At waterleftfrog publications, we believe in supporting the businesses, organizations, and people who make St. Louis and its surrounding communities a richer, more meaningful place to live. Our recommended list includes independent restaurants, cafes, record shops, bookstores, and service-based businesses that share our values of creativity, integrity, and local impact. Whether it’s a corner coffee shop with the best house blend in town or a historic venue that’s hosted generations of local talent, these places matter to us. We don’t promote anything we don’t personally love—if it’s on our list, it’s because we stand by it.
Most of the businesses we support are either independently owned or rooted in St. Louis history. Some are family-run, some are artist-owned, and many go out of their way to give back—through community events, donations, or just being the kind of place that makes people feel seen. From food trucks to record stores, nonprofits to neighborhood diners, these are the places we trust and frequent ourselves. We’re proud to shine a light on them, and we encourage you to do the same. Supporting local means something, and these folks make it easy.
Left Bank Books
Founded in 1969, Left Bank Books is St. Louis’s oldest independent bookstore, located in the heart of the Central West End. What began as a small, progressive collective has grown into a cornerstone of the city’s literary and cultural scene. Left Bank Books offers a curated selection of new and used books, rare finds, and local authors, with a strong emphasis on diversity, social justice, and community engagement.
The store hosts hundreds of author events annually, supports local schools through its nonprofit Left Bank Books Foundation, and remains a passionate advocate for free expression and independent thought. Whether you're looking for the next great novel or a place that truly gives back to its city, Left Bank Books delivers.
Visit them online at: www.left-bank.com
Subterranean Books
Founded in October 2000 by Kelly von Plonski, Subterranean Books is a cherished, women‑owned independent bookstore nestled at 6271 Delmar Blvd in University City’s vibrant Delmar Loop. Built to be “someplace friendly and welcoming,” the cozy, narrow store boasts a carefully curated selection spanning literary fiction, history, cultural studies, children’s titles, music, science, and craft books.
The knowledgeable staff—avid readers all—pride themselves on personalized recommendations and fostering community with events, book clubs, and frequent “Noir at the Bar” evenings in partnership with local businesses. Their free frequent‑buyer program rewards community support with store credit, and their commitment to personal connections shines through: matching readers with unexpected favorites is at the heart of their mission visittheloop.com.
Explore their selections or order online: store.subbooks.com
Subterranean Books isn’t just a shop—it’s a cultural anchor in the Loop, embodying our values at WaterLeftFrog: historic importance, St. Louis roots, independent spirit, and a deep commitment to community.
Vintage Vinyl
Since opening in the early 1990s, Vintage Vinyl has become a beloved fixture of the Delmar Loop in University City, just outside St. Louis. Located at 6610 Delmar Blvd, this independently owned shop spans roughly 1,000 sq ft and stocks thousands of vinyl records—ranging from near-mint new releases to budget bins priced at under a dollar—alongside CDs, DVDs, posters, and music memorabilia .
More than just a record store, Vintage Vinyl is a social hub: weekends often feature free in-store performances coupled with local craft beer (hello, Schlafly!), drawing music lovers both casual and hardcore . With over 30 years of buying, selling, and trading records, this place is a treasure trove for collectors, nostalgists, and anyone who appreciates the analog experience .
Visit them online at vintagevinyl.com or drop in during their weekly hours—usually 11 am–6 pm daily—at the heart of the historic Delmar Loop .
Vintage Vinyl embodies everything WaterLeftFrog Publications champions: independent spirit, community roots, a historic sense of place, and a genuine love for what they do. Whether you're building your own collection or looking for a memorable afternoon.
Blueberry Hill
Established on September 8, 1972, by Joe and Linda Edwards, Blueberry Hill sits at 6504 Delmar Blvd in the Delmar Loop of University City. This independently owned restaurant and music club is a proud St. Louis institution—part eatery, part pop-culture museum, and part music venue. The space is adorned with vibrant memorabilia: from Howdy Doody and Pez dispensers to Beatles and Chuck Berry artifacts, including a dedicated “Duck Room” where Berry performed over 200 monthly concerts until 2014.
