40+ patios to sip and savor in
St. Louis

Whether you’re looking for coffee and treats or dinner and drinks, there are plenty of destinations to enjoy alfresco meals in the St. Louis metro area.

360 Downtown

At 360 Downtown, you come for the vibes and stay for the rooftop views of Downtown St. Louis. Raise a glass over dinner or stop in for cocktails, including signatures like the Main Character, with bourbon, strawberry vermouth, lemongrass, exotic spices, and citrus, or the 360 Old Fashion, with Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon, amaro nonino, gum syrup, and bitters.

Story by Liz Miller
Photos by Ella Manthey

Ballpark Village

From its opening in 2014 to its expansion in 2020, Ballpark Village has brought a new selection of restaurants and bars to Downtown St. Louis — including many with expansive patio and outdoor seating. Regional favorites like Salt & Smoke and Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria anchor the dining and recreation destination, while newer additions including Fielder’s Choice, AVA Garden Bar, and Sports & Social St. Louis round out the offerings.

“We opened at Ballpark Village in May 2021 because we wanted to be Downtown long-term. It exploded right out of the gate, and it’s been our busiest store in the company since day one” says Tom Schmidt, owner of Salt & Smoke. “As a native St. Louisan and a huge Cardinals fan, being able to have a really thriving restaurant in Downtown St. Louis is really important to me.”

Story by Liz Miller
Photos by Ella Manthey

Brick River Cider

The ciders at Brick River Cider might surprise you. Unlike those produced by many large-scale companies, which often use rehydrated juice concentrate, ciders made at Brick River start with fresh-pressed fruit sourced as close to St. Louis as possible. You can taste the difference in every glass, whether you opt for the Cornerstone, a delicate, filtered, and off-dry cider, or the Homestead Peach, a cloudy, unfiltered farmhouse style. Once your cup is full, head outside to savor every sip on Brick River’s patio.

Story by Liz Miller
Photo by Ella Manthey

Broadway Oyster Bar

Cajun- and Creole-inspired eats, cold drinks, and rollicking live music converge at Downtown St. Louis favorite Broadway Oyster Bar. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch or dinner — we love the Andouille, Chicken and Seafood Gumbo and Uncle Charlie’s Creole Jambalaya — drinks, or a night on the town, be sure to snag a seat in the beer garden, and sit back for a memorable meal and good times.

Story by Liz Miller
Photo by Ella Manthey

City Foundry STL

Bringing together more than a dozen kitchens with varied cuisines, City Foundry STL’s Food Hall draws St. Louisans to Midtown for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Once you’ve ordered your food and drinks inside the Food Hall, head to its outdoor courtyard and patio and enjoy your meal alfresco. For a world-class wine selection and live music, walk over to City Winery St. Louis and enjoy a glass or two set to beautiful tunes.

Read our full story on City Foundry STL’s Food Hall here.

Story by Cheryl Baehr
Photo by R.J. Hartbeck

Clementine’s Creamery

With nine shops in the metro and counting, from Lafayette Square to St. Charles, and shipping available across the U.S., pints of Clementine’s Creamery ice cream are always within reach. (Plus, select flavors are now sold in pints at a number of Schnucks locations across the region.) Owner Tamara Keefe takes pride in the growing national buzz around her superb ice cream, including signature flavors such as gooey butter cake and salted caramel cookies and cream. Keefe’s shop is known for its beloved seasonal flavors, non-dairy options, and “Naughty” ice cream made with alcohol (think maple-bourbon with candied pecans or pink champagne sorbet). Order a cup or a few scoops in a waffle cone to enjoy on one of Clementine’s charming cafe patios.

Read our full story on Clementine’s Creamery here.

Story by Cheryl Baehr
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg

The Cherokee Street Neighborhood

Cherokee Street has long been known for its quirky offerings. The neighborhood first developed in the shadow of the Lemp Brewery but transformed from residential to commercial with the advent of the streetcar. It was known as a shopping destination in the 1950s and 1960s, which has evolved into an Antique Row. Today, the neighborhood is known for its thriving small businesses, including for St. Louis’ Latino community. Cherokee Street is a destination for Mexican bakeries and Hispanic and Latino restaurants. Patios abound here, including the highly popular La Vallesana, The Whiskey Ring, Saturn Lounge, La Terraza Mexican Restaurant, and one of the newest additions, ‘Ssippi, a cozy natural wine bar.

Read our full story on the evolution of Cherokee Street here.

