19 St. Louis Restaurants with Ridiculously Scenic Views

By Riverfront Times Staff on Fri, Aug 4, 2017 at 4:49 pm

Let's face it: dining out isn't simply about the food. The atmosphere is also a vital part of your restaurant experience. Sometimes, you're in the mood for simplicity -- but other times, you want a restaurant with a little something more, where your surroundings feel just as special as the food on your plate. And that's why we've rounded up some of the best restaurants with a view in St. Louis. With good food and drinks and beautiful scenery, they'll make any meal an Instagram-worthy occasion. This gallery is based on stories originally written by RFT contributor Sara Graham, as well as some additional research.

This gallery is based on stories originally written by RFT contributor Sara Graham, as well as some additional research.

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Kaldi's Coffee
808 Chestnut St.
St. Louis, MO 63101
(314) 474-0565

Take your coffee date to a whole new level at the new Kaldi’s in the middle of Citygarden. The menu includes local, seasonal options, including gluten-free ones; kids items, cocktails and, of course, Kaldi’s coffee. You can dine inside with the floor-to-ceiling windows, or get a table on the patio -- either way, you’ll have a perfect view of the downtown sculpture garden. Photo by Sara Graham.

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Grafton Winery & Brewhaus
300 W. Main St.
Grafton, IL 62037
(618) 786-3001

No matter if you're a beer lover or a wine aficionado, there's something for you at Grafton Winery & Brewhaus. The lower level holds the brewhouse, where you can find craft beers made in house. The second floor offers food, wine and a beautiful view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers from both inside and on the patio. Bonus: every weekend offers live music. Photo courtesy of Grafton Winery.

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Cafe Madeleine
4256 Magnolia Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 575-5658

Picnics aren’t the only way to enjoy a meal in Tower Grove Park. Treat yourself to the French-inspired Sunday brunch at Cafe Madeleine, located in the Piper Palm House, the oldest standing greenhouse this side of the Mississippi. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful plants and statues and have a view of the lily pad pond. Photo courtesy of Cafe Madeleine.

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Budweiser Brew House
601 Clark Ave #101
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 241-5575

For Cardinals fans, few views are better than the one of Busch Stadium. At Budweiser Brew House, a three-level restaurant at Ballpark Village, you can see right into baseball heaven. You’ll also love the beer selection -- we’re talking 239 beer taps. Photo courtesy of Budweiser Brew House.

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The Loading Dock
401 Front St.
Grafton, IL 62037
(618) 786-3494

If you’re looking for a bit of rest and relaxation, look no further than the Loading Dock. This laid-back restaurant overlooks the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers and is accessible both by boat and by car. You’ll also find a no-frills menu including burgers, beer, catfish fritters and fish tacos. Photo by Amanda Zika at Dreaming Tree Photography.

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Bixby's
5700 Lindell Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63112
(314) 361-7313

For a gorgeous perspective of Forest Park, be sure to pay a visit to Bixby’s at the Missouri History Museum. Floor-to-ceiling windows will treat you to a view of your favorite park, all while enjoying lunch or brunch made with locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. Photo courtesy of Bixby’s.

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Element Restaurant and Lounge
1419 Carroll St.
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 241-1674

Element is a gem that serves drinks and rustic American cuisine on the eastern edge of Lafayette Square. Inside, you find an open kitchen where you can see the chefs working their magic -- and outside, you’ll find patio seating on both floors with views of downtown. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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Boathouse Forest Park
6101 Government Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 367-2224

It’s hard to beat a waterfront view -- and at the Boathouse in Forest Park, you get one rain or shine. During the warmer months you can dine out on the patio as you watch paddle boats set out (or rent one yourself), while in the winter you can gaze out at the water while dining inside by the stone fireplace. Either scenario is sure to make for a good time. Photo courtesy of Sara Graham.

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Cielo
999 N. 2nd St.
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 881-5759

Considering Cielo is located on the eighth floor of the Four Seasons hotel, you know this isn’t any old eatery. Here you’ll find an upscale Italian restaurant with a view to match. An evening spent out on the patio with the Arch as your backdrop is definitely time well spent. Photo by Laura Miller.

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Panorama
1 Fine Arts Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 655-5490

At Panorama, located at the St. Louis Art Museum, you get another beautiful view of Forest Park with floor-to-ceiling windows. A view of Art Hill, combined with Panorama’s lunch and brunch menus, makes any meal feel special. Photo courtesy of Panorama.

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Three Sixty
1 S. Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 241-8439

Three Sixty is the epitome of chic. Located at the top of the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, Three Sixty offers a menu of small plates and an array of cocktails, beer and wine. Plus, you’ll have sweeping views of the city, including the Arch and inside Busch Stadium. Grab a seat -- you won’t want to leave this view any time soon. Photo by Debbie Frank.

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Eclipse Restaurant
6177 Delmar Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63112
(314) 726-2222

The Moonrise Hotel is a sight to see all on its own, with a rainbow-lit staircase and fun art greeting you in the lobby. However, don’t forget to visit the rooftop. The hotel restaurant, Eclipse, has a rooftop terrace bar overlooking the Delmar Loop. With two bars, funky chairs and quirky outer space memorabilia, it’s an experience worthy of your St. Louis bucket list. RFT photo.

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Vin de Set
2017 Chouteau Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 241-8989

When you have the opportunity to dine at Vin de Set, you take it. From the appetizers to the dessert to the wine, this French-inspired bistro in Lafayette Square always impresses. Make a point to experience a meal on the rooftop patio, where you’ll see the Arch and the skyscrapers of downtown in the distance. Photo by Laura Miller.

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Rooftop Cafe at the City Museum
750 N. 16th St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 231-2489

Sure, we know the City Museum is all about play -- but you can get your fair share of dining with a view here, too. The outdoor cafe on the rooftop offers cocktails and a street food-inspired menu -- as well as a view of the Ferris wheel and school bus on the top of the building. Oh, and the view of the city below? It’s awesome, too. Photo courtesy of Max Cassilly.

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Mandarin Lounge
44 Maryland Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 367-4447

OK, Mandarin Lounge technically isn’t a restaurant. But how could you pass up drinks on a rooftop in the heart of Central West End? Mandarin offers just that along with Asian-inspired decor, bottle service and dance-worthy music. RFT photo.

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The Weingarten
1780 IL-15
Belleville, IL 62221
(618) 257-9463

There's nothing like sipping a lazy weekend away with a glass of wine in hand. At the Weingarten, you can do that while enjoying the property's beautiful landscape with a pond, silo and walking trail. There's often live music, too. What more could you need? Photo courtesy of the Weingarten.

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19 St. Louis Restaurants with Ridiculously Scenic Views

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