With the Cardinals home opener taking place on Thursday, April 4, and a full season of games ahead, you may be wondering where to hang out before and after the games. We’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of Sauce Magazine-approved spots to hit up to ensure the game isn’t your only source of fun this season.
Some of these are within walking distance of Busch Stadium, while others require a short drive or Uber to Soulard, Lafayette Square or other nearby destinations, but they’re all pretty close. Be mindful of their hours too, as some may only be suitable for pregame activities rather than an after-party.
Want to get up to speed on the latest menu items and attractions at Ballpark Village? We’ve got that covered too.
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria
Sure, the proximity to the ballpark is nice, but we frequent this massive location of Katie’s Pizza game day or not. The black garlic burrata cheese bread is always on the menu in our hearts, but you can count on Katie’s for a reliably excellent meal no matter what you order. The Punch It Up For Me cocktail is another solid (very strong) choice with tropical notes and hints of cinnamon. Ballpark Village, 751 Clark Ave., St. Louis, 314.942.2416, katiespizzaandpasta.com
Stews Food & Liquor
One of the latest additions to Soulard, Stews filled a need for Asian cuisine in the neighborhood and it’s been well-received by the community thus far. In addition to the fusion dishes like edamame hummus and orange popcorn chicken, the craft cocktails, such as the Fat Man in a Yellow Suit, are excellent. 1862 S. 10th St., St. Louis, stewsstl.com
Billy’s on Broadway
The former home of Beale on Broadway has seen new life with a full renovation and the recent opening of Billy’s on Broadway. Expect live music, full bar offerings and food like toasted ravioli, chicken wings, flatbreads and burgers. 701 S. Broadway, 314.476.0119, billysonbroadway.com
Salt + Smoke
One of the best barbecue joints in the St. Louis area, Salt + Smoke is going on its sixth storefront, and we can see why. The pulled chicken sandwich with street corn relish and house-made pimento cheese paired with a side of pit beans is one of our fave meals. The location within Ballpark Village and the massive selection of bourbons don’t hurt either. Ballpark Village, 501 Clark Ave., St. Louis, 314.727.0200, saltandsmokebbq.com
Blue Jay Brewing
This newly opened brewery is part of the up-and-coming JCMidtown development in Midtown and has been receiving wide acclaim from the local beer community. Boatright’s BBQ recently came on board as the food service here with meats smoked on-site. 2710 Locust St., St. Louis, bluejaybrewing.com
Amaizing Arepa Bar
This new Venezuelan restaurant has some seriously delicious arepas, but we’re obsessed with the cachapas: massive sweet corn pancakes sandwiching a generous serving of mozzarella topped with salty feta and a drizzle of Venezuelan-style milk cream, plus your choice of meat. 500 N. 14th Street, St. Louis, 314.925.8423, amaizingcakeslatinfood.com
Broadway Oyster Bar
This little slice of New Orleans is an iconic nightlife destination just a block away from the stadium on the southern edge of downtown St. Louis. It’s won numerous awards for its Cajun/Creole food – don’t sleep on the mildly spicy Voodoo sauce – and features live music seven nights a week on its spacious, partially enclosed patio. 736 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314.621.8811, broadwayoysterbar.com
Eat Crow
From the team behind The Crow’s Nest in Maplewood, Eat Crow has taken over the former Nadine’s Gin Joint in Soulard and has a great patio. The burgers are the star of the menu, but we also love the variety of loaded mac and cheese bowls. 1931 S. 12th St., St. Louis, 314.934.1400, eatcrowstl.com
Three Sixty
With a sweeping rooftop view looking down over Busch Stadium, this is one of the coolest places to chill before and after games. The concise cocktail list is thoughtful and well-curated. The apple-cheddar salad was a delicious and interesting dish on a recent visit, but you can’t go wrong with the burger and fries. The house-made Kit-Kat is the perfect dessert. 1 South Broadway, St. Louis, 314.241.8439, 360-stl.com
Planter’s House
One of our favorite cocktail bars in the city, Planter’s House is a great place for an interesting selection of ever-rotating cocktails, but they’ve got a solid food lineup too. On a recent visit, we fell head over heels for their cacio e pepe fries. 1000 Mississippi Ave., St. Louis, 314.696.2603, plantershousestl.com
Levels Nigerian Cuisine
A Sauce Best New Restaurant of 2023, Levels is bringing intensely flavorful African cuisine to downtown. Try the Party Jollof and the efo riro stew, and don’t miss the pepper soup. They’ve also got a cocktail list if you’re looking to imbibe. 1405 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314.571.9990, levelsstl.com
Blood & Sand
If upscale cocktails are your thing, you’ll love Blood & Sand, whose name is inspired by a cocktail of the same moniker. They’ve got ritzy 5- and 10-course tasting menus, as well as an a la carte menu if you’re looking to spend a little less. 1500 St. Charles St., St. Louis, 314.241.7263, bloodandsandstl.com
