About the CWE
A Tapestry of Culture, Cuisine and Character
The Central West End offers a unique blend of old-world elegance and contemporary flair. Stroll down Euclid Avenue to discover a dynamic mix of over 75 shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars, all set against a backdrop of stunning turn-of-the-century architecture. Whether you’re savoring a meal at a cozy bistro, exploring eclectic boutiques, or enjoying live music, the Central West End invites you to experience the perfect harmony of tradition and trend.
History of the CWE
Learn about how this historic neighborhood became the lively, charming spot it is today.
Gallery
See the neighborhood’s creative pulse for yourself.
Our Board Members
Meet the local leaders working to shape a thriving Central West End.
Our Partners
Meet the groups who help make the Central West End and St. Louis the vibrant neighborhood we love.
About The CWE
Where else can you find the best restaurants, bistros, bars, shopping, galleries, and entertainment in St. Louis? Look no further — it’s all right here in the Central West End!
The Central West End, named by the American Planning Association as one of America’s Top 10 Neighborhoods, features an exciting mix of St. Louis’ best dining, entertainment, shopping, and nightlife in a setting where delightful discoveries and impromptu adventures just happen.
The CWE is a growing neighborhood rich with history, ready to embrace the changing urban environment. In an atmosphere of historic St. Louis architecture and pedestrian-and bike-friendly streets, you’ll find great places to shop, dine, and explore. Home to some of St. Louis’s oldest shops, one-of-a-kind businesses, and unique attractions such as The World Chess Hall of Fame, the CWE is often described as ‘urban eclectic.’ The charming people and places of the CWE evoke a feeling of community and create a sense of place throughout the neighborhood — a neighborhood with endless energy.
Euclid Avenue serves as the Main Street of the Central West End, connecting Maryland Plaza, McPherson Avenue, and Washington Avenue with more than 75 shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, salons, hotels, and other businesses. All walks of life happily co-exist on the streets of the CWE, from art lovers, foodies and shoppers, to students, residents and our four-legged friends — there is something for everyone in this one-of-a-kind urban setting.
The streetscape is characterized by its stunning architecture, including a mix of the finest French Tudor, Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, Mid-Century, and Postmodern styles in the St. Louis area. Surrounding the Central West End are some of the most prestigious single-family homes and private streets in the Midwest. This urban oasis is bolstered by the Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and Forest Park — the nation’s seventh-largest urban park.
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, the CWE has something for everyone.