Best Bars in St. Louis, Missouri
Beer has been king in St. Louis, Missouri, since the mid-1800s, when immigrants from Germany and Bohemia started arriving en masse. They established dozens of small, local breweries and utilized the city’s natural cave system to provide year-round refrigeration. Today, a vibrant craft beer scene flourishes alongside industry giant Anheuser-Busch InBev. St. Louis is also home to more pubs, bars, and watering holes than one can count, with new establishments emerging frequently. Whether you seek upscale, low-key venues, or places featuring live music, St. Louis offers it all. Below are some of the city’s top bar recommendations.
Baileys’ Chocolate Bar
Address
1915 Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104-2536, USA
Phone: +1 314-241-8100
Chocolate lovers will find Baileys’ Chocolate Bar, located near historic Lafayette Park, a sweet destination not to be missed. This popular spot, nestled above Pop, a new champagne bar by the same owners, serves decadent desserts and martinis. The cozy, romantic ambiance features marble tables and French accents to nod towards the building’s historic past. Baileys’ Chocolate Bar has delighted patrons with ice cream martinis like the Signature, crafted with chocolate ice cream, Irish cream, and chocolate vodka, since 2004.
Broadway Oyster Bar
Address
736 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA
Phone: +1 314-621-8811
The Broadway Oyster Bar has been a staple for Cajun and Creole cuisine as well as live music in downtown St. Louis since 1978. Located in a 170-year-old building just down the street from Busch Stadium, this venue features one or two live acts each evening, showcasing a variety of musical genres. In addition to a range of wine, beer, and cocktails, the bar adds a unique spin to New Orleans-inspired beverages, including its Original SoCo Hurricane and Creole Mary.
Eclipse
Address
6177 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112, USA
Phone: +1 314-721-1111
Situated atop the Moonrise Hotel, Eclipse offers a unique drink menu featuring quirky cocktails in a modern setting. With a rooftop bar and the all-seasons Twilight Room, which are entirely powered by solar energy, patrons can enjoy fantastic views of the bustling Delmar Loop. On the menu, one can find fan-favorite cocktails like Buffy the Vodka Slayer, Nanas In Cabanas, and Just Another Mezcal Monday, accompanied by inventive small plates and appetizers.
John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub and Garden
Address
1200 Russell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104-3944, USA
Phone: +1 314-776-8309
For those seeking a pint of Guinness alongside classic Irish fare, John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub and Garden is the place to be. Established in 1978, this beloved spot in Soulard boasts a warm, brick-and-wood interior, complemented by a sprawling 15,000-square-foot garden patio. McGurk’s frequently hosts live music, featuring bands traveling all the way from Ireland.
Narwhal’s Crafted
Address
3906 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
Phone: +1 314-696-8388
Narwhal’s Crafted differentiates itself from other bars with its nautical theme and creative frozen cocktails that prominently feature real fruit and fresh herbs. Since its launch in 2016, this Midtown gem has captured the hearts of many, especially among students from nearby Saint Louis University. Each drink is crafted daily from scratch, showcasing the bar’s upscale twist on frozen beverages. Noteworthy options include the Thai Collins, infused with hints of coriander and lemongrass, and the delightful strawberry basil lemonade.
Olio
Address
Delmar Loop, University City, MO 63110, USA
Phone: +1 314-932-1088
Housed in a renovated 1930s gas station, Olio brings to the table Israeli-inspired small plates prepared from locally-sourced ingredients alongside an impressive beverage menu. This casual hotspot is a companion to its more upscale neighbor, Elaia, retaining the same award-winning wine list. Expect a diverse selection of vermouths, anisettes, and amari, coupled with Olio’s unique spins on classic cocktails, all amidst the relaxed ambiance of the Botanical Heights neighborhood.
Planter’s House
Address
1000 Mississippi Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104-2423, USA
Phone: +1 314-696-2603
Planter’s House pays tribute to one of St. Louis’ finest bartenders—Tom Bullock, who authored a cocktail book in 1917. Since its inception in 2013, this cocktail bar has established itself as a premier destination in Lafayette Square, offering drinks like the Planter’s House Punch and the Manhattan—Planter’s House Style. For those desiring a more intimate ambiance, the exclusive Bullock Room is located upstairs.
