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Top 10 Breweries in the St. Louis, Missouri Metro Area
St. Louis's top breweries offer you an incredible mix of history and innovation. You'll find the iconic Anheuser-Busch, America's largest brewer, alongside craft pioneers like Schlafly and Urban Chestnut. Side Project and Perennial Artisan lead the experimental scene with their barrel-aged beers and bold flavor combinations. 2nd Shift, Rockwell Beer Co., and Earthbound Beer each bring unique character through their distinctive locations and brewing styles. Don't miss Civil Life's community focus or Bluewood's rotating innovative taps. The city's 170-year brewing legacy has evolved into an exciting landscape where tradition meets modern craft mastery.
Key Takeaways
- Anheuser-Busch, founded in 1852, remains the largest and most historically significant brewery in St. Louis with world-renowned status.
- Side Project Brewing specializes in barrel-aged beers and has gained global recognition for their 22 distinctive imperial stout recipes.
- Urban Chestnut combines traditional German brewing techniques with modern American methods, offering authentic European-style craft beers.
- Schlafly stands out for community engagement, multiple locations, and regular events that contribute to St. Louis's vibrant beer culture.
- Perennial Artisan Ales creates unique flavor combinations, including their flagship Abraxas beer featuring cinnamon, chilies, vanilla, and cacao.
The Legacy of Anheuser-Busch
Nearly every beer enthusiast knows the name Anheuser-Busch, but the brewing giant's roots stretch back to 1852 when George Schneider opened the modest Bavarian Brewery in South St. Louis.
The company's transformation began when Eberhard Anheuser acquired ownership in 1860, followed by Adolphus Busch joining as a partner in 1869. The company achieved remarkable growth, becoming the world's largest brewer by 1910.
You'll find innovation at the core of Anheuser-Busch's success. Busch revolutionized beer distribution by introducing mechanical refrigeration and refrigerated railroad cars in 1876. The brewery's historic Romanesque architecture features distinctive red brick buildings and crenelated towers that still stand today.
By 1883, they'd expanded to 200 refrigerator cars, enabling nationwide distribution. The brewery even survived Prohibition by diversifying into non-alcoholic products like yeast and Bevo, a malt beverage.
After Prohibition's end in 1933, they quickly reclaimed their market position, becoming America's top brewery by 1958.
Today, as part of AB InBev, they remain St. Louis's most iconic brewery.
Schlafly's Community Impact
While Anheuser-Busch dominates the national scene, Schlafly has carved out its own remarkable legacy in St. Louis through deep community engagement and local impact.
You'll find their influence throughout the region at their multiple locations, including the original taproom, Bottleworks in Maplewood, Bankside in St. Charles, and Highland Square in Illinois.
When you visit Schlafly, you're experiencing more than just a brewery. Their emphasis on pairing craft beers with local restaurant collaborations has created unique dining experiences.
They've created a cultural hub through events like Art Outside, seasonal beer debuts, and live music festivals.
You'll see their commitment to local growth through collaborative projects with artists, participation in food festivals, and support of charitable causes.
They're not just brewing beer; they're generating jobs, attracting tourists, and strengthening the local economy while preserving St. Louis's rich brewing heritage.
Like many breweries in the region, they contribute to the city's flourishing craft culture that rivals coastal cities.
Urban Chestnut's German Heritage
A master craftsman's touch elevates Urban Chestnut Brewing Company above typical American craft breweries. Founded in 2011 by German-born Brewmaster Florian Kuplent, who studied at the University of Munich-Weihenstephan, this brewery authentically combines old-world German techniques with modern American innovations.
The brewery remains committed to sustainable brewing practices while crafting their exceptional beers. Their Stammtisch gatherings foster regular social connections among patrons. You'll find Kuplent's expertise reflected in award-winning beers like Zwickel Bavarian Lager and Schnickelfritz Weissbier. His approach, called Beer Divergency, honors traditional European brewing while embracing contemporary craft methods.
The brewery's German roots run so deep that they've established a location in Wolnzach, Germany, making them truly international. Through offerings like their Stammtisch Pilsner and Hallertauer Serie, you're getting authentic German-style beers crafted by a master who's earned both his Brewer and Maltster Certificate from the German Chamber of Industry and Trade.
