On a beautiful, breezy summer day, what’s better than an ice-cold beverage on a shady patio? Not much, honestly. And, for those long, relaxed summer nights, we love a perfectly crafted cocktail and beautiful views of the city from a rooftop bar. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers and beer, or looking for the perfect summertime salad, you’ll find it at one of these restaurants with outdoor seating in St. Louis.
Bar Italia
This Central West End patio is guaranteed to bump most weekend nights. If you want a quieter experience and a shorter wait, visit on a weekday (just not Monday–they’re closed). But you might want a little time to work up an appetite for the large selection of pasta and Italian entrees. Or check out the shared plate menu with offers like eggplant caponata and beef carpaccio. The patio seating is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine or homemade gelato (or both).
Highlights: Pistachio goat cheese, Insalata Mista, and a perfect Negroni.
Info: Bar Italia
58hundred
The garden patio at 58hundred is breezy, spacious, and private. It’s always a welcome place to enjoy a night out with friends, and most weekend nights you’ll enjoy live music. This locally owned butchery and garden restaurant serves up delicious, unique food and drinks. Share small plates such as whipped feta or pimento cheese toast. The strawberry salad is a summertime must, and you can’t go wrong if you veer to the braised beef with brown butter gnocchi. Seriously: brown butter gnocchi.
Highlights: Taco Tuesday is a go with brussel sprouts tacos. Prepare to be wowed.
Info: 58hundred
D’s Place
Step down to Soulard for a happy hour that just won’t stop and burgers you’ll brag about in a laid-back atmosphere. D’s Place is the neighborhood bar where you want to hang out, especially once you step into the back patio. Comfy wooden tables with plenty of room sprawl under awnings and strings of bistro lights that make the whole outdoor area feel like a party. Friendly staff, generous pours, and frequent events from trivia nights to live music add to the fun vibe. Try the award-winning Danimal burger, throw down some wings in one of the delicious housemade sauces, or go classic with toasted rav.
Highlights: Housemade onion rings and a Hell Fire Burger will light you up.
Info: D’s Place
Akar
This first-come, first-served patio will allow you to enjoy Chef Bernie Lee’s Malaysian comfort food menu under beautiful lighting for a great evening experience. With plenty of greenery, this restaurant with outdoor seating in St. Louis feels like a little magical getaway. It’s a great atmosphere for a plate of vegetarian Ma Po tofu tossed in mushroom “mincemeat,” fried okra tossed in Gochujang sauce, or braised short ribs. Don’t forget to try one of the flavorful cocktails.
Highlights: Potstickers of the day, everyday, and the Serai, with house-infused lemongrass tequila.
Info: Akar
5 Star Burgers
When you’re in the mood for a burger with an ice-cold beer, this is the place. This Clayton restaurant has a covered patio that’s ideal for both sunny and drizzly days. Even better, happy hour (3 – 5pm) happens here 7 days a week. There’s a nice selection of local craft drafts and bottles. For the non-alcoholic crowd, get a Maine Root fountain soda, or turn that soda into a float with locally owned Ronnie’s ice cream. While we go for the burgers, there’s a great selection of salads and other sandwiches if you’re so inclined.
Highlights: Cheese curds for the table, and Dad’s green chile cheeseburger just for you.
Info: 5 Star Burgers
Billy G’s
Drinks, brunch, lunch, or dinner, the restaurant offers it all with a giant outdoor patio to hold the crowds. Perch near the firepit on a cooler evening and enjoy the restaurant’s signature wings: served classic, backyard, or “trashed.” There’s a big enough menu range to please everyone, from burgers to pasta to salads. Swing by for a weekend barbecue special (served from Thursday to Sunday) and live music on the weekends, and a friendly, party-like atmosphere anytime.
Highlights: Pretzel bites and cheese dip are perfect for game days. Great whiskey selection.
Info: Billy G’s
Jack Nolen’s
You can get a delightful pesto grilled cheese at Jack Nolen’s, but that’s not what you should do. Go for the smash burgers, stay for the fries. Trust us, you’ll never want to leave. This laid-back burger joint is one of our favorite restaurants with outdoor seating in St. Louis. They know what they’re about. It’s a first-come, first-served place with no phone and a focused menu. Grab a table on the large patio under the glow of café string lights and order up. We swoon over the CBGB fries with housemade beer cheese sauce.
Highlights: Whatever the burger of the month is, it’s gonna be good.
Info: Jack Nolen’s
The Bellwether
If you want a good view paired with a great cocktail, head to The Bellwether. The restaurant’s rooftop courtyard is perfect for viewing the sunset or enjoying a weekend brunch. Sit under the outdoor bistro lights and enjoy sharing a small seasonal plate (mushroom ginger dumplings!) or cheese board. Try their take on pork steak for a truly elevated St. Louis classic.
Highlights: Gravity’s Rainbow cocktail for that island feel.
Info: The Bellwether
The Blue Owl
The courtyard of The Blue Owl in Kimmswick, Missouri, is simply beautiful. The restaurant and bakery, which has been open since 1983, offers lunch, dinner, and plenty of pie on the porch, which shelters you from the sun or rain while giving you a piece of the outdoors. Combine your seating experience with one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, like steak and eggs for breakfast or Southern fried chicken for lunch. Or create your own combination with the terrific trio, choosing from a selection of the most popular dishes: salads, soups, quiches, sandwiches, and of course, pies.
Highlights: Definitely look into the seasonal offers, and don’t leave without a fried pie.
Info: The Blue Owl
Looking for café style bistro lights for your St. Louis restaurant? Or maybe you want to create that bistro feeling for your own backyard, deck, or outdoor living space? Get in touch for a free estimate. Let’s get your summer vibe swinging!