More than a cool nightspot, Blueberry Hill has served as a catalyst for the Loop's revival. Owner Joe Edwards reimagined the worn-out building (once “a disaster”) into a corner of cultural and economic vibrancy—later restoring the Tivoli Theatre, launching the St. Louis Walk of Fame, and spurring businesses like Pageant, Pin-Up Bowl, and Moonrise Hotel. With its famed burgers, fun dart room, and calendar full of live music and community events, Blueberry Hill embodies WaterLeftFrog’s values: locally rooted, historic, independent, and forever giving back.
Discover their menus, events, and legacy at blueberryhill.com.
Pio’s Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge
Established in 1954 (originally as the Continental Café), Pio and his brother-in-law Frank opened what would become a St. Charles classic. Today, it remains a family‑owned and independently run restaurant at 403 First Capitol Drive, with a timeless charm and menu rooted in Italian-American tradition. Pio’s is credited with introducing thin‑crust pizza, toasted ravioli, and pizza burgers to the St. Charles area—delicious staples patrons still seek out today.
Over the past 70+ years, Pio’s has maintained its reputation for hearty, homemade dishes—ranging from prime rib and charcoal-grilled steaks to seafood, pasta, and classic Italian appetizers like bruschetta and calamari. With three banquet rooms accommodating up to 120 guests, the restaurant also supports local gatherings and events, reinforcing its role as a community cornerstone.
Visit them online to explore menus, hours, or book your event: www.piosrestaurant.com
For WaterLeftFrog Publications, Pio’s embodies everything we cherish: independent ownership, deep St. Charles roots, a historic legacy, and a commitment to bringing people together—one beloved traditional meal at a time.
The Focal Point
The Focal Point is a musical sanctuary. A cozy, intimate listening room that offers a perfect blend of warm acoustics and genuine connection. Tucked in Maplewood’s charming arts district, its elevated stage and theater-style seating create the feeling of a house concert taken up a notch. Reviews consistently highlight the venue’s blend of professional sound quality and welcoming staff, noting it’s “super fun” and ideal for an intimate musical experience with a crowd that truly cares about the music. In short, it’s the kind of place where every note, lyric, and glance between performer and audience feels deeply personal, match made for someone who really values live acoustic storytelling.
When it comes to Songbird Concerts, the folks at waterleftfrog have great admiration for what they do for the community and for songwriters. These in-the-round evenings bring singer-songwriters together in a stripped-down format that celebrates artistry and narrative over spectacle—strictly voice, guitar, and soul. For instance, the January 22, 2025 event showcased Amelia White, Shane Devine, Jane Godfrey, and Chris Grabau in a lineup described as “truly spectacular,” drawing praise for how intimacy amplified each artist’s emotional delivery Songbird Concerts. Similarly, the February 26 show featured standout performances from Tommy Halloran, Ashley Byrne, Andy Ploof, and Cara Ristau—artists whose storytelling, musicianship, and chemistry elevated the entire experience Songbird Concerts. For fans like us at waterleftfrog, Songbird Concerts embody the essence of meaningful live music: a space where stories are shared, connections are forged, and every lyric rings true in a room full of kindred spirits.
Mount Grace Chapel (at Mount Grace Convent)
Located at 1438 E. Warne Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63107, Mount Grace Chapel is the spiritual heart of the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters—affectionately known as the "Pink Sisters" for their rose‑colored habits. Established in 1928 by Mother Mary Michael and the Order’s founder Saint Arnold Janssen, the chapel was named “Mount Grace” to symbolize grace pouring over the Mississippi Valley.
This cloistered, contemplative community is dedicated to the perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, praying the Liturgy of the Hours seven times daily and celebrating Mass each morning. Visitors are warmly welcomed to enter the chapel (open daily from 5:45 am to 6 pm), participate in prayer and Vespers, or join the Legion of 1000 Adorers—monthly pledges to spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Aside from being a serene haven for spiritual reflection, the Sisters fulfill a missionary purpose through prayer, quietly sustaining priests and global missions through their contemplative life. The Little “Pink Sisters” may be hidden behind the enclosure, but their intercession reaches far beyond these walls—making Mount Grace Chapel a powerful beacon of community, faith, and historic spiritual legacy.