Side Project's Barrel-Aged Excellence
Side Project Brewing stands at the forefront of barrel-aged innovation, transforming the St. Louis beer scene with its exceptional craftsmanship.
Cory and Karen King founded this renowned brewery in 2013 with a vision for excellence.
Their beloved Au Revoir 2024 and other specialty releases attract craft beer enthusiasts from across the region.
You'll find their expertly crafted rustic Saisons, Wild Ales, and spirit barrel-aged beers showcasing locally sourced ingredients from Missouri and Illinois farmers.
Their imperial stouts spend between 16 to 29 months aging in premium barrels, including Willett Family Estate and Still630.
You won't find shortcuts here – each beer is unfiltered, unpasteurized, and bottle-conditioned.
Standout offerings include Merci (Blend #3), a high-ABV Wild Ale aged in French and American Oak Foedre, and Balaton (Blend #2), a Sour Flanders Oud Bruin featuring Missouri microflora.
With 22 different imperial stout recipes and consistent industry recognition, Side Project has earned its reputation as one of the world's top breweries.
Perennial Artisan's Bold Flavors
Located south of the city, Perennial Artisan Ales captivates beer enthusiasts with its innovative flavor combinations and Belgian-inspired creations.
The brewery's collaborative spirit shines through regular partnerships with other local breweries to create unique limited releases. Regular new beer releases happen every Thursday, keeping their tap list fresh and exciting. You'll discover their flagship beer Abraxas, an imperial stout masterfully blending cinnamon sticks, ancho chilies, vanilla beans, and cacao nibs. The brewery's expertise extends to their acclaimed saisons, farmhouse ales, and one of the region's finest pilsners.
When you visit their cozy taproom, you'll find an impressive draft menu complemented by an extensive cellar bottle list featuring Belgian-style ales.
Their commitment to quality has earned them national recognition, establishing them as a cornerstone of St. Louis's craft beer scene.
Whether you're a local or visiting from out of town, Perennial's unique offerings and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for any serious beer enthusiast.
Civil Life's Local Charm
Nestled in Tower Grove South, Civil Life Brewing Company captures the authentic spirit of St. Louis's craft beer scene from its location at 3714 Holt Avenue.
The brewery's success reflects the growing craft market that continues to expand throughout the St. Louis metro area.
As a cornerstone of the city's brewing community, Civil Life stands out for its commitment to quality brewing and local engagement. Due to COVID-19 impacts, visitors should check their social media updates for current operating hours.
You'll find this brewery contributing considerably to St. Louis's reputation for exceptional craft beer. While specific details about their beer offerings aren't publicly documented, their presence in the local brewing landscape makes them a notable destination for beer enthusiasts exploring the city's craft scene.
The brewery's appeal extends beyond its beverages, as it's known for fostering community connections and participating in local events.
If you're exploring St. Louis's craft beer destinations, Civil Life Brewing Company represents an authentic piece of the city's brewing culture.
2nd Shift's Creative Brews
Making waves in St. Louis' craft beer scene, 2nd Shift Brewing has carved out a distinctive niche since relocating from New Haven in 2016.
You'll find their spacious taproom at 1601 Sublette Ave, where co-owners Libby and Steve Crider showcase their understated yet impressive range of brews.
From their Retro Brew American pale ale to their coffee-infused imperial stout (made with Seek Coffee Co. beans), you're sure to discover something that matches your taste.
Don't miss their Belgian-style tripel, Casual Experimentation, which exemplifies their creative approach to brewing.
What started as Steve's 20-gallon-per-week homebrewing operation in 1999 has evolved into a nationally recognized craft brewery.
Their commitment to quality across various styles, from IPAs to lagers and stouts, keeps drawing both local and national craft beer enthusiasts.
Rockwell's Award-Winning Portfolio
Standing tall among St. Louis's craft breweries, Rockwell Beer Co. has earned its reputation through an impressive collection of award-winning beers.
You'll find their gold medal-winning Kazimierz, a foeder Baltic porter that captured top honors at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival. Their portfolio also includes nationally recognized brews, with both an IPA and a foeder-lagered doppelbock making Wine Enthusiast's Top 50 Beer lists in consecutive years.
You can experience Rockwell's diverse selection at their two distinct taprooms in The Grove and Francis Park, where they're constantly innovating with new recipes.
