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 toasted ravioli, togarashi-dusted elote and hot chicken bao buns while socializing at the open-air rooftop bar and lounge.

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.

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 SqWires Restaurant & Market, which serves American cuisine from brunch to dinner in its dog-friendly courtyard.

Abutting its historic home, Square One Brewery & Distillery’s courtyard also welcomes four-legged friends. At the libation haven, craftsmanship meets creativity, and menu favorites – from beer-battered fish and chips to stout-braised pot roast – are best washed down with expertly crafted beers and spirits.

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.

Catty-corner from the restaurant, 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.

More than a patio, John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub delivers epic outdoor vibes with a 15,000-square-foot garden filled with fountains, waterfalls, koi fish and flowers – not to mention, three bars! The lively oasis offers a transportive dining experience complete with bar bites and cold Guinness.

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!

Architecture buffs, as you meander through Soulard, 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 Topgolf St. Louis – Midtown, Chaifetz Arena and City Foundry STL.

An entertainment district in and of itself, City Foundry STL houses Alamo Drafthouse, City Winery St. Louis, Great Big Game Show, Museum of Illusions St. Louis, Puttshack and The Candle Fusion Studio, in addition to a European-style food hall with international cuisine from more than 15 chef-driven restaurants. Dig into delicious dishes such as succotash soup, fresh ceviche, kathi rolls and toasted ravioli on the quiet patio nestled between the food hall and local boutiques such as Golden Gems.

Apart from the food hall, Expat BBQ brings globally inspired barbecue to a massive third-floor terrace at City Foundry STL. Imagine digging into pork shoulder marinated in lime, Thai basil, lychee, ginger and fish sauce, chopped and served with Hog Warsh (a Carolina-style vinegar-based barbecue sauce) or St. Louis-style ribs brushed with mustard, rubbed with Chinese five spice, topped with chile crisp and served with baijiu barbecue sauce.

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. 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!

Adding Italian flair to American cuisine, Collina Eatery delights diners with brisket ravioli, veal dumplings and lobster arancini – and that’s only the start of the meal! The fried chicken, smoked pork chop and pan-seared snapper also get rave reviews from repeat customers, who linger under red umbrellas and string lights on the patio of the former service station long after the last course.

For an exclusive experience, book the omakase dinner at Pavilion set in the courtyard of Sado. Within the custom-built glass enclosure – which emulates a Japanese garden – James Beard Award Semifinalist Nick Bognar dazzles diners with an ever-evolving multicourse meal that combines his talents in Japanese and Thai cuisines, showcasing his dedication to traditional technique and artful presentation.

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.

Celebrating the bounty of the Midwest with fresh, inventive dishes that center on beloved yet underutilized vegetables, Vicia can make the strictest carnivore crave more plants. Part of the Cortex Innovation District, the restaurant boasts an open-air extension of its main dining room – plus, a patio – where urban charm meets natural elegance.

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.

Next door, chef Bernie Lee treats guests to high-end global cuisine inspired by his Malaysian heritage and international travels at Akar. Lovingly crafted dishes such as the pad kee mao with jumbo shrimp and the Malaysian curry gnocchi with market mushrooms taste exquisite whether you dine inside or out. If you’re determined to sit on the verdant terrace, though, arrive early, as tables are first come, first served.

Closer to the skyline of gleaming high-rises, Casa Don Alfonso offers a fetching patio that still feels 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.

At the corner of Forsyth Boulevard and Bemiston Avenue in the heart of Clayton, Café Napoli’s spacious patio is the place to see and be seen. Italian-inspired dishes and drinks fuel al fresco outings that both residents and visitors relish. 

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.

Down the street, Side Project Brewing has earned its own list of accolades. In 2020 and 2023, RateBeer named Side Project Brewing the No. 2 brewer in the world; in 2015, Side Project Cellar earned a James Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Bar Program; and in 2014, Forbes put executive chef Adam Altnether on its list of 30 under 30.

The team recently opened Side Project Pizza, where the patio is the dining room. Barbecue pork shoulder, fried buffalo chicken, spicy chorizo, grilled kale – these enticing ingredients and more top the sourdough pizzas, which are best washed down with the brewery’s experimental suds.

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.

Don’t let the suburbs of St. Louis fool you – cities such as Chesterfield and Town and Country house world-class attractions, electrifying entertainment venues, first-class shopping, pretty public parks and, of course, welcoming patios in every style.

For an upscale experience, book a table at Bishop’s Post, where the beautifully landscaped patio comes with a waterfall! Dining with a date or gathering with a group, you can enjoy expertly crafted American dishes such as smoked Missouri trout, prime tenderloin meatloaf and twice-baked potatoes.

For a more casual outing, head to The District. Bookended by The Factory and Topgolf, the entertainment hub features a sun-soaked courtyard with two open-air pavilions, a turf viewing field, a 20-by-11-foot LED screen and a 70-foot stage. The best part? Multiple concepts share the area.

4 Hands at The District, which has a walk-up counter operated by Hi-Pointe Drive-In, serves core craft beers such as Single Speed (an American blonde ale), Divided Sky (a rye IPA) and Full Life (a beer-flavored lager – if you know what we mean), while Narwhal’s Crafted specializes in frozen cocktails such as bourbon slushes, cherry blossom mojitos and golden mango margaritas.

Next door, Napoli Bros. Pizza and Pasta dishes out crispy New Haven-style pizza. The restaurant’s charcoal-fired pizza oven imparts a signature flavor to the pies, and the robust tomato sauce supports the cheese and toppings.

Also in West County, Wild Crush Wine Bar offers 28 wines on tap in a charmingly rustic setting. Savor global wines and light bites on the sweeping patio and then explore the surrounding acreage, complete with a walking path and water elements.