Muny Nights & Bites

Pre-show dinner pairings to match this summer's iconic musical theater season.

Muny season has officially returned to STL! Every year, from mid-June to mid-August, a series of musical performances takes the stage at America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater.

There are season tickets, single tickets, discounted tickets, and even free tickets available—which I wrote more about here.

Earlier this week, my friend Logan—a season-ticket holder—gave me the fun idea and challenge to recommend restaurants that pair thematically with the current Muny show, inspired by his and his mom’s tradition of dinner before a show.

Challenge accepted.

Here’s the 7-show lineup for this year, along with my pre-show dinner recommendations:

1. Bring It On (Jun 16 – Jun 22)

   1. Recommendation(s): City Foundry for its open food hall concept, mimicking a high school cafeteria vibe. For something fancier, Eleven Eleven Mississippi offers Californian cuisine that aligns with the story’s setting.

2. Come From Away (June 26-July 2)

   • Recommendation(s): Canada = poutine! Eat Crow is a laid-back gastropub serving pork poutine, or Frisco Barroom for a classier vibe with both classic and vegetarian poutine options.

3. Disney’s Frozen (July 6-14)

   1. Recommendation(s): Assuming you’re attending with kids, White Castle or Dairy Queen should do. But if you want something a bit classier, I recommend Basso which reminds me of a castle with its cozy, basement dungeon feel. It’s also one of my favorite spots to warm up during the winter months. I also found a Queen Anne Street in STL, close to Katie’s Pizza & Pasta in Rock Hill.

4. Evita (Jul 18 – Jul 24)

   1. Recommendation(s): Located outside city limits, TANGO Argentina Food offers authentic Argentinian cuisine. Let me know if you’ve tried any spots closer to the city!

5. Dear Evan Hansen (Jul 28 – Aug 3)

   1. Recommendation(s): This is a tough and sensitive one. Given the suburban American setting, I chose Webster Groves’ Olive + Oak for its American classics and creative offerings.

6. La Cage aux Folles (Aug 8 – Aug 14)

   1. Recommendation(s): Brasserie by Niche for classic French fare. As a bonus, catch a drag show at Rehab depending on your ticket night.

7. Jersey Boys (Aug 18 – Aug 24)

   1. Since New Jersey is known as the “Diner Capital of the World,” try Little Lucy for a cocktail-meets-diner vibe. Or pick from one of the many restaurants on The Hill for classic Italian cuisine.

Happy Muny season!