Their 15-bbl brewhouse produces everything from approachable lagers to complex experimental beers through their Urban Research facility.
Beyond brewing, they're deeply involved in the local craft beer community, regularly collaborating with other breweries and supporting local initiatives.
Earthbound's Historic Atmosphere
Housed in a 150-year-old building on Cherokee Street, Earthbound Beer captures the essence of St. Louis's brewing heritage.
You'll discover spectacular underground lagering cellars that hint at the building's storied past, while the main taproom serves as a vibrant community hub.
Beyond its historic charm, you'll find innovative brews like Chicken and Waffles Blonde and Meteor IPA alongside regular releases that keep the menu fresh and exciting.
The brewery's commitment to community shines through its charitable initiatives, with proceeds from select beers supporting local organizations like the Missouri Abortion Fund and PROMO.
Don't miss their special events featuring local food vendors, including popular pop-ups like the Filipino BBQ specialists at the Fattened Caf.
It's more than a brewery—it's a cultural landmark where history meets modern craft innovation.
Bluewood's Craft Beer Innovation
While Earthbound celebrates St. Louis's history, Bluewood Brewing pushes the boundaries of craft beer innovation.
You'll find their rotating menu showcases creative flavor profiles and seasonal releases that keep even the most adventurous beer enthusiasts coming back for more.
At their St. Louis taproom, you'll experience more than just exceptional brews.
Bluewood's commitment to community engagement shines through their local partnerships, charity initiatives, and educational workshops where you can learn about brewing techniques and beer styles.
Their collaborations with fellow brewers have sparked a wave of experimentation across the city's craft beer scene.
You can't miss their award-winning beers, crafted with premium ingredients and brewed with precision.
Bluewood's influence extends beyond St. Louis, drawing visitors nationwide to experience their innovative approach to brewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Best Time of Year to Visit St. Louis Breweries?
You'll find spring and fall are the best times to visit St. Louis breweries, with temperatures typically ranging from 60-75°F.
Spring offers ideal conditions for brewery tours and outdoor beer gardens, while fall brings celebrated Oktoberfest events and seasonal releases.
You can comfortably explore both indoor taprooms and outdoor spaces during these seasons, avoiding summer's humidity and winter's harsh cold.
Plus, you'll encounter fewer tourists during these shoulder seasons.
Do St. Louis Breweries Offer Gluten-Free or Non-Alcoholic Beer Options?
Like a revitalizing oasis in the desert, St. Louis breweries won't leave you high and dry if you're seeking gluten-free or non-alcoholic options.
You'll find several spots catering to your needs. Schlafly and Urban Chestnut both offer non-alcoholic brews, while Perennial Artisan Ales and Urban Chestnut serve gluten-reduced beers.
Though there aren't any dedicated gluten-free facilities, you'll discover plenty of options to suit your preferences.
Which Breweries Are Most Accessible by Public Transportation?
You'll find several breweries easily accessible by MetroLink stations, with Schlafly Tap Room just a 5-minute walk from 1st & Main Station.
From the Central West End Station, you can reach both 4 Hands Brewing and Urban Chestnut within 10 minutes on foot.
If you're taking the bus, Perennial Artisan Ales and Rockwell Beer Company are just 5 minutes from their respective stops.
Most breweries are also accessible via ride-sharing services.
Are There Brewery Tours That Visit Multiple Locations in One Day?
While you'd think beer-loving St. Louis would have tons of organized multi-brewery tours, you'll actually find they're surprisingly limited.
You won't find many pre-packaged tours hitting multiple spots, but don't let that stop you. Your best bet is creating your own crawl by booking individual tours at places like Anheuser-Busch and Schlafly, then arranging transportation between them.
You'll need to plan ahead and coordinate timing carefully.
Which St. Louis Breweries Are Family-Friendly or Allow Children?
You'll find several family-friendly breweries in St. Louis where you can bring your kids.
Urban Chestnut offers a traditional bierhall setting with outdoor spaces at both locations.
Schlafly Bottleworks features a large outdoor area and hosts family-suitable events throughout the year.
Civil Life welcomes families with its cozy patio and community events.
Rockwell Beer Company provides kid-friendly spaces at their Francis Park and Grove locations.