Story by Liz Miller
Photos by Ella Manthey and Tyler Small
Whether you’re looking for lunch, dinner, or drinks, there are plenty of destinations to enjoy alfresco meals in Downtown St. Louis and Downtown West.
Photo by Tyler Small
360 Downtown
At 360 Downtown, you come for the vibes and stay for the rooftop views of Downtown St. Louis. Raise a glass over dinner or stop in for cocktails, including signatures like the Main Character, with bourbon, strawberry vermouth, lemongrass, exotic spices, and citrus, or the 360 Old Fashion, with Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon, amaro nonino, gum syrup, and bitters.
Photo by Ella Manthey
Ballpark Village
From its opening in 2014 to its expansion in 2020, Ballpark Village has brought a new selection of restaurants and bars to Downtown St. Louis — including many with expansive patio and outdoor seating. Regional favorites like Salt & Smoke and Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria anchor the dining and recreation destination, while newer additions including Fielder’s Choice, AVA Garden Bar, and Sports & Social St. Louis rounds out the offerings.
Photo by Ella Manthey
Brick River Cider
The ciders at Brick River Cider might surprise you. Unlike those produced by many large-scale companies, which often use rehydrated juice concentrate, ciders made at Brick River start with fresh-pressed fruit sourced as close to St. Louis as possible. You can taste the difference in every glass, whether you opt for the Cornerstone, a delicate, filtered, and off-dry cider, or the Homestead Peach, a cloudy, unfiltered farmhouse style. Once your cup is full, head outside to savor every sip on Brick River’s patio.
Photo by Ella Manthey
Broadway Oyster Bar
Cajun- and Creole-inspired eats, cold drinks, and rollicking live music converge at Downtown St. Louis favorite Broadway Oyster Bar. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch or dinner — we love the Andouille, Chicken and Seafood Gumbo and Uncle Charlie’s Creole Jambalaya — drinks, or a night on the town, be sure to snag a seat in the beer garden, and sit back for a memorable meal and good times.
Photo by Ella Manthey
Idol Wolf
If you’ve stepped inside the 21C Hotel in Downtown St. Louis, you know it’s a feast for the eyes. At the hotel’s lauded restaurant, Idol Wolf, that translates into beautiful and delicious dishes made with craft and care. Yet lesser known, perhaps, is the outdoor patio near the bar, which features an elevated terrace perfect for savoring sips and the bar’s Spanish-inspired fare.
Photo by Ella Manthey
Kilroy’s
Proudly family-owned and operated, Kilroy’s sits in the shadow of Busch Stadium and the Gateway Arch in Downtown St. Louis. Its proximity to the stadium makes it a destination for game days, but its large covered patio and ice-cold drinks make for a relaxing afternoon or evening any time.
Photo by Ella Manthey
The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern
Located just across the street from Energizer Park, there may be no better pre- or post-game destination for soccer fans than The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern. Fuel up on game day with stacked sandwiches, burgers, or chicken wings, among the many eats on offer, paired with your favorite cold beer or glass of wine.
Photo provided by Ramsay Kitchen
Ramsay’s Kitchen and RK Bar
The rooftop patio at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis offers one of the most breathtaking views of Downtown as well as the mighty Mississippi River. Take the elevator up to the eighth-floor, where Ramsay’s Kitchen offers a fine-dining experience from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay as well as drinks on the outdoor terrace, home to the RK Bar. The views aren’t the only thing elevated here – try the bar’s craft cocktails and housemade snacks while warming up around one of the terrace’s cozy fire pits.
Photo by Ella Manthey
Rosalita’s Cantina
With three St. Louis area locations, you’re never too far from Rosalita’s Cantina. Each location offers patio dining, but we really love the people-watching from its perch in Downtown St. Louis. Enjoy Tex-Mex favorites like The Cadillac Fajitas or Stuffed Nachos and wash it all down with a signature Margarita during happy hour.
Photo by Ella Manthey
Salt & Smoke
The burnt ends toasted ravioli at Salt & Smoke is a foundational menu item. “Part of our mission is to have more people eat toasted ravioli. It’s a St. Louis-specific item, and ours are made from scratch. It’s easy to make friends with toasted ravioli,” says owner Tom Schmidt. Fortunately for hungry St. Louisans, Salt & Smoke’s spin on the St. Louis signature is available at all of its eight outposts, from St. Charles to South City to Ballpark Village to Edwardsville, Illinois. And the majority of its locations also offer al fresco dining, making it easy to raise a glass over a table full of delicious barbecue on a sunny day.
Photo by Ella Manthey
Schlafly Tap Room
St. Louis has had an extensive history of innovation in beer for more than 200 years. The craft boom kicked off here in the 1990s as the Saint Louis Brewery, commonly known as Schlafly, opened its tap room in downtown St. Louis. Today, the brand operates two tap rooms serving full restaurant menus as well: Schlafly Tap Room in Downtown West and Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood. Both locations offer outdoor seating. Sidle up to the bar for a flight of the beers and a hearty lunch or dinner.