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Alexis Zotos Blog

The Best Rooftops + Patios in St. Louis for Summer

3 days 14 hours ago

There’s no better way to soak up summer than with a great meal or drink on a patio. Whether you're looking for a rooftop with skyline views, a shady beer garden, or a spot on the water, the St. Louis area has plenty of incredible outdoor dining options.

Here's your guide to some of the best patios around St. Louis, organized by neighborhood to help you plan your next outing. Scroll down to the end for a link to a Google map with all of these spots listed!

Rooftop Patios

If you're looking for amazing views along with your meal or cocktail, these rooftop bars and restaurants are worth checking out.

ART Bar

Address: 3338 Samuel Shepard Dr., St. Louis, MO 63103

Located atop Angad Arts Hotel in Grand Center, ART Bar offers sweeping city views, creative cocktails, and a stylish atmosphere that's perfect for date night.

UpBar

Address: 4054 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

This Midtown rooftop is known for its laid-back vibe, colorful cocktails, and excellent sunset views.

Maryland House

Address: 44 Maryland Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63108

Located in the Central West End, Maryland House features an elegant rooftop patio with craft cocktails and a sophisticated atmosphere. This is a membership-based spot but non-members can visit Thurs-Sunday.

Moonrise Hotel Rooftop

Address: 6177 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112

One of the most recognizable rooftops in St. Louis, Moonrise Hotel overlooks the Delmar Loop and features its iconic rotating moon sculpture.

Three Sixty Rooftop Bar

Address: 1 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102

One of downtown's most popular rooftop destinations with unbeatable views of Busch Stadium and the Gateway Arch.

360 Westport

Address: 111 West Port Plaza Dr., Maryland Heights, MO 63146

A lively rooftop featuring live music, cocktails, and plenty of outdoor seating.

Bellwether

Address: 1419 Carroll St., St. Louis, MO 63104

This downtown favorite offers a spacious rooftop with elevated American fare and craft cocktails.

High Bar

Address: 1 S. Brentwood Blvd., Clayton, MO 63105

Located atop the AC Hotel in Clayton, High Bar offers skyline views and a relaxed lounge atmosphere.

Sky Terrace at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

Address: 999 N. Second St., St. Louis, MO 63102

Luxury rooftop dining with one of the best views of the Gateway Arch.

Oak Street Inn & Lounge

Address: 300 Oak St., Cottleville, MO 63304

A charming rooftop patio in the heart of Cottleville that's ideal for a relaxing summer evening.

Fire pits and rooftop views at High Bar in Clatyon.

Best Patios in St. Louis City
  • McGurk's Irish Pub — 1200 Russell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104

  • Edera — 48 Maryland Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63108

  • Molly's in Soulard — 816 Geyer Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104

  • Bowood by Niche — 4605 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63108

  • The Boathouse at Forest Park — 6101 Government Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110

  • Rockwell Beer Garden — 1320 S. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

  • Urban Chestnut Brewing Company (Grove) — 4465 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

  • Saturn Lounge — 2000 Sidney St., St. Louis, MO 63104

  • Sasha's on Shaw — 4069 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110

  • Civil Life Brewing Company — 3714 Holt Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116

  • Modern Brewery — 5200 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

  • Sports & Social St. Louis — 651 Clark Ave., St. Louis, MO 63102

  • Milo's Bocce Garden — 5201 Wilson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

  • Stellar Hog — 5623 Leona St., St. Louis, MO 63116

  • Pizzeria da Gloria — 2020 Marconi Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

  • Schlafly Tap Room — 2100 Locust St., St. Louis, MO 63103

  • Broadway Oyster Bar — 736 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102

The patio at Edera is one of the most beautiful in St. Louis

Best Patios in St. Louis County
  • Herbie's — 8100 Maryland Ave., Clayton, MO 63105

  • Billy G's — 131 W. Argonne Dr., Kirkwood, MO 63122

  • Katie's Pizza & Pasta (Rock Hill & Crestwood)

  • The Mexican — 8752 Watson Rd., Crestwood, MO 63126

  • Farotto's — 9525 Manchester Rd., Rock Hill, MO 63119

  • 4 Hands at The District / Peacemaker Kirkwood — 105 E. Jefferson Ave., Kirkwood, MO 63122

  • Salt + Smoke — 110 S Kirkwood Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

  • Perennial on Lockwood — 226 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119

  • Frisco Barroom — 8110 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, MO 63119

  • Winslow's Table — 7213 Delmar Blvd., University City, MO 63130

  • Taco Buddha (Kirkwood & University City)

  • 9 Mile Garden — 9375 Gravois Rd., Affton, MO 63123

  • Schlafly Bottleworks — 7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood, MO 63143

  • The District — 17081 N. Outer 40 Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63005

  • Hendel's — 599 St. Denis St., Florissant, MO 63031

The District has something for everyone when it comes to food and a giant outdoor area with seating and big screen.

