THE GIN ROOM on South Grand has some of the best cocktails in St. Louis.
SEPTEMBER 2025 • VOLUME 25, ISSUE 8
OWNER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
OWNER & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lucas Farrell
Kyle Stevens
Lauren Healey
Kelli Jones
Haimanti Germain
Aspen Smit
Julia Fallert, Lucas Farrell, Cory Hammerstone, Lauren Healey,
Sarah Higgins, Charlotte Vieth
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amanda Bretz, Lauren Healey, Bill Moran, Salem Prestien
Sauce was founded by Allyson Mace in 1999.
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OYSTERS
We’ve long admired Noto Italian Restaurant, but its new sister concept tucked around back is quickly making a name for itself. The Alpineinspired eatery first opened in 2024 as Bacaro, offering a light menu of snacks and a wide selection of spritzes, among other beverages. After a trademark hiccup prompted a rebrand to Bormio, the team expanded the offerings into a full dinner menu, transforming it from a casual aperitivo spot into a full-service destination.
On a recent visit, the standout was the caviar, a playful yet sophisticated combination of textures and flavors. Mini sourdough waffles form the base, layered with chive-infused cultured butter, Champagne jelly, and a sous-vide egg yolk before being crowned with a delicate dollop caviar. “It’s truly a fun and unique way to enjoy caviar, with each element complementing the salty, briny flavor of the caviar,” said chef and coowner Wayne Sieve.
5105 Westwood Drive, Suite A, St. Peters, bormiostl.com
DRINK THIS
If you’ve written off beer, the Tropic Like It’s Hot “beer-tail” at Session Taco might change your mind. Bright, juicy and balanced, it blends Golden Road Mango Cart and pineapple rum with lime and lemon juices for a surprisingly refreshing sip for even the most hesitant beer drinkers. Session Taco rolled out its beer-tails earlier this year alongside the spring menu. Director of Operations Josh Laney led the cocktail revamp, which has been a hit, offering flavorful, approachable drinks that won’t break the bank.
Multiple locations, sessiontaco.com
NATASHA BAHRAMI
has been part of the St. Louis culinary scene since she was a child
PHOTOS BY JULIA FALLERT
Behind the bustle of South Grand, a secret garden glows with sparkling spritzes and clinking glasses.
On The Gin Room’s lush, secluded patio or inside the cozy yet expansive dining room adorned with rich jewel tones, guests can explore centuries-old European drinking traditions. Spritz and amaro carts set the scene, presenting everything from bright, citrusy aperitivo to earthy, herbaceous spirits. The ritual blends playful theater with education, a hallmark of the bar’s philosophy. “We’ve always been an education-focused bar,” owner Natasha Bahrami said. “You’ll leave us a little more enlightened on spirits and modifiers.”
From Café Natasha to The Gin Room
The Gin Room’s story began decades earlier with Café Natasha, a popular Persian restaurant Bahrami’s parents, Hamishe and Behshid, opened in 1983. After moving to South Grand in 2001, it became a mainstay of the
neighborhood for nearly 40 years. In 2013, fresh from a stint working in politics in Washington, D.C., Bahrami carved out a corner of the restaurant to launch The Gin Room.
“I didn’t know what it was going to evolve into,” she recalled. “I had been passionate about gin since I was 22, when my drink of choice was a dirty martini. Growing up in your parents’ restaurant will drive you to drink,” she added with a laugh.
The Gin Room grew quietly but steadily, at first stocking just seven gins. A decade later, it boasts more than 400, with 2,000 more in Bahrami’s personal collection. When Café Natasha retired in 2022, The Gin Room emerged as the family’s defining identity. Since debuting in 2022, the restaurant portion carried the name Salve Osteria, but the team is now moving away from that moniker and embracing a single, unified identity: The Gin Room.
“The identity of The Gin Room is who we are now,” Bahrami said. “Café Natasha was a thing of its own –generations of people went there – but this is our new excitement.”
Hamachi crudo Heirloom tomato burrata
Cocktail curiosity
Education is evident in every element of the menu. Guests can sample guided gin flights, explore the custom flavor wheel that maps botanical notes like pine, dill or berry into a DNA-like spiral, or taste how seasonal ingredients play against different spirits.
The bar’s signature drinks push boundaries while staying fun. The Tropical, a clarified riff on the classic Saturn cocktail, uses coconut milk to fat-wash mango liqueur and gin, creating a silky sipper that quickly became a year-round hit. Conceptualized by general manager Brad Phillips, this nearly clear cocktail may look understated when it arrives at the table, but it’s certainly one of the best drinks on the menu.
Then there’s the Double Standard, a classic negroni elevated with luxe ingredients that’s paired with an adorable negroni jello shot served in a vintage coupe. Each element stands on its own, but the cocktail truly shines when you take a small bite of the jello, then sip the negroni, letting the flavors mingle into what is easily one of the best negronis in town. “We wanted to find ways to keep cocktails approachable rather than stuffy,” Bahrami said. “A jello shot in a beautiful glass adds that element of fun.”
Another signature touch at The Gin Room is that their spritzes are crafted with Sicilian lemon tonic instead of alcoholic bubbles such as prosecco, letting the amaro shine in full force while being enhanced by bright, citrusy notes. The commitment to detail is seen even in the ice: Custom cubes from local producer Nice Ice ensure cocktails dilute slowly and remain balanced.
Ginworld goes global
The Gin Room’s momentum spilled into something much larger: Ginworld, the festival Bahrami launched in 2015 to bring distillers together in one place. What began as a street festival on South Grand is now a national celebration spanning 15 U.S. cities, with St. Louis still at the center.
