Hi All!

My name is Samantha, and I am a copywriter here at Drive Social Media. While I know a thing or two about a thing or two and have many different interests, I am not vastly skilled when it comes to anything involving the great outdoors. Unless of course, by the great outdoors you mean the patio attached to a local watering hole–because in that case, I’m your girl.

At Drive, we put in a lot of work throughout the week feeding the ever-hungry beast that is social media…so we appreciate a good happy hour. Therefore, with patio season fast approaching I thought I’d share my top ten spots to enjoy drinks with coworkers or friends after a hard day’s work.

 

Trops | Drive Social Media
10 Tropical Liqueurs

Better known as Trops, this college town favorite made its way to Soulard last summer. Tucked away at the corner of 10th and Soulard, Trops’ patio is perfect for enjoying a frozen drink after work. The best part is that they let you mix as many of their delicious frozen concoctions as you’d like into one, my suggestion…Tiger Paw and Silver Bullet.

 

The Biergarten Anheuser-Busch | Drive Social Media
9 The Biergarten Anheuser Busch

The Anheuser-Busch Brewery is a pillar of the St. Louis community, and the same goes for their patio. My favorite way to enjoy The Biergarten? Head into the brewery for one of the free tours and take that token for a free beer right outside. If you’re lucky you might even get an Instagram-worthy photo opp with one of the famous Budweiser Clydesdales!

 

Three Sixty | Drive Social Media
8 Three Sixty

Well, it’s not so much of a patio as it is a rooftop…but it’s outside so I say it still counts. Located on top of the Hilton at Ballpark, it’s the perfect place for a drink and a stunning view of downtown. Check out a bird’s-eye view of Busch Stadium while sipping on a Budweiser, or drink in the Gateway Arch and a glass of wine. While you’re there be sure to put in an order of house fries (can you tell I love fries?) because the lemon tarragon aioli that comes with them will leave you wanting more.

 

 | Drive Social Media
7 Gamlin Whiskey House

Located in one of my FAVORITE neighborhoods, the Central West End, the patio at Gamlin is any whiskey lover’s dream.

 | Drive Social Media
6 Billy Gs

Oh Billy G’s…how I love your patio. Centrally located in Downtown Kirkwood, it is a wonderful place to spend a warm evening unwinding while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Their patio offers a multitude of seating options, from hightops under umbrellas, to cozy cabanas and seats around the fire table.

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5 Flying Saucer

While I may not be much of a beer aficionado, I do enjoy any visit to Flying Saucer. Although I have to admit their beer list typically intimidates me into ordering something very basic that I am already familiar with, their soft pretzels do not disappoint (and I have had quite a few soft pretzels in my day). Their patio also offers a perfect view of Busch Stadium, so if you’re a lover of the Cardinals and craft beer (what St. Louisan isn’t?), Flying Saucer is the place to be.

The Corner Pub + Grill | Drive Social Media
4 The Corner Pub + Grill

Now I don’t travel outside of my Downtown area bubble often, but when I do it’s to visit friends out in the county. One of my favorite places to hit in West County is The Corner Pub and Grill at Big Bend and Dougherty Ferry. Stop in for a refreshing Moscow Mule and while you’re at it, order some fried pickles. I promise, you will NOT be disappointed!

Planter | Drive Social Media  's House Patio
3 Planters House

If you’re looking for a more intimate vibe than the larger patios offer, and drinks a little more sophisticated than your average vodka soda, Planter’s House patio is the patio for you. Located in the adorable neighborhood of Lafayette Square, Planter’s House serves up cocktails that’ll knock you off your feet while you munch on some of the best fries (oh the fries…) in the city. My suggestion is to head to their patio after one of your longer days at work so you can enjoy your cocktail under the twinkling lights they’ve strung up. Unique crafted cocktails + twinkling lights + good conversation = pure patio magic.

 

Molly?s in Soulard | Drive Social Media
2 Mollys in Soulard

This is another PHENOMENAL patio smack dab in the middle of Historic Soulard. Molly’s has three outdoor bars to choose from and six sizable booths perfect for larger groups. If you need a snack, just head to the Grill Shack (I recommend the popcorn shrimp) and grab something quickly or order off the delicious array of cajun options on the regular menu! While there is a lot to love about Molly’s, my favorite feature is that they take dog friendly to a whole new level by offering a treat menu for our four-legged friends!

 

John D. McGurk?s. | Drive Social Media
1 John D McGurks

Talk about a PAT-I-O! Located in Historic Soulard, this 15,000+ square foot garden is complete with a fountain, a waterfall and not one…not two…but THREE outdoor bars making it the perfect place to enjoy a drink with a view. McGurk’s knows how much everyone loves enjoying their pint of Guinness and traditional Irish fare outdoors, so they are kind enough to cover and heat it during the wintery months so your happy hours can be held outdoors all winter long! Who could ask for anything more?

-Sam