Winter in the Lou doesn’t have to mean hibernation. From mini golf and arcade battles to karaoke and bocce ball, these five venues offer an escape from the cold while keeping your New Year’s resolutions on track. Even those observing Dry January can join the fun, thanks to creative non-alcoholic drinks that keep spirits high without the booze. Whether you’re chasing high scores, belting your favorite tunes or just looking for a spot to gather, these St. Louis indoor hotspots will keep you warm all winter long.
Blueberry Hill
Blueberry Hill is where St. Louis comes to play, eat and soak in a hefty dose of pop culture. Guests can take aim with darts, shoot for glory in bubble hockey, challenge friends on pinball or other arcade games or settle in for a round of checkers, chess or backgammon. Darts are free, and arcade games run on coins. Or if you’re not in the mood to game, simply come for the food. From the city’s celebrated burgers to trout almondine, house-made soups and cheddar bites, the menu keeps appetites satisfied. Open every day of the year, it’s the perfect spot for a night out – even on Christmas or New Year’s Day. With display cases full of memorabilia from the 1950s to today, the space is as fun to explore as it is to play in.
6504 Delmar Blvd., University City, 314.727.4444, blueberryhill.com
Chicken N Pickle
As winter settles in, Chicken N Pickle has plenty of warm spots to play with several indoor courts on the property. In addition, private igloos are available for booking through Jan. 19, accommodating both all-ages groups and 21-plus experiences. There’s also a refreshed menu, with 14 new chef-driven dishes centered on from-scratch comfort food, along with shareable plates designed to elevate the dining experience. The refresh points to a bigger change: Chicken N Pickle is becoming a spot to eat, linger and play – usually in that exact order. If you’re feeling brave enough to get out a bit in the cold (or on one of our unseasonably warm winter days), visitors can lace up their skates beneath twinkling lights as they glide through a winter wonderland through February, as weather permits. So grab your friends, your family, and yes, even your dog, because everyone is welcome at Chicken N Pickle this winter.
1500 S. Main St., St. Charles, 636.229.9700, chickennpickle.com
Flight Club
This January marks one year of darts, dining and drinks at the one of the newest Clayton hotspots: Flight Club. Inside, the classic charm of a British-style pub meets contemporary polish, making it ideal for any occasion, from a low-key night out with friends to hosting group gatherings. Keep the focus on fun with an automated scoring system developed by NASA scientists that allows both first-time players and seasoned regulars to leave the guesswork at the door. Beyond the dartboards, guests can indulge in a menu that stands above traditional bar fare. Elevated food options like lobster elote and burrata flatbread from the Flight Club kitchen will keep you fueled for dartboard domination. At the bar, grab an artfully crafted cocktail available fully loaded or non-alcoholic, ensuring Dry January doesn’t come at the cost of fun or flavor.
In celebration of the anniversary, the venue is launching Flight Fridays, a weekly celebration featuring live DJs, curated cocktails, and a bullseye challenge where one lucky winner scores a $100 bar tab. The festivities culminate on Friday, Jan. 30, with Flight Fridays: Limbo to Las Vegas, an amped-up night of music and playful competition, where guests can try the new Limbo darts game (plus a real limbo round) for a chance to win two round-trip flights to Las Vegas, a stay at The Venetian, and a $200 bar tab at Flight Club Las Vegas.
7710 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.887.7020, flightclubdartsusa.com
Puttshack
Mini golf meets modern fun at Puttshack St. Louis, where tech-enhanced gameplay and a high-energy atmosphere make indoor gaming anything but ordinary. From hole to hole, high-tech gameplay and automatic scoring let guests keep their eyes on the fun instead of the scoreboard. Ideal for groups, date nights or family outings, the space serves up friendly competition, adventurous food, creative cocktails and an energy that keeps the fun going. Guests can also indulge in bold menu additions, such as crispy, golden toasted ravioli, take advantage of happy hour specials, or sip on mocktails perfectly crafted for Dry January.
3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, 314.887.7888, puttshack.com
Westport Social
Westport Social is where games, great food and good times collide. Guests can dive into free gameplay with darts, ping pong, foosball, bocce, shuffleboard and hoops. For those craving a moment in the spotlight, grab one of two karaoke rooms for $30 an hour and sing your heart out. From smoked burnt end nachos and pork belly skewers to lobster ravioli and caramel-pretzel brownies, the menu offers flavors designed to fuel your gameplay. With live music on select nights, big-screen TVs and a central bar that’s always buzzing, Westport Social keeps the good times flowing, while tables, booths and leather-sofa lounges make it easy to settle in and stay a while.
910 W. Port Plaza Drive, St. Louis, 314.548.2876, westportsocial-stl.com
This article appears in January 2026.