“This city’s enthusiasm for the category has inspired us,” she said. “St. Louis was known as a beer, bourbon and barbecue town, but now it’s a very important foodie city.”
This October, Ginworld returns for its 10th anniversary, headlined by industry heavyweights Simon Ford, of Ford’s Gin, and Miranda Hayman, of Hayman’s Gin based in London. The week-long series of events will culminate on Oct. 12 with the Gin Festival at Majorette in Maplewood, featuring hundreds of gin and cocktail tastings.
For Bahrami, one of the most memorable moments came years ago, when she sat down with Tom Nichols, longtime master distiller of Tanqueray. “I had just lost my father and was scared to go national,” she recalled. “He told me, ‘You need to do it. The U.S. needs to fall in love with gin.’”
Culinary innovations
This summer marked a new chapter for The Gin Room’s culinary program with the arrival of chef Justin Newsom. His pedigree stretches from Washington, D.C. – where he worked with Andrew Markert and Aaron Silverman of Rose’s Luxury, and trained alongside his friend James Vu Tran, former sous chef at the French Laundry – to some of St. Louis’ most acclaimed kitchens, including Tempus, Blood & Sand and the Lucky Accomplice.
Newsom’s cuisine is characterized as New American with French and Asian influences, staying true to The Gin Room’s harvest-centric ethos and hand-rolled pasta tradition. His mother, Mary “Meece” Corvina, assists with making pasta in the kitchen, adding another family touch to the restaurant’s lineage. The program continues to feature curated wine dinners led by Phillips, who is also a sommelier, adding depth to the experience.
The menu highlights seasonal creativity with dishes like heirloom tomato burrata served with cucumbers, sherry vinaigrette and a delicate basil foam. A rotating hamachi crudo showcases the harvest, paired with radishes, avocado purée, and aguachile that shifts weekly – red bell pepper one day, watermelon a few weeks ago – finished with jalapeño, pressed radish and cilantro. For something richer, the agnolotti carbonara is filled with prosciutto ricotta and topped with a silky yolk sauce, shaved Parmesan and more prosciutto.
“The Gin Room team has embraced Justin’s cuisine since he joined us in July,” Bahrami said. “We’re excited to see the program evolve.”
"He told me, ‘You need to do it. The U.S. needs to fall in love with gin.’"
Tropical cocktail
Amaro cart
Raising a glass
Ten years in, The Gin Room is more than a neighborhood bar. It is an internationally recognized destination, particularly after becoming the first Missouri bar listed on World’s 50 Best Discovery.
The Gin Room has also been recognized by the James Beard Foundation. The bar was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2023 for Outstanding Bar. In 2025, Bahrami earned a nomination in the newly created category of Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service. Both nominations were announced while Bahrami was on a mountain in Oaxaca, and the most recent nomination created an even more meaningful moment since once you’ve been nominated in the semifinals but don’t advance to the final round, you typically can’t be nominated again for five years. The new category made this recognition possible, and it felt especially significant.
“I think it meant more to us that something like gin would be given the spotlight where it’s often overlooked,” Bahrami said.
Amid the fanfare of international recognition, Bahrami remains focused on what truly matters: connection, whether through a guided tasting or an organic conversation across the amaro cart. “If we can continue to be a place where people come to us curious and we’re able to connect with them in a way that inspires or excites them, that’s what we’d like to do.” 3200 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, natashasginroom.com, ginworld.com
The Double Standard
The dining room
THE COVER, COCKTAILS & CAMPARI
Sauce Magazine celebrates Negroni Week at The Gin Room
Join Sauce Magazine for a Negroni Week party from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25, at The Gin Room, sponsored by Campari. There will be a special menu of negronis created just for the event, and every order of the Double Standard cocktail will be served with a copy of Sauce Magazine’s September issue. The full dinner menu will be available for purchase, along with The Gin Room’s incredible cocktail list. A DJ will keeps things lively, and we’re also encouraging all attendees to dress to impress in shades of red to match the cover.
The new pour
These six bars make every evening feel like an occasion.
By Bill Moran
The Moniker
We may not always realize how lucky we are in St. Louis. We live in a top-notch culinary city with award-winning chefs, along with one of the best bar scenes around. Talented bartenders are crafting some of the most innovative cocktails anywhere, and sometimes you’ll even find both under the same roof. Here are six standout bars that have opened in the past year.
Bemiston Cocktail Club
Bemiston Cocktail Club originally opened in 2019 but closed during the pandemic. It reopened less than a year ago, earning its place among the city’s newest bars. Located in Clayton just steps from sister bar Louie’s Wine Dive, guests enter through a large wooden door marked with a “B,” walk a long hallway and turn the corner into a stylish, tucked-away cocktail bar.
Bar manager and mixologist Trisha Wilson brings passion and creativity to her drinks. House specialties include Rosemary’s Garden – gin, lemon juice, rosemary simple and rosewater liqueur – and the Jalisco Stinger with blanco tequila, orange liqueur, habanero bitters and citrus. Classics get a twist too, like the baconwashed Old-Fashioned. Bemiston shares its kitchen with Louie’s, so many menu favorites are available alongside the cocktails.
14 S. Bemiston Ave., Clayton, bemistoncocktailbar.com
Keep Quiet
After launching Little Lager in South City, a beer bar specializing in lagers, Manny Negron shifted his focus to creating a speakeasy-style cocktail bar called Keep Quiet. Tucked behind the patio of Urban Chestnut’s Midtown location, it offers the rare chance to visit a bar within a bar. Although the two concepts collaborate, they operate as distinct entities.
Keep Quiet serves a rotating cocktail menu that changes monthly, alongside a short list of beers, ciders and NA options. Classics like the Manhattan, gimlet, martini and margarita are always available. For something whimsical, try the Boozy Bears – house-made gummy bear cocktails based on actual drink recipes.
