Where to Spend Patio Season in St. Louis

How many major cities have a national park in their downtown neighborhood? Just one, and you’re looking at it.

Starting at the banks of the Mississippi River, where you’ll find Gateway Arch National Park, downtown St. Louis encompasses architectural wonders, world-class attractions, all-day entertainment and thought-provoking public art – plus, patios galore! It’s a thriving hub where people work hard and play harder.

Boasting both the recipes and the revelry of New Orleans, Broadway Oyster Bar is the perfect place to slurp Gulf Coast oysters, sip Southern Comfort Hurricanes and shimmy around the dance floor. On any given day, the patio buzzes with inviting activity.

A few blocks north, Ballpark Village has its own collection of bustling patios. As you enjoy the fresh air, sink your teeth into St. Louis-style barbecue at Salt + Smoke, dig into plates of housemade pasta at Katie’s Pizza and Pasta Osteria, experience Mexican favorites with a twist at Condado Tacos and partake in local beers and yard games at Sports & Social. Taco ’bout a party!

Tucked on the western edge of Ballpark Village, with bird’s-eye views of Together Credit Union Plaza, The Bullock is a seasonal setting at Live! by Loews – St. Louis, Missouri. The casual affair invites guests to snack on fries and kebabs while socializing at the open-air rooftop bar and lounge. The french fries come with an assortment of toppings – think chicken, bacon, Parmesan – and you can mix and match steak, chicken, shrimp and veggie kebabs as well as aïolis and other dressings.

If you’re attending an event, meeting or conference at America’s Center Convention Complex, stop by Sauce on the Side in Old Post Office Plaza for a piping hot calzone served with a healthy dose of sunshine. The plaza has ample outdoor seating, and it fills up with food trucks for Lunchtime Live on Wednesdays. If that’s your vibe, we recommend ordering a double smash burger with cheese and a side of tallow fries from The MOObile, which uses pasture-raised beef from owners Kent Evans and Rachelle L’Ecuyer’s farm in Lonedell, Missouri.

For a quick coffee and a square of gooey butter cake, head to Blondie’s Coffee, Wine & Dessert Bar on Washington Avenue. Its pergola-covered patio features fans, hanging plants and wrought-iron furniture, creating an ideal hangout in the heart of downtown St. Louis.

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, Lafayette Square features tree-lined streets, a picturesque park and plenty of options for al fresco dining.

Take a leisurely stroll around the 184-year-old neighborhood to fully appreciate the “Painted Ladies” – meticulously restored Victorian mansions doused in vibrant hues of yellow, salmon, green, blue and purple – followed by a sumptuous repast at POP or SqWires Restaurant & Market.

The former offers effervescent cocktails – and crowds – alongside small plates on a back porch patio camouflaged by lush vegetation, while the latter serves American cuisine from brunch to dinner in its dog-friendly courtyard.

Among the red-brick row houses in Soulard, countless restaurants, bars, shops and galleries have comfortable courtyards, patios or sidewalk areas where you can take in more of the sights and sounds of the neighborhood.

At Big Daddy’s, the burgers are stacked and the patio is popping, while Molly’s in Soulard boasts a sprawling year-round patio that hums with live music – plus, all-day eats. If you’re in the mood for barbecue, though, there’s no better place in Soulard than Bogart’s. Indulge in a full slab of ribs coated in a sticky, caramelized apricot glaze and sides such as pit beans, which are cooked under smoking brisket so they catch the dripping fat.

The Anheuser-Busch Brewery also has an airy biergarten, where you can share Bavarian pretzel sticks, Buffalo chicken dip and pulled pork nachos. Before you take a seat, hop on a tour of the brewery’s elaborate, red-brick buildings, which will teach you about the life of an Anheuser-Busch beer from seed to sip. Reflecting the German Romanesque style of architecture with rounded arches, embellished cornices and castellated rooflines, the buildings have equally beautiful interiors. The best part of the guided tours? Enjoying a complimentary cold one!

