Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show – St. Louis, MO

Introduction

If you’re looking for a unique night out that combines good food, laughter, and a healthy dose of mystery, the Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show in St. Louis might just be your next favorite activity. This isn’t your typical dinner show — here, the killer could be sitting right next to you and everyone gets a chance to get involved in solving the crime. It’s a lively, interactive experience that makes for a memorable evening, especially if you enjoy a good story mixed with some humor and a little friendly suspicion.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how well it balances entertaining acting with a quality meal. Plus, it’s clever how the actors are also part of the audience, making the whole thing feel immersive and spontaneous. However, a potential consideration is that the show might depend heavily on the cast’s ability to stay incognito, so some moments of predictability could slip in. Still, if you’re into themed nights, puzzles, or just want something different from the usual dinner plans, this show hits the mark for a fun, engaging evening.

This experience is particularly suited for those who enjoy interactive entertainment, love a good laugh, and don’t mind a bit of theatrical flair during their meal. It’s a great pick for couples, friends, or even small groups looking for a lively night in St. Louis. Just keep in mind that the event is designed for most travelers, but those who prefer a quieter, more subdued dining experience might find the lively nature a bit overwhelming.

Key Points

• Interactive and engaging: You’re encouraged to participate and solve the crime along with actors and fellow diners.
• Good value for the experience: A four-course dinner, drinks, and entertainment for around $88 makes for a fun night out without breaking the bank.
• Location convenience: Held at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac with free parking — easy to find and access.
• Food quality: The meal includes a choice of chicken or vegetarian options, with most reviews highlighting the good quality of the food.
• Fun for most travelers: It’s a short, 3-hour event ideal for those who want a mix of humor, mystery, and good food.
• Small group feel: The activity is limited to about 6 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and lively.

Experience Breakdown and What to Expect

Setting the Scene at Hilton St. Louis Frontenac

The event kicks off at the Hilton in St. Louis, a familiar and accessible location with ample parking. Guests are welcomed with straightforward directions — many reviews mention how easy it was to find and how convenient the parking was, often towards the back of the building. This matters because you won’t want to arrive stressed or hurried, especially when you’re set for an evening of fun.

The Four-Course Meal

The dinner itself is a highlight. You’ll be seated for a plated four-course meal, with a choice of chicken or vegetarian options. The default is chicken if no preference is specified, so it’s worth selecting your entree in advance if possible. Many reviewers agree that the food is good, with some even calling it “great,” which is high praise for a dinner theater experience. This isn’t a gourmet tasting menu, but it’s nicely prepared and satisfying enough to keep you fueled for the fun ahead.

The Murder Mystery Experience

The core of the night is the interactive murder mystery — the largest of its kind in the U.S., actually. Actors are dressed as diners and are part of the scene, tossing out jokes, asking questions, and tossing suspicion around. The cast is praised for their acting skills, with many reviewers mentioning how convincing and funny they are. The actors also double as diners, which makes it difficult to tell who’s genuinely part of the show and who’s just a guest.

The storyline is designed to be hilarious and engaging, with plenty of clues sprinkled throughout. As you enjoy your meal, the detectives (the actors) will question guests about their involvement, and you might find yourself under suspicion. One reviewer even mentioned that “everyone could be a suspect” — adding that everyone can enjoy trying to piece together who the culprit is.

The Fun of Crime Solving

Part of what makes this experience stand out is the interactive element. You’re not just passively watching; you’re actively participating, trying to solve the crime. The show rewards the best sleuths with prize packages, which adds an extra layer of motivation. Many reviews highlight how fun it is to follow clues, make accusations, and see how well your guesses hold up.

Atmosphere and Length

The whole evening lasts about three hours, which flies by quickly when you’re immersed in the story. The room’s lively atmosphere, combined with the humor and the thrill of being a suspect, makes for a night filled with laughs and surprises. Some folks, like one reviewer who said “What a night of laughter,” really appreciated the comedy aspect, which is woven seamlessly into the mystery.

Audience and Group Size

With a maximum of six travelers, this tour offers an intimate experience. Smaller groups mean everyone gets more attention from the actors, making it easier to mingle and participate. Many reviews mention how enjoyable it was to be part of a small, friendly crowd that felt more like a gathering of friends than a big event.

