From intimate hideaways to lively rooftops, these St. Louis patios let you enjoy the crisp air without the chill.
Bar Italia Ristorante
If you’re a true St. Louis foodie, you know Bar Italia Ristorante in the Central West End for their passion for delicious pasta and inviting staff that make you feel truly welcomed. Their spacious patio is perfect for dining with an Aperol spritz in one hand and a fork filled with pasta in the other, but that experience doesn’t have to end when it gets colder due to heaters that get placed out and turned on for guests dining outdoors. Surrounded by greenery, this patio will make you feel transported out of the city. Bar Italia Ristorante is a great St. Louis Italian experience that does simple cooking at its best with many great options to choose from.
13 Maryland Plaza, St. Louis, 314.361.7010, baritaliastl.com
Esca
Esca is one of chef Ben Poremba’s newer restaurant additions. Located in the Delmar Maker District, Esca is known for its upscale vibe and charcoal and wood cooking. With green grapevine draped along the fence, the outdoor patio is an intimate, relaxing space that makes you feel transported to a coastal destination. There are a variety of tables for groups of all sizes with a few large heaters above the space. The drink menu consists of a large selection of wines, aperitifs, amari and anisettes. Their food menu is designed for family-style dining with coastal Mediterranean options. The name Esca is inspired by Escalivada, a popular dish on their menu that consists of fire-roasted eggplant, peppers and onions.
5095 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314.365.2686, bengelina.com/esca
Olive + Oak
Known for their stunning interior and wide range of creative drink and food options, Olive + Oak offers a heated patio shared with their sister location, Perennial on Lockwood, which is located directly next to Olive + Oak. Perennial operates the outdoor patio during lunchtime until 4 p.m. Then when dinner service begins at Olive + Oak, they have half of the patio until close. Although it is cut off to half of the full space, there are a wide range of seating options available. There are heaters conveniently placed above almost every table and large tarps covering the outdoor space. Try Olive + Oak for their seasonal dishes, but stay for the inviting atmosphere.
216 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, 314.736.1370, oliveandoak.oohosp.com
Russell’s on Macklind
Russell’s on Macklind is a Southampton neighborhood local favorite. After entering the cozy indoor space, you will find a pastry case that’s hard to miss, filled with everything from the St. Louis classic, gooey butter cake to their assortment of layer cakes. Taking a step outside into their patio space, you will find an upper and lower deck equipped with standing heaters. Although, when the colder months arrive, the lower patio will eventually close up. Along with heaters, the staff will place warm blankets at each table as an additional way to keep guests warm. Known for their seasonal farm-to-table style of cuisine, this place and the people will make you feel right at home.
5400 Murdoch Ave., St. Louis, 314.553.9994, macklind.russellscafe.com
Square One Brewery and Distillery
Located in historic Lafayette Square, this is a neighborhood favorite spot known for Friday happy hours, weekly game-day events and an inviting heated patio. When you step outside, you will find a cozy space surrounded by the relaxing sounds of a bubbling fountain, string lights and the shade of surrounding trees. When temperatures drop, part of the patio is enclosed by a wall, creating a heated winter garden area. Square One’s weekend brunch menu is perfect for game days, and the regular menu features classic pub fare like wing varieties and an extensive list of beers, cocktails and other refreshing drinks.
1727 Park Ave., St. Louis, 314.231.2537, squareonebrewery.com
The Golden Hoosier
Posted in the heart of South City, The Golden Hoosier is more than just a burger bar; it’s a rustic escape with an art-deco twist. The Golden Hoosier’s heated outdoor patio encapsulates the nostalgia of sleepaway camp. This setup includes a cabin-style bar, a large fire pit perfect for all your s’more roasting needs, and four picnic tables warmed by large overhead gas heaters. When the weather starts to take a turn, their staff will enclose the space around the picnic tables. Go there for the food but stay for the inviting atmosphere that makes you forget you’re dining in the city.
3707 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 314.354.8044, thegoldenhoosier.com
The Wine Cafe
Just across the river in St. Charles, The Wine Cafe is perfect for wine enthusiasts and casual sippers alike. Although the menu has a long list of food options for all types of palates, the real star of the show is their wine tasting flights. The outdoor patio is open in the wintertime and is warmed by standing heaters. Other than offering flights and bites, they host many unique events like a Cigars and Whiskey night and festive holiday-themed events. Add The Wine Cafe as your next spot to celebrate with friends over great wine and cheese.
703 S. Main St., St. Charles, 636.410.8002, thewinecafe.biz
Three Sixty Westport
Three Sixty Westport takes dining to a whole new level. This restaurant is atop of the Gold Tower at Westport Plaza and features panoramic views of Maryland Heights and beyond. The space offers an expansive, partially enclosed patio with a large fire pit and heaters to keep guests warm in the elements. Their menu offers an extensive list of crafted cocktails and a diverse food menu with Mediterranean, Asian, Italian, and French options. Beginning mid-November until New Year’s Eve, the bar will host a festive pop-up to commemorate the holidays. Whether you’re looking for your next nice dinner out or interested in attending one of the bustling Sunday night DJ sets, their beautifully designed space offers something for everyone.
111 W. Port Plaza Drive, Suite 1200, St. Louis, 314.683.2337, 360-stl.com/westport/