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20 Hidden St. Louis Patios and How to Find Them

By on Thu, May 25, 2017 at 2:10 pm

What could be more idyllic than a drink outside on a summer night? And while St. Louis has no shortage of sidewalk tables and prominent patios spilling out onto the street, others keep a lower profile. Tucked away from cars and pedestrians, surrounded by ivy-covered walls or tall trees, they're the Gateway City version of a secret garden. This summer, why not seek out a new spot for drinking and dining al fresco? Whether you're looking for a romantic spot hidden from prying eyes or a big party in one of the most expansive courtyards you've ever seen (we're looking at you, McGurk's), this list has something for everyone. The one common denominator: All of them offer a place to eat and drink away from exhaust fumes and car-driven chaos — and the perfect spot for a night under the stars. By Elizabeth Semko

What could be more idyllic than a drink outside on a summer night? And while St. Louis has no shortage of sidewalk tables and prominent patios spilling out onto the street, others keep a lower profile. Tucked away from cars and pedestrians, surrounded by ivy-covered walls or tall trees, they're the Gateway City version of a secret garden.

This summer, why not seek out a new spot for drinking and dining al fresco? Whether you're looking for a romantic spot hidden from prying eyes or a big party in one of the most expansive courtyards you've ever seen (we're looking at you, McGurk's), this list has something for everyone. The one common denominator: All of them offer a place to eat and drink away from exhaust fumes and car-driven chaos — and the perfect spot for a night under the stars.

By Elizabeth Semko

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33 Wine Shop & Bar Equal parts elegant and laidback, 33 Wine Shop & Bar (1913 Park Avenue, 314-231-9463) is that neighborhood wine bar you’ll want to enjoy again and again. The knowledgeable staff, intriguing wine list and sophisticated atmosphere are enough to keep you coming back, but the pergola-covered patio in the back makes a visit that much sweeter. Photo courtesy of Instagram / 33wine.
33 Wine Shop & Bar

Equal parts elegant and laidback, 33 Wine Shop & Bar (1913 Park Avenue, 314-231-9463) is that neighborhood wine bar you’ll want to enjoy again and again. The knowledgeable staff, intriguing wine list and sophisticated atmosphere are enough to keep you coming back, but the pergola-covered patio in the back makes a visit that much sweeter. Photo courtesy of Instagram / 33wine.
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Soulard Coffee Garden The name pretty much gives away the fact that there's a patio on site, but it doesn't even begin to sell the charms of the patio at Soulard Coffee Garden (910 Geyer Avenue, 314-241-1464). Concealed from street view, it offers a particularly beautiful oasis with trees, plants and umbrella tables. Why sip your coffee at a chain when you can have a setting like this? Photo courtesy of Instagram / madifed.
Soulard Coffee Garden

The name pretty much gives away the fact that there's a patio on site, but it doesn't even begin to sell the charms of the patio at Soulard Coffee Garden (910 Geyer Avenue, 314-241-1464). Concealed from street view, it offers a particularly beautiful oasis with trees, plants and umbrella tables. Why sip your coffee at a chain when you can have a setting like this? Photo courtesy of Instagram / madifed.
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Molly Darcy’s You may not think of busy downtown Clayton as a place providing quiet spots for canoodling — yet Molly Darcy’s (26 North Meramec Avenue, Clayton; 314-863-8400) pulls it off perfectly. This Irish pub and restaurant attached to the Seven Gables Inn offers patio seating out front, but make your way to the back and you’ll find a stunning courtyard surrounded by ivy-covered walls. Photo courtesy of Yelp / Michelle L.
Molly Darcy’s

You may not think of busy downtown Clayton as a place providing quiet spots for canoodling — yet Molly Darcy’s (26 North Meramec Avenue, Clayton; 314-863-8400) pulls it off perfectly. This Irish pub and restaurant attached to the Seven Gables Inn offers patio seating out front, but make your way to the back and you’ll find a stunning courtyard surrounded by ivy-covered walls. Photo courtesy of Yelp / Michelle L.
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Ryder’s Tavern From the burgers and array of draft beers to the pool table and lack of TVs, Ryder’s Tavern (4123 Chippewa Street, 314-899-9343) is the perfect neighborhood spot to kick back and relax. While the courtyard is visible from the side parking lot, it’s not so noticeable from the inside. Look for a door in the back corner that looks more like the entry to a bathroom or a storage room. Behind it awaits your new hangout ... and some lovely fresh air. Photo by Patrick Gioia, courtesy of Ryder's Tavern.
Ryder’s Tavern

