Photography courtesy of Bishop's Post
The lush patio at Bishop's Post
What are the best patios in St. Louis for great food? —Jack L., St. Louis
An especially apropos question, given the high temperatures in St. Louis are expected to be below normal next week, which to many of us equates to “patio weather.” Before you shoot the messenger, note that the questioner was interested in patios with the best food, not the best places to hang out with friends and nosh on pizza or bar food, the spots where you dine rather than just eat. (For a more complete list, check out this previous article, which covered more than 100 local restaurant patios.) In alphabetical order, here's a rundown, with an insider tip about each spot.
Bar Italia: We love that the Central West End staple's “short list of wine bottles” is longer than many complete lists. It includes many half- and large-format bottles as well.
Bar Les Freres: Many consider the three-tiered space overlooking Wydown Boulevard to be the most romantic patio in town. Don’t miss the lobster tail appetizer.
Bellwether: Enjoy dinner at sunset on one of the few west-facing rooftop patios in town.
Bishop’s Post: It has the best patio water feature in town. Get there before peak times for best service and since outside tables are on a first come, first served basis.
Café Natasha’s: Hidden behind a wall of greenery, guests enjoy reasonably priced Persian fare. New this season: an outdoor bar with standard cocktails, plus a host of gin- and amaro-based offerings.
Café Provencal: Eating garlicky escargots and sopping up the remains with epi bread on the awning-covered patio is as French bistro as it gets in this town.
Photo by George Mahe
Charlie Gitto's on the Hill
Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill: Peek through the iron gates, onto the tree-shaded brick patio, and we bet you’ll look closer to see if a table’s available.
Cinder House: The outdoor Sky Terrace has been a draw since the Four Seasons' conception, but guests often overlook the new terrace bar that overlooks the river and offers an angled view of the Arch.
Herbie's: Ever since Cardwell's opened in Clayton on the corner of Maryland and Brentwood over 30 years ago, the spacious, semi-private patio has been one of the city's most appealing. Under the tutelage of Herbie's chef Ramon Cuffie, the cuisine once again matches the elevated surroundings.
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta: The patios at Katie Lee Collier’s two restaurants offer different vibes. We favor the picnic tables and live music at the Rock Hill location—though we might change our minds if we moved farther west.
Oaked: Locals will remember the building as Sage, Lynch Street Bistro, Gustos 314, Fleur de Lillies, Lynch Street Tavern...the list goes on, but the constant is the wrought iron, brick, and oh-so-Soulardian rear patio. With this iteration comes a small but solid menu and a wine list that boasts (at current count) 207 wines by the glass. On Thursdays, a wine bible's worth of bottles are half-price.
Truffles: Carved out of a portion of its large parking lot, this eight-table oasis delivers on several levels: excellent fare with a wine list to match, the seasonal bar bites menu is available there as well, and Truffles Butchery (where you can always find something unusual), is only steps away.
Vin de Set: The grand-père of St. Louis restaurant patios stays open for three seasons. We favor Fish Market Thursdays, when guests select a fresh offering and can watch it being grilled to order.
Best sidewalk patios:
Billie-Jean: Superb fare from chef Ny Vongsaly is served at four sidewalk deuces, each one illuminated by an adjustable Fatboy lamp.
Photo by George Mahe
Billie-Jean
Brasserie: Snagging any outside table here is a joy, but if you can score one of the two-tops against the building, you can watch the entire CWE scene.
Olive + Oak: It's kind of a quirky outdoor arrangement, we admit, but Olive + Oak’s food is so good that we’re fine with it.
Taco Buddha: For a casual meal, the neighborhood vibe is unmatched. Stake out a table with a frozen margarita in hand (one of the best in town).
We know we missed a few. Given the parameters, feel free to add them in the comments section below.
If you have a question for George, email him at gmahe@stlmag.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @stlmag_dining. For more from SLM, subscribe or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
