50 Best Cocktail Bars near Clayton

“Great place for a date night. We made the reservation online the same day with no problems (it was a Tuesday though). Weekends need to be reserved in advance.
Teddy greeted us and showed the games and how everything works there. He is super nice and friendly! Our server Tamara was very prompt and nice. I can see how busy this place can be but on a week night it is lively but not super busy.

The service is superb, the design is great, the food and drinks are good. Happy hour is until 6 pm.“

“I HAD TO RUN AND WRITE THIS REVIEW. PICS COMING SOON BUT LET ME TELL YOU.... WORTH.EVERY.PENNY.! I am thoroughly impressed with the every aspect of my experience with this establishment. THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT! Reservations are difficult to secure for 3 but the woman (I believe her name was Grace but don't quote me on that. Please correct me so I can provide her name) who is in charge of reservations explained the process and how to achieve a reservation for 3.
We were sat as soon as our reservation time started! Never happens that fast. 8:30 we were in our seats.
Okay last night was incredible. Our server was genuinely kind. Priscilla was very patient, informative and the most pleasing personality trait was her non invasive style of service. Top notch girly! I loved every moment of service. AND I LOVED how our courses were timed and cleared at the same time. The staff came together like a ballroom dance and cleared our plates and most importantly they reset and prepared us for the next course. You'll be stuffed by the end BUT GET THE SUNDAE!!!! Childhood nostalgia and sooo yummy. I can't explain enough about what a joy this experience was. Service IS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE. You get what you pay for. I love the intentional small, private, true dining experience. This is just not a turn and burn restaurant. It's an experience. Ugh I can't wait to go back. A genuine thank you to EVERYONE who took care of our clinical group of 3 yesterday. Much love
-Mira“

“Picture this: Sunday afternoon, sun shining, light wind blowing, and the perfect seat on a rooftop patio! The atmosphere was wonderful. The food was beyond delicious. I experienced the chicken and waffles. I was blown away because they used chicken thighs, my favorite chicken parts. I also tried the avocado smash with home fries. Again my taste buds were so satisfied! A special thank you to Dorian who made us feel welcomed and shared a couple laughs with us. I'll definitely come back to experience other plates during sunset.“

“Wow this place was amazing, I cannot wait to go back next time I’m in town!!! The menu was a unique take on brunch familiar brunch items. Everything sounded so good it was tough to decide what to get. We all got different meals to share and all of it was delicious! And pretty big portions, oh it was SO good. I had a medicinal mushroom coffee tasted great and had me feeling great all day.“

“What a wonderful end to our day. fast friendly clean and the food was AMAZING... not to mention the drinks, stout and made right. 10/10 Love this spot.“

“Just got home from The BAO and we were very pleased 😀 and excited 😆 because are 34th Wedding 💒 Anniversary was today! I highly recommend this incredible restaurant venue for all occasions. I just added them to my favorites in my phone 📞 Thank you for your professionalism 🥇🙏🏽❤️😇“

“Herbie’s had a nice atmosphere and made for a relaxed lunch spot. I tried the coconut shrimp, and while the flavor was good, the portion felt like it could have used a little more to make it feel complete for the price. A small side like rice would have paired nicely with it. Overall, it was a comfortable place for lunch, and I can see it being a good fit for someone looking for a chill spot with a more upscale menu.“

“Flank steak & Short Ribs!“

“I want to extend my deep gratitude to the great Hostess last Saturday afternoon who kindly went above and beyond her responsibilities not only as a host but as a human being by letting me (offering!) charge my lon foot and had a dead phone. It was about 4 pm and the place was slightly busy (almost outside full and inside) but not much else was around the area so my hunch and restaurant experience tells me they’re doing everything right: good food, good prices and good staff. The atmosphere is inviting, unpretentious and sort of a homey, cozy n stylish flair. I would’ve rather stayed and ate but thankfully the hostess helped me on my way. thank you for helping and not being annoyed when I asked for directions twice! (Also,“

“This was a wonderful cocktail bar. The mixologists were super personable and so much fun! The drinks were delicious and inventive. Thanks for a great night!“

“Absolutely delightful! The pizza had the best gluten free crust and the Ozark mushrooms on top were so fresh. I will absolutely be back“

“If you’re looking for an experience—not just a drink—run, don’t walk to Vandy Cocktail Bar.

We were gifted tickets to one of their cocktail classes, and I can honestly say it was the best 90 minutes we’ve spent in a long time. From the moment we walked in, the energy was warm, welcoming, and just the right amount of elevated without ever feeling pretentious.

The class itself? Next level.

