|
 |
BLUEBERRY HILL
|
By Christine Imbs
Joe Edwards is the first to admit he’s not your typical restaurateur.
 Joe Edwards, owner, Blueberry Hill. |
|
“I’m a record lover and a collector of pop culture memorabilia,” he says. “I opened Blueberry Hill to display my collections and to program a jukebox with great music. I just hoped others would enjoy it as much as I did.”
After 32 years, it’s safe to say they have. Blueberry Hill has become a St. Louis landmark, one Edwards says is known throughout the United States. Walk through the doors and you’ll see why. This is no ordinary restaurant, or even a pub—Blueberry Hill is an experience.
On the walls, in glass cases, and anywhere there’s space is Edwards’ extensive collection of memorabilia. There are displays devoted to “Star Wars,” The Simpsons and Kiss. Old album covers and comic books hang everywhere, and Chuck Berry’s famous guitar guards the entrance. There’s even an entire room devoted just to Elvis.
But memorabilia isn’t the only entertainment at Blueberry Hill. The restaurant boasts the best jukebox in the United States, as voted by Billboard Magazine. With 2,000 selections representing blues, rock, jazz, pop, country, soul and hip-hop, there truly is something for everyone.
| A small sampling of Edwards' extensive memorabilia collection at Blueberry Hill. |
|
“A lot of touring bands play here and like our jukebox,” Edwards says. “Blues great John Mayall was here, as was Sara McLachlan. And, of course, Chuck Berry does a legendary series once a month.”
If you prefer making your own kind of music, there’s karaoke in the Elvis Room. And for those who prefer something a bit less embarrassing, there’s the Dart Room. “It’s a wonderful social sport,” says Edwards. “The largest and oldest pub dart tournament held in North America is held here.”
Now on to other important stuff: food.
Blueberry Hill is famous for its great hamburgers. Indeed, it was voted number one among readers of the Riverfront Times out of more than 4,500 restaurants and bars in the St. Louis area. “There’s no real secret to it. We just buy the best meat and have chefs who know how to cook it right,” explains Edwards.
Those with hearty appetites can choose the 7-ounce burger for $5.25. A 5-ounce version is also available for $4.50. But if you’re burned out on burgers, don’t despair. There are 21 sandwich selections on the menu ranging in price from $4.25 to $6.75.
Along with the hamburgers, customer favorites include the Trout Almondine for $7.75 and the Jerk Chicken for $7.50. The homemade soups and chili also receive rave reviews and cost $2.75 for a cup up to $4.25 for a large bowl.
Vegetarians will also find something delicious on the menu. In addition to its salads with homemade dressings, there are five vegetarian specials, including Red Beans and Rice for $6.25, and Fettuccine Alfredo for $6.50.
If it’s beer you like, Blueberry Hill’s selection is amazing. Edwards stocks 60 bottled beers and 18 of them are on tap. Bottled beer starts at $2.50 for domestic brews, and tops out at $7 for an import. Beer on tap will run you from $3.25 a pint for domestics, to $4.25 for an import.
“We’re a one-of-a-kind place,” Edwards says. “There is something here for
everyone.”
TALKING POINTS
BLUEBERRY HILL RESTAURANT & NIGHTCLUB
6504 DELMAR IN THE LOOP
ST. LOUIS, MO 63130
PHONE: (314) 727-0880
ON THE WEB: WWW.BLUEBERRYHILL.COM
OPEN MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY
11:30 A.M. UNTIL 1:30 A.M.;
SUNDAYS 11:30 A.M. UNTIL MIDNIGHT
Christine Imbs is a freelance writer based in
St. Louis. |
|
|
|
|
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
