The Ultimate Guide to St. Louis' Blues Clubs
If you haven’t been to a blues club lately, here’s where to go.
Photo by Reed R. Radcliffe© / TripleRPhotography LLC
Music fans travel from Berlin, Toulouse, and Tokyo to hear St. Louis blues. Note that some of these clubs are dedicated to the blues, whereas others feature it weekly or monthly. Call in advance for more info. For comprehensive listings of current shows, visit the calendar at stlblues.net.
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2720 Cherokee
Though mostly dedicated to funk, hip-hop, and reggae, 2720 occasionally features blues bands, including touring musicians like Nick Moss and local bands such as Aaron Kamm & The One Drops.
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The Angry Beaver
730 S. Broadway St., St Louis, Missouri 63102This newish addition to South Broadway, where three of St. Louis’ most legendary blues clubs have resided for years, offers live music on weekends.
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BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups
This unofficial clubhouse and after-gig hangout for bands hosts late-night sit-ins and unusual music combos.
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Backstreet Jazz & Blues Club
Catch legendary bluesman Billy Peek twice a month here. Guitarist Buffalo Bob leads a weekly open jam session on Sundays. Backstreet also hosts visits twice a year by renowned singer- guitarist Johnny Rawls.
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The Beale on Broadway
Beale features live music seven nights a week—mostly blues, but you’ll also hear soul and R&B. There’s a mix of national and local acts, including Marquise Knox and Skeet Rogers. Beale is where the great Kim Massie got her start.
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Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Blues City Deli
On Thursdays and Saturdays, the joint is packed as patrons gather for live music of a New Orleans bent. Every day, it’s a destination for exceptional sandwiches, including a massive muffuletta.
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Bottleneck Blues Bar
The big draw at this casino bar is Friday Night Blues, a showcase/jam session hosted by musician Devon Allman. It shows off such local talent as Kim Massie. It’s also a great place to see touring musicians, among them Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials an
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Photo by Corey Woodruff
The Blue Pearl
One of the street’s newest additions, this beautifully renovated corner bar serves martinis, wine, and beer with small plates and generous portions of live music.
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Photographs by Kevin A. Roberts
Broadway Oyster Bar
Live music nightly makes les bon temps rouler, but those charbroiled oysters, jambalaya, and catfish don’t hurt. It’s not a dive but instead a dip; don’t be put off by the scruffy exterior.
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Evangeline's Bistro
The emphasis here is on jazz—but at the intersection where it melts into the blues.
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The Gramophone
This venue in The Grove features touring blues performers and up-and-coming local players. (There’s an awesome menu, too.)
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Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Gulf Shores Restaurant & Grill
Both locations serve up Cajun food and blues music during lunch and dinner.
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Hammerstone's
Regular performers include guitarists Jeremiah Johnson and John Farrar, but you’ll hear a mix of bands and singer-songwriters as well, seven days a week.
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Hwy 61 Roadhouse And Kitchen
This Webster Groves hotspot offers live music amid colorful blues-themed décor.
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Off Broadway
It’s one of St. Louis’ finest concert venues, period. Off Broadway isn’t solely dedicated to the blues, but you’ll see national touring musicians such as Robert Earl Keen—and our own Pokey LaFarge.
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Old Rock House
Named for one of the riverfront’s oldest buildings—which once hosted W.C. Handy, composer of “The St. Louis Blues”—the Old Rock House is focused on roots music, including blues and blues-inspired music.
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Sheldon Concert Hall
The venue’s calendar is eclectic, but the five to 10 blues artists featured each year are the best of the best.
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Venice Cafe
The late, great James Crutchfield played at this funky venue, and you can still find a tribute to him on the walls. Blues is on the calendar several nights a week.
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Photography by Greg Rannells
Yaquis on Cherokee
Sit near the window to enjoy a wood-fired pizza and people-watch along Cherokee Street. Or cozy up to the bar, discuss world affairs, listen to live music, and savor the wine, pizza, and warmth of the oven.
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