St. Louis is a great city and it has plenty of attractions, bars, restaurants, and places for entertainment.
That said, some of St. Louis’s better-kept secrets are its local speakeasies. There are bars that are tucked away or bars that aim to have a certain early 20th century give to them. For example, some of these bars will require a strict dress code, require a reservation, or even a password or puzzle to be solved.
While there are plenty of speakeasy locations in St. Louis, that doesn't mean you should go to all of them or just try your luck at one that sounds good. The good news is that we’re here to help. We've compiled a list of the five best speakeasies in St. Louis.
Not only do we provide you with a guide, but we’ll cover everything you need to know about each location. This includes their hours, reservation policy, details about the menu, and much more. We don't stop there either, and we’ll take you through how you can find more speakeasy locations along with the different types of speakeasy bars in St. Louis.
Read on to learn everything you need to know.
What Are the Different Types of Speakeasy Bars in St. Louis?
Several types of speakeasies can be found in the St. Louis area. You get your average speakeasies with a hidden vibe and atmosphere, but also some more niche concepts that are more in tune with St. Louis culture.
The most common speakeasy you'll come across in St. Louis is one that includes a hidden entrance, tables, 1920s decor, and expert mixologists.
Most speakeasies will also have puzzles, secret doors, and special codes you need to get in. You'll find that advertising is rare as well, so sometimes you have to happen upon them. While St. Louis is a big city, there aren't a lot of speakeasies, so it's best to use our guide to find the best options around.
While bars are the most common speakeasy options in St. Louis, they're not the only speakeasies you'll come across. For example, there's a famous cafe in St. Louis that serves coffee, tea, and breakfast/lunch, so there's a little something for everyone when you consider speakeasy options in St. Louis.
It's also important to note that some speakeasies will have specific rules and requirements for entering. You may need to join a waitlist, make a reservation, or wear specific attire. If possible, it's a good idea to call ahead.
The Best Speakeasy in St. Louis: Our Top Five Picks
Plenty of speakeasies are available in St. Louis, but only if you know where to look. The good news is that we have you covered and compiled a list of the best speakeasies in St. Louis. Learn about our top five picks down below. We cover each one in detail, along with their location, hours, and additional information you need to know to get in.
1. Thaxton Speakeasy
Sourced from: https://www.thaxtonspeakeasy.com/
Thaxton Speakeasy is one of the best locations to hang out in St. Louis, even when you compare it to other bars and restaurants. What makes this location special is the vibe and atmosphere that the mixologists and live entertainment create. Plenty of good drinks, delicious food, and fun themes await you once you walk in the door.
What makes this location fun and unique is its location. It's located in a historic building that doesn't make itself obvious from the outside. Not only is the building historical and retro-feeling inside, but you have to know the password to get in. This helps you feel like part of a secret, and that adds to the experience.
When you come into Thaxton Speakeasy, you do have to follow some rules, or at least try to match the vibe of the specific night. For example, some nights may have special themes and require unique or niche clothing.
Private events may alter the hours, so make sure you take some time to check ahead to see if seating is available. In fact, Thaxton Speakeasy even does weddings!
2. None of the Above
Sourced from: https://www.notastl.com/about
None of the Above is a unique little speakeasy you can find in St. Louis, and it's one of the more explosive options you'll come across.
The cocktails are delicious, and there's a reason they're the main focus. Expert mixologists craft some of the best alcoholic cocktails you can find in the city, and they can also make you anything else you may prefer. Some staple cocktails are also available and rotate based on the week, month, or event.
When it comes to the dinner menu, that's where things differ compared to other speakers in St. Louis. None of the Above doesn't have a full kitchen, so most of the meals and dining options are hors d’oeuvres, snacks, and small appetizers.
None of the Above has some rules and important factors to consider before you visit. Party sizes are limited to six, and when you arrive you'll have to wait elsewhere after speaking with the host.
Finding None of the Above is also part of the adventure. You'll have to find the location, which is nestled between City Winery and The Lou. You'll know None of the Above is open for business if you see the red light on outside the door.
