Stuck in a rut with constantly changing Spotify algorithms? Looking for a way to expand your music tastes but don’t know where to start? Or do you want to find an underground band just to say, “I knew them before they made it big?”
Whatever your reason, these St. Louis gems are sure to point you in the right direction.
When you open the doors to Venice Café, you are immediately immersed in art covering every single inch of the self-proclaimed “snarkiest bar” in St. Louis. This mosaic-covered fever dream is a cash-only bar featuring musicians almost every night of the week. Every Monday, the bar features an open mic night to allow beginner and amateur musicians their moment in the limelight.
WHERE: Benton Park (1903 Pestalozzi Street)
HOURS: Monday – Saturday, 4 p.m. – 1 a.m. (Live music starts around 9 p.m.)
The Dark Room is quite literally just that. This low-lit room creates a cozy atmosphere for live music and art. Every Wednesday, the venue hosts a family-friendly jazz concert from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Along with weekly performances from local acts, the gallery at The Dark Room displays rotating photography exhibitions.
WHERE: Grand Center Arts District (3610 Grandel Square)
HOURS: Varies by show
More details from The Dark Room regarding its 2024-2025 season and what to expect:
- Lou Vibes (1st Friday) – Enjoy fresh sounds from emerging and established artists across all genres.
- WerQ It Fridays (2nd Friday) – In partnership with WerQFest, we celebrate inclusivity through music and performance.
- Global Music Night (3rd Friday) – Join us with the International Institute, Festival of Nations, and other partners as we explore global sounds and cultural diversity.
- KAF Presents: Soul of the City (1st Saturday) This night is dedicated to showcasing core local artists and rising stars who are making waves in our music scene.
- MATI Throwbacks (2nd Saturday) – Honor original local acts and the major artists who’ve played @Musicattheintersection shaping our music scene and connect past present and future.
- Saturday Night Spotlight (4th Saturday) Highlighting local heavyweights with their incredible talent and unique sounds, creating an unforgettable night of music that celebrates the artists who shape our city’s vibrant scene.
Shows are 21+, have a $5 -$10 cover at the door unless listed
The Focal Point began in the backroom of a St. Louis music shop, where a nun operated a folk music club, producing lively concerts and organizing a rag-tag group of performers. Now, the venue continues to serve as a home for folk performers in the city that hosts international talents and now produces roughly 100 concerts a year.
WHERE: Maplewood (2720 Sutton Blvd)
HOURS: Varies by show
Don’t let the name fool you — Broadway Oyster Bar is the place to catch live music, boasting shows 7-nights a week. After 45 years in business, this spot has earned its label as “the premier New Orleans-style restaurant, bar, and music venue in the Midwest.” If you are looking for good food and even better music, this is a must-visit. But don’t stay too late—the workers say it’s haunted.
WHERE: Downtown St. Louis (736 S Broadway)
HOURS: Monday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Cast in a glowing blue light, this music showroom and cozy lounge showcases local and national acts from varying genres. Every seat in the house has a 5-star view of the stage and the menu offers a variety of small plates and specialty drinks.
WHERE: Central West End (364 N Boyle Ave)
HOURS: Wednesday – Sunday, 6 p.m. – 1 a.m. (Closes at 12:30 AM on Sundays)
Located in The Grove, a historically LGBTQ+ neighborhood, this is your favorite neighborhood bar’s favorite neighborhood bar. Featuring low-cost cover charges for the intimate concerts and handcrafted cocktails from award-winning mixologists, it’s the kind of spot where you come for one drink and end up staying until close.
WHERE: The Grove (4501 Manchester Ave)
HOURS: Monday – Sunday, 4 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Photo courtesy of Off Broadway
Hosted in an old brick garage, Off Broadway has been a staple within the St. Louis music scene since the mid-1980s. The small brick building features a stage in a large concert room, a small bar, and an outdoor patio creates an intimate vibe, making you feel like you’re part of the show.
WHERE: South City (3509 Lemp Ave)
HOURS: Varies by show
The Honky Tonk brings a little bit of Nashville to Downtown St. Louis, featuring live country music five days a week from local and national performers. Every Thursday the bar hosts four hours of “lively, interactive acoustic country music.” Curious about what interactive country looks like? Grab your boots and head to the Honky Tonk.
WHERE: Downtown St. Louis (756 S 4th Street)
HOURS: Wednesday – Thursday, 5 p.m. – 12 a.m., Friday – Saturday, 5 p.m. – 1 a.m., Sunday, 3 p.m. –10 p.m.
This cash-only venue in South City lives and breathes punk, rock and metal. Featuring cheap drinks and a small stage, this space recreates the feeling of a basement or garage house show.
WHERE: South City (7423 S Broadway)
HOURS: Varies by show
Photo courtesy of The Golden Record
WHERE: Cherokee Street (2720 Cherokee Street)
HOURS: Varies by show
This second-floor bar and music venue features live music both indoors and out on the patio. Whether you grab a standing-room ticket or reserve a table, you’re in for great tunes and a delicious seasonal cocktails.
WHERE: South City (4247 S Kingshighway Blvd 2nd floor)
HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday, 6 p.m. – 1:30 a.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
A mix of music venue, art hub, museum, and bar, this quirky space is a neighborhood favorite. Tucked away in a quiet corner, you can’t miss it when you’re within a block, thanks to the towering statue garden that surrounds the building. Guests are invited to bring their own food and drinks to shows.
WHERE: Skinker/DeBaliviere (6014 Kingsbury Avenue)
HOURS: Thursday 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Heavy Anchor is founded and run by two music-loving locals who aim to spotlight St. Louis bands. The venue offers a welcoming, specially crafted environment for the grown-ups still living their punk/emo/indie wildest dreams.
WHERE: South City (5226 Gravois Ave)
HOURS: Monday – Saturday, 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Continuing the legacy of St. Louis’ beloved venue of 12 years–– Fubar––Red Flag provides a bigger, yet intimate space for hardcore, heavy metal, and hip-hop performances. Also, of the utmost importance to St. Louis gadflies and Google reviewers, the bathrooms are clean.
WHERE: Midtown (3040 Locust Street)
HOURS: Hours vary by show
Though this spot is technically a chain, you wouldn’t notice once you walk through the doors. Located in The City Foundry, this music venue and winery combo offers the perfect pairing of diverse entertainment and libations and is steps away from some of the best food in town.
WHERE: Midtown (3730 Foundry Way Suite 158)
HOURS: Wednesday – Thursday, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Friday & Saturday – 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
A beloved fixture on the Delmar Loop, Blueberry Hill offers an unmissable experience featuring retro decor and an underground concert venue referred to as the Duck Room. The venue’s biggest point of pride? The Father of Rock and Roll, Chuck Berry, played the Duck Room more than 200 times.
WHERE: The Delmar Loop (6504 Delmar)
HOURS: Open 7 days a week; Bar: 11 a.m. – 1:30 a.m. Table Service: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Late Night Food from Bar: 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
21+ after 9 p.m. except for specified “all-ages” shows
A local favorite for the queer community, this blend of a dive bar and a cocktail lounge offers a little bit of everything, from local bands to dance parties and karaoke.
WHERE: Downtown (1114 Olive Street)
HOURS: 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Friday & Saturday, CLOSED Sunday & Monday, 8 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. Tuesday – Thursday.
