The Muny, St. Louis' beloved outdoor theater, offers a unique dining experience with its preshow picnic policy. This year, as the 2026 season approaches, I'm excited to explore the best food options to enhance the 'dinner and a show' experience. From seafood-rich Baltimore to the fairgrounds of St. Louis, each musical offers a distinct culinary journey. For Hairspray, I recommend Wright's Tavern for its Maryland blue crab cakes, but for a more casual picnic, Box Hill Grocer is a great option. Shrek The Musical fans can indulge in the tender turkey legs at Mositos or enjoy a more authentic English-countryside meal at The Scottish Arms. South Pacific lovers can savor Buzz's Hawaiian Grill's Kalua pig or Yellowbelly's coastal seafood. Disney's Newsies enthusiasts can enjoy New York-style pizza at La Pizza or dine at Aubrey, a New York-inspired restaurant. Ain't Too Proud can be celebrated with Detroit-style pizza at Nicky Slices or Middle Eastern cuisine at Sameem Afghan Restaurant and Sultan Mediterranean Restaurant. Meet Me In St. Louis can be enjoyed with toasted ravioli at Anthonino's or STL Toasted, and a taste of the 1904 World's Fair with ice cream at Clementine's Naughty & Nice Creamery. Something Rotten! can be celebrated with fish and chips at Extra Wavy or Indian and Nepali cuisine at Himalayan Yeti. The Muny's preshow dining options offer a delightful culinary journey, enhancing the theater experience and providing a unique perspective on each musical's setting and culture.
