Audubon's of Ste. Geneviève

Audubon’s Restaurant – The Unequivocal Center of Downtown Ste. Geneviève

Nestled in the heart of downtown Ste. Genevieve at 9 North Main Street, Audubon’s occupies a century-old building that has anchored the town’s social scene since 1901. Originally the historically famous Palace Bar starting in 1903, the restaurant reopened under current ownership in 2015 with a mission to reflect the cultural identity and history of Ste. Genevieve through scratch-made cuisine. The menu celebrates the town’s diverse heritage—French, Cajun, German, and Italian dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. One satisfied guest summed it up: “We ended our wine tasting day with dinner at the Audubon. We had the Schnitzel, Cajun Shrimp and mushroom burger. All were wonderful! Staff is great! Facility is clean.”

Where the Past Meets the Present

Audubon’s philosophy centers on giving visitors a chance to taste the history and diversity of Ste. Genevieve’s community while offering locals an opportunity to taste a bit of their own heritage. The scratch-made menu balances upscale dining with comfort food familiarity—German schnitzel and spaetzle sit alongside Cajun pasta, French onion soup, Italian fettuccine, and American classics like burgers and brick oven pizza.

Signature dishes draw consistent praise. The pork schnitzel comes “bigger than your face” according to multiple reviewers, served with traditional spaetzle. The Cajun pasta features bold flavors that satisfy after a day of wine tasting. Bacon-wrapped shrimp, spinach artichoke dip, and the pretzel with beer cheese make popular starters. The salmon earns marks for perfect preparation. Specialty cocktails include house Manhattans and salted caramel martinis.

The restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere blends historic charm with modern comfort. Window tables overlook downtown Main Street, offering prime people-watching during peak tourist seasons. The dining room features clean lines, cozy lighting, and contemporary design that respects the building’s century-old bones.

Biergarten and Live Music

Saturday evenings bring the beer garden to life with live music from local and regional musicians. The outdoor space creates a different vibe from the indoor dining room—more casual, more social, perfect for lingering over drinks and appetizers while enjoying performances. The beer garden operates seasonally, typically spring through fall, weather permitting.

Weekend brunch (Saturday and Sunday mornings) offers another dimension to the Audubon’s experience. The kitchen serves breakfast items alongside lunch options, with specialty drinks available for those treating brunch as a celebration rather than just a meal.

The bar stays open later than the kitchen—until 10 PM Monday through Thursday, and until midnight Friday and Saturday—making it a gathering spot for locals and visitors who want a nightcap or casual conversation after other downtown venues close.

Historic Building, Modern Mission

The property at 9 North Main Street carries genuine historical weight. Charles Petrequin purchased it in 1901 for just over $2,000. By 1903 it housed the Palace Bar, which became a cornerstone of Ste. Genevieve’s social life. Over the decades the building accommodated multiple owners and businesses including hotels, a barber shop, a plumbing business—even the first television in Ste. Genevieve.

Current owners Herb & Norma Fallert, Greg & Pat Ferguson, and Jim & Marybeth Ferguson reopened Audubon’s as a restaurant in 2014, later adding the boutique hotel upstairs. The ownership team remains actively involved—you’ll often see Jim and Marybeth waiting tables, bussing dishes, or tending bar when staffing requires all hands on deck. Front of House Manager Kara Burt leads daily operations with the kind of knowledge that comes from genuine investment in the place.

Practical Dining Information

• Location: 9 North Main Street, downtown Ste. Genevieve — walking distance from all French Colonial house tours, Main Street shops, and most downtown lodging
• Hours: Monday – Friday 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 9 pm. and Sunday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Bar Hours: Monday – Thursday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday & Saturday 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
• Reservations: Recommended, especially weekends and peak tourist season — call (573) 883-2479 or book via OpenTable
• Menu Highlights: German schnitzel and spaetzle, Cajun pasta, Cajun shrimp, bacon-wrapped shrimp, salmon, French onion soup, spinach artichoke dip, pretzel with beer cheese, brick oven pizza, burgers
• Specialties: French, Cajun, German, and Italian dishes; scratch-made cuisine with local ingredients
• Beverages: Full bar with specialty cocktails (Manhattans, salted caramel martinis), house wines, craft beers, standard bar offerings
• Atmosphere: Upscale casual; historic building with modern design; window seating overlooking Main Street; outdoor beer garden (seasonal)
• Special Events: Live music Saturdays in beer garden (seasonal), weekend brunch, catering available for private events, Food Truck Sundays
• Dietary Options: Vegetarian options available
• Payment: Credit and debit cards accepted
• Additional Services: Delivery available, kids menu available

Perfect For:

• Post-wine-tasting dinners (popular with groups coming from Route du Vin)
• Date nights and anniversary celebrations
• Groups wanting upscale casual dining in historic setting
• Visitors exploring downtown who want walkable dinner option
• Weekend brunch after browsing Main Street shops
• Saturday evenings with live music and beer garden atmosphere
• Anyone interested in tasting Ste. Gen’s cultural heritage through food

Not Ideal For:

• Quick casual meals (service can be leisurely, especially when busy)
• Large groups without reservations
• Budget-conscious diners (pricing runs moderate to moderately high)
• Those seeking consistently fast-paced service (small-town hospitality sometimes means relaxed timing)

Pairing with Your Visit: Audubon’s works beautifully as the dinner destination after a day exploring Ste. Genevieve. Spend your morning touring French Colonial houses (Bolduc House, Felix Vallé House), lunch at Common Grounds Coffee or Pat’s Pastries, afternoon wine tasting at Chateau Ste. Genevieve or Charleville, then return downtown for dinner at Audubon’s. The Saturday live music in the beer garden in warmer weather creates the perfect cap to a weekend getaway—especially if you’re staying within walking distance at one of the downtown B&Bs or hotels.

The restaurant occupies that sweet spot between special occasion dining and comfortable neighborhood gathering place. Owners who roll up their sleeves and wait tables alongside their staff. A menu that honors the town’s multicultural roots without pretension. A century-old building that’s witnessed generations of Ste. Genevieve’s story—and now invites you to become part of it, one scratch-made meal at a time.