45 Best Cocktail Bars near University City

“I have celiac disease which, in very watered down terms, is a gluten allergy. I was nervous coming in because as a celiac, trying new restaurants is really scary when you know you might get sick.if you ask, they're super accommodating! my waitress was super nice and super patient and happily found an old copy of an allergen menu for me. as you'd expect, there aren't a whole lot of options available when it comes to rolls; there's spicy tuna, the california roll, etc. HOWEVER, there's tons of options when it comes to sashimi and nigiri! the fish is fresh and melts in your mouth and, above all, the staff is friendly, diverse, and all have really cool tattoos lol. thanks for the good food! :)Dietary restrictions: They happily make accommodations for gluten allergies!“

“Great date spot patio - wonderful outdoor atmosphere. Super attentive waitstaff (great attention, recommendations, and personality). Cool cocktails and some really good beers available. The food was outstanding! The menu was basically laid out in order of smallest to biggest plates; the snacks were very much snack-sized, the small plates were still plenty enough to share, and the entrees were generous. Very creative and fun cuisine. The white anchovies that we requested on the side of our (outstandingly fresh and summery) tomato salad were the absolute best anchovies I have ever had - if you like anchovies and they have "white anchovies" on the menu, order! (Our waitress was nice enough to check in the restaurant pantry to find out the brand for me, which was very appreciated.) Though we were stuffed, we had dessert and the chocolate cake we ordered was decadent and a wonderful end to a fun and romantic meal. Totally recommend Little Fox, especially for a spontaneous date night out, whether you want to graze and sip cocktails or get a full dinner.“

“We have been trying to get in for months, maybe even years. Yesterday my friend got a notice (from being on the waitlist) there was a table and she was able to get one. And we were thrilled. We got there early, and since we have never been the 4 only bar seats actually aren’t for a bar. So we were turned away to just have a drink. But this was completely on us, and it fully say bar is first come first serve and they we’re very nice about it. We just didn’t know how strict that was. So we went next door for a drink and came back promptly for our reservation.Well let me say this place is worth the wait. Easily one of the best restaurant in St Louis. Our server Mike was amazing. He gave great drink recs and sold every dish with his descriptions. Everything was more than perfect. The food, the staff, the ambience. It all makes perfect sense why this place is jammed. I only hope we can get on the list sooner than later, but we will be trying. 10 out of 10!! Keep it up Wright’s Tavern!!Parking: Easy to find free street parking after 5, but could see how busier days may be more limited.“

“Stumbled upon this place while waiting for a haircut and couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised! SUCH a cute place with loads of STL history. I ordered a half fig, ham, & gouda grilled cheese and a side Stutz salad. The service was quick and friendly, despite the full house on a Saturday afternoon lunch hour. The grilled cheese was PERFECTION: the fig was a gentle enough sweetness that balanced out the gouda and ham wonderfully. The Stutz salad--named after one of the cars from this place's history!--was a delightful spring treat, with baby mandarin orange slices, homemade poppyseed dressing, and fresh goat cheese. I often forget how MUCH I love goat cheese when it's paired properly! What a great spot and what a great meal.“

“Our server Josh (yes, coincidence) nailed it. Attentive but not overbearing. The cocktails were a hit too, and I'd recommend the Apple Bottom Jeans and the Violet Mojito.My wife and I stuck to small plates as we weren't in the mood for large plates. The lobster roll was out of this world, and while it looks small, they manage to pack so much delectable lobster into it. The pork belly was also incredible though it was light on the amount of pork belly in it. The spam fried rice was really good. The chili flakes elevate the entire plate, but if you don't like spicy food, I might suggest you get something else. Finally, the cheddar biscuits...they weren't very good. They were a bit tough, not fluffy, and were portioned in a way that made them awkward to eat (too tall). I would not recommend the biscuits. But overall, great experience, 4.5/5.“

“We were in attendance for Monthly Girlfriend luncheon. Only 1 of us 4 had visited Hendel's in the distant past and she chose the restaurant. You don't see a lot of truly warm and cozy restaurants nestled within the neighborhood that's prospered. The food was good and service was excellent and as we have visited restaurants month after months, it's obvious that cooks aren't same. There is space for indoor & outdoor eating with limited parking. Nice afternoon luncheon experience ?Parking: Free parking in rear where u have a short walk from vehicle into establishment, but if full being that it's sitting in residential area, one can park on side street, no meters, & without inconveniencing residents.Kid-friendliness: Kids were running around where we sat indoors but no one seemed disturbed by their antics ?“

