Let's talk about a delightful combination of theater and food, a perfect pairing for a summer evening in St. Louis. The Muny, America's oldest outdoor musical theater, is set to return in 2026 with a fantastic lineup, and I'm here to guide you through some culinary adventures to enhance your pre-show experience.
The Magic of 'Dinner and a Show'
The Muny's unique picnic policy invites guests to create their own 'dinner and a show' experience. From casual picnics on the grounds to dining out before the performance, the options are as varied as the musical offerings. It's an opportunity to make each evening a memorable event.
A Culinary Journey Through Musicals
Hairspray
For the opening musical, Hairspray, set in 1960s Baltimore, let's indulge in some Maryland-style crab cakes. Matt McGuire's Wright's Tavern offers a luxurious take, but for a quicker option, Box Hill Grocer provides the same delicious taste without the wait. Or, for a sit-down dinner, Broadway Oyster Bar serves up a trio of crab cakes with a Cajun twist.
Shrek The Musical
Shrek's world of fairytales inspires our next culinary adventure. Mositos' tender turkey legs bring a modern twist to medieval meat, while The Scottish Arms offers a taste of the English countryside with its Victorian-style pub fare. And for a sweet treat, Twisted Rolls Chimney Cake pays homage to Donkey's famous waffle line.
South Pacific
Transporting us to a lush island, South Pacific calls for island-inspired cuisine. Buzz's Hawaiian Grill serves authentic Hawaiian dishes, while Yellowbelly offers a coastal take on seafood. For a unique twist, try their beef fat fries during happy hour.
Disney's Newsies
Newsies, set in New York City, demands a slice of iconic New York-style pizza. La Pizza in University City delivers an authentic experience, or for a dine-in option, Aubrey's intimate New York-inspired atmosphere offers a quality dining experience.
Ain't Too Proud
Celebrating The Temptations' journey from Detroit to international fame, we explore Detroit's food scene. Nicky Slices serves up Detroit-style pizza with a unique twist, and for a Middle Eastern flavor, Sameem Afghan Restaurant and Sultan Mediterranean Restaurant offer delicious kabobs and rish dishes.
Meet Me In St. Louis
As a tribute to St. Louis, the quintessential Gateway City musical, we indulge in the city's iconic toasted ravioli. The Hill offers a plethora of Italian restaurants, each with its own take on this dish. And for dessert, Clementine's Naughty & Nice Creamery serves up a taste of the 1904 World's Fair with their locally made ice cream, including the unique gooey butter flavor.
Something Rotten!
Set in London, Something Rotten! inspires a culinary journey through British and global cuisines. Himalayan Yeti offers a creamy chicken tikka masala, a dish with unofficial national dish status, while Extra Wavy in Lafayette Square serves up a delicious take on fish and chips, a classic British dish.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
This culinary journey through the 2026 Muny lineup showcases the diverse food scene in St. Louis. From seafood to pizza, and from fairytale-inspired dishes to iconic city specialties, each musical offers a unique opportunity to explore the city's culinary delights. It's a chance to create memorable pre-show experiences, enhancing the magic of the theater.
Personally, I think the combination of food and theater is a powerful one, creating a sensory experience that lingers long after the final curtain call. It's an invitation to indulge in the city's culture and cuisine, and I can't wait to see (and taste) what the 2026 season brings!