3. Speakeasy Cafe
Sourced from: http://speakeasycafestl.com/
Speakeasy Cafe is one of the more unique options on our list. We love this choice for people who don't drink alcohol but still want to experience the speakeasy vibe.
The decor is straight from the 1920s, and you'll feel like you’re part of a secret club when you walk in the door. Seating is also available on the first and second floors, so you shouldn't have to worry about finding a spot to relax.
Unlike other speakeasies in St. Louis, this option does not serve alcohol. The main focus is coffee and pastries. You'll find espresso, lattes, and regular coffee. Tea is also on the menu, along with some hot food options that you'd expect to find at a cafe.
If you're looking for a more relaxing environment for a coffee date or even to get some work done, we can't recommend Speakeasy Cafe enough.
When you want to stop in at Speakeasy Cafe, you don't have to worry about making a reservation. You shouldn't have any issues getting in as long as you go during store hours. Plus, there is plenty of seating available or you can take your coffee to go. This is one of the perks of visiting a speakeasy that doesn't serve alcohol.
4. New Society
Sourced from: https://www.newsocietystl.com/
New Society is a modern take on the speakeasy concept. The furniture is more modern, along with the music and food options. If you’re someone who prefers the experience of modern dining but you love the idea of a hidden spot, you can't go wrong with New Society.
It's also important to note that New Society is more hidden than some of the other speakeasies in St. Louis. This means that you'll have to go through some extra steps to find it. Thankfully, getting in is simple, and you can talk to the host at the Grand Spirits Bottle Shop. They'll help you and your party get situated and seated.
Once inside, you'll be welcomed by a great menu and plenty of hand-crafted cocktail options. The expert mixologists can make just about anything, and dinner is delicious with a modern spin on some traditional meals. Overall, there's a little something for everyone at New Society.
If you have a large party, it's a good idea to call ahead and keep in mind that you can only make a reservation for parties as big as six. You'll also want to dress appropriately in cocktail attire, so keep this in mind as well before you arrive. Partons must be 21+ to enter.
5. Clements Lock & Security
Sourced from URL: https://www.clementslock.com/
Looking for a hidden spot that not many people know about? You'll want to stop by Clements Lock & Security on Thursday nights.
While it's a lock and door hardware store by day, it turns into a speakeasy every Thursday night. You'll find plenty of delicious cocktails and an environment that's unlike any other in St. Louis.
What makes this speakeasy a great option is the design. It's one of the few speakeasy locations in St. Louis that operates as something else during the day, which gives it those classic speakeasy vibes that you used to find in the 1920s.
When it comes to the vibe and atmosphere of the location, it's also unique. The interior is loaded with locksmith decor and other decor that resembles the establishment's usual daily operations. For the dress code, you don't have to wear anything super fancy but you should be ready for a night out, so think cocktail attire.
How to Find a New Speakeasy in St. Louis?
When you want to find a new speakeasy in St. Louis, the best thing you can do is ask around. Like the speakeasies of the past, word of mouth is one of the best marketing tools for speakeasy locations. You should check for advertising in your area, ask your friends, coworkers, or even ask bartenders in your area.
That said, some speakeasies can only be found for a limited time. For example, some speakeasies are only open for a month or two at a time, or they may be seasonal locations. In these cases, you'll have to look for local advertising, check social media, or run a search for speakeasies on Google.
While these methods will help you find new speakeasies in St. Louis, if you want to find the best new locations you'll want to read Speakeasy Co’s guides. We make sure we only list the best speakeasies in the area, and we always add new locations as they come!
So, you can be the first one in your group to find a speakeasy when you stay current with our guides.
Find the Best St. Louis Speakeasy
As long as you follow the guidelines we covered in this article, you shouldn't have any issues enjoying a night out at one of St. Louis’ various speakeasy locations.
That said, some are better than others, and they all have a different vibe, so it's always a good idea to stay up-to-date using our guide to the best speakeasies in St. Louis. We ensure that we keep our guides current so you never miss out on some of the best spots.
Before you visit a speakeasy, always call ahead. You'll want to know if they can accommodate your party or if there are any specific things you need to bring with you or wear. What's more, always be on the lookout for pop-up spots in your area to catch any new speakeasies as they open.