Chapel and Convent Web Link:
mountgraceconvent.org
Mount Grace Chapel is more than beautiful architecture; it’s a living center of prayer, devotion, and compassionate mission—qualities WaterLeftFrog Publications believes in recommending wholeheartedly.
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO)
Founded in 1880 by Joseph Otten as the St. Louis Choral Society, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second‑oldest professional symphony orchestra in the United States, preceded only by the New York Philharmonic. Over its distinguished 140+ year history, the SLSO has performed in venues ranging from the Odeon and Kiel Auditorium to its iconic current home, Powell Hall, which it has graced since 1968.
Under the current Music Director Stéphane Denève (2019–present), the SLSO has maintained its artistic excellence while deepening community ties through extensive education programs—including its Youth Orchestra, two choir ensembles, and outreach concerts in schools, hospitals, and community centers. Its critically acclaimed recording legacy, which includes multiple Grammy wins, further underscores its reputation as a musical powerhouse.
As a pillar of St. Louis’s cultural and civic identity, the SLSO embodies WaterLeftFrog Publications' values: historic legacy, independent spirit, and a commitment to enriching local life through the arts.
Explore upcoming performances, community programs, and the orchestra’s story at slso.org
Music Folk
Since 1973, Music Folk has been Webster Groves’s premier destination for folk and old-time acoustic instruments. Located at 8015 Big Bend Blvd, this family-owned shop specializes in new and used guitars, fiddles, banjos, dulcimers, mandolins, harmonicas, ukuleles, sheet music, and more. It’s a cozy, welcoming space where beginners and seasoned players alike can get expert advice, trusted repairs, and the kind of personal service that’s hard to find anywhere else.
It also happens to be Miles Closer’s favorite music shop—a place where the instruments have soul, the staff knows your name, and the walls seem to hum with the history of American roots music. Whether he’s picking up strings, hunting for a new pedal, or just talking shop with the crew, Music Folk is where Miles goes to feel grounded and inspired.
More than a store, Music Folk is a hub for the acoustic community in St. Louis. They offer lessons, host jams, support workshops, and give back through decades of service to local musicians. For WaterLeftFrog Publications, this shop checks all the boxes: independently owned, historically rooted, community-minded, and deeply loved.
🎻 Visit them online at: www.musicfolk.com
DiGregorio’s Italian Market
Nestled in the heart of St. Louis’s historic Hill neighborhood at 5200 Daggett Ave, DiGregorio’s Italian Market has been family-owned and operated since 1971, serving authentic imported Italian pastas, meats, cheeses, olive oils, wines, and prepared foods for over 50 years. Third-generation owners uphold founder Sam DiGregorio’s legacy of integrity, community engagement, and warm service—his daughter Dora still greets customers at the register digregoriofoods.com.
But the DiGregorio’s experience goes beyond groceries—it’s about community and connection.
This is a favorite shop of O1q and Story Meredith—and when it comes to our monthly staff meetings, the catering choice always comes straight from them. Their personal endorsement has made DiGregorio’s a regular feature at our gatherings, delighting the whole team with its authentic flavors and charm.
Find them online or plan your visit: digregoriofoods.com
DiGregorio’s Italian Market aligns perfectly with WaterLeftFrog Publications’ values: independent, locally rooted, historic, and community-minded, with flavors that bring people together—just like good storytelling.
Gus’ Pretzels
There is no better place than Gus’ Pretzels—a true St. Louis institution since 1920, located at 1820 Arsenal Street, just around the corner from the historic Anheuser-Busch brewery. Family-owned for over a century, Gus’ serves up handmade, Bavarian-style pretzels twisted fresh daily. From their classic salted twists to bratwurst-stuffed pretzels and legendary pretzel sticks, every bite tastes like local history.
At WaterLeftFrog Publications, Gus’ isn’t just a recommendation—it’s an obsession. Rob from The Daniels keeps a stash of frozen Gus’ pretzel sticks in the Center Neptune studio freezer at all times. Seriously. He’s insane about it. Studio sessions, writing nights, late edits—whatever’s happening, the pretzels are always close. And if they run out? That’s an emergency.
Gus’ represents everything we love: historic roots, independent ownership, community connection, and unmatched flavor. It’s more than food—it’s a St. Louis essential.