We tasted eight different vermouths (yes, eight—each with its own personality), explored three amaros that completely changed how I think about flavor and balance, and then rolled up our sleeves to craft two cocktails that felt both approachable and elevated. It wasn’t just a class—it was a journey through flavor, history, and technique.

And then there’s Patrick.

Simply put—he’s phenomenal. Incredibly knowledgeable, engaging without being overwhelming, and clearly passionate about what he does. He has that rare ability to make everyone feel like an insider, whether you’re a cocktail novice or a seasoned enthusiast. You don’t just learn—you get it.

What stood out most was how effortlessly the whole experience flowed. It was educational, interactive, and just plain fun. You leave not only with new skills, but with a deeper appreciation for what’s in your glass.

This wasn’t just a class—it was a memory.

We’ll be back. And next time, we’re bringing friends.“

“Love this place! The ambiance is nice for date or girls nights. Crab cake is delicious although the portion is small. The salmon chips are really good too. My date had the steak which was pretty good but he felt the steak was too small. This location is more spacious than the downtown location. However, the view is better at the downtown location.“

“Cocktails. Food. Service. Music. Vibe. Everything was top tier. Had a lovely time and we will be back again. We made a reservation on Google, it was simple and we got sat right away. Can’t wait to go back!“

“This place was AMAZING!! The food was so thoughtfully creative and prepared with obvious talent and love. We enjoyed meeting owner brothers and hearing their story of bringing their Yucatan culture and roots to the St. Louis food scene. Everything we tried was beyond delicious. This is a must-try for authentic Mexican food inspired by the Yucatan region.“

“Amazing people, a spectacular Benton Park gem for those located nearby. No fake fancery or pompous attitude, just some awesome people, both bartenders and customers. Also- you can BYO food. And there is a Rallys a block away. So, in essence, they serve rally’s. If that’s your thing.“

“This bar is exceptional. Incredibly friendly service, cool and subdued vibes, and some of the most delicious drinks I’ve ever had. Every item on the menu is crafted expertly. If they had snacks to pair with their drinks it would be perfect. The perfect intimate spot to bring close friends or a date.“

“Go to this bar. Bike parking right up front, every band I've seen so far are all very good, I immediately made friends with everyone there, I became family in 3 visits. Everyone watches out for everyone, no fights, drinks are very reasonable, there's good parking around back. The bar owner Judy commands respect and everyone loves her. If you like slayer, and pink Floyd, and grateful dead, and megadeth, this is the bar. I'd say it's my favorite bar period.“

“The Vibe was really relaxing and beautiful. That cook of urs was the best part lol The food was Great first of all but the way the cook prepared it was like he was working on an art piece! It was so refreshing to see how much he enjoyed what he was doing! The bartender did his thing too and the dj was on point. Whenever I visit St. Louis I absolutely make it a priority to stop at Moniker to get great food, drinks and the experience that’s given by the owner and crew! Great job done!“

“Always a fun place to go to have a relaxing time!!“

“Great place to connect with friends and family.“

“🔥 One Stop. All Flavor. Pierce Creek Delivers 🔥 If you’re looking for a true one-stop shop with incredible quality, Pierce Creek absolutely delivers. This place is so much more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. You’ve got a butcher shop, bakery, deli, soup starters, a bar, and a full restaurant all in one location. It’s the kind of place you can pop into for one thing and leave with five. What really sets them apart is their beef—raised on the owners’ ranch, completely grass-fed with no hormones or steroids. And trust me, you can taste the difference. The atmosphere is spotless, welcoming, and thoughtfully done. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and our food came out hot, fresh, and amazingly quick. Whether you’re in the mood for something casual or a more elevated dining experience, their menu has you covered. I had the mushroom and Swiss double smash burger on a potato bun, and wow—it was packed with flavor. Perfectly cooked, juicy, and everything just worked together beautifully. I paired it with a side of tallow fries that were perfectly cooked—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and full of rich flavor. This is definitely a spot I’ll be coming back to again and again.“

“Such a fun little local bar with the best vibe. Cheap drinks, great atmosphere, and everyone is super friendly so it’s easy to feel comfortable right away. The jukebox and pool table make it a perfect hangout spot. Sam Shull is awesome on Thursdays, and the bartenders Carly and Kristen are always on top of it. One of my favorite places to go with friends!“

“I absolutely love The Fountain on Locust! It is by far one of my favorite restaurants in St. Louis! The food is amazing and the dessert is always the perfect way to end the meal! Every time I have been to The Fountain on Locust, I have left happier than when I came in! The staff is very welcoming and they always do a great job, providing top-tier service!“