The bar is only open on Friday and Saturday nights with seating for about 30 guests. If you see the red light glowing at the entrance, step inside for an intimate evening of inventive cocktails.
3229 Washington Ave., St. Louis, keepquietstl.com
Off Elm
Webster Groves has quickly become one of St. Louis’ most exciting dining neighborhoods, and among its standouts is Off Elm, a cocktail and bourbon bar with a neighborhood feel.
From the team behind STL Barkeep and The Vandy, Off Elm offers creative drinks such as Rind Beneath My Wings – cantaloupe-infused bourbon with toasted simple and tiki bitters – and the Ibiza Sunset with a blend of gins, pineapple, pineapple amaro, orgeat and citrus. The menu lists about 30 cocktails including several NA options, plus beer and wine.
Off Elm also boasts an extensive bourbon and whiskey selection, from local distilleries like Still 630 and Switchgrass Spirits to Japanese and Scotch varieties, as well as a limited stock of single-barrel bourbons available for purchase by the bottle.
The small food menu includes Union Loafers bagel pizzas, jalapeño popper dip, Red Hot Riplet pimento dip and meat and cheese boards. For parties, the Off Elm at Home program provides cocktails and bartenders for events – or prebatched drinks for DIY gatherings.
8709 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, offelmstl.com
No Ordinary Rabbit
When Ben Poremba moved his restaurants out of Botanical Heights, it left a noticeable gap in the neighborhood’s bar scene. No Ordinary Rabbit quickly stepped in to fill it, taking over the former Nixta space with inventive cocktails and an equally imaginative food menu.
Most drinks change with the seasons, but standbys like Lillian’s Revenge – made with Plantation pineapple rum, yuzu gin, lemon, orgeat and bitters – and the Jungle Bird – Hamilton Estate black rum, Campari, pineapple, simple syrup and lime – have been on since day one.
Bright, citrusy cocktails pair seamlessly with the Eastern Mediterranean–inspired food, which includes spreads, dips, snacks, shareable plates and desserts. Like the drinks, the menu rotates seasonally, though favorites such as za’atar onion rings with caramelized onion labneh and Aleppo pepper and honey roasted cashews remain constants.
1621 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, noordinaryrabbitstl.com
Silk Road Lounge
Located in the heart of the Central West End, Silk Road Lounge offers expertly crafted cocktails and excellent service. As the sister bar to Pagan Wine
Bemiston Cocktail Club
Bar, it shares a similarly dark and welcoming atmosphere, and with its dim lighting and deliberately unmarked entrance, it has the feel of a classic speakeasy.
The ambiance is one thing, but the cocktails are the real draw. The menu lists more than 20 drinks covering nearly every base spirit. The Quiet Man is made with rye whiskey, bourbon, Drambuie and maraschino cherry liqueur – spirit-forward with notes of anise, a hint of smoke from the Drambuie and a slightly sweet finish from the cherry. For something softer, the Pink Squirrel, made with crème de noyaux, white crème de cacao and cream, tastes like a chocolate-covered cherry.
Silk Road Lounge is an ideal spot for a special occasion, a first date or an evening out with close friends.
243 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, Instagram: @silkroadloungestl
The Moniker
On the ground floor of the Six Cord apartment building, The Moniker is Washington Avenue’s newest restaurant and lounge. The space is open and elegant with bare brick walls, emerald green accents and large windows overlooking the
of downtown.
The cocktail menu ranges from a classic daiquiri – white rum, lime, simple syrup and a splash of pineapple – to riffs like the Jalisco Manhattan, which swaps reposado tequila for rye whiskey and uses house vermouth with plum bitters. Ask about off-menu drinks too, like a blood orange–habanero margarita, served with a side of sriracha roasted chickpeas for a spicy nightcap.
The food menu features snacks, shareable dishes and entrees such as hummus, southern shrimp and grits and salmon cakes with fresh dill aioli. The Moniker is more than just great cocktails and food – its goal is to bring people together and help spark the revitalization of downtown.
1000 Washington Ave., Suite B, St. Louis, themonikerstl.com
Bill Moran is the creator of Instagram account @st.louis_taverns, where Moran anonymously reviews bars throughout the St. Louis area. He created the account in March 2021 after seeing many of his favorite bars struggling through pandemic restrictions. It has since evolved into a fun pastime of exploring the many neighborhoods in and around St. Louis.
bustle
The Moniker owner Jordaryl Logan
Kettlecorn Martini
Love by the glass
BY SALEM PRESTIEN
In 2003, James Smallwood stepped into 33 Wine Shop & Bar as a corporate cost analyst with curiosity to spare but little experience navigating a wine list. But as years of business dinners grew into dedicated self-study and moonlighting at restaurants, Smallwood’s early curiosity grew into a devotion to wine that would eventually reshape his life. Smallwood traded his corporate role at AT&T and dove fully into the world of wine, completing formal classes, earning sommelier credentials and eventually guiding a friend’s restaurant as wine director and general manager.
By 2013, Smallwood had acquired 33 Wine Shop, originally started by Jake Hafner of Civil Life Brewing Co. For Smallwood, the business was more than a bar, it was a place that modeled the kind of hospitality, education and community he wanted to cultivate.
Jessica Spitzer’s path to 33 Wine Shop was just as unconventional. With a background in nonprofit work and reentry programs, she never envisioned herself running a wine bar. That changed in 2019 when she met Smallwood at the bar. Their relationship grew quickly, and by early 2020, Spitzer began helping with the administrative side of the business. Then the pandemic hit. What began as administrative support blossomed into a full-fledged wine education. With Smallwood’s mentorship, Spitzer honed her palate, earned her introductory sommelier credentials and now shapes both the operational and tasting experience at the bar.
