Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, St. Louis, Missouri, offers a vibrant nightlife that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From rooftop bars with stunning views to lively music venues and cozy speakeasies, the "Gateway to the West" comes alive after dark. Let's explore some of the best night lights St. Louis has to offer.
Historic Bars and Iconic Landmarks
St. Louis is rich in history, and its nightlife scene reflects that. Start your night at the Old Post Office Plaza, a historic landmark turned event space. During the warmer months, it hosts live music and food truck events under the iconic Gateway Arch.
Next, head to the Bourbon Steak & Pub in the Central West End. Housed in a historic building, this upscale steakhouse offers an extensive whiskey selection and a lively atmosphere. For a more casual experience, check out Schlafly Tap Room, Missouri's largest and oldest microbrewery, located in the historic Laclede's Landing district.
Rooftop Bars with a View
St. Louis' skyline is best appreciated from one of its many rooftop bars. The Three Sixty rooftop bar at the top of the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark offers 360-degree views of the city, including the Arch and the Mississippi River. For a more laid-back vibe, try Eclipse at the Moonrise Hotel in the Delmar Loop. This rooftop bar features a retractable roof, making it a year-round destination.
Live Music and Entertainment
St. Louis has a thriving music scene, with venues ranging from intimate jazz clubs to large concert halls. The Blue Note is a legendary jazz club that has hosted some of the biggest names in the genre. For a more eclectic mix of music, check out The Pageant, a mid-sized concert venue that hosts everything from indie rock to hip-hop.
If you're looking for something a bit different, consider The Grandel Theatre. This historic venue hosts a variety of performances, from classical music to burlesque shows. And no night out in St. Louis would be complete without a visit to The Muny, the nation's largest outdoor musical theater, which hosts Broadway-style shows under the stars during the summer months.
Speakeasies and Hidden Gems
St. Louis has no shortage of speakeasies and hidden bars, offering a unique and intimate night out. The Dark Room is a cozy, Prohibition-era speakeasy hidden behind a secret door in the back of a pizza restaurant. For a more upscale experience, try Manifesto, a speakeasy-style bar hidden behind a secret bookshelf in the basement of the Four Seasons Hotel.
If you're looking for a more interactive experience, check out Escape the Room St. Louis. This immersive game puts you and your friends in a themed room, where you must solve puzzles and clues to "escape" within 60 minutes. It's a unique and exciting way to spend a night out.
Nightlife by Neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Venues |
|---|---|
| Central West End | Bourbon Steak & Pub, Ecco, Taste Bar & Kitchen |
| Delmar Loop | Eclipse, The Pageant, Blueberry Hill |
| Downtown | Three Sixty, The Grandel Theatre, The Muny |
| Laclede's Landing | Schlafly Tap Room, Morganford's, The Fountain on Laclede |
St. Louis' nightlife is as diverse as its neighborhoods. From the upscale bars and restaurants of the Central West End to the eclectic mix of venues in the Delmar Loop, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city.