Story by Nancy Stiles
Photo by R.J. Hartbeck

FLOCK Food Truck Park & Bar

In 2022, Laura and Matt Windisch helped open FLOCK Food Truck Park & Bar, which offers a full bar serving beer, wine, and housemade cocktails and welcomes rotating guest food trucks throughout the week. FLOCK is also home to two permanent food trucks, the Space Shuttle Café, which features a new chef and menu each season, and Byrdies, a build-your-own salad, wrap, and loaded fries concept operated by Laura Windisch, the concept’s general manager. From the start, Windisch has wanted to operate her own food truck, and she’s been excited to both get back into the kitchen and create a casual gathering place with an inviting atmosphere for the Alton community. FLOCK is one of the first completed properties from AltonWorks, a property development company working to revitalize historic downtown Alton.

Read our full story featuring FLOCK and AltonWorks here.

Story by Heather Riske
Photo by R.J. Hartbeck

Goshen Coffee Roasters

With a focus on ethical sourcing and high-quality beans, Goshen Coffee Roasters, headquartered in Edwardsville, Illinois, serves up delicious coffee in the St. Louis region and across the U.S. Visit its cafes in Edwardsville or Glen Carbon or its St. Louis outpost in Soulard to enjoy a cup of coffee alongside a rotating menu of breakfast and lunch fare, including pastries and baked goods. Try favorites like the coffeecake, oversized muffins, scones, oat bars, and more on the outdoor garden at the Soulard location or the patios at Glen Carbon or Edwardsville.

Read our full story on Goshen Coffee Roasters here.

Story by Nancy Stiles
Photo by R.J. Hartbeck

The Hill Neighborhood

Known as St. Louis’ Italian-American neighborhood, The Hill features more than 75 unique restaurants and small businesses, including many beloved patios. Enjoy a meal alfresco at Charlie Gitto’s, Oliva on the Hill, Collina Eatery, Anthonino’s Taverna, Favazza’s, Bartolino’s The Hill, and neighborhood newcomer Pizzeria da Gloria. And at Milo’s Bocce Garden, the patio offers not just good eats and drinks, but rounds of bocce. 

Read our full story on The Hill neighborhood here.

Story by Valerie Schremp Hahn
Photo by R.J. Hartbeck

Kilroy’s

Proudly family-owned and operated, Kilroy’s sits in the shadow of Busch Stadium and the Gateway Arch in Downtown St. Louis. It’s proximity to the stadium makes it a destination for game days, but its large covered patio and ice-cold drinks make for a relaxing afternoon or evening any time.

Story by Liz Miller
Photo by Ella Manthey

Kingside Diner

With three locations across St. Louis — and each with lovely outdoor dining options — Kingside Diner makes it easy to grab alfresco food and drinks. Stop by the flagship location in the Central West End, which neighbors the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries, for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or drinks, including happy hour specials. In Clayton, Kingside offers a similar menu in the beautiful Clayton on the Park building. And for a quick bite or cocktail, head to the Delmar Loop, where Kingside Express serves up everything from coffee and cocktails to slingers and sandwiches. 

Story by Liz Miller
Photo by Michael Thomas

Little Fox

Craig and Mowgli Rivard are making a mark in Fox Park with their Brooklyn-inspired, modern neighborhood restaurant, Little Fox. Located in the heart of South St. Louis’ Fox Park neighborhood, the eatery has quickly become one of the region’s essential dining spots, garnering critical acclaim and national recognition, including a spot on the New York Times’ list of the 50 restaurants they were most excited about for 2021. Share the world-class food, drink, and hospitality at Little Fox with a meal on its lovely outdoor patio.

Read our full story on Little Fox here.

Story by Cheryl Baehr
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg

Lona’s Lil Eats

From rural China to Fox Park, Lona Luo has come a long way in her journey to become one of St. Louis’ most beloved and recognized chefs. Luo, an accomplished chef, a successful restaurateur, and a James Beard Foundation award nominee is beloved throughout the St. Louis metro for her Fox Park restaurant, Lona’s Lil Eats, which she opened in 2014. Though her food is intensely flavorful and satisfying, Luo uses healthful ingredients in her dishes and serves them at an affordable price in a relaxed environment that doesn’t intimidate diners. Enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal on the restaurant’s front patio, which is flanked with cheerful teal dining tables.

Read our full story on Lona’s Lil Eats here.

Story by Cheryl Baehr
Photo by R.J. Hartbeck

Made. by Lia

With a passion for showstopping painted cakes and from-scratch baked goods, Lia Holter of Made. by Lia is ushering in a new generation of investment in her native Florissant. The shop, which opened in August 2020, has quickly become a staple in the community, known for its baked goods such as blueberry scones (both vegan and gluten-free), jumbo chocolate chip cookies with flaky salt, and St. Louis Cake, a silky, not overly sweet spin on the city’s famous gooey butter cake. Linger on Made. by Lia’s charming outdoor patio, whether you’re catching up on work or enjoying coffee and treats with friends.

