Mizzou-themed sports bar opening in Soulard next month

Corbin Ray aims to make Ray’s SportsHouse St. Louis’ go-to spot to watch a game

A 25-year-old plans to open one of the largest sports bars in the St. Louis area, in the former home of Llywelyn’s in Soulard, located at 1732 S. 9th St. Coming in at more than 7,800-square-feet, when Ray’s SportsHouse opens it will be the biggest sports bar in Soulard.

Owner Corbin Ray, a University of Missouri 2021 graduate, aims to make the bar the go-to spot to view Mizzou sports in St. Louis. 

“I’ve been working on this project for the better part of two years, trying to bring a very robust and great experience of a Mizzou bar to St. Louis,” Ray said. 

Part of his journey included doing stints at various restaurants in St. Louis to better understand operations and the recipe for a successful business while he searched for the perfect location. He’s aiming to bring together sports fans, Mizzou alumni and those looking for elevated bar food offerings. 

Ray’s SportsHouse will have space for 250 guests inside, along with some sidewalk patio seating. The current timeline for opening is mid-August, and while Ray’s not ready to share the menu yet, he promises “upscale American bar food,” such as burgers and wings, as well as some menu items you wouldn’t expect to find at a sports bar. 

Likewise, the drink menu is being kept under wraps, but Ray describes it as a fresh cocktail program with drinks made from scratch. There won’t be a focus on any specific spirit, instead, the entire bar program will be wide ranging to appeal to Soulard’s diverse neighborhood and Mizzou alumni, a group that ranges from early twenties to those in their eighties.

“We’ll bring some stuff other bars in the area aren’t currently serving,” Ray promised.

There will also be a number of local, craft beers served on the 12-tap system; bottles and cans, including plus popular domestic beers; and a small wine selection. 

The restaurant will have touches of black and gold throughout, but it will also retain the exposed brick and woodwork, keeping with the building’s history that dates back to the 1890s. In terms of decor, Ray assures that the furnishings will go beyond displays of sports equipment and attire. 

“Anyone can hang a jersey up, but that doesn’t make you a themed bar,” he said. He also promised that guests will see items that aren’t typically found in sports bars.

Expect to see vintage Mizzou and sports memorabilia from football, baseball, hockey, golf, lacrosse and more. The establishment’s 50 TVs will broadcast every televised sport, from college games to professional sports played in the U.S. and throughout the world.