International Tap House (ITAP)
16 S. Euclid Ave.
A conundrum: St. Louis is home to Budweiser and some incredible craft beer. Which do you choose? Some people might feel un-American not buying the Bud, but what if those craft beers were only $2.50 for a pint on Monday nights? And if that’s not enough, what if you got to choose between 500, yes 500, different craft beers? Some even go up to 13% ABV. That is quite a night waiting to happen, boys and girls. International Tap House (ITAP) is always a quality decision. The atmosphere is fantastic, super chill but busy enough to feel like a night out. You’ll see lawyers, doctors, medical students, and other locals there any night of the week. Plus, there’s no kitchen, so you can get takeout from any of the surrounding restaurants (Racanelli’s right next door, or Jimmy John’s anybody?). Stop by to watch Monday night football, or start a Friday night out on the town; ITAP has you covered either way. Plus, I can honestly say that during WUMP preorientation, I went to ITAP with a group of people I had just met and they’re pretty much all my best friends now. So, moral of the story: ITAP forges friendships over cheap craft beer. You will be a regular.
— Giuseppe D., M1
Tom’s Bar and Grill
20 S. Euclid Ave.
By far, one of my favorite bars for hanging out! Tom’s is a dive/sports bar with good bar, food and cheap drinks. During baseball season, the bar is crowded with Cardinals fans watching the game on Tom’s many TVs. They also have all-you-can-eat wings on Wednesdays, two-dollar beers on Tuesdays, and karaoke on the weekends!
— Casey B., M1
Taste
4584 Laclede Ave.
Taste is by far my favorite bar in St. Louis. It deserves this accolade for many reasons. The first is d.cor. Taste manages to be both cozy and trendy. As soon as you walk in, you know you could gladly hang out there for hours at a time. Second is the drinks. Not only does their list include about 100 different concoctions, all of which are amazing, but the very skilled bartenders will whip up a completely unique drink just for you. I am very passionate about Manhattans, and Taste makes the best one I’ve had since leaving the borough for which they are named. Third is the food. The menu includes 10 or so small plates, which are always changing and are always amazing. The fries (thankfully a permanent inclusion) are incredible. I can’t even really describe them; you just have to go and eat them for yourselves. So what are you waiting for? Go now!
— Frances C., M1
Club 34
34 N. Euclid Ave.
Club 34 is a fine establishment that everyone should experience at least once. It’s a small bar right on Euclid. Don’t ask them what they have on tap because there isn’t anything. You can get PBR for $2.50, a bartender that will remember your name, and a quieter night out to change things up. One time I even saw a dog sitting at the bar and it was cool because he was wearing a Cardinals blanket. It’s just one more reason St. Louis is the place to be. Things can get random, but that’s part of what makes it great.
— Steve F., M1
Sub Zero Vodka Bar
308 N. Euclid Ave.
Sub Zero is a sushi and vodka bar/restaurant in the CWE. While they have a large vodka selection, claimed to be the largest in the country, I personally find their burgers to be the most impressive offering. They have decent prices, especially during happy hours. The vibe at night is very chill with good music, a younger crowd, and an ice bar to keep your drinks cold. And don’t forget to go on your birthday to get your free bottle of vodka!
— Casey B., M1
Mike Talanya’s
1115 Hampton Ave.
Do you know what heaven looks like? I do. Let me tell you about my experience. Imagine being surrounded by mirrors, and no I’m not just talking about mirrors in the bathroom. Mirrors on the walls. Mirrors on the ceiling. Mirrors on the disco balls that spin effervescently above your head. From the voyeur to the narcissist, Mike Talanya’s Juke Box is the place to be when you want to enjoy St. Louis nightlife. The gentleman’s club turned karaoke bar/night club located just off I-64 at the Hampton Avenue exit is replete with the old and young that want a taste of the crazy life that they always dreamed about. Because it is open until 2:30 a.m., the typical arrival to Talanya’s is always full of excitement because you only decided to go 10 minutes before, when you were kicked out of your favorite CWE bar because it is “too late” (or for whatever reason you can think of). The next thing you know, you’re ripping tequila shots with a recently married bride and groom while twerking with your favorite med school friends to Miley Cyrus, Usher, and Frank Sinatra. Case in point: GO. You won’t regret your decision.
— Jared G., M1