6 St. Louis patios perfect for drinking alfresco

Editor's Note: Since publication, The Block in the Central West End has closed. The headline has been updated to reflect the change. 

Patios should be more than just a place for outdoor seating. A good patio can transport you from the day-to-day grind, offering a happy hour-length vacation. From Scape to Vin de Set to Cielo, St. Louis has its share of spectacular spots for drinking alfresco. Here are seven more outdoor spaces to add to your rotation.

1. The Scottish Arms
This Central West End standby, from its leafy trellis for that shady, English garden feel to the small covered area with a TV to check the score, has a spot for nearly every taste. Settle in, nip on a wee dram from the long Scotch whisky list and take a load off. 

2. Sasha’s On Shaw
This garden spot with lush foliage and burbling fountain seamlessly melds into the leafy green vibe of the surrounding neighborhood. Indulging in a glass of wine (or a bottle, who are we kidding?) and a selection of shareable plates is like partying in a neighbor’s well-appointed backyard.

3. Eclipse Rooftop Terrace Bar
It’s the next best thing to a grown-up tree fort. Sink into the Jetsons-aesthetic patio furniture and gaze upon the view of The Delmar Loop while imbibing a pitcher of house sangria, or a refreshing seasonal cocktail like the Cuban Daquiri Crisis, made with three different rums. 

4. Just John Nightclub
Sequestered by tall fences and bursting with greenery, stepping onto JJ’s patio from the raucousness of The Grove will definitely lower your blood pressure a few points. With a bucolic mural and a covered bar reminiscent of a beachfront drink shack, it’s the perfect place to dive into a bucket of Buds.

5. John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub & Garden
Beyond this sprawling urban oasis’ wrought iron gates is another world: two levels of seating, three bars and enough room for a small town to sit down for a pint of Guinness and some house-made pretzels. 

6. The Venice Cafe
Part art gallery, part playground, this patio is a sensory overload in the very best way. Every square inch is festooned with multicolored mosaics or kitten figurines or repurposed license plates. Where else can you knock back a Busch or two and contemplate a giant painting of Pee-wee Herman?

7. The Block (now closed)
The ivy-covered, multi-level brick patio of The Block’s Central West End location has an airy, garden-party atmosphere ideal for a relaxing lunch or dinnertime getaway. Order a glass of wine, munch on some house-made pork rinds and escape the worries of the day.

Matt Sorrell is staff writer at Sauce Magazine.