St. Louis is a city steeped in brewing history, thanks to Anheuser-Busch. While not world renowned brands, the area also has a lot of great local craft breweries thriving with innovation and tradition. From iconic staples to up and coming breweries, here’s a list of the best craft breweries in the St. Louis metro area, complete with their standout beers, unique features, and why you should stop in for a beer… or three.
Side Project Brewing
Location: Maplewood, MO
Why You Should Go: Founded by Cory King, a former brewer at Perennial Artisan Ales, this brewery has earned a cult following for its meticulous craftsmanship and limited releases. Side Project Brewing has garnered accolades, including being named the No. 2 brewery in the world by RateBeer in 2020 and 2023. Their Belgian inspired beer, wine, and spirits bar, Side Project Cellar, earned a James Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Bar Program. Their three Maplewood locations The Cellar, The Brewery, and The Patio offer exclusive tastings of their creations.
Beers to Try
Barrel-Aged Stouts: Like “Derivation” or “Double Barrel Derivation.”
Sours: Such as “Fuzzy,” a peach sour that’s both tart and refreshing.
Website: https://www.sideprojectbrewing.com/
Urban Chestnut Brewing Company (UCBC)
Locations: The Grove (Midtown) and Florissant, MO
Why You Should Go: UCBC combines traditional European brewing techniques with American creativity, offering a diverse lineup of beers that appeal to all palates. Their proprietary yeast strains contribute to the unique flavors of their beers. UCBC’s Midtown location features a massive biergarten and a menu of German-inspired pub fare.
Beers to Try
Zwickel: A classic Bavarian lager that’s bready, lightly hopped, and naturally cloudy, offering a smooth finish.
Winged Nut: A smoky, nutty ale that’s unique and flavorful.
Website: https://www.urbanchestnut.com/
4 Hands Brewing Co.
Location: Multiple
Why You Should Go: With multiple locations, 4 Hands Brewing Co. offers a dynamic drinking experience complemented by local cuisine and entertainment. Their original tasting room near Busch Stadium features industrial chic décor and arcade games, while their Chesterfield location boasts an expansive outdoor space with a large LED screen and stage. The Kirkwood venue partners with Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co. for a unique seafood and beer pairing. Their ever evolving lineup of craft beers caters to diverse palates.
Beers to Try
City Wide: A pale ale that’s become a St. Louis staple.
Chocolate Milk Stout: A rich, creamy stout that’s perfect for dessert.
Website: https://www.4handsbrewery.com/
Schlafly Beer (The Saint Louis Brewery)
Locations: Downtown St. Louis and Maplewood, MO
Why You Should Go: As one of the pioneers of the craft beer movement in St. Louis, Schlafly has been a local favorite since 1991. They offer a wide range (over 60 styles) of classic and seasonal beers, all brewed with a focus on quality and tradition. Schlafly’s Tap Room in Downtown St. Louis is housed in a historic building and features a sprawling outdoor beer garden.
Beers to Try
Pale Ale: A balanced, hoppy ale that’s a great introduction to craft beer.
Oatmeal Stout: A smooth, roasty stout with a creamy finish.
Website: https://www.schlafly.com/
2nd Shift Brewing
Location: St. Louis (near The Hill neighborhood)
Why You Should Go: 2nd Shift is a small but mighty brewery known for its hop-forward beers and creative experimentation. Their laid-back taproom is a hidden gem for beer lovers. 2nd Shift’s owner, Steve Crider, is a former professional musician, and the brewery often hosts live music events.
Beers to Try
Art of Neurosis: A bold, hoppy IPA with a cult following.
Katrina: A Belgian-style blonde ale that’s crisp and refreshing.
Website: https://www.2ndshiftbrewing.com/
Modern Brewery
Location: St. Louis (near Tower Grove Park)
Why You Should Go: Modern Brewery focuses on small batch, high quality beers that showcase creativity and craftsmanship. Their taproom is sleek and modern, reflecting their innovative approach to brewing. Modern Brewery often experiments with unique ingredients, like local coffee and fruits, to create one of a kind brews.
Beers to Try
Coffee Cream Ale: A smooth, coffee infused ale that’s perfect for brunch.
Hazy IPA: A juicy, tropical IPA that’s full of flavor.
Website: https://www.modernbrewery.com
Heavy Riff Brewing Co.
Location: Dogtown, St. Louis
Why You Should Go: Heavy Riff is all about bold flavors and rock ‘n’ roll vibes. Their beers are as fun and eclectic as their music themed branding. Heavy Riff’s taproom often hosts live music events, making it a great spot for beer and tunes.
Beers to Try
Velvet Underbrown: A rich, malty brown ale with notes of chocolate and caramel.
Love Gun: A juicy IPA with a tropical twist.
Website: https://www.heavyriffbrewing.com/
Civil Life Brewing Company
Location: South City, St. Louis
Why You Should Go: Specializing in British style beers, Civil Life Brewing offers a pub-like atmosphere with a focus on community and quality. Their offerings include a British Bitter, ESB, and Festival Mild Ale, all reflecting traditional brewing techniques. Their outdoor space, known as Giraffic Park, features eclectic sculptures, adding to the brewery’s unique charm.
Beers to Try
British Bitter: A cask ale that balances hop bitterness with malt sweetness.
American Brown Ale: A malty, nutty ale that’s incredibly smooth.
Rye Pale Ale: A spicy, hoppy ale with a unique twist.
Rockwell Beer Co.
Location: Forest Park Southeast, St. Louis
Why You Should Go: Rockwell Beer Company crafts a range of approachable and innovative beers. Their modern brewery near The Grove is partly constructed with shipping containers, reflecting their contemporary aesthetic. The Rockwell Beer Garden in Francis Park provides a family friendly environment where guests can enjoy beer and pizza while children play.
Beers to Try
Velvet Underdog: A crisp, refreshing lager.
Hazy IPA: A juicy, aromatic IPA that’s perfect for hopheads.
Stand By: A classic lager that exemplifies Rockwell’s commitment to quality and simplicity.
Website: https://www.rockwellbeer.com/
Whether you’re a St. Louis local or just passing through, all of these breweries offer a taste of the city’s vibrant craft beer culture. If we overlooked your favorite St. Louis brewery, please tell us about it in the comments section below. We’re always looking for another great brewery!
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