The Experience
The Blue Note is best thought of as a casual bar-and-grill style stop in the E Gates—more “sit down, exhale, and finally eat” than grab-and-go. If you’ve been speed-walking through Terminal 2 with a rolling bag and a boarding time creeping up, this is the kind of place that lets you park it for a minute with a drink and something filling.
The vibe leans laid-back and travel-friendly: a comfortable place for solo travelers to perch at the bar, or for small groups to regroup before splitting to different gates. What people tend to love about spots like this in STL’s E concourse is the simple formula—fast enough to make your flight, but relaxed enough that you don’t feel like you’re eating over a trash can. Expect a menu built for airport timing: handhelds, shareables, and bar staples that pair well with a beer or cocktail.
Location & Access
You’ll find The Blue Note in the E Gates at Gate E18 at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). This is post-security in Terminal 2, so it’s an easy stop once you’ve cleared TSA and are circulating through the E concourse.
Because it’s right by the gates, it works well as a “watch the boarding area” option. Seating is typically a mix of bar seating and standard tables; at peak times (late afternoon departures and Monday morning business travel), you may run into a short wait or have to hover for a just-cleared table. When the concourse is calmer, it’s a straightforward sit-down with minimal delay.
Menu Highlights
- Classic bar-and-grill favorites: think burgers, sandwiches, and crowd-pleasing starters that travel well from kitchen to table (and won’t leave you rushing to clean up before boarding).
- Something crunchy to share: fries or a snackable appetizer is the move if your boarding group could be called any minute.
- A simple drink order: beer, wine, or a standard mixed drink—easy to execute quickly and reliably in an airport setting.
Price context: expect typical airport pricing—generally moderate ($$) for a meal and a drink, with snacks and non-alcoholic options landing lower.
Dietary options: most bar-and-grill menus can accommodate vegetarian eaters with salads, fries, and some sandwich variations. Vegan, gluten-free, and halal options may be limited and are best confirmed on-site; if you have strict needs, consider pairing a drink here with a more purpose-built option elsewhere in Terminal 2.
Practical Info
- Mobile ordering: not clearly advertised—plan to order at the bar or with a server.
- Reservations: not typical for an airport restaurant.
- Best times to avoid crowds: aim for mid-morning or mid-afternoon lulls; the busiest windows are often breakfast rush and late afternoon/evening departures.
- Power outlets: availability varies by table in many gate-area restaurants—if you need to charge, grab a seat early and check your outlet access before you commit.
Quick Verdict
Best for: travelers who want a stress-lowering sit-down near their gate, business travelers looking for a quick drink-and-bite, and anyone trying to make waiting at E18 feel less like waiting.
Skip if: you’re down to 10–15 minutes before boarding (go grab-and-go instead), or you need guaranteed special-diet choices without negotiation.
Location
E Gates (E18)