New Patio Dining Hotspots in St. Louis

With warmer days ahead, there’s no better time to explore St. Louis’ latest wave of patio dining experiences. Whether you’re craving tacos, BBQ, cocktails, or just a chill place to gather with friends, these fresh outdoor spaces bring serious flavor and style. Here are a few new spots worth checking out.

Bel Air Social – Central West End

4630 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108 / Website / @belairsocialst.louis

Coming This Summer: Housed in the former Bel Air Motel, Bel Air Social is a creative hub that blends food, drink, and community vibes. Grab coffee from Outpost (yes, the one with LEGO builds), pizza from Pizza Via, or explore other local vendors—then head outside to the courtyard for live music, lawn games, and laid-back seating. It’s part patio, part hangout, and 100% Central West End cool.

_{Opened in 1958, the Bel Air was St. Louis’s first resort-style motor hotel, known for its central courtyard and modern flair. Long a mid-century icon in the Central West End, it will reopen in 2025 as Bel Air Social—an all-day spot for coffee, cocktails, and local eats inside the reimagined Hotel Indigo. Vintage Ad Photo Source}

Taco Buddha – Botanical Heights

1634 Tower Grove Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 / Website / @tacobuddha

Coming This Summer: Already beloved in U. City and Kirkwood, Taco Buddha is bringing its bold, Southwest-inspired flavors to Botanical Heights. The new location—set in the former Elaia/Olio building—will feature a lush four-season patio with room for 70. Expect the same creative tacos and margaritas, but in a vibrant new setting with colorful tile, wood details, and cozy outdoor dining under string lights.

_{Taco Buddha recently announced on social media that they will open in the former Olio space in Botanical Heights.}

Expat BBQ – City Foundry STL

3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110 / Website / @expatstl

Now Open: Chef Gerard Craft’s latest concept takes traditional barbecue and gives it a global twist. Located inside City Foundry STL, Expat BBQ features a multi-level layout with a rooftop patio, bar, and live music stage. You’ll find dishes like smoked ribs with Chinese five spice, Frito pie with a twist, and jerk chicken wings—all in a casual, music-filled setting that feels like a backyard party with a passport.

Check out some of the team’s personal favorites here.

AVA Garden Bar – Ballpark Village

601 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102 / Website / @avagardenbarstl

Now Open: Right next to One Cardinal Way, AVA Garden Bar offers a rooftop-style patio experience with a flair for the dramatic. Picture a glowing archway, a neon tree centerpiece, and tropical house beats. The menu leans into shareable Asian-inspired plates and craft cocktails—perfect for pre-game celebrating with friends or a downtown night out with a side of skyline.

Make the Most of Patio Season

From rooftop lounges to reimagined motels and taco patios with soul, these new spots are perfect for catching up with friends, soaking up the sun, or simply enjoying the buzz of St. Louis’ evolving food scene. Whether you’re patio-hopping or settling in for the night, there’s a new favorite waiting to be found. Find out more of our personal favorites here.