Ask George: Can you recommend some outdoor dining spots for the times when patios will be packed—like this weekend? Jack M., St. Louis
When seeking out dining patios in St. Louis—especially during primo patio season—keep these three words in mind: biggest, newest, and hidden. Here are a few places I’d recommend:
Biggest:
Vin De Set: Good food, polished staff, and the largest dining rooftop in town, which means securing a table is not always impossible (the “it’s so busy nobody goes there” philosophy). 2017 Chouteau, 314-241-8989
McGurk’s: The Energizer bunny of patios--it just keeps, going, and going. Well-landscaped and manicured, it’s a classic and a treasure. 1200 Russell, 314-776-8309
Hacienda: The busiest patio in town—no matter the weather or season--tends to be less busy on Saturday and Sunday nights, as opposed to Fridays, when large, lingering groups tend to dominate. 9748 Manchester, 314-962-7100
Bar Italia: Dining on a sprawling, brick patio, under trees, in the CWE? Enough said. 13 Maryland Plz, 314-361-7010
Brio: Outdoor seating winds around practically the entire building, so table waits here are often not as long as you’d think. 1601 S Lindbergh, 314-432-4410
Cardwell’s in Clayton: The two patios face east and north. People watching is splendid from either. 8100 Maryland, 314-726-5055
Newest:
801 Chophouse: The patio is large, recessed and relatively hidden, so tables are almost always available. A new patio (and Happy Hour) menu was recently introduced—and it’s highly recommended--but keep in mind that all entrees are still served indoors. 137 Carondelet Plz, 314-875-9900
Bishop’s Post: I said this in SLM's First Bite from July: "Bishop's Post has the potential to become the poster child for casual, affordable, and outdoor dining in Chesterfield." To that I could add, "and the rest of the city as well." The layout, the landscaping, the waterfall element, the food--are all superior. 16125 Chesterfield Parkway West, 636-536-9404
Element: There are huge, shotgun patios on both the restaurant and lounge levels, so a patio seat is generally available. Both patios face west, thereby offering a unique perspective on our city. 1419 Carroll, 314-241-1674
prasino: The interior of the restaurant can be boisterous, but it spills onto a patio that is close enough to the action to see it all, but not hear it all. 1520 S 5th, St Charles, MO, 636-277-0202
Giovanni’s Kitchen: This Ladue newcomer (from the owners of Giovanni's and Il Bel Lago) is just being discovered, which means the 20 patio seats are often available at times when you think they might not be. 8831 Ladue, 314-721-4100
Hidden:
Copia: The huge patio with a removable roof is completely hidden from the street. Most first impressions are of the “Holy Shi*!” variety. 1122 Washington, 314-241-9463
J. Gilbert’s: Hidden only in the sense that it’s shielded by patios at BRAVO! and McCormick & Schmick’s, and the fare is well-better than average. 17 W. County Ctr, 314-965-4600
Quintessential: When on Main Street in downtown St. Chuck, you may hear sounds coming from this rooftop patio, but you won’t see the patio itself. Seek it out. 149 N. Main, St Charles, 636-443-2211
Cielo: It’s on the 8th floor of The Four Seasons St. Louis facing south and east. Spectacular food and drink combined with memorable views. 999 N. 2nd, 314-881-2105
Three-Sixty: Another up-in-the-air-venue, this one, 26 stories up with a view into Busch Stadium, tends to be less busy when the Redbirds are not in town, but when they are, plan your arrival after the first inning. 1 S. Broadway, 314-241-8439
The Block (CWE): This big, long, multi-tiered brick patio hidden behind a fence in the CWE and the best-value/best-quality food of any in town. 33 N. Sarah, 314-535-5100
Hendrick’s BBQ: Located on South Main Street in St. Charles, it’s a little off the main drag, but well worth the effort. And check out as much of the interior as you can while there—lots of cool furnitiure and relevant artifacts. 1200 S. Main, 636-724-8600
Five Bistro: Ok, so the corner of Hereford and Daggett is not that hidden, but Anthony DeVoti’s food is so good you’ll forgive the little white lie. 5100 Daggett, 314-773-5553
Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill: Small, hidden courtyard, that’s always worth the effort if you’re lucky enough to snag a table. 5226 Shaw, 314-772-8898
Big Sky Café: Freight trains rumble across the street from the front patio, which adds a different element, but when available, opt for the tree-covered rear garden patio in the rear, a space that BSC shares with the Old Orchard Art Gallery. 47 S. Old Orchard, 314-962-5757
Molly Darcy’s: There are tables in front, sure, but head to the rear courtyard, a wonderful enclosed space many local diners don’t even know exists. 26 N. Meramec, 314-863-8400
Diablito’s Cantina: Barrio-esque murals, tables fashioned from Mexican road signs, and a separate area with fire pits distinguish this Midtown patio hideaway. 3761 Laclede, 314-644-4430
Backbar at Scape: The secluded, European courtyard behind the restaurant has a special menu and special events, because, well, it's that special. 48 Maryland Plz, 314-361-7227
Make a phone call, make a reservation...just get outdoors and enjoy.
(And if we should be hanging out on a patio somewhere else, let us know in the comments below.)
