Pour Decisions STL to open Downtown West cocktail bar The Passport this summer

The mobile pop-up will launch the bar and bottle shop on Washington Avenue

The team behind Pour Decisions STL has just announced it will open The Passport, a cocktail bar and bottle shop, at 1321 Washington Ave. in Downtown West St. Louis in late summer 2024. 

Pour Decisions STL has operated as a mobile bar company at events around town since 2020, and its newest venture aims to provide “an unparalleled experience of international travel and cultural odysseys through its innovative cocktail menu and unique ambiance,” according to a release. 

The new bar is helmed by owner and sommelier Javia Gilliam-Sanford, along with mixologist Kaje Sanford, who plan to “set a new standard for diversity and sophistication in the local cocktail scene.” 

“Developing The Passport has been a dream and an expression of our shared love for travel and beautifully crafted cocktails,” Gilliam-Sanford said in a release. “We aim to transport people from our 1,200-square-foot space to anywhere in the world they can imagine. That's the power of a great cocktail – it can take you places."

The menu will feature a wide array of cocktails inspired by destinations around the world, including a cocktail with Greek Mashtiha called From Mykonos, With Love. Another offering will be the Valstino's Carajillo cocktail, which includes Cafe Bustelo, a popular Latin coffee brand. 

Echoing the international inspiration of the menu, the “thoughtfully designed” space also highlights various cultures with vintage decor from around the world.

"We are passionate and intentional about providing elevated spaces and experiences for our community," Sanford said in the release. "Our goal is to make St. Louis’ cocktail culture more diverse and accessible while cultivating an international experience through The Passport."

The Passport will offer memberships for access to exclusive events such as happy hours, tastings and classes, as well as discounts on cocktails and bottles of wine. There will also be a loyalty program where you can redeem stamps for rewards.

Additionally, the bar is accepting submissions for a travel photography wall, with submissions due by Friday, July 26. Click here to submit your photography.

The new addition to the downtown cityscape is possible due to funding from the Greater St. Louis, Inc. and the St. Louis Development Corporation through the Downtown Retail Incentive Program. “The retail incentive program is designed to attract high-quality businesses like Pour Decisions to the heart of the St. Louis metro and increase vibrancy Downtown,” Kurt Weigle, chief downtown officer for Greater St. Louis, Inc., said in a release. “We are thrilled to welcome The Passport, Pour Decisions’ first brick-and-mortar location, to Washington Avenue.