Retreat Gastropub is a bar in Central West End, St. Louis.
A Central West End gastropub, Retreat pairs a serious cocktail list with elevated pub plates, a polished neighbourhood bar from the team behind Yellowbelly.
Food program: Elevated pub plates
Tip: It works as both a cocktail stop and a full dinner; the burger and the drinks share top billing. Reserve at weekends.
Address: 2 N Sarah St, St. Louis, MO 63108
A South City public house for two decades, The Royale pours ward-themed cocktails and serves a strong burger on one of the city's best bar patios.
Signature drink: Cocktails named for St. Louis wards
Food: Burgers and bar food
Tip: The garden patio is the draw in warm months; the cocktails are named for city wards. The burger holds up the food menu.
A European-leaning cocktail bar and dance club on Cherokee Street, Tschuss pours straight-up classics alongside Club-Mate-and-German-beer specialties.
Signature drink: Classic cocktails and Club-Mate highballs
Food: Compact bar snack menu
Tip: Go for the classics with the option to upgrade to top-shelf liquor; the dance floor heats up Thursday through Saturday after 10pm.
A Benton Park institution covered floor-to-ceiling in mosaic and folk art, Venice Cafe is the city's most idiosyncratic bar, with a lush patio and live music.
Signature drink: Cocktails and local beer
Food: Light bites
Tip: The art-covered patio is the whole point; come for a warm-weather evening with live music. Cash is handy here.
Atop the Hilton at the Ballpark, Three Sixty offers 360-degree skyline views, including down into Busch Stadium, across a big indoor and outdoor terrace.
Signature drink: Cocktails with skyline views
Food: Shareable plates
Tip: Go at sunset or during a Cardinals game for the stadium view. It is the marquee downtown rooftop, so expect a crowd.
A South City dive and live-music room, The Heavy Anchor pairs cheap drinks with a back-room stage for local and touring bands. A no-frills music bar.
Signature drink: Cheap beer and shots
Food: Bar snacks
Tip: The back room hosts shows most nights; the front bar is for cheap drinks and pinball. Check the gig calendar.
A long-running pub near the Hill and the Grove, Nick's pours draft beer and whiskey to a regulars' crowd in a no-frills room, a classic St. Louis tavern.
Signature drink: Draft beer and whiskey
Food: Pub plates
Tip: It is a regulars' pub; come for cheap pints and a low-key night. Live music and trivia fill some evenings.
