St. Louis Nightlife - Best Bars in St. Louis

St. Louis nightlife is getting more exciting every year with new bars and nightclubs popping up. There are so many fun night life activities like mini-putt, wine bars, night clubs, gaming and more! Read on to find the best bars and have yourself a fabulous night out in St. Louis!

Best St. Louis Bars and Nightlife

Hi, I’m Anna a local foodie and I love visiting restaurants and bars in St. Louis and sharing my favorites on here and social media. If you spend time on Instagram make sure to follow me for daily foodie adventures.

Bally Sports Live sports bar St. Louis Ballpark Village

Best Sports Bars in St. Louis

• Bally Sports Live

  • A huge event space and sports bar in St. Louis Ballpark Village next to Busch Stadium, Bally Sports Live is the ultimate place to watch a game while enjoying classic sports bar food like burgers, nachos, or wings.

Pitch Soccer Sports Bar St. Louis Union Station

• Pitch

  • Located at Union Station St. Louis, Pitch is a new soccer sports bar right across from CITYPARK Soccer Stadium. It has an old school mens club vibe with leather armchairs but is great for all soccer fans. The menu is an elevated sports bar menu with added options like chicken pot pie (pictured above) and lobster rangoon.

  More of the Best Sports Bars in St. Louis:

• Billy’s on Broadway

• Tamm Ave Bar

• Helen Fitzgerald’s 

• Humphrey’s Midtown

• Beffa’s

• Amsterdam Tavern

City Winery wine bar St. Louis City Foundry

Wine Bars in St. Louis

• City Winery at City Foundry STL

• This event space and wine bar in St. Louis has upscale dining options and a fabulous wine selection. Highly recommend catching a live performance here and trying some small plate options.

• Sashas on Shaw

  • One of the coziest date night spots in St. Louis, Sasha’s wine bars are open late till 1:30 am every night except Sundays. Order a delicious small plate, flatbread, or crepe with your wine.

More of the Best Wine Bars in St. Louis:

• Robust Wine Bar

• Ssippi

• Novella

The Armory STL

Biggest Bar in St. Louis - The Armory STL

• The Armory STL is the largest bar and event space in St. Louis. It’s basically a giant playground for adults with multiple bars, games, activities and more. It’s a great place for birthdays, celebrations, or just a night out in St. Louis.

• Board Game Bar St. Louis

• Pieces STL - One of my favorite places to go with friends in St. Louis, this game bar has over 800 board games, delicious cocktails, and fun snacks and dessert options.

Best Cocktail Bars St. Louis

• Yellowbelly

• Natasha’s Gin Room

• Platypus

• Planter’s House

• Brennan’s

• Small Batch

Sophie’s Artist Lounge - Best Bars in St. Louis

Unique Bars in St. Louis

• Sophie’s Artist Lounge

  • An immersive art lounge and part of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. They serve creative cocktails and have a street art gallery and resident DJs to enjoy while you imbibe. 

• Venice cafe st louis

  • Great local bar to find live music in St. Louis. Cash only (ATM in the basement) so come prepared!

• Narwhal’s Crafted

  • Frozen cocktails, specialty drinks and beer in a funky, modern cocktail lounge

John D. McGurks Irish pub St. Louis

Irish Pubs St. Louis

• John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub

  • My personal favorite St. Louis irish bar, McGurks has an old irish vibe with it’s exposed brick and arched doorways. It’s a surprisingly large venue with a gorgous outdoor garden and bar area. They have some of the best cocktails in St. Louis as well as decent irish pub food options.

• More Irish Pubs in St. Louis:

• Seamus McDaniel’s

• The Pat Connolly Tavern

• Hayden’s Irish Pub Downtown St. Louis

St. Louis Steak Sandwich at Fieldhouse Bar and Grill Midtown STL

Best Bar and Grills St. louis

• Fieldhouse Pub and Grill

  • Located in Midtown near the Fox Theater in St. Louis, this bar and grill has a delicious sandwiches and a great kids menu. Perfect for those family nights out or quick bites before seeing a show at the Fox.

More Bar and Grills in St. Louis:

• Tamm Avenue Bar

• Jack Patrick’s Bar and Grill

• The Mack Bar and Grill

• Legend’s Bar and Grill

Idol Wolf bar inside 21c Hotel St. Louis Downtown

St. Louis Downtown Nightlife

• Best Bars Downtown St. Louis

• Broadway Oyster Bar

• Bridge Tap House

• 360 Bar St. louis

St. Louis chalet pop up bar at Le Meridien Hotel Clayton

Roof Top Bars in St. Louis

• Le Meridien Bar Clayton - chalet pop up bar (above)

• UpBar STL

• Cinder House at the Four Seasons

• The Bellwether

• 360 Bar St. Louis

• Art Bar St. Louis - rooftop igloo dining and drinks

Angad Hotel Art Bar St. Louis - rooftop igloo dining and drinks

Best Bars in StL

I hope this list gave you a great place to start for a great night out in St. Louis. We have some amazing nightlife and bars in St. Louis and more are opening every week. Being a foodie in this great city is one of my favorite things. Thank you for discovering the best bars in St. Louis with me!