Learn more at www.guspretzels.com
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company
Founded in 1981 by the Abel family, Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company is a St. Louis favorite known for its handcrafted, small-batch confections made with fair trade chocolate and natural ingredients. Located at 5025 Pattison Avenue, this family-run chocolate factory is open for tours and tastings, letting you experience the magic behind their iconic truffles, chocolate-covered Oreos, sea salt caramels, and nostalgic seasonal treats.
It also happens to be a favorite of Moss Henson, our writer-in-residence at WaterLeftFrog Publications. Moss claims that no editing session is complete without a box of Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups at arm’s reach—and we don’t argue. There’s something about the richness of their chocolate and the care in their craft that perfectly complements the creative process.
Rooted in tradition, committed to sustainability, and proudly St. Louis–based, this company represents the kind of thoughtful, independently owned business we love to champion.
Visit them online or book a tour: chocolatechocolatechocolate.com
Saullo’s Pizza
Located in St. Peters, Missouri, Saullo’s Pizza is a family-owned gem known for its no-nonsense charm, hearty Italian-American comfort food, and some of the best pizza in the region. A true local staple, Saullo’s has built a loyal following through generous portions, homemade recipes, and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere that feels like home the second you walk through the door.
Miles Closer has been going to Saullo’s with his family for over 40 years. It’s more than a restaurant—it’s part of his story. When out-of-town guests come through Center Neptune Studio, Saullo’s is always the dinner spot. And after a long day recording, writing, or just trying to make sense of the music, you’ll often find Miles and his family at their regular table in the corner, recharging over pizza, pasta, and conversation.
At WaterLeftFrog Publications, we don’t just recommend Saullo’s—we live there. It embodies everything we value: family, consistency, tradition, and local flavor. No frills, no hype—just a place that shows up, year after year, with the food and spirit we love.
They don’t need a website. Just show up—you’ll understand.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Founded in 1859 by philanthropist and botanist Henry Shaw, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in continuous operation in the United States and one of the most respected in the world. Located at 4344 Shaw Boulevard in St. Louis, it spans 79 acres of stunning landscapes, including Japanese gardens, tropical conservatories, Victorian-style formal beds, and native Missouri ecosystems. It’s more than a garden—it’s a living museum, research institution, and sanctuary in the heart of the city.
For WaterLeftFrog Publications, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a place of reflection, where many of our most important meetings and retreats have taken place. Whether it’s walking the outer paths of the Japanese Garden or sitting by the water lilies in the Climatron, this space has given us the clarity to talk through big ideas, re-center our creative energy, and think about the future of our work. It’s where plans get sorted, collaborations take root, and inspiration feels just a little easier to find.
Learn more or plan your own walk-and-talk: www.missouribotanicalgarden.org
STL Comics Toys & More
Located at 4117 Old Highway 94 S, St. Charles, MO, STL Comics Toys & More is a go-to comic shop for both Moss Henson and countless collectors. Specializing in an extensive inventory of back issues, toys, video games, and collectibles, the owner is known for regularly buying collections—meaning the stock is always evolving and full of surprises.
For Moss, Saturdays often begin with a ritual: before heading into the office, he stops by STL Comics to check for rare finds, snag some more comics, or chat with the welcoming staff. It’s the perfect way to ease into the weekend and feed his comic book passion—an essential part of his routine as our writer-in-residence.
With a family-owned vibe, rotating stock, and that special collector’s magic, STL Comics hits every mark for us at WaterLeftFrog Publications: independent, community-rooted, passion-driven, and always ready to inspire creativity.
Check them out next Saturday—you never know what story you’ll uncover.
Euclid Records
A longtime favorite of everyone at waterleftfrog. Whether you're crate-digging for obscure 45s, checking out the newest reissue on vinyl, or hunting for something you didn’t know you needed until it was playing through the store speakers, Euclid Records never disappoints. It’s a regular stop for the whole crew — Miles Closer, The Daniels, Story Meredith, and Moss Henson have all walked out of there with their arms full. If we’re talking record stores that feel like home, this is it.
Location: 19 N Gore Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119
Website: euclidrecords.com
Phone: (314) 961-8978