The heat is on: time to perch on rooftops or lounge at an urban oasis – aka patios – cool places to gather and hang out, and offer creative plates and cold drinks as amazing as the views and surroundings. This year’s picks feature unique rooftops, balconies and picturesque patios, each enhanced by menus sporting flavorful fashionable fare and creative handcrafted libations.
Looking for a place to gather, imbibe and star gaze? Head to Three Sixty‘s rooftop bar at Hilton St. Louis at The Ballpark and its sister location atop Westport’s gold tower. Both locations are renowned for 360-degree breathtaking views, cold brews, craft cocktails and cool cuisine. Westport’s rooftop patio yields striking skyline vistas rain or shine, thanks to an innovative glass roof. Three Sixty downtown remains a preferred perch for Cardinal fans and the site for Hilton’s Star-Spangled Fireworks Party July 4, 6 and 7.
Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis’ terrace rooftop has been given a Gordon Ramsay makeover. The RK Bar by Gordon Ramsay is an elevated concept complementing the newly opened Ramsay’s Kitchen adjacent to the rooftop. The focal point: a sleek center bar surrounded by conversation clusters and ringed with two- and four-top tables, all designed to encourage one to order up one of RK’s signature small plates, while raising a glass and savoring spectacular views of the Gateway Arch and riverfront.
When taking in a ballgame this summer, make a stop at The Bullock, Live! By Loews – St. Louis‘ rooftop bar. Executive chef Steven Hall is catering to Cardinals fans with a unique fan-favorite menu. Look for his house-made Cracker Jacks and specialty topped fries – think gourmet nachos meets poutine. Bullock provides a curated selection of cocktails, local brews and wines, including Free Spirited by Loews, craft libations focusing on locally sourced combinations sans the booze. Low-ABV and No-ABV choices include Pineapple-Matcha-Jito (house pineapple, tarragon shrub, lime juice, honey syrup, matcha powder, club soda) and the Strawberry + Hibiscus Spritz (house strawberry, hibiscus syrup).
Sidewalk patios seldom are standouts, except at Flower Child, a delightful green-inspired oasis reflecting the brand’s fresh, cleanp-eating menu. Order up and plan to dine al fresco from a menu concept created by James Beard-nominated restaurateur Sam Fox. The first franchise in Missouri, Flower Child’s claim to fame is making healthy green eating sinfully good. It’s a unique outpost that won’t disappoint wanna-be hippies searching to eat green, along with the carnivores, vegetarians, vegans, paleo, sugar-free and the gluten-free.
Summer wine is celebrated throughout the summer at Vicia’s Gardenside Pavilion, which has been transformed into Vicia Wine Garden, a seasonal pop-up home to classic small bites and savory snacks such as house-made pimento cheese and birdseed cracker to East Coast oysters and charcuterie. Pair with your choice of wine. I’ll opt for a crisp white wines, light spritzes or perhaps a frozen rosé. Curate-your-own beverage experience is offered with choices ranging from local beers to hand-crafted cocktails. Open-air seating, counter-style ordering, in addition to QR-code ordering, contributes to the relaxed atmosphere. Vicia’s Gardenside Pavilion is open for walk-ins Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. (weather-permitting).
Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton is hosting its pool-party event, Au Soleil, on its rooftop pool deck, a posh perch to where locals can T, soak and take in the sun, or play a round of bocce ball. Au Soleil is held Thursdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and features live music, snacks and dinner entrees from the hotel’s restaurant, Café la Vie. Tickets ($15) are required.