“I recently had the pleasure of dining at Billy's on Broadway in St. Louis, Missouri, and it was truly a fantastic experience. The food was outstanding, and the atmosphere was inviting. Parking was plentiful, which was a bonus. Situated next to the baseball stadium, Billy's on Broadway offers ample space, making it a popular spot, especially after games. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try their bologna sandwiches, which turned out to be surprisingly delicious. Additionally, their T-Ravs, a twist on fried ravioli with marinara paste for dipping, were absolutely delightful - I'd go back just for those! I had the chance to chat with the general manager, Lauren, who ensured that my party and I were well taken care of, adding to the overall enjoyable experience. I look forward to returning to Billy's on Broadway in the future!“

“This is one of our go to places and has been since they opened. Their cocktails are TOP NOTCH and their service is unlike any other. Their menu is always updated with fresh new cocktails and they often bring back some of the previous flavors which we always anxious await. Ordering is easy and drinks are brought directly to your table. Both of their locations are always clean and welcoming and we truly love spending time here with our friends. We will be forever customers!“

“One of the best cocktail bars as an out of towner from the east coast I’ve had. Makes me feel back in Brooklyn. Randy is awesome, super knowledgeable on not only the drinks but the beers they have offered in cans. Highly recommend for drinks. Limited food menu because restaurant took them over, but they are lovely!“

“MUST VISIT IN STL! Coming from NYC, this is hands down one of the best spots I’ve been to lately from the drinks, food, service, and all around vibes. They put an incredible amount of detail into everything and it shows. The craft cocktails are innovative, yet approachable, and extremely well-balanced. They also carry a unique variety of spirits on the menu that you can’t find anywhere else.One drink I especially loved and recommend is the Budgy Smuggler made with their housemade clarified milk. You can also order off the entire Yellowbelly food menu (sister restaurant next door) and every dish we tried was amazing. Get the raw and hot fried oysters, beef fat fries, lump crab fritters, elote taquitos, brussels, charred carrots, pork belly, green curry salmon, and grilled hangar steak. Everything was cooked perfectly and the flavors were so unique.This should be a must stop if you’re in STL and also a great event space. I can’t wait to go back!“

“One of the best burgers I’ve ever had. Garden-style patio seating for nice days. Also, for you East Coasters: They have Yuengling on tap ? Thanks for having us!!!Parking: My friend & I found a spot on the street less than a block away within 5 minutes (on a Saturday, 3/16, at around 2 PM)“

“My friend and I have been coming to STL to try different coffee places for quite some time and this has got to be top 3 for us. Anita was super friendly and helpful right away. Food was amazing and presented really beautifully and the coffee was delicious. The inside is adorable and felt really homey and comfortable!“

“Winnie's Wine Bar made for a perfect location for a stop on my bachelorette weekend. Our servers were amazing and were so friendly and fun. Everyone loved the vibe and kept talking about how comfortable the seating arrangements were. We didn't want to leave!! Such a cute spot and highly recommend!!!!“

“Thanks Mary for a beautiful spread for my Father in law’s Celebration of Life! A Toast to Terry! You & all the staff were amazing! Scott took great care of us! The food was delicious & the venue perfect! Lori “Wezee” Jurgensen“

