Remember the last time you found yourself craving something beyond peanuts at your favorite St. Louis watering hole? The days of stale pretzels and greasy fries being the only option at a bar are long gone. St. Louis is serving up bar food that will blow your mind! The city’s culinary scene extends far beyond fine dining establishments and into its vibrant collection of bars and pubs. From perfectly crafted cocktails to locally brewed beers, the St. Louis bar experience is incomplete without equally impressive food.
St. Louis boasts a vibrant bar food scene with diverse options ranging from elevated pub classics to innovative culinary creations, offering a perfect complement to any drink and ambiance. This article is your guide to navigating the city’s best bar food offerings, ensuring your next night out is a deliciously memorable one.
What Makes a Bar’s Food Great?
Before diving into the list of top contenders, it’s important to understand the criteria that set these bars apart. The “best bar food” isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about creating a complete sensory experience.
Quality ingredients are paramount. The dishes mentioned below prioritize fresh, locally sourced produce and high-quality meats and cheeses whenever possible. This commitment to quality elevates the flavors and ensures a satisfying meal.
Menu variety and innovation are also key. The establishments featured offer menus that go beyond the typical fried fare. You’ll find creative takes on classic pub staples, globally inspired dishes, and options to suit a variety of dietary needs. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a meat lover, or have specific allergies, you’ll find something to love.
Ambiance and atmosphere contribute significantly to the overall experience. A dimly lit, cozy pub will lend itself to a different dining experience than a lively sports bar. The best bars understand this and curate their food menus to complement their overall vibe.
Finally, value for money is essential. No one wants to overpay for mediocre food. The bars mentioned below offer a great balance of quality and affordability, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.
The Best St. Louis Bar Food Experiences
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey through the best bar food in St. Louis. From casual eateries to upscale lounges, there’s a perfect dish waiting to be discovered.
The Side Project Cellar
This intimate beer bar is renowned for its impressive selection of rare and unique beers. But the Side Project Cellar also offers a curated menu of small plates and charcuterie boards that perfectly complement their brews. Think artisan cheeses, cured meats, and homemade bread, all sourced from local producers.
The standout dish is the Ploughman’s Lunch. This hearty board features a selection of cheeses, meats, pickles, mustards, and crusty bread. The flavors are complex and satisfying, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends.
For a drink pairing, try one of Side Project’s signature saisons or wild ales. The tart and funky flavors of these beers cut through the richness of the cheese and meat, creating a harmonious balance. The price point is slightly higher than a typical bar, but the quality of the ingredients and the unique beer selection make it well worth the splurge.
The Gramophone
Located in the Grove, The Gramophone is known for its live music and laid-back atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to unwind with friends and enjoy some delicious food. The Gramophone’s extensive sandwich menu is the star of the show.
The must-try item is the Hot Salami sandwich. Piled high with thinly sliced salami, provolone cheese, and a tangy giardiniera, this sandwich is a flavor explosion. The bread is perfectly toasted, and the ingredients are fresh and flavorful. It’s messy, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Pair the Hot Salami with a local craft beer. The hoppy bitterness of an IPA will cut through the richness of the salami, creating a balanced and refreshing experience. The Gramophone offers great value, with generous portions and affordable prices.
Planter’s House
This sophisticated cocktail bar in Lafayette Square is known for its expertly crafted drinks and elegant ambiance. Planter’s House also offers a refined menu of small plates and entrees that are as impressive as their cocktails.
The crispy pig ear nachos are a unique and delicious choice. Crispy pig ears are topped with queso Oaxaca, cotija, pickled onions, cilantro, and a spicy arbol salsa. They’re crispy, savory, and bursting with flavor.
Pair the nachos with a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned or a Sazerac. The smoky notes of the whiskey will complement the savory flavors of the pig ears. The price point is higher than a typical bar, but the quality of the ingredients and the sophisticated ambiance make it a worthwhile splurge.
