It’s January, which means resolutions and self-improvement are on a lot of people’s minds. Maybe you’re doing a Dry January, cutting back on drinking or supporting a recovering friend. No matter what your reasons, there are more choices than ever for sober hangouts.
Brandi Schmidt started The Mocktail Lounge last fall. It’s a swanky, 1940s-style spot right on the main strip of bars in St. Charles, with all of the usual tavern trappings, such as pool, games, and live music. Only the alcohol is missing.
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“A sober bar is not brand new,” says Schmidt. “I didn’t make it up. But it is the first one is Missouri. Other big cities like New York and Los Angeles have a sober-curious kind of movement.”
This weekend, stop by Friday for swing and country dance lessons by Dance St. Charles from 7:30–10 p.m. On Saturday, Moon Buzz plays from 7–10 p.m. (There’s generally something afoot when the place is open: 4–11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2–11 p.m. Saturday, and some Sundays. Check the lounge’s Facebook page for details.)
Karaoke, Schmidt says, is an especially fun event—the next one is set for next Friday, January 14. “I call it sober-oke,” she says. “You thought drunk karaoke was funny? This is awesome.”
Thursdays are for chess club, and the space can be rented for private events. Schmidt says the lounge has hosted baby showers, sweet 16 parties and other birthday bashes, and even sobriety celebrations.
Next weekend, Schmidt says, she’ll celebrate her own fifth anniversary of sobriety with drink specials, music, and a cake. “I thought when I got sober that I would never have fun again. I was wrong! I was way wrong. We have a blast,” she says. “It’s really just normalizing sobriety. It’s OK—you don’t have to have alcohol to have fun, I promise.”
The drink menu includes specialty coffees, N/A brews from WellBeing, and fancy alcohol-free cocktails such as the martini-esque Cary Grant, the updated Shirley Temple known as a Judy Garland, ginger beer, and more. There’s also charcuterie available, with vegetarian and vegan options.
The Mocktail Lounge is open to everyone, no matter what their typical tipple may be. “You don’t have to be sober to come,” Schmidt says, “but if you’re looking for a beer, you’re not going to find it.”
If you’re thirsty for more sober-curious events in St. Louis, check out Sans Bar, which hosts alcohol-free pop-ups around the city. Pop’s Blue Moon isn’t alcohol-free, but it boasts lots of N/A options. Or you can just do all of the regular stuff you already do but get a club soda instead of a cocktail. Cheers!
