In the Grand Center Arts District, The Key STL has it all: smashburgers, a full bar, sports, live music, and dancing. The latest spot from the Kranzberg Arts Foundation debuted last fall and offers American comfort fare and entertainment in a space filled with vibrant local art.
“St. Louis is a melting pot of cultures and diverse personalities, and The Key plays into all of that,” general manager Honora Kinsella says. “We wanted to give people the opportunity to explore a little bit of this and that in an exciting new setting.”
The 9,000-square-foot complex is made up of two adjacent historic buildings built in 1887. Art by Cuban designers and illustrators Raul Valdés, Juan Carlos Polo, and Carlos Zamora embellishes the bar and restaurant, wrapping cheerful St. Louis-inspired imagery across the walls. TV screens hang around the dining area where guests can catch live sports feeds under a beautifully restored original tin ceiling.
On the 100-seat restaurant side, guests will find a fast-casual menu designed by Michele Coen of Michele C. Catering & Events. The seasoned chef previously owned The Dam in South City. Pasture-raised local beef from Price Family Farms stars in a series of smashburgers on Fazio bread – including The Hat Trick, with three patties, American cheese, grilled onions, jalapeños, bacon, and spicy barbecue sauce.
The Magic Mushroom is another highlight, with two patties, Swiss, gouda, an Ozark Forest Mushroom mix, and garlic mayo on sourdough. Build-your-own burgers including a vegan option are available. Additional savory offerings range from jerk chicken wings and hand-cut fries to cheesesteaks and gulf shrimp tacos – all available with housemade sauces…