St. Louis Bars Where You Won't See a Soul From High School

By Riverfront Times Staff on Wed, Nov 23, 2016 at 3:32 am

Oh, St. Louis and its obsession with high school. On one hand, you have the people who ooze high school pride, the ones who purposely look to run into fellow alums when they come to town and seriously care about the St. Louis Question. On the other hand, you have those of us who who would rather keep our high school days where they belong: behind us. If you fall into the latter category, look no further. We've gathered the bars where you are least likely to run into everybody from that hometown you've spent your adulthood escape. These bars differ in vibe and offerings, but they do share one aspect: they're places where you can (finally) drink in peace.

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Pop's Blue Moon
5249 Pattison Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 776 - 4200

This little bar is where the in-the-know locals go to enjoy live music and a few brews, making it a safe bet that you won't run into visiting expats. The eclectic decor and the local and national acts coming through don't hurt, either. RFT photo.

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Fox & Hounds
The Cheshire
6300 Clayton Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63117
(314) 647-7300

When former classmates are all back in town for a family holiday, they're most likely staying with relatives (suckers!) -- so consider hotel bars as a safe bet. A great option? Fox & Hounds at the Cheshire Inn, where you can order some whiskey or scotch and enjoy some TLC by the fire. RFT photo.

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Keypers
2280 Jefferson Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 664-6496

Fox Park may come off as a random location for a piano bar -- but that aspect comes in handy when you're avoiding past classmates and small talk. You can come to this gay-friendly outpost to enjoy a little night music, or stop by during happy hour to take advantage of some excellent deals on Three Olives drinks, martinis and shots. RFT photo.

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Grand Hall
1820 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 231-1234

The Grand Hall at the Union Station Hotel is particularly spacious, making it completely acceptable to avoid socializing and just relax. There's plenty to look at, too, with the detailed mosaics, art glass windows, arch ways and a "3D mapping immersive experience" projected on the ceiling. Photo by Jonathan Pollack.

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Pagan Wine Bar
239 N. Euclid Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 677-7214

This former book store is a hidden gem in the Central West End, lacking the crowds that congregate at its neighbors. It's new enough that many locals don't even realize it's here; visiting expats surely won't either. Photo by Sarah Fenske.

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San Bar Tavern
9441 Lackland Rd.
Overland, MO 63114-3633
(314) 427-9750

Serving patrons for more than fifty years, the San Bar truly does justice to the dive bar label. With a jukebox, a pool table, a horseshoe league and a a living-room-like area regarded as the "VIP lounge," it's a great place to kick back and drink up. Photo by Daniel Hill.

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SqWires
1415 S. 18th St.
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 865 - 3522

This bar is not typically a place where rowdy groups come to congregate for the evening, so it's a great place to go when you're avoiding informal high school reunions. Plus, the room is so big that there's plenty of space to keep to yourself. The fireplace and general ambiance doesn't hurt, either. RFT photo.

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The Preston
212 N. Kingshighway Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 633-7800

Maybe it's the solo travelers, maybe it's the lack of local regulars, but whatever it is, hotel bars like the Preston lend themselves to anonymity. Plus, the Preston never feels too packed, so you'll be able to sit and drink in peace. Photo courtesy of the Preston.

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The Silver Ballroom
4701 Morgan Ford Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 832-9223

Even if you do run into former high school classmates here (which you won't), you'd have enough to keep yourself busy with the bar's jukebox and 20 different pinball machines. Avoiding people for the win. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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The Iowa Buffet
2727 Winnebago St.
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 776-8000

Iowa Buffet isn't here to impress, so don't worry about going out and having to impress anyone either. Here you'll find cheap beers and comforting eats, particularly the "Hank Burger," which is named for the original owner and is cooked in a grill older than most of the bar's patrons. Photo by Doyle Murphy.

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The Royale
3132 S. Kingshighway Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63139
(314) 772-3600

With a homey, neighborhood vibe, the Royale is a favorite of transplants and people who've chosen to build their lives in St. Louis alike -- but you won't find packs of your high school buddies. You only wish the people you went to school with were as smart and creative as the regulars here. RFT photo.

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33 Wine Shop and Bar
1913 Park Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 231-9463

This wine bar in Lafayette Square can sometimes be overshadowed by other go-to wine spots, making it less likely that former classmates will think to collect here. And that's great for you, because this place is a gem, complete with a relaxed vibe, excellent wine and great bartenders. Photo courtesy of Instagram / 33wine.

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Charlack Pub
8334 Lackland Rd.
Overland, MO 63114
(314) 423-8119

Here you can hangout to enjoy local bands and indulge in competitively priced drinks. The crowd is typically an older one, leaving you free to sigh with relief that the hoity-toity types of your youth won't be coming by to brag about all their successes since senior year. RFT photo.

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The Office
9612 St. Charles Rock Road
Breckenridge Hills
(314) 423-6500

Looking for an excuse not to go to your high school reunion? Just say you're going to be late at the office that evening. You won't be lying if you go to this dive, which has karaoke nights, TVs with the local sports games, pool and more. Photo by Daniel Hill.

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Robie's Restaurant & Lounge
421 N. 8th St.
St. Louis, MO 63101

This bar and hotel are so beautiful, you may be at a loss for words -- and that's absolutely fine, because you won't run into any people from your past here. Take a seat, grab a drink and take it all in. Photo courtesy of Instagram / sara92405.

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