“friendly. neighborhood bar vibe. a place where you can drink and think or laugh and talk. oh, you can smoke in here! small stage for karaoke/live music. no darts or pool table but there is golden tee! smokers can be free here (they have a cig machine.) super friendly service. 5/5 will be coming back here for sure“

“Wonderful experience all around. From their delicious unique cocktails at the bar with very knowledgeable staff, to the amazing food experiences we had for dinner. Fantastic wine list with a really unique experience!“

“what a fun place so friendly awesome bartenders and owner!! You have to try this little hideaway!!“

“This is the best burger in the city. I will die on this hill lol“

“The food is top tier for me, the environment, the , vibe, the music. it's like one big family reunion everytime we meet.I love Janey she a young black queen with a beautiful soul“

“NBC was a really nice place to go and hang out and socialize. It was pretty crowded but the people it was crowded with was pretty cool and laid-back. The drinks was good they weren't to water down and the prices were Fair. My overall experience at NBC was great.“

“Great food, great service, great atmosphere, & great vibes!!!“

“Great drinks. Sting so worth the price“

“The waiter was excellent! The food was amazing. The entire staff did a awesome job with greeting and service! I will definitely be back🎉🥰“

“My fiancé and I always have such a great time when we visit. We LOVE viewing the latest art being displayed and the Dj/Dance atmosphere. The staff is kind and eclectic and professional. We highly recommend this spot!!“

“Great cocktails, food, and service. Maggie was a great waitress!“

“The food is amazing. The location is great. The service is impeccable. This is THE place to be!“

“I had heard about this place a couple weeks ago. They said this place has theme nights which I think is super cool. I just stopped in at random and enjoyed myself the drinks were good the bartender was very attentive and gave youwhat you ordered plus some. They sell hotdogs and simple snacks. The grub is good. And after only 2 drinks I was pretty hammered.. Which is great they aren't skeet on the liquor I promise.“

“This place is so, so cool. My cousin took me out for dinner and I had never even heard of this spot. Wow, it’s such a beautiful and moody spot full of charm!! We had to wait 15 minutes for a booth but I didn’t mind because this place serves LOOKS. The decor was awesome! Everything from the stellar service, crispy and lacey smash burgers and gorgeous dining room(s) made me realize why this spot is always recommended to me. We were very happy with our food and it was under $50 for two people! Check out Golden Hoosier, you won’t regret it.“

“Awesome place!!! they make ANY type of drink, anyway you want it!!! Plus, the main bartender there is amazing!!! 💯“

“Fabulous food. So glad they have re-opened“

“While I did not eat there myself, I called in from 600 miles away to surprise my son and his girlfriend! They were there to celebrate his birthday and the news that he had just passed the Bar exam! The staff were just as excited to be in on the plan as I was - they asked all the right questions to make sure it went down exactly as I envisioned and even called me afterwards to let me know it was a success! This South Carolina Mom really appreciated how the restaurant took the extra time on a busy Friday night (Halloween no less) to make patrons feel special! THANK YOU!“

“Great wine, place to lounge and relax with friends . Best bartender and server“

“We had a great dinner. Kids had the steak and unlike many places, they were willing to go as rare as my 8 year old wanted for her child size steak which was nice. Service was also great, excellent timing and attention. …and bit off topic but if the hostess with the curly red hair sees this, I hope you know that your natural runway walk doesn’t need to be ignored.. if you aren’t modeling, you should be! ✨💃🏼“

“I stumbled upon this gem on Halloween and it has easy become me and my friends favorite spot to unwind and enjoy a nice cocktail. The Passport is relaxing, family ran , and very intimate, the music is 10/10, the drinks are handcrafted by some amazing Bartenders who knowledgeable and friendly, it’s a must try! I definitely know you won’t be disappointed!“

“Love having more queer, chill spaces ❤️“

“Hands down the best Mexican food in stl!“

“Stopped by today 1st time. Staff very hospitable. Ordered the mac and cheese dog. it was just ok. The only thing really good on it was the bacon. Mac and cheese tasted and looked like it came from a box. The pretzel bun was dried out in spots. wasnt impressed at all for a 12 plus dollar hot dog. Been better off going to QT and getting one of their dogs.“

“Absolutely amazing dining experience. The locally sourced ingredients made every dish feel fresh and thoughtfully prepared. We did the chef’s selection menu and it was hands down some of the best food I’ve had in a very long time — every course was creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Our server was incredible as well, attentive, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience even better. One of the best restaurant experiences we’ve had in St. Louis. Highly recommend!“

“I love this restaurant. The menu is eclectic and the food is fantastic and the cocktails are really good. Great atmosphere inside and on the patio. I've been there for both lunch and dinner and the staff is very attentive and super nice. The Chicken Phad Thai Nachos are awesome!“