Edition: Sports in St. Louis

Game On! - Concierges' Favorite Sports Bars and Restaurants

Author: Jennifer R. Rolf

Local Legends

You'll never strike out at Ozzie's Restaurant & Sports Bar (314-434-1000, 645 West Port Plaza), opened in 1989 in West Port Plaza by one of St. Louis's favorite and most recognizable sports figures: former St. Louis Cardinal Ozzie Smith.  With more than 50 televisions and big screens and an impressive collection of Cardinals and sports memorabilia, this is a baseball lover's dream.  An extensive menu with dozens of tantalizing options is sure to please even the most finicky of eaters.  And if you're lucky, the Wizard himself might pop in for a visit of a bite to eat.

If you're looking to combine your sports-watching experience with fine dining, try Mike Shannon's Steaks & Seafood Restaurant (314-421-1540, 100 North 7th St.).  Located mere blocks from Busch Stadium, Shannon's serves award-winning, tender-aged steak for the connoisseur.  Of course you can also order delicious seafood or pasta and finish off with a tempting gourmet dessert.  Mike's love of sports - Cardinals baseball in particular - can be seen in the 900 photos of sports legends that adorn the walls.  The restaurant tends to get busy before and after games on nights when the Cardinals are in town, especially in the more casual bar area.  On Fridays and Saturdays, stick around for "Live at Shannon's," Mike's live broadcast featuring post-game interviews of coaches, managers, and players of both teams. 

"Our guests always have great food and a good time at Mike Shannon's.                                             --Carol Coleman, Concierge, Crowne Plaza

Beyond the new Cardinals' stadium construction lies Al Hrabosky's Ballapark Saloon (314-241-6969, 800 Cerre St.).  Known affectionately as the "Mad Hungarian," former player and current Cardinal television announcer Hrabosky opened this establishment in 2004 within walking distance of Busch Stadium.  Ballpark fare is the staple here, but you can also get shrimp, wings, and chicken kabobs.  The saloon features a wide-open space to watch games of all varieties, and during baseball season it's sure to be jumping.  You might even spy a Cardinal lurking inside the confines or upstairs in the saloon's MVP Room after a game.

All Around Town

If the kids are with you on this trip but the game is a can't-miss - no problem.  Krieger's Pub & Grill (various locations) is routinely voted "kid friendly" and multiple televisions throughout the restaurant's various locations mean the game is within eye-shot no matter where you're situated.  The impressive menu features a full line-up of steaks, burgers, and St. Louis specialties, and chocholics will have difficulty passing up Krieger's Triple Threat Chocolate Cheesecake.

For more than 30 years, Caleco's Restaurant (314-421-0708, 101 N. Broadway) has been a St. Louis tradition.  The downtown location is only minutes away from Busch Stadium, making it the perfect place to enjoy a pre- or post-game dinner, or to catch a game on TV.  The menu includes many Italian specialties as well as steak, burgers, pizza, and a nice selection of chicken dishes.  Top it off with one of Caleco's palate-pleasing desserts.

Smokey Bones BBQ & Sports Bar (618-624-1052, 6118 N. Illinois St.) has multiple locations in the St. Louis area, but the one our concierges recommend is across the river in Fairview Heights, IL.  Smokey Bones tempts your taste buds with mouth-watering, hickory-smoked barbecue in a lodge -like atmosphere while offering an inviting place to watch the game.  Try tackling the St. Louis-style ribs, the pulled pork, or the barbecue chicken platter, and don't forget about the divine desserts. 

While the Trainwreck Saloon (314-436-1006, 720 N. First St.) has always been known for its live music and fine selection of draft beers, a big game means it's time to get serious about sports, especially at the Laclede's Landing location with 10 televisions and an array of sports memorabilia.  Trainwreck may be casual in atmosphere, but there is nothing casual about the menu.  Highlights include steak, ribs, pasta, bison, and ostrich burger platters, desserts, and a full bar.

"Trainwreck Saloon has a unique pub atmosphere with great food and drinks."  --Julie Baumann, Sheraton Westport

There are always sights to see at Show-Me's Restaurant (314-241-8245, 724 N. First St.).  Whether you go to see the game with the guys or eye up the substantial menu, the friendly waitresses are sure to make your experience a satisfying one.  There are several locations around St. Louis and the region at large, and the Landing location has a nice patio that overlooks the Mississippi River.

Big Gamers

You'll always have a courtside seat at the St. Louis Sports Zone (314-961-3366, 113 Kenrick Plaza).  With a ton of big screens and TVs at every turn, the Sports Zone is one of the area's most popular destinations for dedicated sports fanatics.  A new addition features more places to watch the game, plus darts and billiards and other games, with weekly pool tournaments.  Groups of men - and women too - can be seen decked out in their favorite team's attire, and intermittent cheers and jeers can be heard as fans root on their team of choice.  The menu is also a crowd pleaser, offering sandwiches, salads, specialty pizza, and even wraps.

If you're looking to shoot some pool and enjoy an ice-cold beverage while watching your team, HotShots Sports Bar & Grill (various locations) is the place.  Multiple locations from north to south mean a HotShots is never too far of a drive no matter where you're staying.  The menu features bar fare - appetizers and burgers - but it hits the spot every time.

Whether you're up for playing around at the casino or watching great plays while enjoying a bite to eat, Amerisports Bar & Grill (636-940-4935, 1260 S. Main St.) is an ideal spot.  Located in the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, Amerisports has an open feel and giant wall-size video screen to catch all of the action.  If privacy is what you prefer, ask for a booth with your own personal television mounted at arm's length.

One-Of-A-Kind

Across from Union Station, Maggie O'Brien's (314-421-1388, 2000 Market St.) has been serving the local sports fan community for years.  Stay in the bar area to watch the game in an Irish pub-like atmosphere, or dine in the restaurant or bigger seating area, which features games and a dance floor.  At Maggie's you can dine American-style or try an Irish specialty like the Chicken O'Brien or Famous Corned Beef & Cabbage.  Maggie's is open late so even if you missed the game, you can always catch a recap on ESPN's SportsCenter, which is sure to be showing in the bar.

Although often touted as a Webster University hangout, fans of all ages can be found at Weber's Front Row Neighborhood Pub & Grill (314-961-4500, 8169 Big Bend) - the sports bar and restaurant with a neighborhood feel.  Dine in and try the wings while watching your team on one of the many televisions at Weber's, which has been a staple in the Webster Groves area for years.

 

Ozzie's Restaurant & Sports Bar
645 West Port Plaza, Maryland Heights, MO 63146

Mike Shannon's
620 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63101

Smokey Bones BBQ
6118 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights, IL 62208

Trainwreck Saloon
720 N. 1st Street, St. Louis, MO 63102

Show-Me's
724 N. First Street, St. Louis, MO 63102

St. Louis Sports Zone
113 Kenrick Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63119

Amerisports Bar & Grill
1260 Main St., St. Charles, MO 63301

Jacques
400 S. 14th Street,, St. Louis, MO 63103

Maggie O'Brien's
2000 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Weber's Front Row
8169 Big Bend Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63119