St. Louis, MO
Kenny's Upstairs is St. Louis’s #1 in Dive Bars, from 1 local’s ranking.
In season through February 15part of Game Day in St. Louis
Community Ranking
Built from 1 local’s ranking · consensus is forming · updated 3 months ago
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1 listMaddi ORising@maddi_o_ok1.Kenny's Upstairs2.The Heavy Anchor3.Small Change STLMaddi O's Top 5
Editor’s picks
Sourced from the local food press. As seen in St. Louis Magazine and Sauce Magazine. Updated September 2026.
The Heavy Anchor · Bevo Mill
The Heavy Anchor embraces its dive-bar setting on Gravois. Craft beers share the list with Stag and PBR. Order a Stag at the bar.
The Famous Bar · Lindenwood Park
This low-key Chippewa bar draws late-night workers from the restaurant industry. The drinks include several Bloody Mary variations; ask the bartender about them.
Cat's Meow · Soulard
This Soulard tavern occupies an 1885 building that once served as a synagogue and later a butcher shop. Inside are Formica tables, worn stools, a high tin ceiling, cat tapestries and ceramic cats behind the bar. Order a draft and find the jukebox.
O'Connell's Pub · Shaw
O'Connell's was the last bar to leave Gaslight Square and moved in 1972 to a former Anheuser-Busch saloon near The Hill. It still cooks burgers to the temperature requested. Order a cheeseburger at the bar.
1860 Saloon, Game Room, & Hardshell Café · Soulard
This South Ninth Street saloon has multiple rooms and live blues. Order a shot and a Bud, then find the room where the band is playing.
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