Cost and Value

At around $88.44 per person, the price covers the dinner, the interactive show, gratuities, and the chance to win prizes. Considering the quality of the food and entertainment, most find it to be good value for money. The inclusion of a cash bar allows guests to purchase drinks, which can enhance the experience, although alcohol isn’t included in the base price.

Real-Life Insights from Reviews

One reviewer shared, “The setting was easy to find. There was plenty of parking, park towards the back of the building. The food was good, we had the chicken. The confirmed actors were good, and the actors that were ‘part of the audience’ did a great job of remaining incognito. A fun evening!” This highlights how straightforward logistics are and how well the actors perform, making it a genuinely enjoyable night.

Another mentioned, “Create a unique fake name when you arrive. Follow the given clues. Everyone could be a suspect and enjoy the night,” emphasizing how crucial it is to lean into the fun and be ready to participate actively.

Many reviews praise the humor and acting, with comments like “My husband and I absolutely loved this show,” and “There were a few times I couldn’t tell if the actors were joking or serious,” which shows the show’s clever balance of comedy and mystery.

The food also receives consistent praise — with one reviewer stating, “The dinner was great, and the murder mystery was hilarious!” The mix of good eats and engaging storylines keeps the night lively from start to finish.

Considerations and Tips

• Microphones could enhance the experience for those with hearing difficulties, as one reviewer pointed out.
• Since it’s a dinner event, arriving a little early can help you settle in and start the fun right away.
• If you’re not comfortable with interactive performances or being a suspect, this might not be your ideal night, but most reviews suggest the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming.

Who Should Book This Experience?

This murder mystery dinner in St. Louis is best suited for guests who love interactive entertainment, enjoy laughing with others, and want a night out that combines good food with a little sleuthing. It’s perfect for small groups, couples, or friends looking for something different from the usual dinner scene. If you’re into crime shows, comedy, or just want a lively story to tell afterward, you’ll likely find this a worthwhile experience.

However, if you prefer a quiet meal or are sensitive to loud environments, the lively, interactive nature might be a bit overwhelming. Also, keep in mind that this experience requires most travelers to participate actively, so a willingness to get involved is key.

The Sum Up

The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Show in St. Louis offers a rare mix of good food, comedy, and interactive storytelling. It’s an event that makes the dinner part of the fun, rather than just a way to pass the time. The praise from guests highlights the engaging acting, the delicious meal, and the enjoyment of trying to solve the crime alongside new acquaintances.

If you want something different — a night filled with laughs, surprises, and a chance to flex your detective skills — this experience is definitely worth considering. It’s particularly well-suited for those who value a lively, participatory atmosphere and don’t mind a bit of theatrical fun during their evening out.

While it’s not a formal, high-end event, the combination of quality food, engaging entertainment, and the intimacy of small groups makes it a memorable choice. Just bring your sense of humor, your curiosity, and perhaps a fake name to keep the mystery alive.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for families or children?
While most travelers find it enjoyable, this experience is generally designed for adults since it involves active participation and some humor that might not be suitable for kids. It’s best for ages 16 and up.

How long does the event last?
The entire experience takes about 3 hours, giving you plenty of time for a full meal and the mystery unfolding.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes a four-course dinner, coffee and/or tea, the interactive murder mystery show, gratuity for waitstaff, and a prize for the top sleuth. A cash bar is available for drinks.

Can I choose my meal preference?
Yes, you can select either chicken or vegetarian when booking. If no choice is made, the default is chicken.

Is parking available?
Yes, there’s free self-parking at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac, which many reviewers found straightforward and convenient.

Are there any discounts or promotions?
Pricing is generally around $88.44 per person, booked on average 36 days in advance. Check for any special deals or discounts when booking.

Is the event customizable or private?
This is typically a public event with small group size limits, so it’s best enjoyed with other guests. Private bookings aren’t mentioned but could be possible — inquire directly if interested.

What if the weather is bad?
Since the event is indoors at the Hilton, weather isn’t a concern for cancelling, though the show is non-refundable or changeable. If cancelled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This murder mystery dinner offers a lively, humorous, and delicious way to spend an evening in St. Louis. Whether you’re a seasoned detective or just in it for the laughs, it’s worth considering for your next night out.