German-inspired and American craftmidtownMon-Sun, afternoon through evening
Urban Chestnut's original Midtown brewery and biergarten pours its German and American lineup near Grand Center, the first home of a big local craft name.
Tip: The biergarten is the draw in warm months. Tours of the brewing operation run on select days; check the calendar.
American and British-influenced craftdowntown-westMon-Sun, lunch through late
Schlafly is St. Louis's original craft brewery, and its downtown Tap Room pours the full range in a brick brewpub that has anchored the scene since 1991.
Tip: The pumpkin ale in autumn and the pale ale year-round are the calling cards. The brewpub kitchen does solid pub food.
American craft, IPAs and barrel-agedlasalle-parkWed-Sun, afternoon through evening
4 Hands brews a broad American range from IPAs to barrel-aged stouts at a large taproom near Soulard, one of the city's most widely distributed craft names.
Tip: The taproom near the stadium fills on game days. City Wide is the easy-drinking flagship; ask about barrel-aged releases.
Barrel-aged and farmhouse alesmaplewoodFri-Sun, limited hours
Side Project is the metro's most acclaimed craft brewery, specialising in barrel-aged sours and farmhouse ales that draw national beer pilgrims to Maplewood.
Tip: Allocations of the sought-after barrel-aged bottles go fast; check release schedules. The nearby Cellar is the tasting bar.
American craft, lagers and saisonsthe-groveMon-Sun, afternoon through evening
Rockwell's flagship near the Grove brews crisp lagers and saisons and pours them with tavern-style pizza, a well-regarded newer name in St. Louis beer.
Tip: The tavern-style pizza pairs with the house lager. Rockwell also runs a seasonal beer garden in Francis Park.
Sessionable English and American alestower-grove-southTue-Sun, afternoon through evening
Civil Life brews sessionable English-style ales in Tower Grove South, a low-key brewery whose American Brown is a local classic. A neighbourhood beer garden.
Tip: The American Brown is the order, ideally in the leafy beer garden. It is cash-friendly and unpretentious by design.