10 holiday cocktail pop-ups to visit this season in St. Louis
Festive cocktail pop-ups are as integral to the holiday season as the Yuletide playlist at our local grocery store – and a lot more fun. For those planning to belly up to the bar at one or more of these festive spots, here’s what you can expect. Remember that the places requiring reservations fill up quickly, so book early and don’t show up late. If you’re doing the walk-in thing and run into a bit of a wait, don’t be a Grinch – it’s the holidays, after all!
All I Want: The Queen of Christmas Pop-Up | Art Bar
Angad Arts Hotel has all you want for Christmas at this diva-centric celebration, including small plates like cheese and charcuterie boards, hummus and flatbreads, along with cocktails like the Clausmopolitan, a festive take on the classic Cosmo. There are also glitzy photo-ops designed for you to channel your inner Mariah, and a top-of-the-world view of the city.
Now through Dec. 31. 3550 Samuel Shepard Drive, St. Louis, 314.561.0033, angadartshotel.com
Casa Don Alfonso
Casa Don Alfonso’s $150 holiday cocktail tree features four pairs of seasonal libations made for sharing and served, decoration-style, on a “cocktail tree.” The four custom cocktails can also be purchased individually and include: the Rudolph, with burnt rosemary-infused gin, creme de mure and lemon juice; Santa’s Return, a combo of Baileys, Disaronno Velvet, Earl Grey tea syrup and chocolate bitters; the North Star, with Amrut Two Indies Rum, Amaro Nonino, maple spice syrup and orange bitters; and The Grinch, based on a bell pepper- and basil-infused tequila, lemon juice and agave nectar. Reservations are recommended.
Now through Dec. 31. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, 100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, 314.719.1496, casadonalfonsostlouis.com
The Chalet | Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton
Where else can you test your skill on a bona fide curling rink? This rooftop experience also features heat lamps and fire pits for ultimate coziness. A menu of comforting, warm seasonal drinks – think mulled wine, apple cider, smoky hot chocolate and a bourbon hot toddy – and some tasty small plates add to the fun. Friday nights feature live music and a $15 cover, which includes a s’mores kit. Reservations are recommended for the curling rink, but the pop-up bar is first come, first served.
Now through Dec. 29: 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. 7730 Bonhomme Ave., Clayton, lemeridienclayton.com
Lit | Molly’s in Soulard
Imbibe from the “12 Drinks of Lit-mas” cocktail list, and nosh on an expansive menu of small bites. Highlights include the Deep Fried Ornaments – fried mozzarella balls with pesto and marinara – and the Away in a Manger (a shepherd’s pie). Reservations are required, except for four first-come, first-served bar stools.
Now through Dec. 23. 816 Geyer Ave., St. Louis, 314.241.6200, mollysinsoulard.com
Miracle STL | Small Change
The granddaddy of STL holiday pop-up bars, Miracle returns for its eighth year. Miracle may have more holiday-centric decor per square foot than any other pop-up, thanks to co-owner Jamie Kilgore’s extensive collection of Christmas kitsch. In addition to the boozy holiday drinks, Miracle has a list of NA sippers as well, like Big Bulbs, with passion fruit, pomegranate green tea, lemon and club soda. There are even to-go cocktails and Miracle merch like vintage glassware. Reservations usually go quickly, but walk-ins are welcome – expect to wait a maximum of 20 minutes.
Now through Dec. 30. 2800 Indiana Ave., St. Louis, drinkchristmas.com
Sippin’ Santa | Planter’s House
Miracle’s beach bum cousin, Sippin’ Santa, features an array of tiki-inspired drinks and a tropical Yuletide vibe that’s part North Pole, part North Shore. Hang ten with cocktails like the North Pole Bowl, a rum experience made for two, or choose from a select list of Planter’s House favorites like the In A Pickle and Gin Soaked Boy, and pair them with bites like the Spam Slider and Waikiki Meatballs. Reservations are recommended. Walk-ins are welcome, but call ahead to check availability.
Now through Dec. 30. 1000 Mississippi Ave., St. Louis, 314.696.2603, drinkchristmas.com
The Sleigh Shed | The Train Shed
This Yuletide experience transforms The Train Shed at Union Station into The Sleigh Shed, with a custom cocktail list featuring traditional favorites like Noel Nog, a classic egg nog, and the decadent Three Kings, featuring two kinds of chocolate liqueur, hot cocoa and toasted marshmallow. Holiday-themed apps and desserts are also available, as is The Train Shed’s regular dinner menu. Reservations are not required.
Now through Dec. 31. 201 S. 18th St., St. Louis, 314.923.3949, trainshed-stl.com
Toasted Chestnut: A Christmas Pop-Up Bar and Winter Light Walk | Public School House
Cottleville event venue Public School House’s Toasted Chestnut holiday pop-up returns for its fifth year with a list of holiday-themed drinks, food from Sugarfire Smoke House, an immersive indoor experience featuring an abundance of holiday decorations, and a walk through an outdoor light display. Reservations are required for the indoor experience, where two-, four- and six-top tables, VIP couches and VIP igloos are all available. There’s a heated tent outside to accommodate walk-in guests; the tent serves drinks, but no food.
Now through Dec. 31. 5546 Chestnut St., Cottleville, 636.720.1905, publicschoolhouse.com
Up On The Rooftop | Three Sixty
When the pop-up is billed as a “snow globe” featuring “extreme décor,” you know you’re in for an over-the-top experience. Add Three Sixty’s stunning views of the city and a custom cocktail list of creative hot and cold drinks and it’s a Yuletide happening for sure. Feeling peckish? The restaurant’s full dinner menu is also available. Note that there’s a $10 cover after 10 p.m. Reservations are not required.
Now through Dec. 30. 1 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314.241.8439, 360-stl.com
Yellowbelly and Lazy Tiger
Yellowbelly and its adjacent cocktail companion, Lazy Tiger, are offering seasonal cocktail menus as well as some more understated holiday décor to get guests in the mood. Both spots are also offering a custom holiday glass designed by Kansas City artist John Malta, with 100% of proceeds going to St. Louis Family Gift Drive, an organization established and managed by co-owner Tim Wiggins’ mother that's dedicated to distributing customized holiday gifts, including toys, clothing and gift cards, to families of children with special needs in St. Louis city. Reservations are recommended.
Now through Dec. 31. 4659 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, yellowbellystl.com
