18. When you want to drown your sorrows: Colorado Bob's Ship of Fools
The name says it all at this cash-only bar on the edge of Tower Grove South. You'll know Colorado Bob's Ship of Fools (3457 Morgan Ford Road; 314-772-7564) by the giant boat in the front yard, but by the time you're done tying one on here, you may not be seeing straight enough to see it. And what could be more fitting than a "ship of fools" for someone trying to kill the pain by inducing more pain? Ride this watercraft till you fall off; we've all had nights where we've gone there.19. When you want to drink after the game: Broadway Oyster Bar
Cards loss got you in the mood to drink away your sorrows? Cards win got you in the mood to celebrate? In either case, Broadway Oyster Bar (736 S. Broadway, Downtown; 314-621-8811 or www.broadwayoysterbar.com) has you covered. The New Orleans-inspired hot spot has all the drinks, crawfish and live music you could ever need. Pro tip: Step out of the stadium, find one of those pedicabs prowling the grounds and have them do the legwork for you. Walking is for fit people and suckers.
20. When you want a great first date: Venice Cafe
Quirky and colorful, Venice Cafe (1903 Pestalozzi Street, Benton Park; 314-772-5994 or www.thevenicecafe.com) is a great spot to meet a near-stranger and see if you can make them a bit more than a friend. Live music prevents those potentially awkward silences; the relatively new addition of a food component called the Jerk Shack keeps you from having to leave for a bite to eat just when things are getting good. Best of all? The killer patio. If it doesn't put your date in the mood, you've got no chance anyway. Move along.
21. When you want a great third date: Element
The new-and-improved Element (1419 Carroll Street, Lafayette Square; 314-241-1674 or www.elementstl.com) now boasts amazing dishes from up-and-coming chef Josh Charles — but the food isn't the only reason to come here on that critical "will they or won't they" moment in a fledgling relationship. Instead, we'll direct your attention to the third-floor lounge area, conveniently located just above the restaurant. This bar is our hands-down pick for the sexiest spot in the city. Cuddle on the couches or straddle your partner on a bar stool; just don't forget to check out that glorious view.22. When you want to propose: Cielo Bar
It would be flat-out impossible to turn down any reasonable partner's request for holy matrimony so long as he or she proposes at Cielo Bar (999 N. 2nd Street, Downtown; 314-881-2105 or www.cielostlouis.com/cielo_bar). For one thing, the choice of this impossibly stunning bar atop the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown St. Louis shows your supplicant takes your happiness seriously. For another, who could be in a bad mood when surrounded by so many beautiful people and such an incredible view of the Arch? Go ahead, order the Champagne. We can already hear the wedding bells.
23. When you want to wow your bachelorette party: Thaxton Speakeasy
Your crew may wonder if you've had too much to drink already when you start leading them toward an alley — but what did they expect, a speakeasy with an entrance visible from the street? Thaxton Speakeasy (1009 Olive Street, Downtown; www.thaxtonspeakeasy.com) is all about authenticity, from its password-protected doorway (sign up online to acquire the current password) to the Art Deco decor. Naturally, it takes a few flights of stairs to find the gin joint below — and don't be caught off guard if you arrive to find a dance floor full of people dressed in 1920s attire. The Prohibition thing is painted on so thick here that ordering drinks may feel a bit scandalous — but what are bachelorette parties for?
24. When you want to wow out-of-towners: Three Sixty
When the Hilton elevator opens on the top floor to reveal Three Sixty (1 S. Broadway, Downtown; 314-241-8439 or www.360-stl.com) you can't help but be a little awestruck: It's not every day you're greeted by a glowing waterfall streaming from the ceiling. Venture a little further into this rooftop space, and you'll come across the requisite chic bar and seating — but let's be real. It's the view you won't be able to tear your eyes away from. Take your guests outside to experience the real deal with a fire-lit bar and unmatched angles of the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium. Whether you want to provide an upscale dinner experience with small plates and dessert or treat your visitors to a few drinks while watching the Cardinals game below, Three Sixty will impress.
25. When you want to keep drinking at 2 a.m.: Mangia Italiano
All that people watching at CBGB's left you thirsty, and you've been drinking up all night — looks like you won't be driving home any time soon. To make matters worse, it's last call. What to do? Easy: Just follow the throngs to nearby Mangia Italiano (3145 S. Grand Boulevard, Tower Grove South; 314-664-8585 or www.dineatmangia.net), South Grand's premiere 3 a.m. bar. A long-time favorite of the late-night drinking set, Mangia proves the old adage true: Anyone who says they remember drinking there probably never really did.
For more bar coverage, see our guide to St. Louis' best dive bars, which is also on the streets now in handy dead-tree format. Or check out our list of ten great tap rooms.
