The Best Places to See Live Music in St. Louis
There have been a lot of changes in the local music scene in the past few years. When the pandemic hit and everything shut down, some spots didn't come back. But, interestingly, some brand new spaces were dreamed up during that dark time that have now come to life.
Have you been out of the loop on what's been happening in the music scene? Don't worry, we're here to help.
This collection includes all of the best places to see live music in St. Louis. Big, small, wide and tall, these spaces will provide you with more music than your little ears can handle. Long live the mighty St. Louis music scene.
Phuong Bui
BROADWAY OYSTER BAR
(736 South Broadway, broadwayoysterbar.com)
VIBE: Swingin' NOLA-style joint where the party never stops
TIP:It's a great place to catch live music but seriously, get some oysters, too.
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Caillin Murray
VENICE CAFE
(1903 Pestalozzi Street, thevenicecafe.com)
VIBE: Eclectic, cramped bar with wild decorations on every surface
TIP: The tiny room on the second floor is the best spot in the house — but good luck finding it.
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Braden McMakin
HAMMERSTONE’S
(2028 South 9th Street, hammerstones.net)
VIBE: Laid-back family-owned restaurant and bar with stellar musicians playing on its little stage
TIP: Get there early to get a great table and order some food and let them take care of you all night.
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John Hund
SALLY’S ROOFTOP GARDEN & TERRACE
(3224 Locust Street, grandcenter.org/sallys-rooftop-garden-terrace/)
VIBE: This venue is really a serene little rooftop garden hidden away on the top of the .Zack building
TIP: Bring a camera because you'll want to document this unique experience with its adorable little vegetable garden and makeshift bar area.
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Ryan Krull
THE HAWTHORN
(2231 Washington Avenue, thehawthornstl.com)
VIBE: Wide open venue and event space booking some of the hottest shows in town
TIP: Keep an eye on their calendar because they're always adding new stuff and you'll miss it if you're not paying attention.
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Steve Truesdell
THE DUCK ROOM
(6504 Delmar Boulevard, blueberryhill.com/shows/)
VIBE: Basement bar located beneath Blueberry Hill
TIP: Chuck Berry used to have a standing gig here. Ask the staff to tell you some good stories.
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THE GOLDEN RECORD
(2720 Cherokee Street, thegoldenrecord.live)
VIBE: Big space that hosts big, fun shows and events
TIP:This is the old 2720 spot, so if you ever partied there you already know right where to find it.
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BLUE STRAWBERRY
(364 North Boyle Avenue, bluestrawberrystl.com)
VIBE: A sophisticated cabaret where you might get a singer-songwriter or you might get a theater performer singing showtunes — but either way, the audience skews older, gayer and wealthier than most other music venues in town.
TIP: Get here 90 minutes to an hour before the show so you can enjoy dinner and conversation first. Your server will keep bringing you drinks and dessert even as the performers do their thing, but at that point, conversation is discouraged and all eyes are on the stage.
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ATTIC MUSIC BAR
(4247 South Kingshighway Boulevard, 2nd Floor, theatticmusicbar.com)
VIBE: Hidden gem tucked away on the second floor on a busy south city street
TIP: Take an Uber. Finding decent parking in this area is close to impossible.
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Braden McMakin
JAZZ ST. LOUIS
(3537 Washington Avenue, 314-571-6000)
VIBE: The home of Jazz St. Louis, the Harold & Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz is a jazz club for people who like jam sessions with top jazz musicians. Shut up and listen or risk other patrons’ stinkeye.
TIP: There’s no food or drink minimum, but why not indulge? Show up as early as 90 minutes ahead of a show to get your order in.
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Monica Obradovic
THE HONKY TONK
(750 - 756 South 4th Street, thehonkeytonkstl.com)
VIBE: The most "Missourah" place in St. Louis with a country feel and a huge patio
TIP: If you're going to find a real cowboy in St. Louis, it's going to be here.
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Lexie Miller
FRISCO BARROOM
(8110 Big Bend Boulevard, thefriscostl.com)
VIBE: Stylishly casual space comfortable for a suburban audience
TIP: Arrive early to get some food. Some of the items on the menu are incredible.
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Ryan Kelley
POP’S
(1403 Mississippi Avenue, Sauget, IL; popsrocks.com)
VIBE: Proudly grimy club that makes money off of volume
TIP: It's open 24 hours a day and you really can stay there for 24 hours if you want. (Don't.)
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