See more of the best restaurants or things to do in St. Louis

The Best St. Louis Christmas Events

What is there to do in St. Louis at Christmas time?

There is so much to do around St. Louis at Christmas time! Some of the best St. Louis Christmas events include holiday pop up bars, Winterfest, a Polar Express train ride, and more! All of the holiday magic can be found if you know where to look in St. Louis.

Christmas in St. Louis at Union Station

Family Christmas Activities St. Louis

I love raising my family near St. Louis because of all the fantastic family activities the city offers. There are tons of winter activities in St. Louis for kids and christmas events for the whole family.

Santa at City Museum St. Louis

Weirdly Wonderful Holidays at the City Museum

The City Museum in St. Louis is one of the top attractions in the city year round but at Christmas time they have some fun events in addition to their unique museum experience. The Weirdly Wonderful Holidays at the City Museum lasts from late November to the end of the year each year. The Christmas celebration at St. Louis City Museum includes stories with Santa and Mrs. Clause, dazzling lights, Circus Harmony performances, and themed food and drinks.

Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden

The Garden Glow is a fabulous display of almost 2 million lights at the Missouri Botanical Garden every year from mid-November to early January. It’s by far the best Christmas light display in the St. Louis area. It lasts from 5-8:30pm (entry time) most evenings in the winter.

Polar Express St. Louis Union Station

Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station

The Polar Express Train Ride experience in St. Louis is one of my kids favorite traditions. Not only do they get hot cocoa and a cookie along with a fun storytime show, they also meet Santa aboard the train every year!

The Gateway Arch Downtown St. Louis

Winterfest St. Louis

What is winterfest St Louis?

Winterfest St. Louis is a huge holiday celebration downtown St. Louis at Kiener Plaza. It includes everything from ice skating, s'mores stations to igloos under the Gateway Arch and 100,000 sparkling Christmas lights.

Igloo Dining St. Louis Winterfest

Winterfest Hours

Winterfest in St. Louis lasts from mid November to the end of December and the hours vary depending on which activity you want to partake in.

• Ice Skating is available November 19 – December 31, 2023 on Fridays: 4 – 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 12 – 8 p.m. Reduced Hours: December 24: 12 – 6 p.m. and closed November 23 & December 25 for the holidays. December 26 – December 31 ice skating is open daily from 12 – 8 p.m.

• Igloo Reservations are available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the evening and must be booked in advance. Check out my article all about Igloo Dining in St. Louis for more!

• Winterfest in St. Louis also has several food trucks, smores, fireworks and more! Check out the Winterfest website for more info and hours for Winterfest STL.

Chalet Pop Up Bar Le Meridien Hotel St. Louis

Christmas Pop Up Bars St. Louis

There are several Christmas pop up bars in St. Louis with more Holiday bars opening every year! One of my favorites that I’ve visited two years in a row is the Chalet Pop Up Bar at Le Meridien Hotel Clayton. It’s an upscale popup bar located on the 3rd floor rooftop of the hotel. They have themed holiday drinks and appetizers, bonfires, cozy chalets, and even a curling rink you can rent.

Sleigh Shed St. Louis Holiday Pop Up Bar at Train Shed Restaurant Union Station

Holiday Pop Up Bar St. Louis

Another fantastic holiday pop up bar in St. Louis is the Sleigh Shed at Union Station. The Train Shed restaurant inside Union Station St. Louis is transformed every year into a holiday wonderland full of dazzling lights and decorations. They have festive cocktails and delicious food too. Great place for a date night in St. Louis during the holiday season.

Christmas Pop Up St. Louis Igloo Dining

Igloo Dining in St. Louis

Some holiday pop ups in St. Louis include igloos you can rent or even dine in. You can find igloos at several restaurants and events in the area. Read all about it in my Igloo Dining St. Louis article.

Is the St Louis Arch open in December?

• The St. Louis arch (which is actually called the Gateway Arch)
  is open year round! Hours are extended in the summer but the arch is open 9am-6pm daily through the winter and only closed on major holidays.

Where to visit Santa in St. Louis?

• There are many places to visit Santa in St. Louis around Christmas time. Many area malls have times to meet Santa, you can have breakfast with santa at Eckert’s Farms, and of course you can meet Santa on the Polar Express train ride at Union Station.

Christmas Shows in St. Louis

There are several Holiday shows in St. Louis at the Fox Theatre every year. The Fabulous Fox always has two or three kid friendly productions along with a couple the whole family would love. See the Fox Theater Schedule for full information.