Together, Smallwood and Spitzer have upheld 33 Wine Shop’s tradition: a local bar where
exceptional wine meets warm, welcoming service. The pair prioritizes approachable wine education, guiding guests through tastings, classes or personal introductions to unexpected bottles. Their popular wine club reflects that philosophy. With three tiers and a monthly red and white selection handpicked by the owners, the club encourages exploration over customization. “We want our guests to discover wines they may never have tried otherwise,” Spitzer explained.
Smallwood believes 33 thrives where restraint meets quality: Old World wines kept in ideal conditions, with a tightly curated, effortlessly classic cocktail selection. At 33, every bottle rests in a carefully maintained, temperature-controlled cellar – a rarity that Smallwood insists is nonnegotiable. “It’s uncommon to find a space like this,” Smallwood said of the cellar, “but keeping it temperature-controlled is absolutely essential.” But beyond the cellar, the bar’s charm lies in its human moments: the door’s creak that signals a greeting, a detail Smallwood refuses to alter, and favorite wines are remembered. Over the years, countless friendships and even marriages –Smallwood and Spitzer’s included – have begun within the bar’s walls.
Approaching its 25th anniversary, 33 Wine Shop & Bar continues to prosper under the care of its husband-and-wife duo. For Smallwood and Spitzer, it’s more than a business. It’s a community gathering place, a classroom and a love story –both with wine, and with each other.
1913 Park Ave., St. Louis, 33wine.com
SIP INTO FALL
BY SALEM PRESTIEN
4 Hands Brewing Co.
Autumn at 4 Hands Brewing Co. means the return of two rich seasonal brews crafted for cooler days. Built on cacao nibs, peanut butter and roasted malts, Absence of Light delivers peanut butter cup aromas and a smooth body that transitions from chocolate and coffee to a softly sweet milk-sugar finish. Joining it is Chocolate Milk Stout, a smooth, velvety brew that pours dark with a tan head and brims with the flavors of baking chocolate, roasted barley and cacao nibs for an indulgent, creamy stout perfect for crisp fall days.
Multiple locations, 4handsbrewery.com
Schlafly Beer
Autumn is back on tap as Schlafly celebrates the season with its signature fall brews. Leading the lineup is the Pumpkin Ale, a longtime fan favorite hailed as “pumpkin pie in a glass” and celebrated for its layers of nutmeg, clove and cinnamon. Schafly’s newest addition, Vanilla Pumpkin Ale, joins the rotation, combining the classic flavors of the Pumpkin Ale with vanilla sweetness, like pumpkin pie served à la mode. Oktoberfest, a traditional Märzen with toasty malts and German hops, rounds out the seasonal offerings as a homage to the Schlafly’s brewing heritage.
Multiple locations, schlafly.com
Urban Chestnut Brewing Co.
Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. is raising a glass to fall with the return of their most beloved seasonal releases. UCBC’s O-Katz Oktoberfest Lager, the official beer of Oktoberfest St. Louis and Biergarten festivities. Fans of something darker can look forward to Count Orlok Black Pumpkin Ale, inspired by Germany’s Nosferatu. Meanwhile, UCBC is reviving two of the region’s most highly sought-after fall beers with their acquisition of the O’Fallon Brewery: Pumpkin Beer & Vanilla Pumpkin Beer. The iconic Pumpkin Beer is brewed with real fresh pumpkin and spice, offering a taste of pumpkin pie in a bottle. For a sweeter experience, the Vanilla Pumpkin Beer includes the addition of cold-pressed Madagascar vanilla.
Multiple locations, urbanchestnut.com
PHOTO BY JENN KORMAN
TIM WIGGINS SHARES 10 OF HIS FAVORITE BARS AROUND ST. LOUIS PICKS
BY LAUREN HEALEY
Restaurateur and bartender extraordinaire Tim Wiggins knows a thing or two about cocktails. He coowns Lazy Tiger, Yellowbelly and the soon-to-open Extra Wavy raw bar, and through his consulting company Bangers Only, he designs cocktail menus and trains staff at several local bars and restaurants, including most of the LHM properties around town such as Basso on the Plaza and Westport Social. Here are 10 of his favorite spots around the city.
Good Company
“As far as cocktails in the city go, they are very thoughtful with simple, balanced drinks. They are making real cocktails and doing a good job.”
4317 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, goodcompany-stl.com
Kenny’s Upstairs
“The crew there has the perfect mix of highbrow and low-brow cocktails in an unpretentious, comfortable space. I don’t think you will find better cocktails in a divey environment.”
3131 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, kennysupstairs.com
Little Lager
“It is tiny but really inviting. I was immediately met with eye contact. Multiple pours of amari and foamy beer with focused energy; it’s kind of bold. I like that they are not trying to be everyone’s bar, they’re trying to be their own bar.”
5848 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, littlelager.com
Planter’s House
“Ted [Kilgore] is the OG. He is the guy who people are modeling their cocktails after today. If Ted did not do what he did, the scene would not be the same. He is as influential as anyone could be.”
1000 Mississippi Ave., St. Louis, plantershousestl.com
Press Pizza & Pasta
“I think Corey [Moszer]’s draft cocktails are really good. They are impressive and overdeliver with no frills. Making draft cocktails good is not easy and takes understanding the science behind it. I have a lot of respect for what Corey has going on there.”
2509 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, press-stl.com
Retreat Gastropub
Wiggins used to be part of the ownership team at Retreat.
