St. Louis never seems to be short on new restaurants, and we’re looking forward to trying out new spots this patio season. From tacos to scotch and steak, these five foodie spots are ready to welcome you with food, drink and sunshine.
The Mexican STL
The Mexican STL is one of Crestwood’s newest additions, and they’re going high-end. They’ve got new twists on old cocktails favorites, like a New Fashioned and Smoky Pineapple-tini. On the main menu, guests can try new versions of tacos, like the pastor with crispy pork belly, pineapple-jalapeno relish and pork beans. For something a bit larger, check out the mole short ribs or the Surf & Surf, with both scallops and shrimps. Their patio matches the vibe, with its own bar and a view of the sunset – plus live music at The Fountain Stage, adjacent to the restaurant. The patio has direct sunlight options, but the majority is covered, bringing the comfort of the indoors outside. The Mexican STL is open for upscale dining for lunch and dinner. Don’t miss out on their happy hour, either: From 3-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, they’ve got deals on drinks, tacos and even tartare.
9615 Watson Road, Crestwood, 314.525.5025, themexicanstl.com
Scout’s
Scout’s invites people into the restaurant as if it’s a home, one focused on warmth, hospitality and sharing meals with those closest to you. Their New American menu ranges from elevated sweet and sour meatballs to gnocchi to flank steak. The team has just redone Scout’s patio, perfectly timed for a summer spent sharing meals and sipping drinks. They fill up fast, so reservations are highly recommended.
2704 Locust St., St. Louis, 314.394.8650, scouts.toast.site
The Scottish Arms
The Scottish Arms has officially reopened, and their patio is one of the most interesting in St. Louis. Guests have the option of regular table seating, couch-style seating or tucking themselves away in a covered section, partially enclosed by a wisteria tree. Blooming flowers and string lights tie the whole scene together. The pub is known for its scotch selection, but they also have accessible signature cocktails, Guinness and Magner’s Cider on tap along with several local beers, and a food menu focused on elevated comfort, including bangers and mash, cock-a-leekie and shepherd’s pie. The menu also features classic UK snacks like scotch eggs, sausage rolls and rarebit fries.
8 S. Sarah St., St. Louis, 314.932.7303, thescottisharms.com
Taco Buddha
The third location of Taco Buddha recently opened in Botanical Heights, and they have two patios to choose from. The first is completely outdoors, perfect for drinking a signature margarita on a warm summer night. The second is an all-seasons patio with walls that can go up during not-so-perfect weather. The restaurant that encourages guests to “eat with peace” is taking tacos to new heights with options like the hamburger-esque McCausland and a rotating monthly taco. May’s taco is the New Mexico-inspired The Truth or Consequences, with seasoned ground beef, New Mexico red chile, Hatch green chile, romaine, Monterey Jack cheese, red onion and a flour tortilla.
1634 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, 314.502.9951, tacobuddha.com
Good Neighbor
One of Tower Grove’s newest patios is all about that neighborhood feel. Good Neighbor has a double patio with string lights and your choice of picnic bench seating or patio tables. While you’re out there, grab one of their specialty cocktails to sip on while trying their signature smashburgers. They’re open late too, ready for guests to enjoy the sunshine or a warm summer night.
3169 Morgan Ford Road, St. Louis 557.213.3071, good-neighbor-stl-burgers.com
This article appears in May 2026.