Find more:

Things to Do in St. Louis

and the best St. Louis Restaurants

St. Louis Summer Family Bucket List

Are you looking for fun St. Louis family activities for family bonding this summer? This summer family bucket list has all the best activities around St. Louis for kids and parents to enjoy. Share this list with your loved ones and make sure to follow on Instagram to see our daily adventures around St. Louis.

Kids History Clubhouse at the Missouri History Museum

St. Louis Family Activities

indoor Family Fun:

Magic House kids museum in St. Louis

The Magic House in St. Louis is one of the best childrens museums around St. Louis. They have so many fun activities for kids of all ages. I love that there are a lot of educational and real life lesson teaching opportunities at the Magic House too. During the summer there is also an outdoor garden and small water play area that my boys love.

Magic House Children’s Museum St. Louis

MADE for Kids by the Magic House

Made for Kids is a huge makerspace affiliated with the Magic House childrens museum. It’s located near Forest Park in St. Louis. Made for Kids is for children ages 4-14 who love to build and make things. They can design and build everything from a wooden car, a stop motion film, to pottery.

Science Center St. Louis

As a clinical pharmacist I have always loved science, so the St. Louis Science Center is one of my favorite places to go with my family. My boys share my love for learning about plants, animals, chemistry, and more! The fact that the Science Center in St. Louis is free is just the cherry on top.

St. Louis Science Center

St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station

The St. Louis Aquarium is way more than just fish. There are tons of kids activities, interactive exhibits, chances to pet the animals, and more. My kids love the water play area as well as seeing the sharks and petting the stingrays. Union Station is a destination in itself with plenty of restaurants, the ferris wheel, and of course the aquarium.

St. Louis Aquarium

Edwardsville Children’s Museum

The Edwardsville Children’s Museum is a small but fun indoor kids museum in the Metro East Illinois.

Missouri History Museum

The Missouri History Museum is a must for any family trip to St. Louis. My family recently visited here this summer for the first time and I was blown away. They have one of the best children museums in the area and its totally FREE! The History Clubhouse at the Missouri History Museum is a huge kids indoor play area that will keep them busy for hours.

Missouri History Museum St. Louis

indoor YMCA water park in OFallon, MO

If you have a YMCA membership anywhere, you can often use other facilities for free! Even if you don’t have a membership sometimes you can pay a small fee to use a pool or waterpark at local YMCAs.

See a movie in theaters

This one is pretty self explanatory but a movie day or night always gets my kids excited and keeps them busy for a couple hours in the summertime.

Go to the Library

Local libraries are an often untapped source of fun and (free) resources for kids. Not only do they have books but they always have games and movies too. My local library has a summer reading program every year where the kids can earn prizes like crafts, toys, and coupons for local businesses.

Downtown St. Louis Central Library

Family Outdoor Activities

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

The boys and I had a fabulous time at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly house this summer. The Butterfly House is a beautiful park like enclosure that houses over 60 species of butterflies. You can even release a newly hatched butterfly into the butterfly zoo. If you have a membership the the Missouri Botanical Garden you can visit the Butterfly House for free.

Missouri Botanical Garden - Children’s Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a great outdoor family activity in St. Louis. Walk through the gorgeous gardens to the Children’s Garden where you’ll find a splash pad, learning activities, slides, and fun for the whole family.

Missouri Botanical Garden Children’s Garden

Grant’s Farm

Grant’s Farm is a unique attraction just 20 minutes from downtown. Owned by the Busch family for over 120 years, this historic farm is one of the few places in St. Louis where you can get free beer. Grant’s Farm truly is for the whole family with a petting zoo, live music, camel rides, and a beer garden.

Grants Farm St. Louis

Sculpture Park

There are actually a few different sculpture parks around St. Louis to check out. Serra and Citypark Sculpture Parks are downtown St. Louis. They offer an artistic green oasis between the skyscrapers. Then there is Laumier Sculpture park - a larger greenspace in Sappington Missouri, just 20 minutes from downtown.

St. Louis Zoo

The St. Louis Zoo is one of my favorite fun family activities in St. Louis. This world-class zoo is such a beautiful space filled with a huge number of animals and activities. My boys love animals so this is one of their favorite places to go in St. Louis as well.

St. Louis Zoo

More Outdoor Family Fun activities Around St. Louis:

Forest Park Naturescape

Visit local splash pads

Go Swimming

Go on a hike

explore a new park

Go camping

Watch a movie outside

Family At Home Activities:

1. Do a craft project every week

2. Bake cookies

3. Plant a garden

4. Have a bonfire

5. Weed and water garden every week

6. Do a science experiment

7. Have a family game night

8. Build a lego kit together

St. Louis Summer Family Bucket List

I hope this summer family bucket list inspired you to make the most of your summer and make some family memories. There are so many fun family activities in St. Louis and many of them are free! We are lucky to live near a city that offers so much in terms of entertainment for kids and families.

