What makes a business a true “hidden gem”? Maybe it’s a unique offering that’s not widely known or a distinctive aesthetic that sets it apart from the norm. More often than not, a hidden gem excels at what it does, creating an experience that’s both special and memorable. In a city like St. Charles, with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, it’s easy for some spots to fly under the radar, especially those tucked away off the beaten path. To help you discover those lesser-known treasures, we’ve compiled a list of some of the hidden gems of Saint Charles.
MOCHA POINT YEMENI COFFEE CO
343 North Main Street
Large windows invite visitors into Mocha Point Yemeni Coffee Co., offering a cozy spot to enjoy traditional Yemeni coffee and desserts. Sip on a Mofawar, a rich blend of coffee with cardamom, cream, and spices, try the Sana’ani, an aromatic coffee with cardamom, or order the bold Adeni Chai. Pair your drink with honeycomb bread or a slice of baklava cheesecake for the full experience. The coffee beans at Mocha Point are sourced directly from Yemen, ensuring that every cup is full of authentic flavor. If you’re in need of a late-night study session or simply want to enjoy a quiet evening out, you’re in luck. Mocha Point is open until 10 PM during the week and until midnight on weekends.
KUBRICK’S
218 North Main Street
Tucked away on Main Street, the entrance to Kubrick’s is literally hidden behind the building, adding a touch of mystery to this movie-themed bar. Paying tribute to legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, the bar features film memorabilia and references to his iconic works. For example, you’ll recognize the wallpaper behind the bar as the carpet pattern in the hotel from The Shining, while the upstairs lounge looks similar to the Korova Milkbar in A Clockwork Orange. With films playing on the TVs all night long and cocktails named after Kubrick’s characters and films, Kubrick’s offers a unique and immersive experience. It’s the place to be for an eclectic night out or want to attend a special event like prom night or Super Mario Smash Bros tournaments.
THE POTTED PLANT
524 South Main Street
Did you know that historic Main Street St. Charles has a plant shop? The Potted Plant is the perfect spot to find not only a variety of houseplants, but also all the essentials for your gardening needs, including potting soil, pots, garden tools, and heirloom flower and vegetable seeds. A true plant lover’s paradise, The Potted Plant offers an impressive selection of houseplants featuring cacti, succulents, monsteras, pothos, and more. For the hardcore plant enthusiast, The Potted Plant has some harder to find plants like Thai Constellation Monsteras and Syngonium Podophyllym Albos (variegated arrowhead plants) to help build your collection. Whether you need a new pot or want to create a green oasis, The Potted Plant has everything you need to brighten up your space.
THE PINE ROOM
1102 Perry Street
A beloved gem in St. Charles since 1947, The Pine Room is known by locals as the best-kept secret in town. Try their famous Pine Room Burger or the local-favorite pork chops, and don’t miss out on their daily specials to see what’s new. Enjoy your meal inside or on the large patio. And as a reminder, cash is king at The Pine Room, so be sure to bring it when you visit!
TWO PLUMBERS BREWERY + ARCADE
745 Friedens Road
Named after two iconic Italian plumbers (yes, the ones in red and green), Two Plumbers Brewery + Arcade combines retro video games with locally brewed beer for a nostalgic experience. Bring quarters to play classic favorites like Mario Bros, Ms. Pac-Man, and Skee Ball and check out their pop culture-themed pinball machines, featuring The Amazing Spider-Man, Stranger Things, and South Park. Elevate your visit with wood-fired pizzas, nachos, cheesy garlic bread, and cinnamon bites from the kitchen. Don’t miss their weekly Whiskey + Records nights on Thursdays, where a special whiskey is featured and a DJ spins records all night long.
MEAD HALL
2236 1st Capitol Drive
A mural of a bear giddily drinking mead greets you as you walk into Mead Hall. Find meads crafted from a variety of honeys from local farms and certified wholesalers. Try the refreshing “Sunny,” an orange blossom mead, the decadent “Caramel Apple,” made with caramelized honey, apples, and vanilla beans, or the unique “Stay the Course,” a collaboration with St. Charles coffee shop, Course Coffee Roasters. It’s a blend of raspberry blossoms, orange blossoms, and coffee. Can’t pick one? Try their mead flight! Mead Hall also serves beer and cocktails, and the laid-back atmosphere is enhance by weekly open mic nights and live music.
TANGO ARGENTINA FOOD
2418 B West Clay Street
Hector and Stella Aberastury, originally from Argentina, brought their love for authentic Argentinian cuisine to St. Charles after relocating several years ago. At TANGO Argentina Food, they serve made-to-order empanadas made with traditional dough and spices from Argentina. With 18 flavorful options to choose from, enjoy classics like the creamy Empanada de Humita (corn), the savory Empanada de Espinaca, or the tender Empanada de Steak. Complete your meal with imported Argentinian sweets or a homemade dessert.