Speaking of drinks, Julia’s Market at Soulard Farmers Market mixes arguably the best Bloody Mary in St. Louis, and it has a small, adjacent patio where you can savor the signature cocktail and watch people shop at the stalls.

Architecture buffs, as you meander through the neighborhood, keep an eye out for flounder houses – the rare and unique style originated in St. Louis in the 19th century and gets its name from the profile of the building when observed from the street or alley.

An entertainment hub in the middle of the Gateway Arch and Forest Park, Midtown encompasses Armory STL, Topgolf St. Louis – Midtown, Chaifetz Arena, the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site and City Foundry STL.

An entertainment district in and of itself, City Foundry STL houses Alamo Drafthouse, City Winery St. Louis, Puttshack, The Candle Fusion Studio and 18Rails, in addition to a European-style food hall with international cuisine from more than 15 chef-driven restaurants.

Fresh ceviche from Sureste, classic toasted ravioli from STL Toasted and sweet and spicy jackfruit tacos from Kalbi Taco Shack will spark your appetite. If you need something heartier, dig into a kathi roll stuffed with chettinad chicken and mint mayonnaise from Turmeric Street Style, a wild mushroom pizza from Fordo’s Killer Pizza or Swamp Thang (succotash soup topped with crawfish tails and sautéed shrimp) from 4Hens Creole Kitchen. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the elevated grilled cheese and scrumptious mac ‘n’ cheese bowls at Steve’s Meltdown.

Dig into these delicious dishes and more on the quiet patio nestled between the food hall and local boutiques such as Procure by The Women’s Creative.

Urban Chestnut Midtown Brewery and Biergarten also offers an idyllic outdoor space strung with twinkle lights. Picnic tables, plant life and yard games fill the area, which features its own bar with the brewery’s best suds, as well. Traditionally oriented yet unconventionally minded, Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. pays homage to the heritage of beer with classically crafted European styles while contributing to the revolution of craft beer with modernized, artisanal American styles. Popular pints include Zwickel (Bavarian lager), Schnickelfritz (Bavarian weissbier) and Stammtisch (German pilsner).

After the last drop, walk across the street to The Walls Off Washington. An art initiative led by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, the collection of murals shines a positive light on St. Louis and provides an inspirational backdrop for the Grand Center Arts District.

Brightened by street art, The Grove is colorful and trendy, diverse and inclusive. In the middle of St. Louis, the bohemian paradise boasts everything from breweries to boutiques, coffee shops to tattoo parlors and barbecue joints to dance floors. You’ll also find a patio for every style.

For fast-casual fare, look no further than The Gramophone. The famous sandwich pub crafts its menu with creativity, and patrons can enjoy unique combinations between bread on the patio, which comes to life with playful, sandwich-inspired murals.

Spreading summer vibes all year long, Tropical Liqueurs serves frozen cocktails and street tacos among palm fronds and natural light. If you want to get in the St. Louis spirit, try the Louie, an homage to the St. Louis Blues. Similar to an electric lemonade, it has sour notes that balance out the sweetness.

Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. also has a brewery and bierhall in The Grove with a small, sun-soaked patio. At this location, pair your pints with pizza – the brewery’s proprietary yeast strains give rise to the crust!

Mangia bene, vivi felice. Eat well, live happy. On The Hill, the mantra rings true.

Founded by Italian immigrants in the early 1800s, the unique St. Louis neighborhood has a rich history and an irresistible menu. Residents and visitors alike flock to The Hill to explore the tight-knit community, enjoy a family-friendly feast and even play a game of bocce.

Shaded by two magnolias, the patio at Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill is a quintessential setting for toasted ravioli, eggplant Parmesan, brick-oven pizzas and handcrafted pastas. Buon appetito!