Food Truck Friday St. Louis

St. Louis Food Truck Friday at Tower Grove Park is a must do on anyone’s summer bucket list in St. Louis. They have over 20 food trucks line up in the park for everyone to enjoy. There is also live music and plenty of space to set up your table and chairs in the park. Highly recommend bringing the whole fam and trying some of the best St. Louis food trucks.

Food Truck Friday St. Louis

2023 Schedule

JUNE 23 4-8PM
JULY 14 4-8PM
JULY 28 4-8PM
AUGUST 18 4-8PM
SEPTEMBER 8 3:30-7:30PM
SEPTEMBER 22 3-7PM

Location: 4501 Southwest Drive, St. Louis Missouri

St. Louis Food Trucks

There were a ton of people at Food Truck Friday last week but I imagine it will calm down since this was only the second week they offered the food trucks at Tower Grove Park. The lines were long but they moved quickly.

Here are some of the trucks that participate:

• Yemanja Brasil

• Narwhal’s Crafted

• Angie Burger

• Destination Desserts

• Truck-O-Soup

• Takozz

• Dynamic Dishes

• Pappy’s Smokehouse

• Pete’s Pops

• Wak-O Taco

Tower Grove Park

Tower Grove Park in St. Louis is the perfect place for Food Truck Friday because there is so much green space and room for your foodie picnic set up. Highly recommend bringing folding chairs and a little table so you can sit to eat all the delicious food. There are a few picnic tables around the park but they fill up quickly during the event.

Sauce Magazine Food Truck Friday

Sauce Magazine is one of the premiere foodie magazines in St. Louis. They highlight the best restaurants in St. Louis plus recipes and more. Food Truck Friday at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis is a private event organized by Sauce (and other sponsors).

Food Truck Friday

Visit Tower Grove Park on your next Friday in St. Louis and enjoy all the best St. Louis food trucks. Eating outside is fun for the whole family and one of my favorite summer activities in the city. There are delicious cocktails, burgers, Brazilian, Mexican, and more! Find your next favorite dish at Sauce Magazine’s Food Truck Friday.

Best St. Louis Restaurants

Fun Things to do in St. Louis

Pop Up Picnic by Alpaca Picnic St. Louis

Pop Up Picnic

Alpaca Picnic in St. Louis is known for their luxury pop up picnic setups. They provide an aesthetic picnic for any event or party all around the St. Louis area. If you’re looking for something special for your next birthday party, shower, or dinner party, I highly recommend Alpaca Picnic.

Luxury Picnic Packages

Alpaca Picnic has a number of customizable luxury picnic packages to fit any party size or budget. Her picnic packages start at $199 and go up from there based on number of guests and add ons for your party. You can even add on food to your picnic set up with charcuterie boards, chocolate covered strawberries, custom desserts, and more!

Photo by Sarah Lutz

Picnic Set Up

All of Alpaca Picnic’s packages include picnic set up and tear down along with the complete tablescape you see here. Still or sparkling water is complementary but any additional food or drinks cost extra when added to your luxury picnic package. Another option is to use a luxury picnic company for the tablescape set up then provide your food and drinks yourself. The amount of customization for picnic set up is endless and her creativity is truly impressive. 

Aesthetic Picnic Party

How do you host an aesthetic picnic Party?

Hosting an aesthetic picnic is super simple if you hire Alpaca Picnic because she helps you plan it and sets it all up and tears it down for you. Plus you don’t have to buy all the luxury picnicware or table to host the picnic on.

How do you make a picnic unique?

Choosing a unique theme for your picnic can make it unique, along with using memorable dinnerware and a colorful setup (like the ones Alpaca Picnic provides). You can customize your picnic \

How do you set up a fancy picnic?

If you’re hosting a fancy picnic yourself then you’ll need to plan on buying or renting a table and seating for the number of guests you’re having. Plus plan on appetizers or light bites and drinks to have for your guests of course. Some parks require reservations or permits so always check before setting up in a public space.

This Summer Sparkler Drink would make the perfect picnic cocktail. If you’re in the St. Louis area then St. Louis Cheese Boards provides delicious charcuterie boards that are perfect for fancy picnics.

Alpaca Picnic

Thank you so much to Alpaca Picnic and my fellow St. Louis foodies Mary (@mary.eats.stl) and Whitney (@whitneyinthecity) for hosting such a fabulous pop up picnic and inviting me. St. Louis has so many great restaurants and things to do but this luxury picnic experience is definitely one of a kind!

St. Louis Cardinals Party Suites AKA Box Seats

Have you ever wondered what it was like inside the St. Louis Cardinals Party Suites and whether or not it was worth the extra cost? I’m going to break it down for you in this article all about the all inclusive Cardinals Box Seats.

