Welcome to University City
Hip, urban and artistic, this city boasts plenty of historic architecture and a suburban feel
Well known for its vibrant Delmar Loop district, this inner-ring St. Louis suburb takes its name from nearby Washington University, a private school located between University City, Clayton, and St. Louis city proper.
Home to more than 35,000 residents, the city is one of St. Louis’ older suburbs, and a good amount of its historic architecture remains. The northern portion of the city was developed after World War II and features more of a suburban feel, containing a variety of shopping centers and other retail-focused development.
The 85-acre Heman Park, which includes recreation and community centers and public pool facilities, is at University City’s heart and Ruth Park, a public golf course with a cluster of nature trails, is also a local attraction. The University City school district, which is separately managed from other school districts in the area, offers six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
What to Love
- One of St. Louis’ older suburbs
- Plenty of historic architecture
- Abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation
Local Lifestyle
Families gravitate to University City for its excellent school system but students also populate this part of town because of its proximity to Washington University.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
University City is full of famed dining establishments. Local favorites include: Blueberry Hill, a pop culture–themed diner with late hours and frequent live music; Seoul Taco, a Korean-Mexican fast-casual restaurant featuring a menu of kimchi fried rice burritos and tacos; Salt + Smoke, a hip, relaxed Texas-style BBQ joint with a full menu of bourbons, artisan cocktails, and craft beer; Fork and Stix, a chill, intimate choice for traditional Northern Thai cuisine; and the Peacock Diner, a unique St. Louis diner known for its “breakfast all day” menu, griddled burgers, spiked milkshakes, and colorful retro decor.
Things to Do
If you want to catch a film with friends, stop by the Tivoli Theatre! This three-screen movie theater, open since 1924, is located in the Delmar Loop area of University City.
Music lovers will have a blast at The Duck Room. Located inside of Blueberry Hill diner, this 340-capacity venue was inaugurated by Chuck Berry, who continued to play there once a month in a legendary concert series. Many bands have played on this same historic stage since, including Ed Sheeran, the Lumineers, John Legend, Nelly, and Grandmaster Flash. There’s also The Pageant, a renowned entertainment venue that features a midsize live-music theater with tiered seating, cabaret tables, and dance floor in front of the stage.
Bounded by Midland, Olive, Purdue, Pennsylvania, and Vernon, Heman Park is considered University City’s largest park and features several picnic areas, a swimming pool, and centennial commons. It’s a great place to spend the day with your friends and family. Other fascinating University City sites include the unique Moonrise Hotel, a boutique hotel located on the world-famous Delmar Loop. Here, you’ll find a restaurant and entertainment venue. There’s also the St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre. Founded by producing director Ron Himes, the Black Rep is one of the largest, not-for-profit professional African-American theatre companies in the nation and the largest African-American performing arts organization in Missouri.
Schools
The School District of University City has a rich history dating back to 1868. Boasting an impressive list of graduates, including Tenessee Williams, the rap artist Nelly, the social justice leader Mary Tinker, plus hundreds of nationally-recognized doctors, lawyers, scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, filmmakers, musicians, dancers, and more, there are currently 2,600 students enrolled in grades PreK through 12.
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