Best Patios in St. Charles County
  • Bella Vino Wine Bar — 325 S. Main St., St. Charles, MO 63301

  • Cottle Village — 5490 Fifth St., Cottleville, MO 63304

  • Frankie Martin's Garden — 5372 St. Charles St., Cottleville, MO 63304

  • Good News Brewing (Frenchtown) — 117 N. Main St., St. Charles, MO 63301

  • Chillax Tap & Co. — 131 Salt Lick Rd., St. Peters, MO 63376

  • Chandler Hill - 596 Defiance Rd, Defiance, MO 63341

  • Hendrick's BBQ — 1200 S. Main St., St. Charles, MO 63301

  • Salt + Smoke — 501 S. Main St., St. Charles, MO 63301

  • Montelle Winery — 201 Montelle Dr., Augusta, MO 63332

  • Good News Brewing (Defiance) — 2886 S. Missouri 94, Defiance, MO 63341

For more must-visit wineries around the St. Louis region, check out this post!

There’s nothing like a beautiful day outside at the wineries in St. Charles County.

Best Patios in the Metro East
  • Aerie's Resort — 14 W. Main St., Grafton, IL 62037

  • The Loading Dock — 401 Front St., Grafton, IL 62037

  • Old Bakery Beer Company — 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, IL 62002

  • Grafted Wine Bar — 700 E. Main St., Belleville, IL 62220

  • Old Herald Brewery & Distillery — 115 E. Clay St., Collinsville, IL 62234

  • Cider Shed at Eckert's — 951 S. Green Mount Rd., Belleville, IL 62220

River views, cold drinks, live music and tons of space, make the Loading Dock one of the best patios.

I’ve added all of these spots to a Google map so you can find a patio or rooftop closest to you!

alexis zotos

The Perfect Summer Weekend in Chicago (Just a Day Trip Drive from St. Louis)

1 week 2 days ago

Chicago is one of those cities that never gets old. Whether you've visited a dozen times or it's your first trip, summer is when the city truly shines. I always say if it wasn’t for winter, I’d move to Chicago in a heartbeat. My sisters and I went for a girls weekend and jam-packed three days of food and fun. From lakefront bike rides and rooftop cocktails to incredible food and world-class museums, it's an easy getaway that feels like a real vacation without hopping on a plane.

Even better? It's only about a 4½ to 5-hour drive from St. Louis, making it one of my favorite weekend escapes.

Chicago is the perfect city for a girl’s trip in the summer!

Breakfast for dinner Little Goat Diner

Getting There: Drive or Take Amtrak?

If you're coming from St. Louis, you have two great options.

Driving gives you the most flexibility, especially if you're planning to explore neighborhoods beyond downtown or want to stop along the way. The drive is straightforward and takes around 4½-5 hours depending on traffic.

You can also take the Amtrak Lincoln Service, which is a popular option and one that so many people recommended to us. We actually planned to take the train ourselves, but unfortunately our departure was canceled the morning of our trip. We quickly pivoted, packed up the car, and hit the road instead.

If you've taken the train between St. Louis and Chicago, I'd still love to hear your experience because it's definitely on my list to try again.

Where to Stay

There are so many great neighborhoods in Chicago and I’d suggest looking at places you want to visit and trying to stay close by because while we loved staying Downtown, a lot of the restaurants we went to were in other neighborhoods and we spent a lot of time in Lyfts! But we loved our stay at Loews Chicago Hotel! It’s a gorgeous hotel in the heart of the city.

It was within walking distance (or a quick bike ride!) to a lot of the activities we planned for the weekend including shopping, the beach, Millenium Park and the river.

The rooms are spacious, the views are incredible, and the rooftop, Streeterville Social, is one of the best places to unwind after a day exploring the city. It’s also super family-friendly! They have a "Bedtime Book Cart", plus complimentary cribs, baby bath kits, and nightlights. They also have a heated indoor pool!

If you're visiting this summer, check out their Loews on 66 package celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66.

View from our room at Loew’s Chicago in Downtown

Loew’s Chicago is in the heart of Downtown with a view of the river just a block away.

Things to Do

Take an Architecture Boat Tour

If you only do one thing in Chicago, make it an architecture cruise with Chicago's First Lady Cruises. You might think it’s touristy but I promise this is such a cool way to see the city and I learned so much! The stories behind the skyline is fascinating. You'll cruise through the Chicago River while learning about iconic buildings and the history that shaped the city. It's consistently rated one of the best tours in Chicago, and for good reason. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen!

