This was my second trip to the Lemp Mansion, and I’d go back again tomorrow. It served the best food I’ve had in a long time. If you’re anywhere near St. Louis, this one is worth the detour.
Where it is
The Lemp Mansion sits at 3322 DeMenil Place in the Benton Park neighborhood on the south side of St. Louis, just down the street from the old Lemp Brewery. It’s a restaurant, an inn and a little piece of St. Louis history in one grand old house.
The food (and that fried chicken)
The Lemp Mansion is very well known for its fried chicken, and now I know why. On Sundays they serve their famous family-style chicken dinner, all you care to eat.
Tip: If you want Sunday chicken, make a reservation. On Sundays, if you don’t have one, you don’t get in.
The history and the museum
Besides all the fun things to do, the Lemp Mansion has a history, and there’s a museum to go along with it. The Lemps were a German brewing family who ran one of the biggest breweries in St. Louis before Prohibition. Their story is fascinating and a little tragic, and it’s a big part of why the house has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in America.
Plan to take at least half an hour to sit and listen to the video. It explains everything about their history.
Walking through the house is half the fun. Look for the parlor fireplaces, the old woodwork, the velvet chairs and some very unusual bathroom fixtures. (You’ll know them when you see them!)
More fun things to do
Eating isn’t the only thing to do here. The Lemp Mansion also has:
- Mystery dinner theater: dinner and a show where the audience helps solve the case
- An escape room
- Overnight stays at the inn, for the brave!
I didn’t get to do the escape room or the mystery dinner theater this time, but they’re already on my list for next time.
How much time to plan
On my first visit, we were there about an hour and a half, because we toured the museum as well as ate. If you’re doing the meal and the museum, plan on about that much time.
Is the Lemp Mansion worth the detour?
Yes! Great food, a beautiful old house and a story you won’t forget. Just remember to reserve ahead, especially on Sundays.
Have you been to the Lemp Mansion? Tell us about your visit in the comments!