Busch Stadium View from the Box Seats

St. Louis Cardinals Box Seats

I had my first all-inclusive experience at Busch Stadium last summer when I got discounted box seats for heath care workers through my hospital. The seats we got were in the standard Party Suites area and I was pretty impressed with the view from our outdoor seating area.

The great thing about the box seats is that there is an indoor area where you can sit as well. Perfect for rainy, cold, or super hot summer days at Busch Stadium.

All Inclusive Box Seat Food Options

Busch Stadium All Inclusive Menu

They have unlimited food and drinks in the indoor area of the Party Suites. They had standard ball park food like hot dogs and nachos but also salad, pasta, brisket, and desserts. They were pretty good about replenishing the food as it was eaten and refilling your glass when you needed another.

St. Louis Cardinals All Inclusive Party Suites

Party Suite FAQs

How much are Busch Stadium party suites?

• Busch Stadium Party Suites are $3,000-$8,000 for the entire block of seats, depending on the game and area that your party suite is in.

• For each all-inclusive seat in the Party Suites it’s between $80 and $200.

What do you get with Cardinals all inclusive tickets?

• Both the standard Party Suites and the Diamond Box Seats have a covered outdoor area and an indoor air conditioned area with a bartender, full bar, and buffet style food.

What are Diamond Box Seats at Busch Stadium?

• Diamond Box Seats are all inclusive box seats like the Party Suites except they are located between 1st and 3rd base.

What's the difference between club and box seats?

• With Club level seats, you sit outside but can order food and drinks. Box seats include an indoor air conditioned area that has a full bar and buffet area.

How do you get a box at the Cardinals game?

• To purchase an individual box seat or to rent an entire box for an evening, visit the official St. Louis Cardinals website.

Busch Stadium St. Louis

Are the Box Seats worth the extra money?

Busch Stadium Box Seats are worth the extra money in my opinion if you drink and eat a lot at Cardinals games. They are also a great splurge for a gift or special occasion.

Food and drinks can quickly add up at a ball park so going the all inclusive route could actually save you money depending on how much you imbibe. Either way, seeing a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium is a must do when visiting St. Louis.

More Fun Things to Do in St. Louis

and Best St. Louis Restaurants

Best Breakfast and Brunch St. Louis Area

If you’re looking for the best breakfast or brunch in St. Louis area here are my favorites! Having lived in the St. Louis area for almost two decades I have personally tried and loved each of these fabulous brunch spots.

Hatch’d Breakfast Sandwich - Best Brunch St. Louis

Best Breakfast & Brunch Places in St. Louis City:

Hatch’d STL

Best breakfast sandwich award goes to Hatch’d with their signature Hatch’d-Wich. Their creative menu and funny entree names add to their already delicious menu.

Bowood by Niche

If you’re looking for great ambiance, look no further than the restaurant/plant shop Bowood by Niche. They have a small but classic menu with options like eggs benedict and blueberry pancakes.

Bowood by Niche Eggs Benedict - Best Brunch St. Louis

Best Outdoor Brunch St. Louis

Simply Delicious STL

Simply Delicious is a highly rated brunch spot downtown St. Louis with a beautiful little patio to enjoy your avocado toast.

Best Brunch Downtown St. Louis - Simply Delicious STL Shakshuka and Fried Brussels Sprouts

Best Breakfast or Brunch in Edwardsville Illinois:

Twisted Biscuit

If you’re looking for a brunch spot near St. Louis with delicious morning cocktail options then Twisted Biscuit is your best bet. They have delicious food too but I was blown away by these tasty brunch cocktails.

Twisted Biscuit Brunch Cocktails - Best Brunch Edwardsville Illinois

222 Artisan Bakery

If you’re looking for a great brunch spot in Edwardsville with the best chocolate croissants you’ve ever had in your life then 222 Artisan Bakery needs to be on your list.

Best Brunch in O’Fallon / Shiloh Illinois:

Junes in Shiloh

This new breakfast and brunch spot has stolen our hearts with its adorable vibes, large patio, and delicious coffees and treats.

June’s in Shiloh Latte

Sweet Katie Bees

Downtown O’Fallon Illinois there is a beautiful little cafe that serves brunch for all dietary needs. Sweet Katie Bees has the best brunch in O’Fallon and is a great place for those with dietary restrictions.

Drag Brunch St. Louis

Looking for entertainment with your brunch? Visit one of these locations for their upcoming drag brunch shows.

• Helium and Elements Restaurant at the St. Louis Galleria

• Now that’s what I call Drag Brunch at Tropical Liqueurs 

• Spring Drag Brunch at the Budweiser Brew House 

• Makeup & Mimosas at Prism St. Louis

More to come as I explore more of our beautiful city but for now these are the best breakfast and brunch spots I’ve found in the St. Louis area. Follow me on Instagram for daily foodie adventures!