“I built it exactly how I wanted it to be with super high-level execution using ingredients other bars are not using. My whole ethos was to get new, exciting stuff in drinks that actually tastes good. Some employees took it over about a year and a half ago, and they upgraded a few things, but the energy is the same.”
6 N. Sarah St., St. Louis, retreatgastropub.com
Stews Food & Liquor
“I love what Nate [Burrows] and the crew bring. The energy feels like a neighborhood bar, but the staff’s excitement is intoxicating. The identity is fast, crazy, fun and better than you expect. I love the Negroni and orange chicken there.”
1862 S. 10th St., St. Louis, stewsstl.com
The Famous Bar
“I like to start at Menya Rui for dinner, then head over to get a gigantic martini at The Famous Bar; that is about as good of a night as I can imagine. Their martinis are 8 ounces, and you really do not need more than one. They’ve had the same bartenders forever; it’s very no frills but necessary in the city.”
5213 Chippewa St., St. Louis, Facebook: The Famous Bar
The SilverLeaf
“I used to live 100 feet from there for six years. Walk through the door and you are in a totally different era. People who go there live within walking distance, and it’s super community-driven. It is not about anything other than a place for people to gather and have a good time. I love it, and it holds a special place in my heart.”
3442 Hereford St., St. Louis, Facebook: The SilverLeaf
Three Sixty Westport
“The staff is super enthusiastic. Of all the properties I do trainings at, they are the most into it. I am biased, but they crush it. I am really impressed by how much they care. Very few restaurants commit to a concept the way they do. They spend a lot of money making it look as good as it does, and they have a large range of what people are looking for. On Sundays, they do a huge, packed DJ night, but it’s more chill on other nights. It is a nice blend of high-end club and actual restaurant.”
111 W. Port Plaza Drive, Suite 1200, St. Louis, 360-stl.com/westport
Press Pizza & Pasta
The Famous Bar
stuff to do SEPTEMBER
BY AMANDA BRETZ
Autumn Glow Festival
Every Thursday to Sunday in September through Oct. 26, 8004 Twin River Road, Eureka, brookdalefarms.com
Celebrate autumn like never before at Autumn Glow Festival at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. This event combines art, tradition and technology to light up the night. Take a magical stroll through dazzling Chinese lantern displays that are perfect for a cozy, familyfriendly night out. Tickets for each evening are limited and can be purchased online.
La Vie Al Fresco
Weekdays through Oct 31 – 4 to 8 p.m., Cafe la Vie, 7730 Bonhomme Ave, St. Louis, cafelaviestlouis.com
Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton, located in the heart of downtown Clayton, will feature outdoor dining for the first time on its terrace with La Vie al Fresco. Dining on the terrace is on a first-come, first-served basis and features a special La Vie menu of five chef-crafted petit plates and full bar service. Some of the dishes include braised pork belly tartine, housemade salt and vinegar chips, island spiced braised pork Wellington, artichoke and Boursin croquette and local Baetje Farms goat cheese.
AppleFest
Every weekend in September – Eckert’s, eckerts.com Happening at all three Eckert’s Farms on Saturday
and Sunday throughout September, AppleFest features wagon rides, live entertainment, kid’s activities, apple picking and festival foods like kettle corn, funnel cakes, cider donuts and caramel apples.
Summer Concert Series
Sept. 12 – 4 to 9:30 p.m., Defiance Ridge Vineyards, 2711 S. Missouri 94, Defiance, defianceridge.com
Defiance Ridge Vineyards’ Summer Concert Series concludes with a fun-filled evening featuring Dancing Queen and Night Fever - A Tribute to Bee Gees and Abba. Concert-goers can enjoy a fireworks show in front of the vineyards.
Music at the Intersection
Sept. 12 to 14, matistl.org
Hear musical performances from artists like Common, De La Soul, Patti LaBelle, and many more at this three-day festival. With over 100 performances and presentations across 19 stages and venues, the festival also features food and beverages, carnival rides, an artisan market, workshops and much more. Passes are available for single day admission and weekend admission, with $10 donated to 4TheVille and their boots-onthe-ground tornado relief efforts. Purchase passes online.
Mosaics Fine Art Festival
Sept. 12 to 14 – North Main Street, Historic St. Charles, stcharlesmosaics.org
The 30th annual Mosaics Fine Art Festival will feature over 80 juried artists from more than 15 states exhibiting and selling their artwork. Media categories include clay, drawing, glass, leather, metal, pastel, oil/acrylic, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor and wood. The event also includes hands-on art experiences for children, musical performances throughout the weekend, and the Artists for Adoption Pet Pavilion, located at the north end of the festival, will be open to families interested in adopting pets from Stray Paws Adoptables.
Sauce Food Truck Friday
Sept. 12 – 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 26 – 3 to 7 p.m., Tower Grove Park, saucefoodtruckfriday.com
This month there’s two Food Truck Friday events, on Friday, Sept. 12, and again two weeks later on Friday, Sept. 26. At every Food Truck Friday event, you’ll find lots of food and drink to choose from – with around 20 food trucks per event, as well as live music. Enjoy music from Moon Valley on Sept. 12 and a performance by Neil Salsich & Friends on Sept. 26.
Denotes a Sauce-sponsored event.
Farm Crawl
Farm Crawl
Sept. 13 to 14 – multiple locations, neighborhood.coop/farm-crawl
Sept. 13 to 14 – multiple locations, neighborhood.coop/farm-crawl
Take a road trip to southern Illinois to participate in Neighborhood Co-op Grocery’s Farm Crawl. Proceeds of this annual event will benefit Food Works, a nonprofit facilitating the development of a regional food economy in southern Illinois. Local farmers open up their farms to share a bit of their lives with the community, allowing attendees of the self-guided farm tour the chance to connect with local growers, while also celebrating local agriculture and food. Purchase tickets online.
