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St. Louis, MO

Best Bars in St. Louis: Your Ultimate Guide to STL's Top Drinking Spots

St. Louis boasts one of America's most underrated bar scenes, combining historic brewing heritage with modern craft cocktail innovation. From the legendary beer gardens of Soulard to the trendy cocktail lounges of The Grove, STL offers diverse drinking experiences that reflect the city's rich cultural tapestry. Whether you're exploring the eclectic Delmar Loop, catching live music in Cherokee Street, or enjoying rooftop views of the Gateway Arch, St. Louis delivers authentic Midwestern hospitality with creative drinks. The city's bars range from century-old taverns that survived Prohibition to cutting-edge mixology spots pushing boundaries. This guide highlights the top 10 bars that showcase the best of St. Louis nightlife.

Planter's House
Top Pick

Planter's House

1000 Mississippi Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104

This award-winning cocktail bar is consistently ranked among America's best, featuring innovative drinks crafted by some of the country's top bartenders. The intimate space in a historic building offers a seasonal menu of creative cocktails using house-made ingredients, rare spirits, and unexpected flavor combinations. It's a destination for serious cocktail enthusiasts.

Craft Cocktails
Date Night
Upscale

Insider Tip

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends—this intimate space fills up fast. The bartenders can create custom cocktails based on your preferences. Ask about the seasonal menu featuring local ingredients.

Schlafly Tap Room
Top Pick

Schlafly Tap Room

2100 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103

St. Louis's original craft brewery operates this flagship location in a renovated 1902 building. The spacious brewpub features exposed brick, copper brewing equipment, and an extensive menu of Schlafly beers brewed on-site. The beer garden is perfect for warm evenings, and the food menu showcases locally-sourced ingredients.

Craft Beer
Beer Gardens
Groups

Insider Tip

The beer garden is one of STL's best outdoor drinking spots—arrive early on nice evenings to snag a table. Free brewery tours are offered on weekends. Try the beer sampler to taste multiple styles.

The Fountain on Locust
Top Pick

The Fountain on Locust

3037 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103

This unique venue combines a vintage ice cream parlor with a full bar, creating one of St. Louis's most distinctive drinking experiences. The art deco space features creative cocktails, craft beers, and an extensive menu of boozy ice cream concoctions. It's quirky, fun, and quintessentially St. Louis.

Unique Venues
Date Night
Dessert Cocktails

Insider Tip

The boozy milkshakes are Instagram-worthy and delicious—try the Drunken Turtle with bourbon and caramel. The art deco interior is stunning, especially the vintage soda fountain. Open late on weekends.

Brennan's
Top Pick

Brennan's

4659 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108

This sophisticated establishment has been a Central West End institution for decades, offering an extensive wine list, premium cigars, and live jazz in an elegant setting. The outdoor patio is one of the city's best people-watching spots, and the Sunday jazz brunch is legendary.

Wine Bars
Live Music
Upscale

Insider Tip

The outdoor patio on Maryland Avenue is perfect for people-watching—request it when making reservations. Sunday jazz brunch is a St. Louis tradition. The cigar selection is one of the city's best.

The Royale
Top Pick

The Royale

3132 S Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63139

This beloved dive bar in The Grove is known for strong drinks, cheap prices, and an eclectic crowd. The jukebox is legendary, the bartenders are friendly, and the atmosphere is unpretentious. It's a favorite among locals who appreciate authentic St. Louis character and late-night vibes.

Dive Bars
Late Night
LGBTQ+ Friendly

Insider Tip

The jukebox has one of the best selections in the city—bring quarters. Cash only, but there's an ATM inside. The Royale is a safe, welcoming space for everyone, especially the LGBTQ+ community.

Narwhal's Crafted
Top Pick

Narwhal's Crafted

1860 S 9th St, St. Louis, MO 63104

This nautical-themed cocktail bar brings craft mixology to historic Soulard with creative drinks, a welcoming atmosphere, and reasonable prices. The menu features both classic cocktails and innovative creations, all made with fresh ingredients and quality spirits. The space is cozy and perfect for conversation.

Craft Cocktails
Neighborhood Bars
Casual Vibes

Insider Tip

The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable—ask for recommendations based on your taste. The nautical decor is charming without being kitschy. Happy hour (4-7pm daily) offers discounted cocktails.

Urban Chestnut Brewing Company
Top Pick

Urban Chestnut Brewing Company

3229 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103

This German-inspired brewery and bierhall offers authentic European-style beers alongside American craft brews. The spacious indoor-outdoor space features communal tables, a beer garden, and a menu of German-American fusion food. It's a gathering place that celebrates St. Louis's brewing heritage.

Craft Beer
Beer Gardens
Groups

Insider Tip

The beer garden is dog-friendly and one of The Grove's best outdoor spaces. Try the Zwickel—it's an unfiltered German-style lager that showcases traditional brewing. The soft pretzels are a must-order.

Three Sixty
Top Pick

Three Sixty

1 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102

Located atop the Hilton at the Ballpark, this rooftop bar offers stunning 360-degree views of downtown St. Louis and the Gateway Arch. The modern space features craft cocktails, local beers, and a menu of elevated bar food. It's the perfect spot for sunset drinks with unbeatable views.

Rooftop Bars
Views
Date Night

Insider Tip

Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset for the best Gateway Arch views and photo opportunities. The rooftop is heated and open year-round. Reservations recommended for weekend evenings.

Handlebar
Top Pick

Handlebar

4127 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110

This bicycle-themed bar is a Grove institution, known for its welcoming atmosphere, strong drinks, and diverse crowd. The space features bike-inspired decor, a great patio, and regular events including trivia nights and DJ sets. It's a community hub that embodies The Grove's inclusive spirit.

Neighborhood Bars
LGBTQ+ Friendly
Outdoor Seating

Insider Tip

The patio is one of The Grove's best outdoor spaces—perfect for warm evenings. Trivia night on Wednesdays is popular and fun. The bar is a safe, welcoming space for everyone.

Molly's in Soulard
Top Pick

Molly's in Soulard

816 Geyer Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104

This authentic Irish pub in the heart of Soulard has been serving the neighborhood for over 30 years. The cozy space features live Irish music, a great selection of whiskeys and beers, and a friendly atmosphere that makes everyone feel like a regular. It's especially lively during Mardi Gras season.

Irish Pubs
Live Music
Historic Venues

Insider Tip

Live Irish music on weekends creates an authentic pub atmosphere—arrive early for a good seat. During Mardi Gras season, Soulard comes alive and Molly's is at the center of the action.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best neighborhood for bar hopping in St. Louis?

The Grove is the best neighborhood for bar hopping, with diverse bars ranging from dive bars to craft breweries all within walking distance along Manchester Avenue. Soulard is also great for a more historic bar-hopping experience with traditional taverns and Irish pubs.

Are St. Louis bars expensive?

St. Louis is very affordable compared to coastal cities. Dive bars like The Royale have drinks for $4-7, mid-range cocktail bars charge $9-13, and upscale spots like Planter's House run $12-16. Overall, STL offers great value for quality drinks.

What time do bars close in St. Louis?

Most bars close between midnight and 1:30am. Some late-night spots like The Royale stay open until 3am. Last call is typically 30 minutes before closing time. The Grove and Soulard have the latest hours.

Is St. Louis nightlife LGBTQ+ friendly?

Yes! The Grove is St. Louis's LGBTQ+ hub with many inclusive bars like The Royale and Handlebar. The neighborhood is known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse crowd. St. Louis has a vibrant and accepting nightlife scene.

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