From the burgers and array of draft beers to the pool table and lack of TVs, Ryder’s Tavern (4123 Chippewa Street, 314-899-9343) is the perfect neighborhood spot to kick back and relax. While the courtyard is visible from the side parking lot, it’s not so noticeable from the inside. Look for a door in the back corner that looks more like the entry to a bathroom or a storage room. Behind it awaits your new hangout ... and some lovely fresh air. Photo by Patrick Gioia, courtesy of Ryder's Tavern.
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HandleBar A bike theme, a Russian-inspired menu and a calendar full of bingo nights, DJs and dance parties help make HandleBar (4127 Manchester Avenue, 314-652-2212) a Grove destination. Sandwiched between other buildings, HandleBar gives no indication of a patio from the street. Go out back, though, and you’ll find tables surrounded by a fence covered in art. Photo courtesy of Yelp / Christy A.
HandleBar

A bike theme, a Russian-inspired menu and a calendar full of bingo nights, DJs and dance parties help make HandleBar (4127 Manchester Avenue, 314-652-2212) a Grove destination. Sandwiched between other buildings, HandleBar gives no indication of a patio from the street. Go out back, though, and you’ll find tables surrounded by a fence covered in art. Photo courtesy of Yelp / Christy A.
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Southtown Pub A south city staple for more than twenty years, Southtown Pub (3707 South Kingshighway Boulevard, 314-832-9009) is home to great barbecue, plenty of regulars, and a spacious hidden patio. Features include a full bar, 60-inch TV, seating for meals and three reservable, shaded cabanas with couches and TVs. Top that off with free shuttle service to and from Cardinals and Blues games, and sports fans are set. Photo courtesy of Southtown Pub.
Southtown Pub

A south city staple for more than twenty years, Southtown Pub (3707 South Kingshighway Boulevard, 314-832-9009) is home to great barbecue, plenty of regulars, and a spacious hidden patio. Features include a full bar, 60-inch TV, seating for meals and three reservable, shaded cabanas with couches and TVs. Top that off with free shuttle service to and from Cardinals and Blues games, and sports fans are set. Photo courtesy of Southtown Pub.
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Three Kings Public House You'd think that it would be difficult to hide a patio from the bustling foot traffic of the Delmar Loop, yet somehow Three Kings Public House (6307 Delmar Boulevard, University City; 314-721-3388) manages to do just that. In addition to sidewalk seating out front, the beer-centric bar offers tables tucked into a surprisingly pretty alleyway, ready and waiting for those who would rather not share their dinner with the Loop's endless street parade. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
Three Kings Public House

You'd think that it would be difficult to hide a patio from the bustling foot traffic of the Delmar Loop, yet somehow Three Kings Public House (6307 Delmar Boulevard, University City; 314-721-3388) manages to do just that. In addition to sidewalk seating out front, the beer-centric bar offers tables tucked into a surprisingly pretty alleyway, ready and waiting for those who would rather not share their dinner with the Loop's endless street parade. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Nora’s A terrific little sandwich shop in Dogtown, Nora’s (1136 Tamm Avenue, 314-645-2706) is the definition of adorable. You’d never guess that there was a patio here simply by walking by, but inside, you’ll find a side door leading out to a small fenced patio, complete with shady trees and umbrella tables. Photo by Elizabeth Semko.
Nora’s

A terrific little sandwich shop in Dogtown, Nora’s (1136 Tamm Avenue, 314-645-2706) is the definition of adorable. You’d never guess that there was a patio here simply by walking by, but inside, you’ll find a side door leading out to a small fenced patio, complete with shady trees and umbrella tables. Photo by Elizabeth Semko.
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Copia Restaurant & Wine Garden Who says you have to sacrifice sunshine and open air when you eschew an honest-to-goodness winery for a wine bar in the city? The garden at Copia Restaurant & Wine Garden (1122 Washington Avenue, 314-241-9463) has a retractable roof, making it accessible year-round. The walls provide a rare bit of privacy in the heart of downtown, while you'll still get the dose of sunshine and fresh air you desire. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
Copia Restaurant & Wine Garden

Who says you have to sacrifice sunshine and open air when you eschew an honest-to-goodness winery for a wine bar in the city? The garden at Copia Restaurant & Wine Garden (1122 Washington Avenue, 314-241-9463) has a retractable roof, making it accessible year-round. The walls provide a rare bit of privacy in the heart of downtown, while you'll still get the dose of sunshine and fresh air you desire. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Mak’s Pub and Grub Mak’s Pub and Grub (6109 Gravois Avenue, 314-354-8148) is the place to go for creative takes on your favorite childhood dish: mac and cheese. It also happens to have a sizable patio tucked behind it with TVs, arcade games and a foosball table. Combine all that with a full bar, and you have the ingredients for the perfect neighborhood spot. Photo by Sarah Fenske.
Mak’s Pub and Grub

