If you’re in the mood for a lively debate, utter the words “upscale dive” in mixed company. One of the hottest and most controversial concepts in recent bar trends makes dive bar enthusiasts’ eyes twitch, but all the term seeks to communicate is a spot where you can relax and come as you are, get a little loud and feisty and enjoy a really great, well-made cocktail (or mocktail) in between rounds of PBR and shots.
Platypus in the Grove Credit: photo by Carmen TroesserSmall Change
Small Change self-identifies as the “dive bar-chic stepchild” of Planter’s House on its website, and nothing epitomizes that vibe more than having Ted Kilgore’s famous In a Pickle cocktail on tap. Hendrick’s gin, St. Germain, velvet falernum, lime, cucumber and dill make this the perfect patio treat. You can also order any classic cocktail mixed to perfection and soak up the unpretentious neighborhood vibes under the dappled light of a disco ball.
2800 Indiana Ave., St. Louis, smallchangestl.com Credit: photo courtesy of Small ChangeKenny’s Upstairs
Kenny’s Upstairs’ freshly rehabbed space is lined with cozy vinyl booths bathed in glowy red light and a pool table center stage. The menu belies the expertise of veteran bartender and owner Kenny Marks, and familiar domestic beers are supplemented by a few wisely chosen craft brews. You won’t be able to resist ordering a Baby Beer, a shot of Licor 43 served in a tiny beer mug and topped with heavy whipping cream.
3131 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, kennysupstairs.com Credit: photo by Izaiah JohnsonCrack Fox
The Crack Fox fluctuates between karaoke bar, cabaret, stand-up comedy joint, dance club, drag bar and pub trivia spot. No matter which you choose, you shouldn’t judge this freaky downtown haven by appearances. Craft cocktails with house-made syrups and rotating local beers dominate the menu, but stiff shots and an impressive roster of domestic lagers – not to mention the charming grunge – make this haven for misfit toys a must-visit.
1114 Olive St., St. Louis, 314.828.5064, thecrackfox.com Credit: photo courtesy of Crack FoxHidden Gem
This shiny new venue from lifestyle brand Golden Gems went viral after grumpy dive bar connoisseurs nationwide took issue with it identifying as a “disco dive.” Who says a dive can’t be pink? The vibe at Golden Gem is pure fun with cozy pink booths lining the long, narrow space and a constellation of more than 200 disco balls leading the way to the dance floor. The concise, seasonal cocktail menu is full of quirky names and crowd-pleasing ingredients.
3118 Locust St., St. Louis, 314.925.8931, drinkhiddengem.com Credit: photo by Michelle VolanskyPlatypus
Veteran bartenders Tony Saputo and Meredith Barry opened Platypus in the Grove in late 2021, but the cocktail-dive hybrid feels like the kind of well-loved neighborhood joint you’ve been visiting for a decade. The cocktail menu rotates frequently – sometimes daily. Whether you’re trying a take on a classic Negroni with barrel-aged gin, a daiquiri with chocolate bitters garnished with a granola bar or a savory concoction with crab butter, picking a surprise off the chalkboard is half the fun.
4501 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314.448.1622, drinkplatypus.com Credit: photo by Christina Musgrave
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