Take a road trip to southern Illinois to participate in Neighborhood Co-op Grocery’s Farm Crawl. Proceeds of this annual event will benefit Food Works, a nonprofit facilitating the development of a regional food economy in southern Illinois. Local farmers open up their farms to share a bit of their lives with the community, allowing attendees of the self-guided farm tour the chance to connect with local growers, while also celebrating local agriculture and food. Purchase tickets online.
Jack’s Lighted Trail
Jack’s Lighted Trail
Sept. 13 through Nov. 1, Eckert’s Farm, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville, eckerts.com
Sept. 13 through Nov. 1, Eckert’s Farm, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville, eckerts.com
A new fall attraction is coming to Eckert’s Belleville Farm, and the walkable attraction immerses visitors in glowing displays of pumpkin sculptures, thematic photo opportunities and festive surprises around every corner. Guests will stroll through the halfmile Lighted Pumpkin Trail, featuring giant carved pumpkins and whimsical illuminated scenes through towering corn stalks. Along the way, visitors can enjoy seasonal bites and sweet treats before and after their adventure at Eckert’s Cider Shed. Guests ages 21+ can slip into the adults-only Spook-Easy for themed cocktails, a perfect stop for friends and family to enjoy even more fall fun after dark. The Cider Shed will feature farm-fresh food, craft hard ciders, and, on select nights, live music. The SpookEasy will pop up on special dates, adding an extra festive twist to the evening. Advanced tickets are required. Tickets are available online.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race
The Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race
Sept. 19 and 20 – Forest Park, greatforestparkballoonrace.com
Sept. 19 and 20 – Forest Park, greatforestparkballoonrace.com
Each fall, The Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race takes over part of Forest Park. This free event features food trucks, live music and family fun activities that include inflatables and games. Friday evening is the glow portion of the event, with attendees encouraged to walk the grounds to take in the sight of dozens of balloons aglow, as well as talk with pilots and crew members, with the race set for Saturday afternoon. Attendees are welcome to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs as well as soft-sided coolers and canned beverages.
Brick
A new fall attraction is coming to Eckert’s Belleville Farm, and the walkable attraction immerses visitors in glowing displays of pumpkin sculptures, thematic photo opportunities and festive surprises around every corner. Guests will stroll through the halfmile Lighted Pumpkin Trail, featuring giant carved pumpkins and whimsical illuminated scenes through towering corn stalks. Along the way, visitors can enjoy seasonal bites and sweet treats before and after their adventure at Eckert’s Cider Shed. Guests ages 21+ can slip into the adults-only Spook-Easy for themed cocktails, a perfect stop for friends and family to enjoy even more fall fun after dark. The Cider Shed will feature farm-fresh food, craft hard ciders, and, on select nights, live music. The SpookEasy will pop up on special dates, adding an extra festive twist to the evening. Advanced tickets are required. Tickets are available online.
Tenacious Eats Presents “The Goonies” 40th Anniversary
Tenacious Eats Presents “The Goonies” 40th Anniversary
Sept. 20 – 6:30 p.m., Work & Leisure, 3015 Locust St., St. Louis
Sept. 20 – 6:30 p.m., Work & Leisure, 3015 Locust St., St. Louis Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film “The Goonies” at Work & Leisure. This film and food pairing event is presented by Chef Liz Schuster of Tenacious Eats. Guests will find themed cocktails and mocktails made by Work & Leisure’s mixologist Raven Weinrich, snack on popcorn, search out clues and prizes, play “Goonies” trivia, watch the movie and enjoy four courses plus a surprise course from Sugarwitch titled “Dead Guy in the Cooler.” Purchase tickets online.
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film “The Goonies” at Work & Leisure. This film and food pairing event is presented by Chef Liz Schuster of Tenacious Eats. Guests will find themed cocktails and mocktails made by Work & Leisure’s mixologist Raven Weinrich, snack on popcorn, search out clues and prizes, play “Goonies” trivia, watch the movie and enjoy four courses plus a surprise course from Sugarwitch titled “Dead Guy in the Cooler.” Purchase tickets online.
Copita
Copita
Sept. 21 – noon to 4 p.m., 4749 Gravois Avenue, St. Louis Copita is St. Louis’ first and only festival dedicated to traditional Mexican spirits. Attendees will find small-batch mezcal and tequila, ancestral rums, sotol, wild Mexican wines and rare liqueurs, and be able to meet the people who make them. Copita is rooted in culture, education and unapologetic flavor. Sample over 150 of the best traditional and terroir-driven brands from Mexico. Tickets can be purchased online.
Each fall, The Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race takes over part of Forest Park. This free event features food trucks, live music and family fun activities that include inflatables and games. Friday evening is the glow portion of the event, with attendees encouraged to walk the grounds to take in the sight of dozens of balloons aglow, as well as talk with pilots and crew members, with the race set for Saturday afternoon. Attendees are welcome to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs as well as soft-sided coolers and canned beverages.
Sept. 21 – noon to 4 p.m., 4749 Gravois Avenue, St. Louis Copita is St. Louis’ first and only festival dedicated to traditional Mexican spirits. Attendees will find small-batch mezcal and tequila, ancestral rums, sotol, wild Mexican wines and rare liqueurs, and be able to meet the people who make them. Copita is rooted in culture, education and unapologetic flavor. Sample over 150 of the best traditional and terroir-driven brands from Mexico. Tickets can be purchased online.