Things to Do in St. Louis

Best Restaurants in St. Louis

Igloo Dining St. louis

Igloo Dining St. Louis

If you’ve ever experienced a midwest winter, you’ll know that outdoor dining is hard to come by during this time of year. Outdoor dining in St. Louis is possible even during the winter when you visit a restaurant with Igloos or chalets. We were lucky enough to be invited to the rooftop igloo experience at Art Bar - the rooftop bar at Angad Arts Hotel.

Angad Arts Hotel Igloos

The “Color Your Winter” rooftop igloos at Art Bar at the gorgeous Angad Arts Hotel in St. Louis showcase the signature colors of the hotel’s immersive rooms. The igloos feature comfortable seating, colorful LED lighting, cozy blankets, propane heaters, and stunning views of downtown St. Louis. Book your igloo for 2024 on the Angad Igloo Experience website.

Private Igloo Rental St. Louis

Each igloo can be rented for 2 hours at a time for up to 6 people and three igloos are available for reservations. Sundays and Mondays will require no minimum on food and beverage, however Thursday, Friday and Saturday will require a $100 food and beverage minimum in addition to the rental.

Igloo Dining Menu at Art Bar in Angad Arts Hotel

Within the igloos, you can enjoy a seasonal food and beverage menu including holiday-themed cocktails like the Sleigh Ride (a hot chocolate and vodka-based drink), Up On the Rooftop (a coffee liqueur and tequila cocktail), and the Peppermint Patty (made with Godiva Chocolate liquor and peppermint vodka). Food options include sharables for small groups such as Chasu Tender Pork Belly, Grilled Chicken Cuban Sandwich, and White Cheddar Cheese Curds with Garlic Ranch.

Winter Outdoor Dining in St. Louis

Other restaurants with outdoor dining in St. Louis, even during the winter months include Edera’s private chalet igloos and the Chalet Pop up bar at Le Meridien Hotel in St. Louis. Edera’s chalet igloos can be rented Monday through Saturday and require a $50 refundable deposit. They have a private 2 person chalet and a larger 8 person option. The Chalet pop up bar at Le Meridien is on the 3rd floor rooftop terrace with wooden pergolas, fire pits, twinkle lights, and fleece blankets.

Highly recommend elevating your next date night in St. Louis by renting a private igloo or chalet. Igloo dining in St. Louis is a fun outdoor dining option during these cold midwest winters.

Best St. Louis Restaurants and Things to Do

Great Date Night Ideas in St. Louis

Date Night Ideas in St. Louis for couples - the most romantic restaurants in St. Louis, plus unique date night ideas and experiences. Impress your partner on your next night out with one of these romantic date night ideas!

Date Night Ideas in St. Louis - Dinner at Hendel’s Restaurant in Florissant

Romantic Outdoor Things to do in St. Louis

1. Ice skating at Steinburg Skating Rink in Forest Park

• Open skating daily from 1-10pm

• Open November - March 1st

2. Visit a fun pop-up bar like the Chalet Pop-up Bar at Le Meridien Hotel

• Fun winter activities

• Themed cocktails and appetizers

• Can also rent an indoor space

Date Night Ideas St. Louis - Chalet Pop-up bar at Le Meridien Hotel Clayton

3. Tour the Missouri Botanical Garden

• Discover your favorite blooms (or your partner’s!)

• Check out the Garden Glow in the wintertime for a romantic holiday treat.

Date night ideas in St. Louis Missouri Botanical Garden Glow at night

Indoor Date Ideas St. Louis

4. Browse IKEA for furniture or decor together

• Whether you live together or not IKEA has so many fun rooms and home decor

5. Putt putt golf at the new Putt Shack at the City Foundry STL

• A friendly competition is sure to get the romance flowing in your relationship

Puttshack St. Louis Date Ideas

6. Take a cooking class together at the Kitchen Conservatory

• Learn a new skill together that will last a lifetime!

7. See a show at the Fabulous Fox Theatre

• The Best Broadway shows, musicals, and musical acts perform at the Fox Theater

Date Night Ideas St. Louis - the Fabulous Fox Theatre

Most Romantic Restaurants in St. Louis

8. Edera

• Delicious modern Italian restaurant in the Central West End

• Gorgeous outdoor patio space

Edera Restaurant Patio Date night ideas St. Louis

9. Hendels

• Elevated American restaurant in Old Town Florissant Missouri

• One of the best restaurants in St. Louis

Date Night Ideas St. Louis - Hendel’s Restaurant Old Town Florissant Spinach Artichoke Dip

10. Trattoria Marcella

• Refined Italian restaurant

• Dim lighting, classically romantic

Free Date Ideas in St. Louis

11. Walk around Forest Park

• One of the few St. Louis parks open late - till 10 pm.