Robust Wine Bar
Address
227 W Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119-2327, USA
Phone: +1 314-963-0033
Robust Wine Bar, located in Webster Groves, offers a diverse selection of wines, each assigned a “Robust Factor” to facilitate pairings with the kitchen’s cheese and charcuterie plates or other sharable items. Wines can be ordered by the glass, bottle, or flight, and there is a delightful patio that allows for pleasant people-watching along West Lockwood Avenue.
The Royale
Address
3132 S Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63139, USA
Phone: +1 314-772-3600
Situated at the southwestern edge of Tower Grove Park, The Royale is renowned for its annual Kentucky Derby party, where guests dress elegantly in their finest hats and seersucker suits. However, this charming neighborhood bar is also an excellent venue for trivia nights, playoff games, or simply enjoying a drink on a casual Tuesday evening. If the weather permits, patrons can relax in the courtyards, often celebrated among the city’s best patios.
Schlafly
Address
2100 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103-1616, USA
Phone: +1 314-241-2337
Since its inception in 1991, Schlafly has emerged as the largest locally-owned craft brewery in Missouri. With two locations in St. Louis—the downtown Tap Room and the newer Bottleworks in Maplewood—both venues are excellent spots for enjoying a hearty dinner alongside a pint of their famed Pale Ale or Hefeweizen Ale. Across these facilities, Schlafly offers over 60 beer varieties, including seasonal treats like Summer Lager and Oktoberfest.
The Scottish Arms
Address
8 S Sarah St, St. Louis, MO 63108-2819, USA
Phone: +1 314-535-0551
The Scottish Arms presents itself as “a proper Scottish pub”, featuring a rich selection of single-malt scotch and whiskey. Located in the Central West End, it also serves traditional Scottish dishes like scotch eggs, haggis, bangers and mash, and fish and chips. Visitors are welcome to come in for a pint and experience genuine hospitality reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands.
Taste
Address
4584 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108-2104, USA
Phone: +1 314-361-1200
Taste operated in a cozy space that serves an impressive selection of spirits, encompassing a plethora of gins, whiskeys, and more. One can choose from an extensive menu of 39 classic cocktails—all crafted to perfection—or opt for the Bar Choice to receive a special drink tailored just for you. This Central West End bar’s offering of small plates and appetizers pairs perfectly with an exceptional assortment of spirits. Arriving early is advisable to secure a seat.
Three Sixty
Address
1 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA
Phone: +1 314-241-8439
For unrivaled views, Three Sixty stands out on the top floor of the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. This downtown hotspot offers both indoor and outdoor seating with sweeping perspectives of the Gateway Arch, the St. Louis skyline, and Busch Stadium, making it especially sought-after during Cardinals’ home games. The menu boasts a variety of local craft beers, seasonal cocktails, and small plates emphasizing meats and produce sourced from local suppliers.
Urban Chestnut Brewing Company
Address
4465 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Phone: +1 314-222-0143
St. Louis is home to a number of outstanding craft breweries, with Urban Chestnut Brewing Company being one of the finest. This brewery focuses on crafting modern American beers, such as their Winged Nut Ale, alongside traditional favorites like the Zwickel Bavarian-Style Lager. Urban Chestnut operates three locations throughout the city, including a German-style bierhall in The Grove and a biergarten in Midtown, each offering a menu that ranges from schnitzel to pizza.
Venice Café
Address
1903 Pestalozzi St, St. Louis, MO 63118, USA
Phone: +1 314-772-5994
A true treasure in Benton Park, Venice Café boasts an eclectic interior adorned with tiles, toys, and colorful knickknacks, making it impossible to see everything in just one visit. This bar is celebrated for its unique decor, casual atmosphere, remarkable patio, and live music, which includes open mic nights every Monday and blues performances on Tuesdays. Please note that this establishment operates on a cash-only basis.