Explore the Art Institute of Chicago

Home to masterpieces from Monet, Van Gogh, Grant Wood, and more, you could easily spend several hours wandering the galleries. Whether you're an art lover or just want to escape the summer heat for a bit, it's well worth a visit.

Catch a Match at Recess

We visited Chicago during the World Cup and if you’re there during the tournament head to Recess in the West Loop neighborhood for the ultimate watch party!

Bike the Lakefront Trail

Riding bikes on the streets of Chicago is a little intimidating for me but on the trails on the lakefront it’s so much fun! We rented them right outside the Art Institute and took them to the beach! No hassle for parking! The views of both Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline are unbeatable, and it's one of the best ways to experience the city.

Spend Time at the Beach

One of the cool parts about Chicago in the summer is you get the big city vibes plus the beach! We spent the afternoon at Oak Street beach, laying in the sand and dipping our toes in the chilly waters of Lake Michigan. There is a bathroom to change in (but honestly pretty gross…so I’d come dressed in your suit) as well as a restaurant and bar with live DJ.

Walk Through Millennium Park

No trip is complete without seeing Cloud Gate ("The Bean"), enjoying the gardens, and taking in one of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks. Plus if you have kids there’s a splash pad they will love!

The architecture boat tour is a must-visit on a trip to Chicago!

So many beautiful pieces at the Art Institute in Chicago.

Where to Eat

Chicago's food scene never disappoints. There are so many places I want to try! Here’s where we ate over the weekend and then I’m also sharing places I saved for our next visit.

  • Little Goat Diner — A fantastic breakfast and brunch spot that's worth the wait. But they also do dinner!

  • Mano a Mano — This Italian restaurant in Logan Square was delicious! They also have a fabulous happy hour menu.

  • Tilly Bagel Shop — Still dreaming about this bagel spot. Perfect stop before the Art Institute or Millennium Park

  • Taqueria Chingón — Some of the best tacos we had all weekend.

  • Streeterville Social — Perfect for rooftop drinks with skyline views.

  • Giant — A memorable dinner with creative small plates that absolutely lived up to the hype. Perfect for sharing!





Based on many of your recommendations, as well my research, these are spots on my list for the next visit! What else should we put on the list?

  • Asador Bastian, Avec, JT’s Genuine Sandwich Shop, Mariela, Girl and the Goat, Aba, Aya Pastry, Ciccio Mio, BiXi Beer

One of my favorite things about Chicago is how much you can fit into just a couple of days. Have a favorite Chicago restaurant, hidden gem, or neighborhood I should check out next time? Let me know, I'm already planning my next trip!

Want other easy road trips from St. Louis? Check out St. Genevieve, MO or Centraillia, IL!

alexis zotos

Tot Times at St. Louis Area Swimming Pools

1 month 2 weeks ago

Tot times at your local pool might just be the best summer deal out there. A water park reserved for your little ones for less than a cup of coffee? Yes please! Prices, ages and dates vary but you can find an option for water play almost every day of the week around St. Louis! These times are reserved for kids usually 6 and under so it’s way less busy and therefor easier for parents (or grandparents!) to manage. Usually you need to leave the pool at the end and re-enter if you want to come back for a full pool day. Lots of pools have special themed sessions! As always, make sure to check the weather and the pool before heading out for the day! Personally I’m keeping a bag packed every day for spontaneous pool day adventures! I’ve split the tot times up by days of the week and then by area (which includes dates, times, ages and prices!) to make this as helpful as possible. Want my ultimate guide to summer in St. Louis, including totally free splash pad options? Grab it here!





TOT TIMES BY DAY OF THE WEEK

MONDAYS
Ellisville Edge Aquatic Center, Kirkwood Aquatic Center, The Lodge, Manchester, Maplewood, Pavillion at Lemay, Shaw Park, Webster Aquatic, Wapelhorst

TUESDAY 
Kirkwood Aquatic Center, The Lodge, Manchester, North Pointe, Pavillion at Lemay, Shaw Park, Timbers of Eureka, Webster Aquatic, Wapelhorst

WEDNESDAY 
Kirkwood Aquatic Center, The Lodge, Koch Park, Maplewood, Manchester , Pavillion at Lemay, Shaw Park, Splash Station, Webster Aquatic, Wapelhorst

THURSDAY
Ellisville Edge, Kirkwood Aquatic Center,The Lodge, Manchester, North Pointe, Pavillion at Lemay, Shaw Park, Timbers of Eureka, Webster Aquatic, Wapelhorst

FRIDAY 
Aquaport, Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center, Collinsville, Kirkwood Aquatic Center, Korte Rec Center, The Lodge, Koch Park, Maplewood, Manchester, Pavillion at Lemay, Shaw Park, Webster Aquatic, Wapelhorst

SATURDAY
Wapelhorst

TOT TIMES BY AREA

St. Louis County

  • Aquaport - Maryland Heights 

    • Fridays, 10-11am 

    • June 5 - August 7

    • Ages 6 months - 5 years

    • Fee: Free for residents, $7 for nonresidents. Adults are free. 

  • Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center 

    • Fridays 9:30am-11:15am 

    • Ages 5 and under (Children 6-11 are invited with adult and child) 

    • Fee: $5 residents, $6 nonresidents 

  • Ellisville Edge Aquatic Center 

    • Monday and Thursday, 10-11:15am

    • June 1-August 13

    • Ages 6 and under

    • Fee: Adults $3, Children $3 

  • Kirkwood Aquatic 

    • Monday-Friday 10:15-11:30am 

    • June 1-August 7 

    • Ages 5 and under 

    • Fee: $6 resident, $10 non resident (child) 

  • Koch Park Aquatic Center - Florissant 

    • Wednesday and Friday, 11:30-12:30 

    • Ages 6 and under (siblings welcome) 

    • Fee: Free for those 0-3, Youth and Seniors $3, Adults $4

  • Lodge At Des Peres 

    • Monday-Friday 9:30-10:30am 

    • May 26-August 7

    • Ages 6 and under

    • Fee: Free for members, $5 resident, $7 non resident 

  • Manchester Aquatic 

    • Monday-Friday 10-11:45am 

    • Saturday 9-10:45am

    • June 1-August 28 

    • Ages 6 and under 

    • Fee: $3 resident, $4 nonresident 

  • Maplewood Family Aquatic Center 

    • Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10-12pm 

    • Ages 9 and under 

    • Fee: $8 adults, $5.50 child 

  • North Pointe Aquatic Center - Ballwin

    • Tuesday and Thursday 10-11am 

    • June 2-August 20 

    • Ages 5 and under 

    • Fee: $6 per child, adults are free (pass holders are free) 

  • Pavilion at Lemay 

    • Monday-Friday 10-11:30am, 6:30-7:30pm

    • June 1-August 14

    • Ages 5 and under

    • Fee: $3 per child, adults free  

  • Shaw Park Aquatic Center - Clayton

    • Monday-Friday, 10-11:30am

    • May 26 -August 7 

    • Ages 6 and under 

    • Fee: 

  • Timbers of Eureka 

    • Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30-11:30 

    • June 2-August 13

    • Ages 5 and under 

    • Fee: Free for members, $6 for residents, $7 for nonresidents 

  • Webster Aquatic Center 

    • Monday-Friday 10-11:30

    • June 1-August 15

    • Must be under 48 inches

    • Fee: $5 for resident, $8 non resident, adults are free 

St. Charles County 

  • Blanchette Pool - City of St. Charles 

    • Monday-Friday, 9-10:45am 

    • May 25-August 15

    • Ages 6 and under 

    • Fee: $6 per person 

  • Wapelhorst Aquatic Facility 

    • Monday-Saturday, 9:00-10:45am

    • May 25-August 22

    • Ages 6 and under

    • Fee: $6 per person 

  • The Cove Aquatic Center - St Peters

    • Mondays and Fridays, 10-11:30am

    • Starts June 8 

    • Ages 6 and under

    • Fee: $4 for children, $3 for adults, free for passholders

  • Alligators Creek

    • Select Fridays, 9:30-10:30 

    • Check dates

    • Ages 5 and under 

    • Fee: $5 for residents, $7 for non residents 

  • Splash Station

    • Wednesdays, 10:45-11:45am

    • June 3-August 5 

    • Ages 5 and under 

    • Fee: Regular admission price Adults (R $11/NR $14) Child (R$10/NR $13) Toddler (R $3/$4) 

Illinois 

  • Collinsville Aqua Park 

    • Fridays, 10-11am 

    • June 5-August 7 

    • Ages 7 and under 

    • Fee: $8 residents, $10 non residents. Children under 1 are free. 