The Cover, Cocktails & Campari: Sauce Magazine celebrates Negroni Week
The Cover, Cocktails & Campari: Sauce Magazine celebrates Negroni Week
Sept. 25 – 5 to 8 p.m., The Gin Room, 3200 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, natashasginroom.com
Sept. 25 – 5 to 8 p.m., The Gin Room, 3200 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, natashasginroom.com
River’s Ciderfest
Brick River’s Ciderfest
Sept. 20 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Brick River Cider Co., 2000 Washington Ave., St. Louis, brickrivercider.com
Sept. 20 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Brick River Cider Co., 2000 Washington Ave., St. Louis, brickrivercider.com
Brick River Cider Co. is hosting a one-day cider festival with a new cider release, family-friendly activities and live music performances by Lo Stone, Andrew Dahle and Ranya Iqbal. There will also be free behind-the-scenes tours, giving an up close view of the cider-making process, along with free trivia, cider and brandy classes and more.
Join Sauce Magazine for a Negroni Week party sponsored by Campari. There will be a special menu of negronis created just for the event, and every order of the Double Standard cocktail will be served with a copy of Sauce Magazine’s September issue. The full dinner menu will be available for purchase, along with The Gin Room’s incredible cocktail list. We’re also encouraging all attendees to dress to impress in shades of red to match the cover.
Brick River Cider Co. is hosting a one-day cider festival with a new cider release, family-friendly activities and live music performances by Lo Stone, Andrew Dahle and Ranya Iqbal. There will also be free behind-the-scenes tours, giving an up close view of the cider-making process, along with free trivia, cider and brandy classes and more.
South Grand Fall and Music Fest
South Grand Fall and Music Fest
Sept. 20 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., multiple locations along South Grand
Now in its eleventh year, South Grand Fall and Music Fest will include 70 retail vendors ranging from handmade, boutique and vintage participants as well as a DIY Craft zone along with free face painting and balloon art. Businesses located on Grand will offer varying specials, discounts and entertainment, with vendors 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., DIY Craft Zone 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and music from 4 to 9 p.m.
Join Sauce Magazine for a Negroni Week party sponsored by Campari. There will be a special menu of negronis created just for the event, and every order of the Double Standard cocktail will be served with a copy of Sauce Magazine’s September issue. The full dinner menu will be available for purchase, along with The Gin Room’s incredible cocktail list. We’re also encouraging all attendees to dress to impress in shades of red to match the cover.
Evolution Festival
Evolution Festival
Sept. 27 & 28 – Langenberg Field, Forest Park, evolutionfestival.com
Sept. 27 & 28 – Langenberg Field, Forest Park, evolutionfestival.com
Sept. 20 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., multiple locations along South Grand Now in its eleventh year, South Grand Fall and Music Fest will include 70 retail vendors ranging from handmade, boutique and vintage participants as well as a DIY Craft zone along with free face painting and balloon art. Businesses located on Grand will offer varying specials, discounts and entertainment, with vendors 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., DIY Craft Zone 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and music from 4 to 9 p.m.
Back for its third year, Evolution Festival is a celebration of music, art and St. Louis culture. The two-day event features multiple stages, a variety of food and beverage vendors, and a lineup of diverse musical acts, with headlining performances by Sublime and Lenny Kravitz. Additional performances throughout the weekend by Father John Misty, Sam Fender, Public Enemy, The Hives, TLC and many more. Evolution Festival was created to celebrate music, food and community, and this year, a portion of festival sales will benefit United Way’s efforts at local tornado relief, with Evolution Festival pledging a minimum donation of $100,000 toward the cause. Daily and weekend passes are available for purchase online.
Back for its third year, Evolution Festival is a celebration of music, art and St. Louis culture. The two-day event features multiple stages, a variety of food and beverage vendors, and a lineup of diverse musical acts, with headlining performances by Sublime and Lenny Kravitz. Additional performances throughout the weekend by Father John Misty, Sam Fender, Public Enemy, The Hives, TLC and many more. Evolution Festival was created to celebrate music, food and community, and this year, a portion of festival sales will benefit United Way’s efforts at local tornado relief, with Evolution Festival pledging a minimum donation of $100,000 toward the cause. Daily and weekend passes are for purchase online.
Cheers to St. Louis
Toast to flavor and fun across our city, where inventive cocktails, local cider, coffee, crepes and world-class beer all come together.
Carnivore
Carnivore offers a weekday happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. Guests can enjoy $6 select wines, $3 domestics, $5 wells and $7 signature martinis, including the Dirty Martini and the Strawberry and Limoncello Martini. The food menu is just as appealing, with bar bites like steak medallions, arancini, flatbreads and grilled chicken bites.
5257 Shaw Ave., Suite 100, St. Louis, carnivore-stl.com
City Coffee & Creperie
City Coffee & Creperie celebrates 30 years in business on Oct. 11 with a day of fun, food and prizes. The Red & Black Brass Band will perform from 10 a.m. to noon, while guests can enjoy a menu of savory and sweet crepes, sandwiches, salads, specialty coffee drinks and smoothies, all listed on a colorful chalkboard. Crepes are available with traditional white flour or 100% organic, gluten-free buckwheat flour.
36 N. Brentwood Blvd., Clayton, citycoffeecreperie.com
Collina Eatery
Collina Eatery keeps things refreshing with its house sangrias, available in both red and white. The red blends wine with pineapple, orange and cranberry juices, triple sec and a splash of Sprite, while the white mixes wine with orange and pineapple juices, triple sec and Sprite. Light, fruit-forward and easy to sip, they make Collina a perfect stop for a laid-back drink.
2130 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, collinaeatery.com
D’s Place
This Soulard spot boasts one of the best happy hours in town, running Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Guests can sip $3 domestic bottles, $4 wells from 4 to 7 p.m., $15 domestic buckets and $5 housemade pickle shots. Wall-to-wall televisions ensure you never miss a play — plus there are outdoor screens on the dog-friendly patio, complete with yard games and plenty of seating. A strong selection of allocated bourbon and whiskey rounds out the offerings.
