Red Sea closes unceremoniously in Delmar Loop
Photo: the closed Red Sea, shot by Vincent Flewellen
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?
Mail stacks up at the closed Red Sea, shot by Vincent Flewellen
Kevin C. Johnson has covered the St. Louis' music and nightlife scene for the past decade. 
Red Sea won’t be missed by me. It’s the only place I’ve ever been where the service and food were so terrible that I gave up, threw down a few bucks and left. There’s enough good venues in town that somebody else should be able to pick up any slack.
I used to see some great local bands at The Red Sea back in the day when it was just a tiny stage upstairs - and Darren from the Unconscious worked the bar and booked the bands. I do have some great memories but have not been there in years - I too agree I enjoyed the loop more when it was a little grittier, kind of a seedier area. I did work at The Red Sea literally for two weeks back when they had belly dancing on Sundays - I must say the owner was quite a character, and kind of a creep.
The Red Sea used to be a great Sunday night reggae spot, but I haven’t been there in like 8 or 9 years! Oh, by the way, I see that Vincent Flewellen is in the photography business now…great shot of the stack of mail…lol. Also, someone mentioned they saw a rat’s nest forming in one of the pics…lol…I’m sorry, but I don’t know what one of those look like! You on your own with that comment…lol.
i hosted/performed various show at the red sea over the past 1.5 years, and i have to say i am going to miss it. Some great young musicians came thru and played there, and i am always one to appreciate the efforts of those who create. I appreciate kurt, david, leslie, and the others who made it possible to play and create. thank you
ken siefert