  • Korte Rec Center 

    • Fridays, 10:30-11:30am

    • Ages 8 and under 

    • Fee: Members FREE, Non-members $1 Discount off Daily Admission, Children 2 and under are FREE with a paying adult.

alexis zotos

Your Guide to Farmers Markets in the St. Louis Region

3 months ago

It’s officially farmers market season and in my opinion there’s no better way to spend a Saturday than strolling the market, trying local food, shopping from area farmers and vendors and enjoying the spring and summer weather. Whether you make it a family outing, a day date or just wander through the rows of fresh produce, here’s a list of. the markets to check out around the St. Louis area!

The St. Louis region is full of amazing farmers markets from spring through fall!

Tower Grove Farmers' Market

Location: Tower Grove Park, St. Louis
Dates & Times:

  • Saturdays: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM (April-October)

  • Tuesdays: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (May 5- September)

About:
This is the farmers market in St. Louis. Expect a huge lineup of local farmers, food vendors, and makers, plus live music and one of the best morning atmospheres in the city. It’s less of a quick stop and more of a full experience. For the kids, there’s two playgrounds and a splash pad!

Soulard Farmers Market

Location: Soulard neighborhood, St. Louis
Dates & Times:

  • Wednesday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM (full market)

About:
This market is year-round! It’s one of the oldest farmers markets in the country, and a true St. Louis staple. Just FYI, on Wednesday and Thursdays, only 10% of vendors are there, on Fridays it’s 35% and then Saturdays it’s the full experience! The prices on produce are really great and there’s tons of fantastic food to try! Y

Rockwell Beer Garden Farmers Market

Location: Francis Park, St. Louis Hills
Dates & Times:

  • Thursdays: 4:00 PM - Dusk (May 7-September)

About:
A perfect weekday option. This market leans into a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, grab a drink from Rockwell, let the kids run around the playground, and shop a smaller but well-curated group of vendors.

Midwest Farmers Market (U City)

Location: Outdoors at Heman Park, 7210 Olive Blvd, St Louis
Dates & Times:

  • Thursdays: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (May 7 - October)

  • Saturdays: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (April-November)

About:
Located in Heman Park in University City this market is packed with local produce, artisanal food and handcrafted foods. They have a weekly music series, culinary demos and children’s activities!

The Boulevard Farmers Market

Location: The Boulevard, Richmond Heights
Dates & Times:

  • Sundays: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (May 3-October)

About:
When Saturdays are just too busy, I love that this is a Sunday option. This is a smaller market but there’s great produce, coffee and artisanal goods.

Kirkwood Farmers Market

Location: Downtown Kirkwood
Dates & Times:

  • Open daily (hours vary)

  • Vendor Market on Saturdays: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Opens in April)

About:
This is a permanent market for a mostly year round stop for produce and goods. Starting in April, Saturdays turn into a full farmers market with extra vendors and delicious eats.

Lake Saint Louis Farmers & Artists Market

Location: The Meadows at Lake St. Louis
Dates & Times:

  • Saturdays: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (April-October)

About:
A mix of farmers market + artisan fair, this one is great if you’re out in St. Charles County. With 125+ vendors, you can find produce, handmade goods, and a family-friendly setup.

Ferguson Farmers Market

Location: Downtown Ferguson, 501 S. Florissant Road
Dates & Times:

  • Saturdays: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (May-October)

About:
One of the most community-driven markets in the region. You’ll find local produce, prepared food, and a strong focus on accessibility, events, and neighborhood connection.

Land of Goshen Community Market

Location: Downtown Edwardsville
Dates & Times:

  • Saturdays: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (May 9-October)

About:
Worth the short drive to the Metro East. This is a large, well-loved market with a strong lineup of farmers, makers, and food vendors, plus a charming small-town feel.

Alton Farmers & Artisans Market

Location: Downtown Alton (Riverfront)
Dates & Times:

  • Saturdays: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (May 9 - October)

About:
Set along the Mississippi River, this market is as scenic as it gets. You’ll find live music, artist demos and other activities! Make a morning of it, shop the market, then explore Alton’s shops, restaurants, or riverfront views.

alexis zotos

Can’t Miss Events in St. Louis this March

4 months 1 week ago

March in St. Louis brings spring temperatures, St. Patrick’s Day fun and the return of Cardinals baseball! In fact, there’s a period of time where all FOUR of our teams are playing this month (Blues, City SC, Cardinals and the Battlehawks!). I’m rounding up all the can’t-miss events this month but don’t forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter to get new events in your inbox every week!

There’s nothing like the Dogtown St. Patrick’s Parade in St. Louis!

St. Patrick’s Day Events

Easter Events Around St. Louis

The cutest petting zoo at Eckert’s Easter Egg-citement event!

Can’t-Miss Events this March

Opening Day in St. Louis is pretty much an official holiday!

What are YOU most excited about this month??

alexis zotos