From an event venue turned cocktail joint to a locksmith shop turned ambient bar, these St. Louis establishments transform into different concepts one night a week.
Carrot Club
Recently celebrating its 100th service, Carrot Club is a cocktail joint inside the Wild Carrot wedding and event venue that pops up every Thursday from 6:30-10 p.m. Guests are invited to step inside the dimly lit space to lounge and sip on cocktails, with no reservation or dress code required. The menu features a selection of rotating creative cocktails that come with an element of adventure and surprise, relying on descriptor words and comparison clues rather than disclosing the precise list of ingredients. Their signature, the Wild Carrot, always marks a spot on the menu and is described as accessible, fun and unique and “almost a nod to a carrot cake.” There’s also an extensive martini list to choose from, along with pico de gallo tequila on occasion. In addition to bar seating and a few tables, the space offers many comfortable couches and chairs to settle in for the night and enjoy the vibey music, high ceilings and entertainment projected on the wall behind the bar.
3901 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, wildcarrotstl.com
Clements Bar
Another Thursday-only concept is Clements Bar, a locksmith shop off Cherokee Street that turns into a bar serving cocktails with locally crafted spirits, wine and beer. The bar is guaranteed to be open every Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, but also may be open by chance. As stated on their website, “if the sign says BAR, we’re serving.” The concept alone is unique, allowing the essence of the daytime operations to serve as the nighttime ambience, with thousands of keys dangling on the backdrop behind the bar. From that to the pinkish-red hue lighting, the atmosphere is unlike any other spot in the city and feels even more special knowing its availability is limited. The bar feels cozy and intimate, accommodating up to 45 people at a time.
2626 Cherokee St., St. Louis, clementslock.com/bar
Taco Tuesday at Yemanja Brasil
In the spring and summer months, Yemanja Brasil hosts Taco Tuesdays from 5-8 p.m., where its food truck – Brazil Express – posts up on the sidewalk outside its location in the Benton Park neighborhood. The Tuesday-specific menu offers tacos, Mexican street corn, $6 margaritas and their double Caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, made with cachaça, fresh lime and sugar. Guests can take the food to go or utilize their colorful patio space or additional seating located in front of their restaurant. The taco selection consists of beef, barbacoa, al pastor and soy vegan options, as well as a rotating seafood special – from swordfish to Cajun crawfish, salmon and shrimp. Guests can customize spice with a salsa station next to the cocktail assembly. Weather permitting, Taco Tuesday is planned to continue with sidewalk pop-ups through the end of September before closing for the fall and winter months.
2900 Missouri Ave, St. Louis, yemanjabrasilmo.com
Wine Down Wednesdays at Oliva on the Hill
In a previous article, we gave praise to Oliva on the Hill for its beautiful outdoor terrace located in the heart of the Hill, optimal for enjoying Wine Down Wednesdays. The cafe and bistro, typically open for lunch throughout the week, also opens every Wednesday from 5-10 p.m. for wine and small bites, such as Italian beef sliders, goat cheese dip, Parmesan fries and arancini. Though the space is often associated with and frequented during the warmer months because of the aforementioned dreamy European-style patio, guests are invited to enjoy it year-round. Inside, guests can also order cocktails and spritzes from a full bar. From there, you can sip and sit in their bar room, or sit and shop the antiques from The Hill Antique Market that is connected.
4915 Daggett Ave, St. Louis, olivaonthehill.com/wine-down-wednesdays