Mak’s Pub and Grub (6109 Gravois Avenue, 314-354-8148) is the place to go for creative takes on your favorite childhood dish: mac and cheese. It also happens to have a sizable patio tucked behind it with TVs, arcade games and a foosball table. Combine all that with a full bar, and you have the ingredients for the perfect neighborhood spot. Photo by Sarah Fenske.
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Square One Brewery & Distillery The patio at Square One Brewery & Distillery (1727 Park Avenue, 314-231-2537) isn’t completely hidden, but a passerby on Park Avenue isn’t likely to notice it thanks to the three walls surrounding it. Inside the patio, diners are treated to a beautiful setting with shady trees, hanging lights and two water features. Sit back with one of Square One Brewery’s beers, and you have it made. RFT photo.
Square One Brewery & Distillery

The patio at Square One Brewery & Distillery (1727 Park Avenue, 314-231-2537) isn’t completely hidden, but a passerby on Park Avenue isn’t likely to notice it thanks to the three walls surrounding it. Inside the patio, diners are treated to a beautiful setting with shady trees, hanging lights and two water features. Sit back with one of Square One Brewery’s beers, and you have it made. RFT photo.
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CBGB CBGB (3163 South Grand Boulevard) is your dive bar of choice when you want a stiff drink with a side of punk rock. But beyond the cheap booze, loud local concerts and game area (darts or shuffleboard, anyone?), CBGB is also a solid place for drinking out in the open. You've surely already noticed the big patio in front (pictured), but head out back and you’ll find a patio there, too. Photo by Kelly Glueck.
CBGB

CBGB (3163 South Grand Boulevard) is your dive bar of choice when you want a stiff drink with a side of punk rock. But beyond the cheap booze, loud local concerts and game area (darts or shuffleboard, anyone?), CBGB is also a solid place for drinking out in the open. You've surely already noticed the big patio in front (pictured), but head out back and you’ll find a patio there, too. Photo by Kelly Glueck.
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The Scottish Arms The Scottish Arms (8 South Sarah Street, 314-535-0551) is the place to go when you want to temporarily transport yourself from the Midwest to the Highlands. Surrounded by trees and a fence, the back patio isn’t something you’re likely to notice from the street — but it is the perfect place to enjoy some bangers and mash or some of the Scottish Arms’ award-winning whiskey on a good weather day. Photo courtesy of Instagram / haussomm.
The Scottish Arms

The Scottish Arms (8 South Sarah Street, 314-535-0551) is the place to go when you want to temporarily transport yourself from the Midwest to the Highlands. Surrounded by trees and a fence, the back patio isn’t something you’re likely to notice from the street — but it is the perfect place to enjoy some bangers and mash or some of the Scottish Arms’ award-winning whiskey on a good weather day. Photo courtesy of Instagram / haussomm.
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The Crow’s Nest Nestled in the long strip of shops and restaurants in Maplewood, the Crow’s Nest (7336 Manchester Road, Maplewood; 314-781-0989) shows no signs of having a patio, but don’t let that deceive you. Sitting at a table on the elevated deck out back is like chilling at a laidback friend's house, only with a server to take care of you — and a full menu of burgers, sandwiches and booze. RFT photo.
The Crow’s Nest

Nestled in the long strip of shops and restaurants in Maplewood, the Crow’s Nest (7336 Manchester Road, Maplewood; 314-781-0989) shows no signs of having a patio, but don’t let that deceive you. Sitting at a table on the elevated deck out back is like chilling at a laidback friend's house, only with a server to take care of you — and a full menu of burgers, sandwiches and booze. RFT photo.
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John D. McGurk’s The legendary party patio at John D. McGurk’s (1200 Russell Boulevard, 314-776-8309) is hardly a secret — but that doesn’t mean it's not one of the loveliest gardens in town. This Irish pub is a favorite for its drinks, its live music and, of course, that giant outdoor oasis sheltered from Soulard's street party. It's large enough to include several additional bars, a fountain and even a beautiful waterfall. What more could you need? Photo by Mark Semko.
John D. McGurk’s