• Beautiful walking path and water features.

12. Go to the St. Louis Zoo

• If you’re up for a day date in St. Louis, the zoo is a great place to go!

Date Ideas in St. Louis - the St. Louis Zoo

13. Stroll through the Saint Louis Art Museum

• Open till 9pm Friday and till 5pm Sunday-Thursday

Unique Date Night Ideas in St. Louis

14. Take a pottery or art class together

Date Night Ideas St. Louis Pottery Class

15. Go to Pieces STL Board Game Bar and Cafe

• Pieces is one of my favorite bars in St. Louis because they have fun cocktails and food along with over 800 games to play with your family or friends.

Fancy Date Night Ideas

16. Cafe La Vie

• This beautiful French restaurant inside Le Meridien Hotel Clayton is definitely fancy and romantic.

Romantic Date Night St. Louis at Cafe La Vie

17. The St. Louis Symphony

• Seeing a performance at the St. Louis symphony will impress even the most cultured partner.

• Powell Hall is gorgeous and great for photo ops too!

• Read more about the St. Louis Symphony here.

Fancy Date Night Ideas St. Louis Symphony at Powell Hall

I hope this list of romantic date night ideas in St. Louis inspired you to plan your next night out with your honey. There are so many fun things to do in St. Louis no matter what season it is!

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Polar Express St. Louis at Union Station

The Polar Express St. Louis at Union Station is a holiday wonderland that your family will talk about for years to come! Read all about our Polar Express Train ride experience and answer any questions you might have below!

Polar Express Train Review

My family had so much fun at our first Polar Express experience at Union Station. It was my 3 year old’s first time on a train and he absolutely loved it. The cookies were huge and delicious and we each got our own hot (but not too hot) cocoa with a commemorative mug.

The actors on board were so much fun and stayed in character the whole time. My 6 year old kept trying to get them to break by asking over and over whether they were the real elves and Santa Claus but they stayed committed.

Both of my boys were won over by the magic of Union Station decorated with thousands of Christmas lights. They had several beautiful photo ops set up for family pictures before boarding the train. It was a magical evening we all enjoyed. Be sure to check out my Instagram @annacarwile.stl to see the reel from that evening as well as more daily updates.

After boarding the beautifully decorated train we enjoyed the audio from the Polar Express Movie playing along with a real picture book held by one of the actors. She answered questions and added to the story while it was playing. After that we got our hot chocolates and giant cookies delivered along with some dancing and singing of the famous hot hot! song from the movie.

Finally the train was on it’s way to the North Pole! We saw city lights and rivers and eventually Santa outside with all his Christmas decorations at the North Pole. My kids were so excited when he boarded the train and they could tell him everything they wanted for Christmas this year. After spending some time with Old Saint Nick we headed back to Union Station.

Common Polar Express Questions:

How long is the Polar Express ride in St. Louis?

It took us about an hour and a half to get to the North Pole and back, with some time beforehand for photos.

Where does the St. Louis Polar Express Train take you?

To the North Pole of course! But for real it crosses the Mississippi River to the land of Illinois then crosses back to Missouri and onward to Union Station in St. Louis.

How much do Polar Express tickets cost?

The tickets range in price from $40 to over $100 depending on which train car you want to sit in.

What time does the Polar Express Train leave Union Station?

They have multiple departure times: 4:30pm, 6pm, 7:15pm, and 8:30pm

Where do you park to ride the Polar Express Train?

Park in one of the Union Station parking lots. Its the same lots you park in when you visit the St. Louis Aquarium.

How much does it cost to park at Union Station?

For the Polar Express riders, obtain a parking voucher from the ticket depot to get a discounted parking token. With the discount it’s only $5 to park in one of the Union Station lots.

The Polar Express at Union Station

The Polar Express runs from November 18 to December 30th 2022 at St. Louis Union Station and you can purchase anywhere from coach tickets up to Premium Car tickets. Visit www.stlpolarexpressride.com to book your tickets today!

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Chalet Pop Up Bar at Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton

The Chalet Pop Up Bar at Le Meridien Clayton is definitely one of the best holiday pop up bars in St. Louis. Highly recommend grabbing some friends or your date and checking it out.

Winter Pop Up Bar

Last night we were invited to a preview event for the Chalet Pop Up Bar at Le Meridien St. Louis in Clayton. We enjoyed delicious winter-themed appetizers like baked Brie with bacon onion jam (my favorite) and Chevre Cheese Tartlets. They also have some tasty warm cocktails that you can order in a large thermos to share. I really enjoyed the Appleton Apple Cider and the Smokey Hot Chocolate. 

The Chalet Pop Up Bar

We loved the cozy atmosphere they created on the rooftop terrace with wooden pergolas, fire pits, twinkle lights, and fleece blankets. The whole experience really made me want to hasten our future trip to Switzerland because it definitely has those Swiss Alps ski holiday vibes. The Chalet Pop-Up Bar will be open to the public every Friday (starting November 11), from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. 

