From the DJ to the food to the live musical entertainment and drinks, the Loft Jazz Club is high energy and full of excitement. It can get pretty crowded on the dance floor and most of the people who come through are looking to just dance and let loose. Open until 3a some nights, this venue attracts the late night party people. The music ranges from R&B to hip-hop with jazz and rock thrown in from time to time. The Loft Jazz Club hosts one of the hottest open mics in St. Louis once a month, which brings people from all over the country to showcase their talents in front of an audience of up to 1500, which often includes music industry moguls. The food isn't bad, not a large menu, but enough to buffer against a mean hangover.
Benton Park's San Loo is a cozy, divey venue to enjoy reasonably priced brews and live gigs throughout the week. The laid-back spot does not cash on any bizarre theme to attract patrons; revelers will instead like the mellow vibe, black and blue walls adorned with vintage works of art and other accents. Local ales, imports, domestics and delectable pub grub keep the guzzlers pouring in, while an exciting live music program ensures it remains equally popular with rock and punk music fans. In the past, it has hosted famous DJs, rock troupes and solo musicians, including the likes of DJ Hedge and Lara Hope & The Ark-Tones.
St. Louis has a reputation for fine Italian restaurants, and Marcella's epitomizes that tradition. Located in the south city neighborhood of "The Hill", this unpretentious trattoria serves wonderful food while maintaining a warm neighborhood atmosphere. Appetizers include a marvelous pizza with truffle oil and a four-cheese pizza. The innovative house salad is a delightful mix of greens topped with tomato, red onion, mozzarella and pine nuts with balsamic tomato vinaigrette. This is a great place to hang out with some friends and is also light on the pocket.
Built inside what once used to be a warehouse, The Civil Life Brewing Company has made the space more civilized and turned it into a pub. Brewed onsite, the ten beers on tap cover all the bases: there's a Prairie Pilsner, a Black Ale, an English Pale Ale, and more. Munch on pretzels filled with goat cheese while you play a board game from their selection. They don't accept credit cards, so come prepared with cash.
Bakers & Hale calls themselves a seed to table establishment. They take pride in growing their own ingredients in their garden and procure produce from nearby farms. There is a certain rusticity in the ambience with farm equipment as decorative elements along with vintage family photos of the owner on its walls. The inspired, seasonal menu of American comfort food and classics is delicious and has something for everyone. Enjoy happy hours at either of their bars inside or outside. Warm hospitality and a friendly staff ensure that dining here is a delight. Reservations are recommended.