Bogart’s Smokehouse
While technically a barbecue restaurant, Bogart’s Smokehouse is a fantastic place to enjoy amazing smoked meats alongside a selection of local beers. Located in Soulard, Bogart’s is known for its award-winning barbecue and casual atmosphere.
The burnt ends are a must-try. These smoky, tender cubes of brisket are caramelized to perfection and melt in your mouth. They’re seasoned with a secret blend of spices and served with a side of homemade barbecue sauce.
Pair the burnt ends with a local amber ale. The malty sweetness of the beer will complement the smoky flavors of the meat. Bogart’s offers great value, with generous portions and affordable prices.
McGurk’s Irish Pub & Garden
This popular Irish pub in Soulard is known for its lively atmosphere, live music, and extensive selection of Irish beers and whiskeys. McGurk’s also offers a traditional pub menu with plenty of comforting and satisfying dishes.
The fish and chips are a classic choice. Flaky cod is battered and fried to golden perfection and served with crispy fries and tartar sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfectly executed.
Pair the fish and chips with a pint of Guinness. The creamy, roasted flavors of the stout will complement the fried fish. McGurk’s offers a relaxed atmosphere and reasonably priced food and drinks, making it a great choice for a casual night out.
Courtesy Diner
While not strictly a bar, the Courtesy Diner is a St. Louis institution that’s open late and serves up delicious, comforting food that pairs perfectly with a cold beer. The diner is known for its greasy spoon classics and retro atmosphere.
The slinger is a St. Louis staple. This massive dish features a hamburger patty, chili, cheese, onions, and eggs, all piled on top of a bed of hash browns. It’s a messy, indulgent, and utterly satisfying meal.
Pair the slinger with a cheap domestic beer. It’s the perfect combination for a late-night snack or a hangover cure. The Courtesy Diner is affordable and unpretentious, making it a great choice for a casual meal.
iNDO
iNDO, a modern Asian restaurant from chef Nick Bognar, offers a sushi bar with a unique twist on classic sushi rolls. While technically a restaurant, the bar area is lively and offers a great selection of cocktails and sake that pair perfectly with their innovative dishes.
The standout is their extensive nigiri selection. Try the bluefin tuna nigiri with chili garlic ponzu and smoked soy sauce. It’s a flavor explosion.
Pair any of their nigiri selections with a chilled sake or one of iNDO’s signature cocktails. The price point is elevated, but the quality of the ingredients and the innovative cuisine make this a bar food experience to remember.
Honorable Mentions
These bars also deserve a shout-out for their delicious food:
The Royale: For delicious comfort food and a great cocktail menu.
Stacked STL: For creative burger creations and a fun atmosphere.
Baileys’ Range: Grass-fed burgers and house made ice cream.
Trends in St. Louis Bar Food
The St. Louis bar food scene is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging all the time. One notable trend is the increased focus on vegetarian and vegan options. Many bars are now offering creative and delicious plant-based dishes to cater to the growing demand for meat-free alternatives.
Another trend is the elevation of pub classics. Bars are taking traditional dishes like burgers, fries, and wings and elevating them with high-quality ingredients and innovative preparation techniques.
Finally, there’s a growing emphasis on using local ingredients. Bars are partnering with local farms and producers to source fresh, seasonal ingredients, supporting the local economy and reducing their environmental impact. The use of local farms to source produce is also becoming more and more popular.
Raise a Glass to Great Bar Food
The St. Louis bar food scene is more than just an afterthought; it’s a vital part of the city’s culinary landscape. From elevated pub classics to innovative culinary creations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The bars highlighted here represent the best of the best, offering delicious food, expertly crafted drinks, and inviting atmospheres.
So, the next time you’re looking for a great place to grab a drink and a bite in St. Louis, be sure to check out one of these fantastic bars – your taste buds will thank you! Whether you are with friends or just out to get a snack for yourself, bar food in St. Louis will be worth your time.
