Thursday, April 2, 2009

A non-meathead, non-suburban style, non-generic sportsbar

I don't frequent a particular bar, or bars in general for that matter. I've got 3 kids under 8, so you can catch my drift. But I like to drink and watch the occasional game. I have been totally into the Blues for the last 4 months or so. They are rarely on Channel 11, so I want to go somewhere and watch a game and be able to carry on a conversation.


Being in Boulevard Heights, I want to go somewhere close. I go to Garavaglia's Hilltop Inn for Cards games every now and again because I like the atmosphere (reminds me of my beloved hometown of Belleville, IL)....but I don't like Bud/Bud Light, their only drafts.


A friend who lives in Princeton Heights called me up on the spur of the moment to watch the Calgary game last weekend and I said sure. He said I should pick the place. I was on the spot....where can I get a decent beer (Guinness, Schlafly, New Castle) that has nice big TVs and is a civilized environment for guys in their 30's who just want to watch the game and be able to converse?


I googled sports bars in St. Louis. Of course, 90% of the hits were not even in St. Louis. However, there was a glowing review for Barney's on Chippewa and Hampton. Perfect: lots of TVs, nice staff, serviceable pub food, close to home. We gave it a try. Don't believe what you read: It sucks!!!!! There was ridiculous contemporary country music and what I'll call idiot calculated suburban rage music BLASTING over the sound system. They did put the Blues game on and had Guinness in cans, but it was not the place to fit my needs. Left and went to the Ugly Fish Tavern on Meramec. I drive by here all the time. This would have been the perfect place but it was PACKED with tons of people and loud. I'm not complaining, I was happy to see the bar hopping, it's just I'm looking for a place a little more subdued.


So I'll ask the general public, where is a good non-chain place near the south side that has:
  • decent TVs
  • noise levels low enough to hear the commentary
  • good beer
  • decent food
  • low meat-head quota
  • friendly service/welcoming atmosphere

7 comments:

  1. Try Joey B's on Hampton ave. near the hill. You can't turn your head more than 10 degrees without seeing another tv.

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  2. If you're in to soccer try Amsterdam on Morganford. Went there for the first time Friday night, good beer selection, nice patio and a good vibe.

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  3. Their website says "kitchen coming soon"

    http://www.amsterdamtavern.com/

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  4. Friendly's on Roger has Schlafly products including APA on draft and both the beer and the food is SUPER Cheap especially during Blues games

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  5. I'd recommend Amsterdam too - don't know if they show other sports besides soccer though. It's smoke-free, which is a nice plus.

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  6. thoughts from south grandMay 1, 2009 at 3:02 PM

    Bruno's on Hampton (great food, flat screens), Stella Blues on Morgan Ford, 3 Monkey's on Morgan Ford, the only county bar I go to: Webers Front Row on Big Bend in Webster, Colombo's on Manchester, and Trueman's on Sidney.

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