Winter Chalet Activities

Chalet visitors can also choose to try their hand at one of the world’s most famous winter sports by renting the hotel’s temporary curling rink. The rink is available to rent by the hour for $50 and can be booked in advance on OpenTable. It definitely adds to the whole celebratory winter party experience. 

Private Event Space

The Private Chalet Room can be rented for groups of 10 or less for the evening. This space is modeled after a classic and cozy ski lodge and comes equipped with a private outdoor patio and easy access to the entire rooftop experience. Reservations for the Chalet Room can both be made on OpenTable.

Booking The Chalet at Le Meridien

Seating is first come, first serve at the Chalet Pop-Up Bar and there is complementary self-parking available. See more about the available packages for booking here. Park at Le Meridien Hotel St. Louis Clayton and take the elevator to the third floor to find this luxurious winter oasis for yourself! Elevate your next social gathering this winter in St. Louis!

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St. Louis 4th of July Fireworks

If you’re looking for a great place to celebrate the 4th of July in St. Louis, check out this list! The best places to see 4th of July fireworks around St. Louis are all here.

4th of July St. Louis 2023

There are many places around St. Louis to celebrate the 4th of July this year. Here are some of the best:

St. Louis Fireworks Downtown:

• Fair St. Louis - Downtown St. Louis Fireworks

  • 11am - 11pm at Gateway Arch National Park downtown St. Louis

• Steve Ewing Full Band at Ball Park Village

  • 9pm at Ball Park Village - 601 Clark Ave. St. Louis Missouri

Fireworks In the Metro East:

• Edwardsville American Legion will host an event July 1st from 2pm onward with fireworks starting at dusk.

• Fourth of July Celebration

  • 4pm at 375 E Locust St, Columbia, IL

• Family Fun Fest and Fireworks

  • 5-9:30pm - Robert E Glazebrook Community Park- 1401 Stamper Ln, Godfrey, IL

• O’Fallon Illinois fireworks will be held on Monday, July 3, 2023, at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.).

  • The fireworks will be launched near the west entrance of the O’Fallon Family Sports Park.

• Fireworks on the Mississippi Event will be in Alton, Illinois July 3rd at the Alton Amphitheater at 9:30pm.

Fireworks in St. Louis Missouri Suburbs

• 4th of July Fireworks and Festivities

  • 6pm at BMAC, Bridgeton Missouri

• July 4th Concert and Fireworks

  • 6-9pm at Schroeder Park 359 Old Meramec Station Rd, Manchester, MO

• Fourth of July Freedom Festival

  • 2-7pm Kirkwood Park - 111 S Geyer Rd, Kirkwood, MO

• Independence Day Celebration

  • 394 S Central Ave, Eureka, MO

• O’Fallon Heritage and Freedom Fest

  • Parade at 9:30am, Carnival, Live Music and More

  • Fireworks at 9:30pm on the 4th

  • Ozzie Smith Sports Park O’Fallon, Missouri

St. Louis 4th of July Fireworks 2022

Fireworks Downtown St. Louis:

• Fair St. Louis Fireworks Spectacular July 4th 2022 at 9:30 p.m. at The Gateway Arch

  • The event runs from July 2nd-4th and will have live music, food, and vendors at Kiener Plaza and Ball Park Village

  • America’s Birthday Parade will be July 2nd at 10 a.m. from Fourth and Market west to 20th St.

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Fireworks In the Metro East:

• O’Fallon, IL- July 3rd 2022 at dusk (approx. 8:30 p.m.) at the O’Fallon Family Sports Park

• Edwardsville, IL

  • July 2nd 2022 4-10 p.m. Food and drinks available too at The American Legion

  • July 7th 2022 at 9:20 p.m. - Fireworks at Dunlap Lake in Edwardsville

• Alton, IL - July 3rd 2022 5-10 p.m. Music, Food, and Fireworks at Liberty Bank Ampitheater

• Highland, IL- July 4th 2022 8-9:45 p.m. at Korte Rec Center

• Troy, IL - July 4th 2022 6-9 p.m. Food, Games, and Venders at Tri Township Park

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Fireworks in St. Louis Missouri Suburbs:

• St. Charles, MO - July 4th 2022 at 9 p.m. St. Charles Riverfest - Food, carnival venders, and fireworks

• Webster Groves, MO - July 4th 2022 at 9:30 p.m. at Memorial Field

• O’Fallon, MO - July 3rd 2022 at 10:15 p.m. and July 4th at 9:30 p.m. O’Fallon Heritage and Freedom Fest

• Kirkwood, MO - July 4th 2022 5-10 p.m. Food, entertainment, and fireworks at Kirkwood Park