Top Rated Nightlife in St. Louis

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.

CBGB is a weird place. During the day, its appearance from the street makes this underground club look like an abandoned building, especially since the name of the business is drawn on the front door with spray paint. It's one of those places that draws a familiar crowd; everyone knows everyone and newcomers are easily identified and introduced to the rest of the group. The atmosphere can be considered alternative, frequented by hipsters with funky outfits, hairdos and musical interests. The best times to stop by are Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Though the ambiance has a distinctly edgy tone, the live music acts that come through are quite diverse and anyone can have a great time at the venue.

Beer is always near and dear in historic Soulard and the International Tap House is no exception. Located amidst the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood, locals who love to eat and appreciate beer can be spotted having fun everyday, especially when the weather is nice. There's always a diverse mixture of people hanging around and the staff members are some of the friendliest folks in town. Carrying a wide variety of domestic and foreign lagers and ales, this restaurant/bar does not fall short of what the name suggests. On many evenings, enjoy the live musical entertainment from touring and local musicians. Stop by for dinner, stay for the entertainment. Come back for the great company.

Tired of the bland social scene? Want a little more spice added to drinking, networking and rubbing shoulders with the posh crowd? Don't fret. Frazer's got your number. Get all dolled up to impress, meet some local socialites, and get full on great food in the process. With all the trimmings of the mod lounge—extensive wine list, expansive bar, lush seating and exposed brick walls, to name a few—Frazer's is applauded for their cuisine. Enjoy a honey-glazed chicken kabob or Mexican pizza. If feeling adventurous, try the Moroccan sole or the Shrimp Creole. No disappointments there. - Cathryn D. Blue

Located in the chic Central West End, Club Viva is one of the trendiest Latin clubs in town. Bring good shoes to this basement spot and mingle with some of the most skilled and energetic dancers in St. Louis. Indulge in a fun combination of bachata, salsa and merengue, or enjoy Reggae Nights. Cool down with a refreshing mojito or order a pitcher of sangria, in keeping with the overall mood. Whatever you do, Club Viva promises a fun night out on the town.

Tower Pub, located in the Morgan Ford business district, is the venue for the casual drinker. Quaint and shanty-like, the goal of the staff is to get people what they want for as little as they can charge. Locals can have a night of fun and plenty of drinks for under USD20. The selection of brews and liquors is quite extensive, featuring beers from a number of the micro-brewers in town. The crowd is generally older and consists of folks who enjoy hanging together, watching the game, and having a drink after work. All of the bars in the Morgan Ford area are known for different things, but Tower Pub is known for their bartenders. Everyone on the staff is super friendly and knows how to make people feel welcome. Stop by after work, after dinner, or just because. -Cathryn D. Blue