Edition: A Winning Destination
St. Louis Nightlife
Author: Robin K. Evans
The Gateway City boasts a fun, decadent, and exciting set of nightlife options. Choose from appealing nightclub gems, comedy shows, sports bars, and hot spots in and around the St. Louis area.
If you want something a little different to excite your nightlife, The Big Bang (809 N. Second St., 314-241-BANG) is just the spot. This dueling piano bar is an energetic showcase of live music, comedy, and hilarious, interactive tomfoolery. Audiences are quickly drawn into the laughs and entertainment by some of the best entertainers in the country. Sing, dance, and be merry - The Big Bang staff is always ready to get the audience involved. The idea here is pure FUN!
As one would expect, St. Louis, home of the World Series Championship Cardinals, has a terrific assortment of lively sports bars that are a sports fanatic's dream. Pujols 5 Westport Grill (342 West Port Plaza, 314-439-0505) is a recently renovated sports bar and restaurant named for Cardinal Baseball's own Albert Pujols. The renovations in this elegant yet casual environment use state-of-the-art technology to bring televised games right into the laps of happy patrons. Enjoy signature drinks and the Pujols family's own favorite specialty dishes.
If you're downtown and you want to see the game, you can find it on one of the many televisions at B. Federko's (400 S. 14th, 314-613-6490). The newly renovated restaurant is located in the Sheraton City Center Hotel, and travelers and locals alike come to enjoy live bands, sports memorabilia, private party accommodations, and a happy hour buffet. The sports related decor is eye-catching, and calls fans to browse thrrough some of the fun sports memorabilia sold there.
Authentic, down home St. Louis blues is alive and well at the Backstreet Blues Bar (614 West Port Plaza, 314-878-5800). The atmosphere is upbeat and casual, and the tempting drink selections are too numerous to count. Fast, friendly bartenders can whip up exotic drinks as fast as they serve an ice cold beer, and the wait staff is happy to serve patrons since most find they just can't tear themselves away from the top notch performers that grace Backstreet's stage.
Riddles Penultimate Cafe & Wine Bar (6307 Delmar Blvd., 314-725-6985) is a long time leader amongst local music lovers, and a premier venue for good music of all kinds - jazz, folk, blues, and whatever! An impressive selection of wines, domestic and imported beers and cocktails, and a welcoming vibe greet you at the door. Locals love to kick back in this close and cozy setting, and whether you come to enjoy the fabulous eats, the drinks, or the scene, you won't be disappointed.
For more of an intercontinental flavor, you can't beat Club Viva (408 N. Euclid, 314-361-0322). Located in the Central West End, it has quickly become one of St. Louis's best hot spots for club music with an international feel. Here you find the freshest Latin, Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, and Reggae bands in the city. The atmosphere is very welcoming and upbeat to match the party crowd. Each week, Viva offers dance lessons in celebration of its multicultural, multigenerational influence and customer base.
The Big Bang
807 N. 2nd St., St. Louis, MO 63102
The Big Bang is a late-night hotspot with dueling pianos, audience participation, and hootin' and hollerin'.
B. Federko's
400 S. 14th St., St. Louis, MO 63103
Riddles Penultimate Cafe & Wine Bar
6307 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130
The mantra is simple: "We serve the kind of food we like to eat." Offerings are steak, pasta, seasonal specials and more.
Club Viva
408 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108
The music ranges from Latin to Worldbeat, by DJs or bands. Thurs. and Sat. nights take Latin dance lessons, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Cover: free-$10. Open Wed.-Sat. 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