“If you thought you knew hot dogs, think again! Steve's Hot Dogs in St. Louis, MO, is where your hot dog dreams come true, and it's nothing short of a five-star culinary adventure! Located in the heart of the city, Steve's Hot Dogs is like a beacon of joy for those in search of a meal that's both comforting and out-of-the-ordinary. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by an atmosphere that's as vibrant as the flavors on offer. It's casual, it's energetic--it's the place to shake off your blues and dig into some seriously good eats. Steve's isn't just slinging your standard dogs; oh no, they are crafting masterpieces tucked neatly into buns. Each hot dog is a hero in its own right, topped with an array of ingredients that turn a simple meal into a feast for the senses. Try the "Gorilla Mac & Cheese Dog," a fan favorite that combines the gooey richness of macaroni with the smoky goodness of a perfectly grilled hot dog, or dare to conquer the "Bacon Bacon Jamaican" with its bold, spicy jerk seasoning and crispy bacon that's as delightful as a sunny day at a St. Louis park. The sides are just as commendable--crispy tater tots and chili cheese fries that are the epitome of comfort food. Each bite feels like a warm hug from an old friend. And let's not forget the service. The team at Steve's treats everyone like a local celeb, with smiles and service so warm you'll want to return before you've even left. In a city packed with dining options, Steve's Hot Dogs stands out as a beacon of culinary creativity and community spirit. Whether you're a hot dog aficionado or just in the mood for a quick, delicious meal, Steve's Hot Dogs is a must-visit. So, rally your friends, bring your appetite, and make your way to Steve's--where every hot dog has its day, and every day is deliciously fun!“

“Was in St Louis for 4 days visiting a friend. We were trying to find a nice locals type place with a good selection of cocktails and good atmosphere. Thanks to Google we stumbled upon this place. It was nice just to sit the in the corner, have a drink, listen to quality music and play chess.“

“Impromptu date night away from the kids lead us to this place! We arrived at peak dinner time- 7:30- and shockingly there was no wait! I can’t imagine this will last for long, because the service is fabulous, and the food is delicious! We have really enjoyed the other restaurants by these guys- and Press does not disappoint! I loved the Lavender cocktail, Husb enjoyed the sweet take on the old fashioned. I also had the beet salad to start- but ate it too fast to get a photo! The smash pizzas have a delicate combination of flavors, are easy to eat and heat up the next day to continue the culinary enjoyment!“

“The basement speakeasy under Grand Spirits had a very eclectic layout and decor and a very chill vibe; minimalistic with great music. A perfect hangout spot. Very few tables, so reservations are needed on weekends for sure. Your reservation gets you about 90 minutes of time on busy weekends; longer if there aren't reservations behind you. Cocktails range from twists on old classics (Manhattan, Daquiri, Sazerac) to very inventive / experimental flavors and textures. We had the Tunnel Vision, Daiquiri, Kitchen Sink, Sazerac among others. We enjoyed everything we had. Service was attentive and informative as well. We did not try the food. Would definitely recommend.“

“Awesome place. Love the ambiance and decor. Came in for burgers last night and we weren't disappointed. The bar was rocking! To start, buffalo chicken dip and Fritos were a large portion for 2. Dip comes cold and was loaded with chicken. Super good. Felt like I was at a Super Bowl party- heck yeah. For entrees we got the melt with rosemary fries and the bacon jam burger with sweet potato fries. Both came out in record time, I'm not joking maybe 5-10 minutes from when we ordered. Best service ever. Both burgers were killer. Fresh, large portions, tons of flavor. The fries were both excellent as well- love the rosemary on the regular fries. The garlic aioli that the sweet potato fries come with is delicious. All around 10/10! Didn't try the drinks this time, but have heard good things so definitely will be back!“

“I can't think of any other place in STL right now that offers AmberJackfish Crudo to their guests. Every where you look, you see grouper, halibut and Chilean sea bass. an outstanding menu that erupts with originality. Fantastic cocktails with service to match and a wine list that would make Robert Sinskey blush.“

“Overall, a great space near CWE to get sandwiches and burgers with friends. Good cocktails too!WAIT TIME: We had a dinner reservation for a larger party for 7:30 on a Saturday and we were seated immediately.FOOD: I ordered the classic burger and the guava lamp drink. The burger was very tasty and the fries are delicious! Would recommend. I heard from others in my party that the chicken sandwich was very tasty as well. The guava lamp drink was quite interesting looking, and it had decent taste. It was somewhat unique so only get if you’re ready to try some new flavor combos. It was very strong too.SERVICE: QR code menu was easy to access, and our server was attentive, often asking if we needed drink refills.AMBIANCE: The decor and layout works well, it’s a more modern look with lots of pretty lights and a bar. A great spot to come with a group of friends!PRICE: Dishes were roughly between $15-25, and drinks around $15. Pretty comparable prices to similar restaurants.“

