The Dark Room at The Grandel — Restaurant in St. Louis

The Establishment did live up to its name, it was "Dark!" I got there at 10:00 p.m., and there was no one at the door to greet me, so I just took up a space at the bar. I ordered a Cadillac Margarita, but the "Bar Keep," couldn't seem to get their hands on any Grand Marnier, so I just took it the way they served it. They did manage to get the instructions of (no salt) correct, yet, as I was perusing the liquor stock, I saw a fifth of Grand Marnier, "Top Shelf" on display? The music had begun, and the Reggae Band was exceptionally good! I was there for about 20 minutes, and some dude, dressed in clothes that were not indicative of being a part of anybody's "Staff," requested a $20 cover charge; citing that this was a "Special Event," yet I saw nothing uniquely "Special" about it, nor did I see anyone else pony up a Cover, as people were just trolling in and out of the place at their leisure. I was not in the mood to argue, so I kicked him the "Slots" without hesitation. The cocktail was adequate, but weak, so after the second round, I started ordering Patron shots on the side, just to get to Euphoria. I've already mentioned, the band was "First Rate" and I couldn't get my mind around the fact that out of the 30 some odd patrons, no one had taken upon themselves to utilize the dance floor, so I decided to "cut a rug" by my lonely, because who in the hell comes to a Reggae Party and sits at the tables and along the walls just "listening" to the music like they were at Powell Symphony Hall across the street!? Reggae was made for Dancing, and I've experienced so many parties over the years, until I didn't give a damn whether somebody danced or not, I was getting my "Money's Worth!" After I'd resigned myself to paying New York prices, at a St Louis establishment, I decided to turn it into a private party for myself. The people were dressed to the 9's, and fairly cool, but uptight, apprehensive and not particularly gregarious. After I had traipsed the dance floor for a trio of tunes, (throwing money in the gratuity bucket each time) I decided to ask a couple of single Ladies if they would join me, but as expected, they demurred! It was starting to get late, and I was starting to feel good.... after of course, having to "Spike" my own drinks! I couldn't think of anywhere else to go, so I just kept dancing and drinking. At that point I started to get a little peckish so I decided to take a look at "marginal menu" and perhaps get turned on to some new culinary delights. I saw something that described itself as dumplings, with a chili sauce. It seemed intriguing, and at $13, I was expecting something that would at least take the "edge" off. I've dined at a lot of establishments all over this country (and abroad) and every time I've seen the word "dumplings" on the menu, I've always been served something either sauteed, or boiled with a sauce and some sort of vegetable ingredients or garnishment. They brought me out some severely fried "Crab Rangoon" looking "Things" that I could have gotten at any fast food Chinese restaurant for $4! Lord knows what the contents of these little "Krispy Kreatures" were, because the menu wasn't informative and the person serving it, was even less so! Still, I continue to hang- out 'till closing time. Now, my "Private Dancing" had become infectious, and some decided to join me on the dance floor. I stayed until the band struck the last note, and I have to say that I have more fun in my car on the drive home, than I did inside this joint! I had considered going back down there tonight and partake of the Festivities, but whoever is producing your literature, didn't see Fit to tell me what those "Festivities" might be! The "Dark Room" is pretty cool, conceptually, but it's obvious to me that whoever came up with this concept, doesn't get St Louis, or its people. This town is already on "Life-Support" with regard to sophisticated entertainment. Just throwing up a bunch of Decent Decor and charging a lot "Ritzy-Titzy" prices is not the way to get into the Psyche or the Pockets of people...

This is an exciting venue. There's actually four points of interest in the building of The Grandel! When you come to The Dark Room you are in the middle of it all. As The Grandel lobby space was transformed into The Grandel auditorium venue bar & The Dark Room club.

There is a photography based art gallery. The artwork is featured in the lobby & bar area of The Dark Room - The display is part of the monthly gallery tours in midtown. A cabaret stage with front row banquette & chair seating surround the stage, which is used for the special acts, jazz, and performances of Kranzberg Resident Artists & scheduled programs. See an employee for a table after a play or anytime. Since the pandemic this dining area now only has dining for planned events & currently is not a daily operational restaurant. The Grandel Theatre (Box Office to the left of the entrance) which may host over 500 guests since the newest renovation is a gorgeous space & a gem of a performing space for all arts & gatherings. A ballroom, The Grand Hall, for VIP events!

• Accessibility!* There are audio aids for patrons in the box office for The Grandel (Immediate Left of the main entrance (north steps), seek a manager to check them out.

• Wheelchair access entrance / avoiding steps is available via the West Ramp Entrance. Access the West Side of the building via the alley (south side of the building) & accessible parking or drop-off on the West Side of The Grandel building. (The main entrance of the building from 1884 is the north side of the building and has many steps so drop-off on the west side is a good option for guests). NOTE: The west door sometimes has suction but it is always unlocked when the venue is open & should open by pulling.

In the past calling The Darkroom & making a reservation with an accessibility note or reserving an accessible seat on Metrotix for the Grandel Theatre should help staff prepare for the arrival of guests using this entrance. Also calling the front desk if having any difficulty with the West Ramp Door. When I worked here I could usually just pull the West Ramp Door open without turning the handle. I acknowledge some days it would feel heavy & had suction (usually winter) which is not easy for visitors to navigate but I haven't noticed that when visiting recently. This is important info when planning an accessible visit.

-Bathrooms are accessible and there is an elevator, however on the main floor of The Grandel Theatre auditorium is accessible seating not the Balcony seats.

This is a historic building from the 1880s so the renovation & continued use is very remarkable. I hope...

My wife and I went here before the Lenny Kravitz concert. We'd never been here and it turned into a disappointment. First off, I would like to say their hostess was awesome. Very friendly and accommodating. Moving on....I would suggest not eating at the bar. The bartenders are way too busy to take your food order let alone your drink order. The male bartender was nice and the female bartender was just plain rude. She got all mouthy when my wife asked the status of our food order. We had been waiting about 40 minutes (for a sandwich and appetizer) and it was getting close to show time so we were just asking. This bartender said she was a manager but from the way she presented herself I doubt it. She said she can't control the kitchen and you'll either have to wait or she could cancel our order. We're like, were not cancelling it, we just want to know if it's on the way. We were starving. We shared a $14 club and hummus platter. You would get a better club at Denny's for half the price. The bread was so dried out and hard it would practically cut the top of your mouth. I was excited to try the Billy Goat chips that came with the sandwich. I've never had them but had heard they were very good and locally made. They were horrible. Cold, loaded with grease and stale. I would suggest buying the chips in bags and serving them in an unopened bag so they remain fresh. The hummus dip was good and they give you a lot of it. The problem is they don't give you a whole lot to dip in it. I mean, for $10 come on. I could had got two appetizers anywhere else for that price. I'm really not too picky over food when I dine out but I am on price. If you're going to charge $14 for a sandwich then make a $14 sandwich. The band was awesome (Big Mike & The Blue City Allstars). I'd go back. Maybe I was there on...