the bacon, it would've been a non-factor. Please get 2 patties minimum. I also didn't get my American cheese. Flavor was good though. I took off 1/2 the bun to help with size of the patty. Fries, yes fresh cut and yes a nice size on the cut, but they weren't hot at all and could've used another 2 min in the fryer for crispness. The queso was tasty and the ranch was also tasty. In general, this place is open late so it serves a great purpose but just fell a bit short this day. read more

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This place has a cool atmosphere but definitely needs to work out some kinks. There are no servers so every time you want to order food and/or drink you have to go to the bar counter to stand in the single line with everyone else. No issue with the structure, but the line was long and did not move fast. Upon our arrival the table we sat at had clearly not been cleaned off. Crumbs and sauce all over the table, but it was the only one available. Unfortunately the day I went they were out of shrimp so I couldn't order the shrimp stuffed poppers like I wanted. Our group ordered a burger, the key ravs and chili. I would have ordered a speciality drink like their social media appears they have, but they don't provide a drink menu. The prices are overpriced. You get 5 tiny ravs for $13. The chili was thick with not much taste to it. The burger was delicious but once again, overpriced- $14-16 for a burger without fries. read more

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The Key is situated in Midtown in what I call the arts district. This is another Kranzberg venue amongst many in the area. The venue is separated into two spots with two separate entrances--a burger joint and the live music spot. We got situated on the venue side for a Juneteenth event, and each table had a QR code for checking out the menu as well as other things about the space, such as renting it out. It's a spacious and thoughtfully planned space with room for standing to listen to music or for sitting down and enjoying the music. The seats are sturdy yet comfy. The floor is concrete, so be mindful when wearing heels or shoes for standing for long periods if you're not able to be seated. I can so see this space hosting live band karaoke! read more

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Stopped in here with a group, to get a bite to eat before an event. The location was perfect. Casual atmosphere, with minimal service. You order at the bar (had to ask for a cocktail list) and then they call your name for you to go pick it up. The food was delicious though they didn't have blackberries to muddle in my cocktail as advertised. Their sauces tend towards the DELICIOUS side! Not fancy, but it was good. read more

The Key Stl - Wake Up! Burger - Burgers Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

We've been to The Key a few times before Billikens games and never ate because the line to order was crazy. For the last home game of the season we arrived early got a table and ate! Everyone enjoyed their food. The fries were delicious! I was happy they had vegetarian option and the garden burger was great. The drinks are really good too. We got the margarita this time and it was delicious but too small for the price. Overall we really like the Key and will return! read more

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Nice , super casual place for some delicious smash burgers. Can combine some ingredients to create for yourself, or choose a house creation. Tacos, too. Either way, delicious. Add some fries,, house made chips. Some bar service. Order at the bar, call for pickup. No frills, just yum! read more

The Key Stl - Double mushroom smash burgers on sour dough - Burgers Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

We won't usually patronize startups until they've had the opportunity to work out the kinks, but we made an exception for The Key in the City of St. Louis. The space has been totally updated, is vibrant and looks great. Several large screen televisions purport to offer the sports bar vibe, but with no audio it was difficult to follow the World Series game we came to see .... and the loud audio of the band rehearsing next door was a complete distraction. In my opinion, this is either two distinct spaces or its not; the blend does not make for a great dining experience. There are no servers; orders are placed and paid at a counter. Since they don't attach numbers to orders, the food trays were mismatched when customers received their food (and there were only three parties of two at this time). I ordered the Jerk Chicken Wings as an appetizer; I received a pound of wings that were much spicier than I expected. I ordered the Build-Your-Own Burger, with lettuce, tomato, and onion upcharges. (I received a half-slice of tomato and no onions). I suspect that the trend towards "smashburgers" is to save on meat, but Steak-n-Shake has been excelling at them for decades ... it's not necessary to use high heat (as we could smell them overcooking) and crispy edges is the goal, not overcooked, entirely crispy patties. The highlight was the Hand-Cut Extra-Crispy "Specialty" Fries. Very Good. I decided, when initially ordering, to hold off on ordering my dessert because I wanted the Key Lime Ravs warm, and I am glad I held off because my dining companion ordered the $12 order of six ravs and only received three. If we could have enjoyed the baseball game we would have ordered cocktails and, likely, more food, and stayed longer. Its hard for me to understand how a pricey burger bar can survive in that area with Stacked and even Five Guys nearby ... our tab was $80, plus a 15% tip ($12) that I usually don't leave for self-service, totalling $92 without liquor. The Key needs more time to smooth things out ... they're not quite ready for primetime. read more

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I had their mushroom burger. It was very good although it resembled a patty melt to me more so than a burger because it was on toasted bread. My husband built his own burger and loved it too. We shared a full order of fries. The fries were not skinny like I usually like, but they were delicious- seasoned well. The restaurant is very open and attached to a music venue. They had sports on televisions on both sides of the dining area. When you go in, you pick up a menu and when you're ready to order, you go to the bar area then they bring the food to your table. The place is very clean, bright and open. read more