“Such a good time on a week night. I was out with family & a few friends. The iPhone Dj was rockin it, the service was on point & drinks were strong. Cigar smoking was happening but the vibe was so good we didn't mind even though none of our party were smokers. We will be going back!“

“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.“

“The food has NO BUSINESS being THAT GOOD!!! The brussel sprouts are incredible.Very cool place with three different rooms. Live music was great. The outside patio was fantastic. Very queer friendly. Highly recommend.Vegetarian options: Fried tofu available. Most/all sides were vegetarian.Dietary restrictions: Menu marked as veg or GF. Staff is knowledgeable about other questions.“

“Really nice place inside. Don't know what the bar looked like because we didn't go in. I have heard people say that it's pricey and of course it is because this isn't your average Mexican restaurant. The menu is small plate oriented and the menu ismore like a tasting menu. The food is higher end than all the other places and outstanding. I can't comment on their drink menu because I seldom drink when going out. I will say that the pricing seem to be a bit higher than most places which will account for a higher per person ticket if one has two or three drinks. Still, our total was $70 ore tip for 2 people including 2 beers.The wait time between "courses" is a bit long but not enough for me to really complain about. The staff were friendly dmv knowledgeable about the menu. It may not me a place we'll go to monthly but we will definitely be back!“

“First time here. We made reservations in advance and found parking to be convenient. The restaurant's décor was warm and inviting, with white subway tiles behind the bar and blue banquettes around the dining area. The bartender was really knowledgeable and offered excellent recommendations. For starters, we had blue crab gratin and hand-cut steak tar tar, both for $12. The crab was spicy and creamy, and the tar tar was presented alongside warm dollops of slow-cooked egg yolk. They were both gorgeous. Our main dish was gnocchi with lamb ragu and goat cheese, which cost $18. The creamy goat cheese was the ideal compliment to the lamb ragu, and the gnocchi had a nice soft center. The portions were just right, and we left feeling satisfied. Very positive atmosphere, friendly staff, delicious cocktails as well. If you want to seal a good day with a good mood, head here.“

“What can I say about this bar....It's inclusive, diverse, fun, chaotic, reasonably priced, ultra friendly!There's always events or show going on, the staff is epic, every night is a good experience, this bar is an experience from start to finish.“

“It's a funky bar if you're looking for something different! We walked in on a Saturday night & the fortune teller was in giving out people's fortune! Not my thing but still a fun concept to do if you're in the mood to do something spontaneous. The drinks were well priced & had a lot of fun ones in there! Make sure to stop by the Fortune Teller Bar on Cherokee St!“

“I had lunch a Beyond Sweet and I would highly recommend you stop by for a delicious meal. The owner, Dallas, was attentive to the patrons, the ambiance was nice, the staff is diverse, and the food was delicious. This is a different vibe for STL so go out and support this restaurant.“

“Love this place! Celebrated a birthday with a cute breakfast turned brunch. The drinks were delicious. The ambience to die for. It is completely IG/TicTok worthy. And the staff was so incredibly nice. Our waiter was outstanding. Probably some of the best genuine service I’ve ever received. I wish I could remember his name to give him his credit. I only deducted a star because they were out of the ingredients dish my friend wanted and the bacon and cheese potatoes were a bit over charred. But overall the food was delicious.“

“We went all out tonight since we just received our yearly bonuses. This is the first time we went for a 5 course chef designed meals and it did not disappoint. We enjoyed every bite. We also order wine pairing- that is a lot more wine than we are used to . We really enjoy everything and thanks for an unforgettable experience.“

“I went to grab a pick up order on Wednesday March 27, I had had a bad day and the bartender could not have been nicer!!! Her kindness meant more to me than she will ever know. Also the food was phenomenal and the margaritas were excellent will be back for sure!!“

“Absolutely love the staff, food and margaritas! This is our regular spot on a Friday night to have a pitcher of margaritas. The staff is always so nice and helpful and why we keep coming back. They are always so accomodating as well. It's anfun atmosphere and we will keep coming back!“

