Red Sea closes unceremoniously in Delmar Loop
Long time Delmar Loop nightspot the Red Sea is no more.
The club and Ethiopian restaurant, known in recent years for indie reggae and hip-hop among other things, unceremoniously closed last week after fading interest in the once vital venue.
The bi-level space is cleared out, with only scattered trash and some fixtures seen through the first-floor windows. The phone is disconnected, and mail can be seen piling up.
Concert-goer Beatle Bob, in an email, called the Red Sea one of St. Louis’ best-kept secrets.
He also wrote, “the club unfortunately went downhill on its once quality food, service, and cleanliness, but they did have a wonderful bar staff and I deeply appreciated the chance they gave to the newer rock & roll bands and their continuing support of reggae music.
“I hope the Red Sea’s owner, Tesafye Boru, can make a comeback with a better dining experience plan and better promotional support of the acts he would book again.
The Underground team, which booked shows in the Red Sea’s cave-like basement, had a different opinion, posted on its MySpace blog. “The Underground is currently closed as a venue space due to the Red Sea Lounge proprietor’s legal problems and subsequent cowardly flight. We hope to be leasing the space soon or working with other investors to reopen the space.
“On a positive note, the Red Sea Lounge and its proprietor are gone from the local music industry, (and) in all likelihood out of the business forever. Rejoice.”
That team is now booking shows at Cicero’s until a new South St. Louis spot called the Wedge opens.
Will you miss the Red Sea?




Kevin C. Johnson has covered the St. Louis' music and nightlife scene for the past decade.
The Urge’s 1999 New Years Eve show there was one of the best shows I ever saw.