6 St. Louis patios to drink beer on this fall

I love posting up outside on a chilly fall evening with a stout or a pumpkin beer in hand; but sometimes, even the most hardcore flannels can’t do anything to stop those sub-60-degree nights from overpowering us. That’s why cozy patios with fire pits and heaters are so essential. Here are a few local restaurants where you can stay comfortable outdoors on a beautiful fall evening while enjoying some fine food and killer brews. 

Little Fox
Little Fox’s modest beer list is full of great selections from local and distant places. You might be paralyzed by having to choose between a Stone Brewing session IPA, a Prairie Artisan Ales sour, a Stillwater blonde ale and a Rockwell Beer Co. IPA in one sitting. Nobody should have to make those kinds of choices, but at Little Fox, at least you can make them outside. 
2800 Shenandoah Ave., St. Louis, 314.553.9456, littlefoxstl.com

The Crow’s Nest
The Crow’s Nest’s motto has long been: “Come see what everyone’s complaining about.” Though you may encounter some disgruntled metalheads (especially when I’m there), nobody’s griping about the beer list or the expansive new patio, which is finally open. Catch me with a 2nd Shift Little Big Hop and the vegan burger (with waffle fries, obviously) every time.
7336 Manchester Road, Maplewood, 314.781.0989, eatcrowstl.com

The Pat Connolly Tavern
The Pat Connolly Tavern has long been one of St. Louis’ favorite watering holes, and with its new Pat-io – a garden-vibey outdoor space with hanging lights where you can comfortably chill – it’s become both Covid- and cold weather-friendly. Post up with a Smithwick’s Red Ale, a Guinness Nitro or a local brew from Modern Brewery (Pat’s also has around 25 other beers if those aren’t your lane), and enjoy the ambiance; ordering from their menu of classic pub food will only enhance the experience. 
6400 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, 314.647.7287, patconnollytavern.com

The Scottish Arms
The patio at The Scottish Arms is a beautiful, rustic journey out of the Central West End and into a place where all that matters is cold beer and powerful cuisine. Thankfully, The Scottish Arms has both of those. The beer menu isn’t huge, but honestly, you don’t need more than a Guinness or one of the restaurant’s few IPA, Pilsner and cider options to enjoy the space and the dynamic food menu. I mean, I’d be happy with a Busch and their truffle fries on the patio anytime. Sometimes that’s all you need.
8 S. Sarah St., St. Louis, 314.535.0551, thescottisharms.com

The Frisco Barroom
The Frisco Barroom has one of our favorite patios in town, and their beer list ain’t bad either. Last time I went, it was hard to choose between the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Wild Little Thing fruited sour and Bell’s Oberon on draft. They also keep a solid list of locals and domestics from places like Logboat Brewing Co., 4 Hands Brewing Co. and Dogfish Head, and even offer some of 4 Hands’ hard seltzer options. 
8110 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, 314.455.1090, thefriscostl.com

The Royale Food & Spirits
Everybody knows that The Royale has a legendary patio – and it’s even better now that they’ve installed two more fire pits due to the pandemic. But what some (looking at you, my Subcontinental cocktail obsessives) may not know is that The Royale’s beer list has always been one of the best in town. My chilly night go-to is a Boulevard Brewing Co. Tank 7 or whatever local stout or porter is on tap; but when beers from Evil Twin Brewing, Duvel and Schlafly’s Pumpkin Ale are available, choosing can be difficult. I recommend pairing the beer of your choice with The Royale’s delicious jackfruit tacos or their convivial hummus plate. 
3132 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 314.772.3600, theroyale.com