“Went here with some friends recently as a buddy of mine who lived in Cali for a few years said this place has some of the most authentic true Mexican cuisine in St. Louis. The Birria Tacos are absolutely incredible. Rich, flavorful, and you can tell the chefs here know what they're doing. Bit pricier than your "cheap eats" Mexican most Midwesterners are accustomed to, but it's really good. Worth noting, the chips here are not complimentary outside happy hour. So don't go here expecting "El Maguey" or your other typical copy & paste Mexican restaurants, this is not like those places.“

“My spouse and I celebrated here. She had the Shrimps and Grits and the Berry Goat cheese salad. I had the Grilled Salmon and Lobster and sausage gumbo. The waitress and the chef were very courteous and pleasant. We had the bread pudding with better pecan ice cream, and the death by chocolate cake and ice cream. It was a blessing?“

“My wife and I made reservations to have our anniversary dinner at Sister Cities and my god it did not disappoint. I asked our server about a blackened catfish po boy (which is not on the menu) and the chef came through! It was one of the single best pieces of fish I’ve ever had. Our meal was smoked wings, crab cakes, a catfish po boy and seafood gumbo. The flavors are on point and the spice is absolute perfection! Do make a reservation though if you are having dinner. A great meal takes extra care and time so be prepared to enjoy the atmosphere and have a couple of drinks while the food is lovingly prepared. The care and integrity put into the food is second to none. If you want a piece of frozen fried catfish slapped on a bun in 20 minutes, this isn’t for you. It’s an experience and event. Thank you guys for making our anniversary very special! We’ll make reservations again soon!“

“This place is the neighborhood eatery that’s too cool for all of us but still graces us with its presence. The agnolotti is one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had, the English Rose is a refreshing spin on a gin and tonic, and the staff are wonderful. This is our new date night place every time we visit STL.“

“Visited Warehouse West once for Soul Food Sunday. I really enjoyed my time there. From the moment I walked in, I felt at home. The bar's owner, Ty, was super helpful and made sure we were comfortable. The vibe was nice, the layout and interior design was really cute (better than other bars I've visited in the area) and it was spacious. The drinks were good and my whole family enjoyed the food. I'll definitely be back. But next time in the evening for dancing and music. I highly recommend this bar!!“

“Mannn Janay, by far has the strongest drinks in the city so if you had a rough week this is the perfect place. You will find things on her menu that you will not find at no other such as a fried pork chop sandwich(make you say ohhhwee) and Salmon Crockett. There are TV in here if you want to chain a game or two. There's typically an older crowd here but on certain days it is very mixed. It is limited sitting space so it you want to guarantee yourself a seat come before 10pm.“

“We’re regulars, but last night celebrated our wedding after party at Hummel’s. Dawn made sure we had some of our favorite beer and that she’d stocked up on what everyone would want. She started campfires, helped make our sparkler entrance happen, and even surprised us with fireworks. This is the kind of bar you trust with this special of a day.“

“The atmosphere was lovely because I was amongst friends. The music was way too loud. A band was playing and there was too much volume on the mic.The food was ok. My wings were good long. But our server/waitress was phenomenal!! Their workers were very professional, timely, and on point.“

“Judy does a wonderful job with the bar and makes everyone feel comfortable and safe when out for a good time. The Pub is probably my favorite bar ever, but then again I might be biased as I have many friends and family members that have all frequented the place in the past as well as currently. But it really feels like an extension of home every time I visit.Parking: Park in front or around the side and if you have to you can even park in back.“

“My friend and I came down from central Illinois to a concert at the Pageant. We got there plenty early and thought we’d stop by this little place. It’s small, but honestly so perfect and inviting and it is extremely clean and very friendly workers and just the environment in general is very welcoming. The drinks were delicious and our server was fantastic. I apologize. I can’t remember her name. They also have a fantastic patio. That is nice and closed off. I really like that. Next time I come down, I will definitely return!“

“It's such a fun little place. I got the tacos, and they were amazing. Would highly recommend them. My wife and son got the burger and were super impressed with them. My daughter got the chicken strips. They were kinda thin and smaller but were really good aswell. Had a great beer selection if you wanted a beer with your meal. The server was great, kept our drinks full, and was super nice.“

“A great time was had by all! I love the Famous Bar, a martini bar that has two pool tables! Yes, please! The bartenders are great! Always friends and attentive. The martinis were superb! I always love bringing new friends here to experience this hidden gem!“