30 Hidden Bars in St. Louis and How to Find Them All

Pagan Wine Bar in the CWE
(239 N. Euclid Avenue; 314-677-7214)

It’s not exactly accurate to say that Pagan Wine Bar is hidden — after all, it’s located in the heart of the Central West End. Still, it’s easy to miss the dimly lit, semi-gothic looking wine bar if you’re not looking for it — and what a shame that would be, as the wine list is affordable and well-curated.

Photo credit: Sarah Fenske

Beatnik Bob's at the City Museum
(750 N. 16th Street; 314-231-2489)

This full bar spot is tucked away in the City Museum. Stop into Beatnik Bob's Cafe space to flee the energy of the City Museum, read some Kerouac and chill. It's dark, it's quiet and they have food and booze. Beatnik Bob's is the perfect hidden escape.

Photo credit: RFT file photo

Taste
(4584 Laclede Avenue; 314-361-1200)

The actual "bar" at Taste is easy to find: It's just inside the front door to the right. But the best place to actually drink at Taste is hidden from view. The small restaurant has a few tables up the small staircase in the back left corner of the building. But also up those stairs is a small lounge area with squishy couches and a romantic vibe. Ask the host if you can hide out up there because it's one of the coolest spots to drink their superior cocktails.

Photo credit: Laura Ann Miller

Mimi’s Subway Bar & Grill
(46 N. Florissant Road; 314-524-6009)

This bar is more like a bomb shelter. Built way underground, this nearly windowless building with sixteen-inch-thick walls of solid concrete is home to some of the best drinking (and pizza) in all of North County. Read more about the uniqueness of Mimi's and the history behind the bar from our food critic, Cheryl Baehr, here.

Photo credit: Cheryl Baehr

Lulu's Ping Pong Bar
(3201 S. Grand Boulevard; 314-300-8215)

This ping pong bar above Lulu's is open all day but it also offers a full bar starting at 5pm on every day but Sunday. It's the perfect South Grand hideout.

Photo credit: Mabel Suen

The Bowling Alley at the Moolah Theatre & Lounge
(3821 Lindell Boulevard; 314-446-6868)

Situated underneath the Moolah Theatre & Lounge, Moolah Lanes is a destination for both drinks and bowling. Serving both beer and cocktails, the bar at Moolah Lanes is a cut above the offerings at bowling alleys of old.

Photo credit: RFT file photo

Thaxton Speakeasy
(1009 Olive Street; no phone)

This place was designed to be hidden and people love the illicit feeling of a speakeasy, even if it is not really "hidden" at all. Decked out in retro style, this joint is jumpin' but it's the dark little bar inside that holds most of the action.

Photo credit: RFT file photo

Brennan’s
(3659 Maryland Avenue; 314-497-4449)

This spot in the Central West End is a classic, but the cozy nooks inside are somehow even more impressive than the beautiful and stylish bar area. If you want to sip your drink (or dig into your food order), check out the smaller areas inside Brennan's like the ping pong room.

Photo credit: RJ Hartbeck

The Dragon Room at Lulu’s Seafood & Dim Sum
(8224 Olive Boulevard; 314-997-3108)

There’s a lower-level staircase near the hostess stand at Lulu’s Seafood & Dim Sum that leads to The Dragon Room. Here, you’ll find a second bar and dining room as well as a karaoke lounge.

Photo credit: Google Maps

Bailey's Chocolate Bar
(1915 Park Avenue; 314-241-8100)

Bailey's Chocolate Bar used to be at street level on Park Avenue, but champagne bar Pop (1915 Park Avenue, 314-241-8100) is there now and it's fabulous. You won't have to go far to check out the new version of Bailey's Chocolate Bar, though: It's right upstairs. And now that it's a little hidden, it's even more romantic and cozy.

Photo credit: Mabel Suen

Cabin Inn at the City Museum
(750 N. 16th Street; 314-231-2489)

There are a few hidden bars at the City Museum, and this one might be the one that is the biggest secret. Though it's located outside just under the climbing heaven they call "Monstrocity," this little cabin flies way under the radar. It's difficult to see with all of the action around it, but it might be your favorite spot in the whole City Museum once you find it. A full bar is offered there year-round and it's especially cozy in the winter.

Photo credit: Google Maps

Rooftop Bar at the City Museum
(750 N. 16th Street; 314-231-2489)

If you've paid to the extra $5 to get to the roof of the City Museum in summer, not only are you smart but you've also just gained access to one of the most exclusive bars in town. The cafe on the roof here will not only give you some great food with a killer view, you can also kick back and have a drink and look down on the city.

Photo credit: Jaime Lees

Columbo's Cafe & Tavern
(6487 Manchester Avenue; 314-647-2661)

You know Columbo's as that place you always see sitting there in that weird industrial stretch of Manchester Road near dogtown. You know that they have surprisingly great food there, but did you kno wthat they also have a basement bar and game room? To keep it underground on the edge of the city, check out the downstairs at Columbo's.

Photo credit: Google Maps

The Night Owl at Tree House on South Grand
(3177 S. Grand Boulevard; 314-696-2100)

Tree House is a staple for vegetarian and vegan fare on South Grand, and upstairs, that food takes a decidedly more late-night turn. Dubbed The Night Owl, the space serves meat-free takes on fast-food favorites, including vegan spins on McDonald’s Big Mac and Jack in the Box tacos.

Photo credit: Patrick J. Hurley

Dressel's Public House
(419 N. Euclid Avenue; 314-361-1060)

The bar area at Dressel's takes up the entire middle of the restaurant on the first floor. It's huge and impressive and a great spot to meet some new friends. But up the stairs at this literary pub is one of the best places to hide out and sip your beer. Shhhh. Don't tell the loud people downstairs. They'll ruin it.

Photo credit: RFT file photo

Venice Cafe
(1903 Pestalozzi Street; 314-772-5994)

The showy front on the Venice Cafe advertises its prime spot on Pestalozzi but you can visit this bar multiple times before finding all of its hidden nooks. The overwhelming decor and frequent crowd makes it difficult to find the cozy spots — especially if it's crowded and there is loud music playing. Visit during the day for a chill time to pick out the best hidden little spot that you want to take over later that night.

Photo credit: Brittani Schlager

Blood & Sand
(1500 St. Charles Street; 314-241-7263)

Did you know that Blood & Sand offers nonmembers the chance to dine and drink there before signing up for a membership? Give the swanky restaurant and bar a shot to see if a membership is right for you and the joint will no longer be hiding in plain sight.

Photo credit: Jennifer Silverberg

Epiphany Bowling Lanes
(3164 Ivanhoe Avenue; 314-781-8684)

Run by Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, this little old-school bowling alley is hidden away in an industrial area that doesn't get a lot of traffic. But if you need a secret little spot to drink a beer a get your bowl on, thank the Lord for Epiphany.

Photo credit: RFT file photo

Moonshine Blues Bar
(1200 S. Main Street, St. Charles; 636-724-8600)

Located in a lower-level space, Moonshine Blues Bar is St. Charles’ premier destination for live blues music and speakeasy vibes. With a bar serving more than 125 whiskeys, ranging from 23-year-old bourbons to moonshine, just make sure you can still climb the stairs at the end of the night.

Photo credit: Google Maps

Traffic Jam
(6 Westbury Drive, St. Charles; 636-723-6138)

Stuck in the middle of a strip mall, Traffic Jam is the hidden bar that is hidden in name only. It might sound like at traffic school, but it's really a hidden hideaway perfect for when you don't want to go home. "Sorry I'm late, honey. Traffic Jam."

Photo credit: Kevin Korinek