Perfect location right by SLU campus. Order at the bar kind of set up, awesome menu lineup. Full bar, huge TVs for game day. Double doors in the back lead to a huge dance floor and stage for music. What a fun place. Absolutely will be back! Mango salsa is to die for! Had the Key Cheesesteaks with chicken. More than enough for two meals. This place will be around a while, for sure. read more

The Key Stl - Menu - Burgers Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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The key is a cool new restaurant connected to a music venue. It has a fun sports bar aesthetic. Their build your burger option was great. I got the vegan burger with toppings and it was one of the best ones in the city, more than just a generic black bean burger. Their drinks and beer were also very affordable. Overall, a great place to hang out and get some affordable but delicious food and drinks. In addition, they let you bring food and drinks to the venue side where bands play. read more

The Key Stl - Elder emo's performing at the Key - Burgers Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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Saw they had some of STL Toasted raviolis and they are the best in the city so had to hop in to try the key lime pie toasted ravs snd they did not disappoint. I would like to see them add a lil side of whip cream for them to finish off the whole key lime pie aspect. The fries was fresh cut and loaded with toppings. Really good. You go in and order at a window so service was easy as they weren't busy at 8 on a Friday night. The restaurant its self has a cool sports bar vibe with a nice music hall attached.j was suprised at how large the music space was. read more

The Key Stl - Key lime pie toasted raviolis - Burgers Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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Great atmosphere, convenient to SLU & Midtown. Service is very friendly. It is an order and pickup at the counter place. My son loved his burger. I ordered a chopped salad with chicken with balsamic vinaigrette. The salad was fresh and well chopped. However, the add on chicken was over salted to the extreme. The fries were fine. We felt the chicken wings were average. The buffalo sauce was lacking depth of flavor. We finished up with the key lime toasted ravs from STL Toasted and they were pretty good. I will definitely come back and try a burger and other items on the menu. read more

I would definitely recommend this really cool place. We were in town for a volleyball tournament and found this little gem! We sat the bar, ordered the Mango Daiquiri and the #19. Declan was totally cool! Drinks are really good. The burgers were freakin delicious! And the fries are super yummy!!! We will definitely be back! read more

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Great new sports bar with phenomenal smash burgers, crafted cocktails and attentive bar and counter staff. Interior is fun but super bright (they are working on getting dimmer switches). Nice variety to the menu. Great spot for quick meal before Fox show or to watch any possible game you're interested in. read more

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We stumbled on the Key Stl by accident on our way to a SLU baseball game. Food was great and loved the atmosphere. Wil definitely go back read more

In other reviews people have talked about the location being perfect, but it's not that welcoming of a neighborhood - especially if you'd like to find a parking place for your car within a block. The band I wanted to see there was excellent and the PA is adequate, but the only seating is at tables, which are in short supply when more than a few dozen people are present. The big, open room design doesn't give warm, cozy vibes to the venue. For some weird reason you have to go into a little room to order food, instead of from waitstaff or a bartender. The bartender didn't seem very experienced in mixology. read more

Been traveling around the country for about 6 weeks and this is one of the best burgers I've had the whole time. Delicious. Fries were unique and well seasoned. Loved the knock off soda machine as well read more

Very good food! Everyone was very friendly. Had a variety of football and basketball games on the tvs. Not too loud. Very nice place, we'll be back. read more

The Key Stl - Beef cheesesteak. - Burgers Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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This place is great and the food is awesome! Got the jerk wings and fries with the curry honey mustard. I'm a huge fan of the curry honey mustard. read more

We went with a group of 8 to watch college football games. We loved the food. We all had different burgers and all thought they were really good. The fries were great! I am looking forward to returning! read more

Ever since they've opened, I've been a regular customer. The food is fresh and delicious; staff are very friendly. The vibe always feels nice and welcoming. I go there so much they know me name and face LOL. They have never once let me down and always met my expectations. I've recommended this establishment to all my friends and family. I love The Key!! read more

Although business is aesthetically pleasing, the staff is less than pleasing. I came here to purchase a water on a walk with my friend given all the other places nearby were closed. I walked up to the register (not the bar or drink station) to purchase a water and i asked if i could get one here. With a smile the bartender told me to grab a drink at the drink stand. While there, she began talking about my friend and I to a CUSTOMER stating how weird it was we wanted a water without buying food. Mind you, I never gave the impression I was here to purchase anything beyond a water. After her statement the customer questioned her why there would be an issue with people wanting water, to which she doubled down on disliking us. Previous to this, the same bartender commented on a customer's phone screen which was also quite offputting. Long story short, there was a reason we only saw three paying customers and it seemed two of which began packing their things as we left. read more

Nice, casual spot. Food was fast and so good. The curry sauce was amazing. Had the breakfast tacos and they were perfect. Service was friendly. read more

This place is total chaos before SLU games. They need to have more chefs on game days. I've gone twice and the food took over 30 minutes (estimate was 10 mins). Both times I've had to request a refund and left empty handed. I've heard the food is good, if you have an hour to wait. Hoping they gain improve bc it is one of the only spots within walking distance to Chaifetz Arena! read more

Great place to meet friends before a SLU basketball game. Good food and atmosphere. The employees were helpful with the food and drinks.