The legendary party patio at John D. McGurk’s (1200 Russell Boulevard, 314-776-8309) is hardly a secret — but that doesn’t mean it's not one of the loveliest gardens in town. This Irish pub is a favorite for its drinks, its live music and, of course, that giant outdoor oasis sheltered from Soulard's street party. It's large enough to include several additional bars, a fountain and even a beautiful waterfall. What more could you need? Photo by Mark Semko.
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Molly’s in Soulard Also well-known but nonetheless wonderful, the patio at Molly’s in Soulard (816 Geyer Avenue, 314-241-6200) is massive — and yet you would never know it was there from passing by on the street. A great destination for lunch, a night out or brunch (or all three — we won’t judge), Molly’s has an outside bar and plenty of tables for you to sit and enjoy the Creole-inspired menu. Not hungry? Molly's also has a bustling party scene. Photo by Micah Usher for Molly's in Soulard.
Molly’s in Soulard

Also well-known but nonetheless wonderful, the patio at Molly’s in Soulard (816 Geyer Avenue, 314-241-6200) is massive — and yet you would never know it was there from passing by on the street. A great destination for lunch, a night out or brunch (or all three — we won’t judge), Molly’s has an outside bar and plenty of tables for you to sit and enjoy the Creole-inspired menu. Not hungry? Molly's also has a bustling party scene. Photo by Micah Usher for Molly's in Soulard.
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The Heavy Anchor Part concert venue and part bar, the Heavy Anchor (5226 Gravois Avenue, 314-352-5226) always has something going on. If it’s not live punk, indie or rock music, it may be trivia, karaoke or a movie night. In addition to all the activity, shuffleboard and drinks, the Heavy Anchor also has a back patio for you to enjoy — safe and sound from the street traffic out front. Bonus: there’s no cover charge to enter the bar side, ever. Photo by Mabel Suen.
The Heavy Anchor

Part concert venue and part bar, the Heavy Anchor (5226 Gravois Avenue, 314-352-5226) always has something going on. If it’s not live punk, indie or rock music, it may be trivia, karaoke or a movie night. In addition to all the activity, shuffleboard and drinks, the Heavy Anchor also has a back patio for you to enjoy — safe and sound from the street traffic out front. Bonus: there’s no cover charge to enter the bar side, ever. Photo by Mabel Suen.
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Scape American Bistro You can never get too much of the patio at Scape American Bistro (48 Maryland Plaza, 314-361-7227). The courtyard hidden behind the stylish Central West End restaurant is flanked by stone walls covered in ivy, decorated with twinkling lights at night and offers a sizable bar of its own for mingling with the beautiful people. But you don't need to be single to come here; if you want to impress your date with an outdoor dining experience, this is the place to go. Photo by Nancy Stiles.
Scape American Bistro

You can never get too much of the patio at Scape American Bistro (48 Maryland Plaza, 314-361-7227). The courtyard hidden behind the stylish Central West End restaurant is flanked by stone walls covered in ivy, decorated with twinkling lights at night and offers a sizable bar of its own for mingling with the beautiful people. But you don't need to be single to come here; if you want to impress your date with an outdoor dining experience, this is the place to go. Photo by Nancy Stiles.
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Bailey’s Chocolate Bar Bailey’s Chocolate Bar (1915 Park Avenue, 314-241-8100) is a chocolate lover’s dream, serving up decadent drinks, delicious desserts and a curated menu of savory snacks as well. The romantic candelit space in Lafayette Square draws patrons all year round, but during the warmer months you can also enjoy the back patio. Filled with cozy corners and surrounded by red brick walls on several sides, it's as intimate as the inside, and just as sexy. Photo courtesy of Yelp / Mel G.
Bailey’s Chocolate Bar

Bailey’s Chocolate Bar (1915 Park Avenue, 314-241-8100) is a chocolate lover’s dream, serving up decadent drinks, delicious desserts and a curated menu of savory snacks as well. The romantic candelit space in Lafayette Square draws patrons all year round, but during the warmer months you can also enjoy the back patio. Filled with cozy corners and surrounded by red brick walls on several sides, it's as intimate as the inside, and just as sexy. Photo courtesy of Yelp / Mel G.
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The Gramophone Formerly a concert venue, the Gramophone (4243 Manchester Avenue, 314-531-5700) was rebranded in 2015 as a sandwich-centric pub — and its new concept rocks just as much as the old one. You’re not likely to see its patio unless you drive down one of the Grove’s obscure side streets, but why do that? Park your car, get a Mississippi Night's Club sandwich and stay awhile. Photo courtesy of The Gramophone.
The Gramophone

Formerly a concert venue, the Gramophone (4243 Manchester Avenue, 314-531-5700) was rebranded in 2015 as a sandwich-centric pub — and its new concept rocks just as much as the old one. You’re not likely to see its patio unless you drive down one of the Grove’s obscure side streets, but why do that? Park your car, get a Mississippi Night's Club sandwich and stay awhile. Photo courtesy of The Gramophone.
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