It’s hard to overstate Schlafly’s role in the development of craft beer in St. Louis. It’s not just that the brewery was making and selling its beers for a whole two decades before the craft scene really exploded. The brewery and its co-founder, Tom Schlafly, were also instrumental in reshaping alcohol laws in Missouri that set the stage for what St. Louis’ beer scene is today.
Although Schlafly also has a location in Maplewood, their Locust Street tap room in Downtown West is the best place to enjoy Schlafly’s hospitality, which blends influences from British, German and – of course – American tradition. Beers like the Pale Ale, Hefeweizen and the seasonal Pumpkin Ale are undisputed modern St. Louis classics, while the fish and chips or soft, chewy Bavarian pretzel sticks with white cheddar sauce are eternally satisfying accessories to your pint.
2100 Locust St., St. Louis, 314.241.2337, schlafly.com
This article appears in April 2025.