As St. Louis prepared for the 1904 World’s Fair, development began in the Central West End, located on the eastern edge of Forest Park. Over the years, the neighborhood has maintained its elegant feel and eclectic attitude, and today, its charming people and independent establishments beckon.

Before hunkering down on a patio, marvel at the mosaics inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, peruse the shelves of Left Bank Books and take a photo with the world’s largest chess piece, which stands 14 feet tall in front of the World Chess Hall of Fame.

When hunger strikes, treat yourself to luxurious courses of French fare at Brasserie by Niche or dig into hearty plates of American classics at Kingside Diner.

Blending a bustling business district with charming residential streets, Clayton attracts sophisticated guests, avid shoppers, food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The best part? Most of the places that you’ll want to go are concentrated in a walkable area close to the verdant oasis that is Shaw Park.

The multitiered patio at Bistro La Floraison transports guests to France, where the food and drinks are succulent, sophisticated and luxurious – and you’re expected to indulge. Whether you stop by for a romantic dinner or Sunday brunch, co-owner Tara Gallina urges you to start with a Champagne cocktail. As you enjoy the views along Wydown Boulevard, take note of the Fernando Botero sculpture at the top of the street.

Closer to the skyline of gleaming high-rises, Casa Don Alfonso and Tony’s offer fetching patios that still feel removed from the hubbub of the city. Through The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, past the open kitchen flanked by a copper ceiling and under hundreds of hand-blown glass wisteria leaves, Casa Don Alfonso serves Sorrento-inflected cuisine. Its partially hidden patio is also a peaceful place for a leisurely espresso.

Down the block, Tony’s doesn’t skimp on anything, including its patio. Bordered by a manmade waterfall, its louvered roof provides sufficient shade if you book an early dinner. The venerable dining establishment also has an outdoor bar informed by beer and baseball.

Every day feels like Small Business Saturday in Maplewood. Walking through the historic downtown, which was part of the original Route 66, you’ll find everything from locally made crafts to artisan chocolates and independent bookstores to internationally recognized breweries.

Having opened the first new brewpub since Prohibition in 1991, Schlafly Beer serves as a testament to St. Louis’ brewing heritage. At its second location, Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood, the Midwestern table is set with craft beer. Order a traditional English-style pale ale alongside the creamy beer cheese soup, which has been on the menu since the brewpub’s inception. On the covered patio, you can try other styles – think Mexican lager, raspberry hefeweizen and oatmeal stout – as well.

Brimming with cultural institutions such as Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Webster Groves is an artsy haunt worthy of your time. Amid the tree-lined streets and historic neighborhood homes, you’ll also find independent art galleries, inspired lifestyle boutiques and compelling culinary destinations.

That said, once you’re here, you’ll want to stay awhile – especially during patio season in St. Louis.

With a back patio and a rooftop deck – plus, live music, elevated cocktails and the best Welsh pasties in these parts – you can’t go wrong at The Frisco Barroom. When summer turns humid, the roasted beet salad with fresh arugula, frisée, fennel, walnuts and orange vinaigrette is another excellent choice.

Shaded by mature trees and colorful umbrellas, the patio at Big Sky Cafe offers more peace than pizzazz; however, the thrills begin between the pages of the menu. Aiming to please every palate, dishes range from avocado toast smothered in crab to grilled salmon glazed with blackberry barbecue sauce to rosemary- and red wine-braised pot roast. Save room for dessert, too – the seasonal fruit crisp topped with housemade ice cream is a must-try treat.

Last but certainly not least, Olive + Oak is renowned for its warm hospitality, chic décor, brilliant bites and innovative sips. The menu changes weekly, but past highlights include blue crab gratin with Calabrian chile, celery and pretzel bread; local beet carpaccio with pickled blueberries, mustard seed and horseradish aïoli; rabbit crêpes with local mushrooms and a tarragon-Chardonnay butter sauce; and gaucho steak with roasted potatoes, marinated tomatoes, spinach and chimichurri. The patio is simple, but it has some of the hottest tables in town.