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.“

“We love to go to the Fountain before going to the Fox. Always great food and service. We had exceptional service from Andrew H.“

“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 really enjoyed the food and atmosphere can’t wait to come back!!! My husband had the salmon, rich and broccoli this was cooked to perfection! I had the fish tacos they were so good. Our desert was carrot cake & raspberry lemon cake they melted in our mouths. This restaurant gets 10 stars we absolutely love it!!!“

“One of the best burgers I’ve had.“

“I have visited several cocktail places in Saint Louis, but I can confidently say that The Vandy truly stands out as the best. Their cocktail menu is exceptional, and my personal favorite, the "Sea Whip," keeps me coming back for more. It's addictive! The vibe is great, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. Whether you're planning a casual evening out or a special night with friends, The Vandy offers the perfect blend of excellent drinks and a welcoming environment. Also everyone is super friendly. It's a must-visit for anyone who appreciates great cocktails and a cozy atmosphere.“

“AMAZING! Always enjoy the cocktails, great vibes, easy to make a resy! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“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!“

“Simply a great experience. The relaxed, travel-like vibe of the interior, along with great service and great wines make this a gem for sure.“

“Great drinks. Sting so worth the price“

“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!“

“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“

“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.“

“Great food, awesome staff. Thanks!!!“

“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.“

“Uniquely decorated inside, and it's beautiful. Outside patio is awesome, loved the music, We had amazing service as well♥️ and great food!“

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

“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!“

“Great trendy small plate version of Yucatán style food. Loved the mackerel, scallops and dumplings!!“

“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.“

“Great new spot in the Grove. Fun low key punk vibes with cool murals and art throughout the building. Really nice staff and several vegan options for food. Super Queer friendly with gender neutral bathrooms.“

“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.“

“The future is uncertain but one thing is for sure and that’s; This place is awesome! I met my best friend here for a cocktail (Astral Projection) and soaked in the atmosphere. Such a cool place! Cool neighborhood with lots of cool shops and the Fortune Teller tops it off perfectly. If you’re ever in the area it’s a must stop!“

“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.“

“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.“

“Great experience, enjoyed the food the service and the esthetic. 10/10, I’ll definitely be back.“

“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.“

“Great space, yummy food and tasty margs!“

“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!“

“This is THE BEST Mexican restaurant we've ever been to! AMAZING food, great service, fun atmosphere. We look forward to traveling 5 hours to visit this restaurant again soon!“

“Just found out about Timothy's restaurant and love it. The staff and food are amazing. They worked hard at wanting to please us and give us a wonderful evening. I had the dinner special being offered that was a pasta with morel mushrooms. So good. The salad I ordered was the house salad that was a variety of unique lettuces and vegetables with goat cheese and I think a buttermilk dressing. So good. There was Asiago bread on the table. We stayed late talking and while having wine with our friends, I watched the staff work setting up the tables for the next day and was impressed with their professionalism on how the table was set up with precision. Everything was lined up on its mark. Only carrying and handling the water & wine glasses at the bottom. Cloth napkins. Etc. Everything you would expect from fine dining and a five star restaurant. We had a cocktail before dinner that was a special offered by the bartender, it had fresh fruit & herbs on top, very good. The wine section was outstanding and enjoyed a couple of bottles in our group. Highly recommend this intimate place for its food, drink, service and atmosphere. Really a hidden gem. We will be telling our friends and will go back often.“

“Awesome was so great . Owner was great food was the very best . Can’t wait to come back“

“Loved it! Obviously sitting in the gin room is the way to go if seating is available. Get the agnolotti!“

“My husband and I frequent this establishment last weekend. There was a live band. The band was on point. Everything was kicking. It was a packed house. The food and drinks were also on point. Although the house was packed, the service was very good. My husband and I had a great night out!!!“

“It’s wonderful in relaxing“

“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!!“

“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.“

“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.“

“Nice remodel of a small, fun, and pleasant bar. The bartender was the best, I had a great experience. I didn't eat anything - no input on that front. If you like to gamble there are a few machines for your liking.All in all, a nice place to hang out with a small group of friends and enjoy reasonably priced drinks and music.“

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

“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.“