900 Barton St., St. Louis, dsplacestl.com
El Milagro Azteca
El Milagro Azteca is all about creative flavors. The Honey Strawberry Basil Margarita balances Milagro Tequila with strawberry purée and basil-honey syrup for a fresh twist, while the Blueberry Basil Whiskey mixes Maker’s Mark with housemade blueberrybasil syrup for something smooth yet vibrant. For those who like a little heat, the Jalapeño Cucumber Margarita brings just the right kick with 21 Seeds Jalapeño Cucumber Tequila. These inventive combinations make it a destination for anyone craving cocktails with character.
4940 Southwest Ave., St. Louis, elmilagroazteca.com
Herbie’s
Herbie’s “Martini Matinee” is the ultimate midday treat. For $29, you get a classic martini with your choice of gin or vodka paired with an order of golden Parmesan fries served with rich truffle aioli, and a crisp, refreshing Caesar salad. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and sophistication, all available during happy hour Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m.
8100 Maryland Ave., Clayton, herbies.com
Marconi Mercato
At Marconi Mercato, the standout cocktail is the Rivoltella, a twist on the Old-Fashioned made with Buffalo Trace, Café Lolita coffee liqueur, absinthe, Angostura bitters and an orange twist. The touch of sweetness comes from the coffee liqueur, which lingers gently on the palate. Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m., with $3 select domestic bottles, $5 drafts and $6 glasses of house red and white, plus special pricing on cicchetti like the ever-popular Wagyu sliders.
2030 Marconi Ave., St. Louis, marconimercato.com
Noboleis Vineyards
Noboleis Vineyards has just launched a new product: Fabled Legendary Hard Cider, produced and canned locally by Noboleis Vineyards in Augusta, is now available. Gluten-free and vegan, it comes in two flavors: Dry & Crisp, featuring clean apple notes and a crisp finish, and Sweet & Bright, a smooth, sweet blend of apple, citrus and
honeysuckle. The brand calls it “more than just a cider – it’s an adventure in a can,” with the tagline: “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”
Side Project Brewing is best known for their barrel-aged Stouts, oak-aged Saisons and Wild Ales as well as their fresh IPAs, Lagers and curated cocktails. Side Project has consistently garnered national acclaim, including being recognized as the 2nd Best Brewer in the World by Rate Beer. Each of Side Project’s three Maplewood locations have a unique identity – Side Project Pizza and the Brewery are perfect for a family-friendly outing or happy hour and The Side Project Cellar is great for a small gathering or date night.
Multiple locations in Maplewood, sideprojectbrewing.com
Jalapeño Cucumber Margarita
HAMMERSTONE'S
BY SALEM PRESTIEN
Walking into Hammerstone’s isn’t about the food or the music – at first. It’s about the way the place itself seems to wrap around you like an old friend.The kind of feeling that only comes from a place built on decades of regulars’ laughter, clinking glasses and the easy camaraderie of bartenders who know your name. Since opening its doors in 1997, Hammerstone’s has become more than just a bar – it’s become what some might call one of the last great American institutions: The Dive Bar Dynasty.
Long before she became general manager, Cory Hammerstone remembers her dad’s long-held ambition to someday run a bar of his own. “I can remember being little and him driving by restaurants or bars that were up for sale, and just kind of thinking about it. It wasn’t until I was 20 that they decided to really jump in,” she recalled. That once-distant dream finally took shape in January 1997 when Cory’s parents, Denny and Lyn Hammerstone, acquired the building that marked the start of Hammerstone’s.
From the beginning, Hammerstone’s found its rhythm in live music. “We have had the live music every night pretty much for the last 25 years at least,” Cory shared. Soulard was a different neighborhood then, blues poured out of nearly every corner, and Hammerstone’s joined the chorus. Many of the musicians have been playing here since day one and nearly all were handpicked by Lyn Hammerstone.
Hammerstone’s grew out of Soulard itself, drawing its identity from the neighborhood’s history and the steadfast loyalty of its residents. “There’s this neighborhood pride that just carries over into the businesses,” Cory explained. “It’s not intentional. It just happens.”
Hammerstone’s regulars are legendary. Some have been coming since the doors first opened; others bring their kids and grandkids, creating a multigenerational tradition of Sunday breakfasts and late-night beers. “People like to rub elbows with the owners,” Cory said, noting that her parents, now in their 70s, still drop by the bar several times a week to share a drink with regulars. “[People] can tell this isn’t just someone trying to make as much money as possible – it’s a family making a living.” The bar also keeps its late regulars close, memorializing them in photos and tributes displayed behind the bar.
That family spirit shows up everywhere you look:
in Denny Hammerstone’s stein collection hanging behind the bar, in the signed paper bills from around the world tacked to the walls, in the menu that hasn’t bent to every passing trend. The chicken tenders, designed by a close family friend, are still the top seller, a small act of tribute to someone the Hammerstones lost a decade ago.
Now, as her parents step back, Cory has taken over the daily operations – joined by her niece Audrey, the third generation involved – the heart of Hammerstone’s remains the same. Expansion isn’t on the table; the magic lies in being just one place, in one neighborhood, where live music fills the air, the walls tell stories and you can find something new to look at every time you sit down.
Against the backdrop of corporate bar chains and sleek venues, Hammerstone’s stands as proof that the soul of the dive bar, the real ones, the family ones, still matters. And maybe that’s the secret: not just surviving, but thriving, by staying exactly who they’ve been all along.
2028 S. Ninth St., St. Louis, 314.773.5565, hammerstones.net
