Looking for a new area to spend your casual Saturday? The city of Kirkwood is the perfect place to visit.
Everywhere you look, streets are filled with small restaurants, cafes, farmer’s markets, and flower carts. Located between Highway 40 and I-44, the 16-square-block area offers so many things to choose from that can accommodate anyone visiting. After spending an entire afternoon exploring the town, we can proudly say that the city of Kirkwood is a great place for a casual stroll or meal. The city has a small-town feel that seems calm and friendly, with many local businesses and shops to explore, and even includes two sets of train tracks that run through the town daily.
At the beginning, we decided to visit the Whisker Station Cat Cafe, located on 212 Kirkwood Rd, where we got to meet and play with different cats. The experience was like no other; some cats were playful and energetic, while others remained calm and relaxed. The initial feel of walking into the cafe was extremely welcoming. They played soft music in the background and the front desk hostess greeted us right away. We began by signing a waiver and then walking into a separate room where the cats were located. This room was large and filled with adorable toys and beds for each of the cats to relax in. Visitors are able to sit down on benches, chairs, or couches and either pet or play with cats as they come up to you. The best part of our experience was being able to throw different cat toys that the kittens would chase and play with. At some points, these affectionate cats would even come up to the visitors and allow us to pet them. The atmosphere is a great place to relax and lounge for a slow afternoon. Additionally, guests can enjoy a snack or drink inside the cafe area, where more cats are also located.
Next, we made our way to grab some lunch at the Pioneer Bakery Cafe, located on 212 Kirkwood Rd. The space itself is large with plenty of seating, including an upstairs level. They have a counter area where customers can order breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there is also a fun ice cream station that serves many different styles of ice cream, including cones, shakes, etc. After ordering our lunch at the counter, we sat down at a small table waiting for our food. The service was exceptional and high quality, as our waitress handed out our food quickly and made sure we were comfortable before leaving. As for the meal, we ordered both the Turkey Melt and Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken. The Turkey Melt was absolutely delicious, containing smoked turkey, bacon, cheese, and an optional mustard spread that quickly melts in your mouth. The first bite was the most appetizing due to the delicious cheese and turkey combination being extremely flavorful. The food was freshly made and warm, which made the experience so much more enjoyable. Along with the sandwich, you also get a side of crunchy and salty sweet potato chips, all for $13.50. Next, we tried the Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken sandwich. This had a tangy and spicy chipotle aioli that complemented the cilantro and lime-marinated chicken flawlessly. The bread of the sandwich was also soft and fresh, a perfect meal to enjoy on a chilly autumn afternoon and cost $14.50. Overall, our experience at the Pioneer Bakery Cafe was unmatched, and definitely a restaurant to revisit in the future.
Afterward, we took a stroll around the farmer’s market on 150 E Argonne Dr, overflowing with homemade ingredients such as butter, cheese, and sauces, and fresh groceries like fruits and vegetables. We settled on buying a few of the charming mini pumpkins, which were only about $1-$4 each. The market had a calm autumn vibe, yet was abundant with lots of customers looking around for fresh produce. The market also contained shelves stocked with homemade desserts and treats for extremely low prices. The entire area was decorated with fall flowers and even a few funny painted pumpkins.
Finally, we grabbed a treat on our way out at Alibi Cookies on 110 Kirkwood Rd. This small local business sold some of the most delicious cookies we had ever had. We decided to try the S’mores cookie, which had mini marshmallows and chocolate chips, with a soft and gooey center. The cookie melts in your mouth and has an abundantly sweet flavor. Not feeling cookies? The Alibi also serves different ice cream flavors, and even has a special deal for $5, where you can buy a cup of ice cream with any cookie of your choice. The strawberry cheesecake ice cream tasted absolutely amazing, and was even better alongside the warm cookie. The customer service was also exceptional, with kind workers that made the experience one to remember.
Apart from the places we visited, there are many more options and things to see around the town. For example, you could spend your day going to Honey Bee’s Biscuits for breakfast, then spend the afternoon painting at Pottery Hollow, next grabbing a treat at the Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Factory, and finally visiting Amigos Mexican Cantina for dinner! All of these places can be found alongside Kirkwood Rd, either driving or walking by. For our next visit, we plan on checking out Great Harvest Bread Bakery on 125 Argonne Dr, and possibly buying some fresh bread or baked goods.
All in all, the City of Kirkwood is a St. Louis hidden gem, and possibly one of the most charming suburbs to visit. The area offers a variety of unique restaurants, shops, and markets that are welcoming to everyone. The city is extremely walkable but still allows for driving, and even has its very own train that passes through the area. We would recommend the City of Kirkwood to anyone looking for a peaceful and enjoyable place to spend their day.
