The Delmar Loop is the liveliest entertainment street in the St. Louis area, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame is the free attraction that gives a walk along it a purpose. Set on Delmar Boulevard between University City and the city line, the Loop is a long strip of independent shops, restaurants, bars, music venues and a historic cinema, anchored by the sidewalk stars of the Walk of Fame. Founded in 1989 by Loop developer Joe Edwards, the Walk now includes more than 150 brass stars and bronze plaques honoring St. Louisans who made a national impact in fields such as music, literature, science, sports, film and television, art and architecture, history and civic life, and broadcasting and journalism. It is outdoors, free and open around the clock, running the length of the Loop with no ticket and no detour. The best-known star belongs to Chuck Berry, whom the Walk calls the father of rock and roll. He played a standing monthly show at the Duck Room at Blueberry Hill for more than two decades, and his star sits right outside the venue. The Loop also holds the Moonrise Hotel, a quirky rooftop-moon landmark, and a mix of independent music venues. The area is walkable, popular with Washington University students and residents, and best in the evening when the neon signs come on and the sidewalks fill. For visitors it is the easiest way to see a younger, livelier side of the city and to pick up some local music and literary history along the way.
How to visit
The Loop is about a fifteen-minute drive west of downtown, next to Forest Park, and is also reachable by MetroLink to the Delmar Loop station. The Walk of Fame is free and always open, and the shops, restaurants and venues keep their own hours, with the busiest times in the evening and on weekends. Street parking is available but fills on weekends, so allow time or use rideshare. A walk along the stars takes an hour or so, longer if you stop for food, shopping or a show.
What to expect
You walk the pavement and read the stars as you go, each with a short note about the honoree, and the choice of names is wide, from musicians to scientists to broadcasters. Look at the neon signs, the independent record shops and bookshops, and check the calendar at the music venues for live shows.
For a memorable stop, look for Chuck Berry's star outside Blueberry Hill and, if you are there at the right time, ask about the Duck Room, where he played his monthly shows. The Loop is a lively place for a casual meal, with a wide spread of restaurants and bars.
Making the most of it
Go in the late afternoon, walk the stars while it is light, then eat and take in a show after dark. The Loop pairs naturally with Forest Park, which is a short drive away, and it is a good base for visitors who prefer a livelier area to downtown, particularly if you stay at the Moonrise Hotel.
It is a good wet-weather choice only if you plan to spend time indoors at shops and venues, since the stars themselves are outdoors. Because the Walk is free, it makes a good filler for a spare evening.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided walk along Delmar Boulevard reading brass stars and plaques, with independent shops, restaurants and venues along the way.
Best time
Late afternoon into the evening, when the Loop is liveliest and the neon is on.
How long
One hour for the stars; two to three hours with a meal or a show.
Tips
Look for Chuck Berry's star outside Blueberry Hill, check venue calendars for live music and use MetroLink or rideshare on busy weekends.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Music fans, couples, students and anyone who likes street life.
- Families
- Fine in the daytime; older children will enjoy hunting for stars, while evenings suit adults more.
- Couples
- A lively evening of walking, dinner and live music.
- Pair with
- Forest Park or the Saint Louis Art Museum during the day.
- Time needed
- Allow one to three hours.
Good questions
What is the St. Louis Walk of Fame?+
It is a free outdoor walk of more than 150 brass stars and bronze plaques along Delmar Boulevard honoring St. Louisans who made a national impact, founded in 1989 by Joe Edwards.
Is there a charge?+
No. The Walk is free, outdoors and open around the clock.
Where is Chuck Berry's star?+
It is right outside Blueberry Hill, where he played a monthly show in the Duck Room for more than two decades.
How do I get to the Loop?+
It is about a fifteen-minute drive west of downtown beside Forest Park, and MetroLink serves the area.
When is the best time to go?+
Late afternoon and evening, when the shops are open and the venues come alive.