Read our full story on Lia Holter and Made. by Lia here.

Story by Heather Riske
Photo by R.J. Hartbeck

Mai Lee and Nudo House

The Tran family risked everything to emigrate from Vietnam to the United States four decades ago. Forged through sacrifice and sweat equity, their restaurants are now some of the most celebrated in town. Qui Tran was 8 years old when his mother, Lee, opened Mai Lee in late 1984; today the restaurant is one of the most beloved spots in St. Louis, famous for its delicious Vietnamese dishes. In 2017, Tran followed in his family’s footsteps with the opening of Nudo House, the ramen shop he opened in Creve Coeur and later expanded with a second location in the Delmar Loop. Whether you’re visiting Mai Lee or either of the two Nudo House locations, there’s welcoming outdoor dining options to enjoy at each restaurant.

Read our full story on Mai Lee and Nudo House here.

Story by Liz Miller
Photo by Alexandria McFadden

The Main Street Festus Area

Located in the heart of Jefferson County, Festus Main Street has blossomed into a bountiful business district. There’s Main & Mill Brewing Company, a neighborhood brewery that not only features handcrafted beers, American pub fare, and ample outdoor dining, but also acts as a hub for community activities like trivia nights, fundraisers, and more. The same father-and-son team who own Main & Mill now also operate Central Tap, a brew bar and tasting room with outdoor seating. And just a short walk down Main Street between those two businesses you’ll find Pogolino’s Pizza, which opened in 1970 and features a lovely outdoor patio.

Read our full story on Main Street Festus here.

Story by Alecia Humphreys
Photo by R.J. Hartbeck

The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern

Located just across the street from Energizer Park, there may be no better pre- or post-game destination for soccer fans than The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern. Fuel up on game day with stacked sandwiches, burgers, or chicken wings, among the many eats on offer, paired with your favorite cold beer or glass of wine.

Story by Liz Miller
Photo by Ella Manthey

Rosalita’s Cantina

With three St. Louis area locations, you’re never too far from Rosalita’s Cantina. Each location offers patio dining, but we really love the people-watching from its perch in Downtown St. Louis. Enjoy Tex-Mex favorites like The Cadillac Fajitas or Stuffed Nachos and wash it all down with a signature Margarita during happy hour.

Story by Liz Miller
Photo by Ella Manthey

Salt & Smoke

The burnt ends toasted ravioli at Salt & Smoke is a foundational menu item. “Part of our mission is to have more people eat toasted ravioli. It’s a St. Louis-specific item, and ours are made from scratch. It’s easy to make friends with toasted ravioli,” says owner Tom Schmidt.

Fortunately for hungry St. Louisans, Salt & Smoke’s spin on the St. Louis signature is available at all of its eight outposts, from St. Charles to South City to Ballpark Village to Edwardsville, Illinois. And the majority of its locations also offer al fresco dining, making it easy to raise a glass over a table full of delicious barbecue on a sunny day. Visit the flagship location on Delmar Boulevard to take in the people-watching in the Delmar Loop, or stop by the restaurant at Ballpark Village before or after a Cardinals game. Whichever location you choose, you’re in for a good — and tasty — time. Just don’’t skip the T-ravs.

Story by Liz Miller
Photo by Ella Manthey

Schlafly Tap Room and Schlafly Bottleworks

St. Louis has had an extensive history of innovation in beer for more than 200 years. The craft boom kicked off here in the 1990s as the Saint Louis Brewery, commonly known as Schlafly, opened its tap room in downtown St. Louis. Today, the brand operates two tap rooms serving full restaurant menus as well: Schlafly Tap Room in Midtown and Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood. Both locations offer outdoor seating, with a particularly expansive patio at the Bottleworks. Sidle up to the bar for a flight of the beers and a hearty lunch or dinner.

Story by Allison Babka and Liz Miller
Photos by Ella Manthey

Take Root Hospitality

Michael and Tara Gallina’s Take Root Hospitality serves seasonally inspired and regionally sourced eats at two lauded spots in the St. Louis area: Vicia, firmly established as one of the best restaurants in town, and Winslow’s Table, a casual neighborhood restaurant with a small market. Each spot offers unique — and uniquely different — outdoor dining options. Enjoy breakfast or lunch alfresco at Winslow’s Table, or dine on Vicia’s cozy garden patio.

Read our full story on Winslow’s Table and the Gallinas here.

Story by Cheryl Baehr
Photo by R.J. Hartbeck