Venice Café

If you are looking for the most unusual and eclectic spot in St. Louis, the legendary Venice Café will be a true revelation. This is not just a nightclub or a bar, but a living art installation created by owner Jeff Lockheed and his artist friends in the USA. Housed in a historic former storefront, the venue captures the imagination with its incredible accumulation of handmade mosaics, taxidermy, totems, and fascinating artifacts collected over decades.

Every inch of this space—from the outdoor patio to the famous “The Blue Hole” restrooms—is packed with art that is constantly being updated. Venice Café exudes an atmosphere of absolute anti-conformism and bohemian spirit, making it a favorite among the creative intelligentsia, hipsters, and travelers looking for authentic experiences beyond the standard guidebooks.

The establishment is known for its strict cash-only policy and a unique social code where patrons bus their own tables, becoming part of this unique "tribe." The staff here are genuine artists and musicians who don't just serve guests but maintain the singular energy of this creative chaos.

For more information about upcoming concerts or table reservations, you can use the official communication channels. Please note that the establishment follows a strict cash-only policy.

You should walk into Venice Café with your eyes wide open. The primary activity here is visual exploration. You can spend hours examining the mosaic-covered walls, cow skulls, Doric columns adorned with rabbit figurines, and a costumed turtle named Big Tiny. Photographers will find endless inspiration in every corner, whether it's rusty installations or shimmering glass fragments.

Music lovers shouldn't miss the live performances. On Mondays, the venue hosts open mic nights, which are regarded as some of the oldest and most atmospheric in the city. You can hear everything from experimental rock to poetry readings. During the warmer months, the lush patio is open, serving food and drinks alfresco amidst whimsical sculptures.

If you find yourself here on a Friday or Saturday, head upstairs to the Explorer’s Lounge. This room is themed around adventure and travel, with an abundance of taxidermy and rare artifacts that invite long conversations about distant lands. Don't forget to check out the unique bathrooms—at this venue, even the restrooms are works of art deserving of their own attention.

Located in the historic Benton Park neighborhood, this spot is easy to find by the characteristic aroma of yeast from the neighboring Anheuser-Busch brewery. If you are planning to drive, keep in mind that the bar does not have its own parking lot, but street parking is usually available on the surrounding blocks.

For those preferring public transport, it is most convenient to take the MetroLink to the Lafayette station or use bus routes that pass through the intersection of Pestalozzi and Lemp Streets. The trip from downtown takes no more than 10–15 minutes.

The area is generally safe for walking in the evening; however, for visits after midnight (the venue stays open until 1:00 AM), using a taxi or popular rideshare services is recommended for a comfortable return to your hotel.

The history of this eccentric venue began in 1978 when Jeff Lockheed purchased an abandoned building at the corner of Pestalozzi and Lemp. Interestingly, his decision to buy the house was indirectly sparked by being fired from an airline—the reason was his protest against corporate grooming rules regarding wearing an earring. In those days, the Benton Park neighborhood was far from prestigious, but Lockheed transformed his home into an open-ended project for artist and musician friends.

The establishment officially opened as a café in 1987, and a year later, Lockheed and his artist friend Paul Kuba founded Venice Inc. The name was inspired by the bohemian atmosphere of Venice, California. In 1989, the café received a liquor license, which transformed the quiet art club into one of the city's most popular and profitable bars.

Over the decades, the owner has turned every challenge into art. For instance, after attempted break-ins, instead of just installing bars, he created intricate medieval-style ironwork that became part of the decor. Today, the Venice Café is considered an essential part of the St. Louis cultural fabric, symbolizing a spirit of freedom and untamed creativity.

If you just want to peek inside and quickly browse the mosaics, half an hour might suffice, but Venice Café is not a place for rushing. A typical visitor should budget 2–3 hours, especially if you plan to catch some live music or enjoy drinks on the patio.

If you visit on a weekend when the upstairs Explorer’s Lounge is open, time will fly as you study the artifacts and chat with the local crowd. This spot is perfect for a slow evening where you can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of creative chaos.

Venice Café opens its doors in the late afternoon and stays open until the early hours, allowing guests to soak in the evening atmosphere of Benton Park.

• Monday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
• Sunday: Closed

Please note that operating hours may vary slightly on holidays or during special private events, so checking the official website before your visit is recommended.

The Benton Park area and its surroundings offer plenty of options for continuing your exploration. Visiting nearby locations will help you better experience the industrial and cultural heritage of this part of Missouri.