Review: 360 in St. Louis

360
1 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314.241.8439

Why go?
Bird’s eye view of Busch Stadium and lush, stunning space.

In a nose-thumbing move to the development giants whose Ballpark Village-of-lies left the city with an abandoned vacant lot sitting dead center on what should be prime real estate, the proprietors of Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark decided it was time for someone to make a serious investment downtown. The result is finally something we can be proud to show off: 360, the stylish new hub of St. Louis’ nightlife scene.

The view 400 feet above Broadway and Market Street offers a lofty perspective. To the north and east lie markers of the past: the worn dome of a stately courthouse, the shimmering metal panels of an arch rising from the banks of an immense waterway. To the south, there’s a clear line of sight onto the grass of a still new (but not unseasoned) stadium, sitting on the half-exposed grave of the old. Still, more than a bittersweet panorama, 360 reveals a glimpse of a future long overdue.

The folks behind 360 should be flattered that the rooftop bar had become the most talked-about venue in town well before its ribbon cutting in late July. On Cardinals game days, crowds clamor into the Hilton’s lobby hours before the opening pitch to grab a place in line for an ear-popping elevator ride to the 26th-floor bar and a spot on the patio with a decent vantage point to view the game. Even on an odd weeknight when Busch Stadium lies dark, 360, still the popular new kid, overflows with tipsy clientele – and for good reason.

The view is fantastic, and the space is stunning. Off the elevator, guests are met by a streaming two-story waterfall, flanked by an enormous main bar, which houses a half-dozen oversized vats of infused alcohol brimming with fresh fruit. Above those sit a DJ booth. The glass-encased lounge, filled with slick, minimalist (and the occasional 1960s retro) décor pieces, also houses an open-facing kitchen and a handful of VIP rooms off the main floor. On the deck, patrons lounge around glass-covered fire pits and smooth wooden booths, jumping up occasionally to grab reinforcements from an equally glamorous (and somewhat cumbersome) outside bar that sits under towering white and super-stylish umbrellas, which apparently recycle rain water.

As chic as its décor, 360’s sipping menu boasts a number of high rollers. The Mixed Liquids specials, which run from $10 to $12 and change with the seasons, are worth checking out. Definitely grab an infused drink. A nice start was The Spring Peeper, a stiff blend of Campari, nectarine/freeze-dried strawberry Cognac, lemon and saffron. Sure, it sounds odd, but it packs a nice little wallop. Shaken drinks were less impressive. The Old Tub at St. James Gate was especially disappointing, despite the novelty of the frozen cube of Guinness floating inside it. Each bar also offers a fine selection of not unreasonably priced cocktails as well as a score of local and imported brews (Six Row Whale, Urban Chestnut Winged Nut), each served up in fine glassware.

Not surprisingly for a bar that turns out truffled popcorn, this luxurious lounge draws the glamorous types. Two excellent standing rules are enforced by the downstairs bouncers: No one under 21 in the evenings and no ball caps allowed, save game days.

Though not cheap and often cramped, 360 is one luxury hot spot that lives up to its considerable hype. As winter sets in, the crowds will no doubt taper – but for now, you’ll have to grab a spot in line.