It's the perfect time of year to enjoy a good patio! After leaf peeping, you might have an appetite. Crisp, fresh air and local food and drinks go perfectly together – especially in company with your friends. Gather up your crew, grab a socially distant table and head to one of my favorite spots to eat and drink outside in St. Louis. The best patios in St. Louis are scattered around, so there’s surely one near you to check out! Some of them are known for more than there patios and could be considered some of the best restaurants in St. Louis.
Olio
Not your typical setting – an old gas station converted to a restaurant! Located near Tower Grove Park near the MoBot, the inside of Olio is super quaint and cozy, but the patio offers fresh air, lush greenery and a laid-back atmosphere with that “stay a while” vibe. The food is a blend of middle-eastern and Mediterranean, but it takes inspiration from everywhere! The fresh baked bread… the cocktails…and the famous egg salad – yum! Explore the menu and try something new – it’s ALL unique and it’s ALL delicious.
Brasserie
A French inspired spot with some traditional offerings. The inside is quiet and dim, but the outside offers the buzz of Central West End. My favorite menu items here are the cheese gougères, the chicken liver pate, the bistro steak or the braised beef. The happy hour is excellent, too, if you’re up for an early meal. Hint hint, the half carafe of house wine is the best deal for a drink.
Mission Taco (Kirkwood or Central West End)
Just down the street from Brasserie, or with another location in Kirkwood, Mission Taco is such a fun spot for casual, relaxed street tacos. Don’t skip the margaritas (make it spicy!) or the churros for dessert.
Urban Chestnut
Up for a local brew? Head to Urban Chestnut’s Midtown location for an outdoor beer garden atmosphere. There’s a beer for every preference and more importantly, German food if you’re hungry. Grab a pretzel, carbs don’t count here!
Amigos Catina
Another Mexican spot, but the patio cannot go unmentioned on this list. Centrally located in Kirkwood, Amigos has amazing traditional fare compared to Mission’s more modern menu. Expect mariachi music, taco platters and delicious margaritas (I love strawberry!).
Clementine’s Creamery
Looking for the best dessert in St. Louis after chowing down at some of my amazing picks for food? Set your Google Maps for Clementine’s Creamery! On more than one occasion, I’ve had out of town visitors tell me it’s “this is the best ice cream I’ve ever had in my life!”. This micro-creamery has been named the best in too many places to count - locally and nationally. It’s even one of Oprah’s favorite things! The best flavor is all of the flavors, but I’ve never seen anyone disappointed by the Italian Butter Cookie. The outside has some cute bistro tables - but don’t stress if they’re full – the park across the street is gorgeous and there are always furry friends to meet there.