This month we’re recommending a range of experiences, from a cozy comeback steeped in family tradition on South Grand to a prix-fixe tasting menu from a local chef who’s just debuted his first brick-and-mortar in Maplewood. There’s also one spot that’s a little different from our normal recommendations: a high-tech, high-energy golf hangout in Clayton that’s all about games and good vibes with a food and drink component as an added bonus. Scroll through the slideshow below to see our picks for July.

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Buddy’s Premium Pub is a new family-owned bar quickly earning a reputation as Overland’s favorite neighborhood hangout. Located at 9728 Lackland Road, Buddy’s isn’t just a place to grab a drink – it’s a welcoming space where everyone feels like a friend. After all, everyone can be a Buddy here.

Buddy’s delivers not only affordable drinks, good energy and even better company—it offers a full experience. With a packed schedule of weekly events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Feel the nostalgia as Buddy’s House DJ spins smooth R&B hits from the ’90s on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Whether you’re dancing, grooving at the bar, or enjoying a plate of wings, fries, or crispy fried green beans, Thursdays are all about throwback vibes. 

Fridays are all about flavor and fun, starting with the Fish Fry at 2 p.m. The rotating menu features comforting Southern classics like fried catfish, honey-glazed cornbread, collard greens, sweet potatoes, creamy mac and cheese, and old-school spaghetti. Happy Hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m., and at 8 p.m., the mic is yours for karaoke, followed by a live DJ set at 11 p.m. Smokin’ Saturdays bring a flavorful mix of smoked ribs and live music, featuring a rotating listing of talented St. Louis artists.

Soul Food Sundays at Buddy’s are a perfect time to grab a bite to eat and try their summer cocktails, all just $5 every Sunday. The signature cocktails lineup features the Blueberry Basil Lemon Drop, a refreshing twist on a classic, with muddled blueberries and fresh basil; the Watermelon Lime Margarita, lightly sweetened with agave and finished with a with tajín rom, the bold Strawberry Long Island, and the smooth, crowd-favorite White Peach Sidecar, elegantly garnished with rosemary and fresh peach slices. 

Whether you’re shooting darts, playing pool, enjoying live music, or just kicking back with friends or family, Buddy’s is your home away from home. 

Buddy’s Premium Pub is open Monday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Scroll through the slideshow below for a first look at the new concept.

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Stacked STL is doubling down on its smash-hit burgers with a brand-new outpost at 400 N. Euclid Ave. in the Central West End later this summer. Known for its inventive flavors and uncompromising approach to quality, the local favorite is entering a new era with its latest expansion.

Stacked’s latest move is more than a business decision – it’s the culmination of years of growth and groundwork. “We’ve always talked about a second location, but it had to be the right fit,” said co-owner of Stacked STL, Sam Siebenman. “With our families growing, it was just a matter of time before we had to make a move.”

The right space finally revealed itself after an unexpected twist. The group had been eyeing a nearby spot when, on a lunch break across the street at Pi Pizzeria, they ended up stumbling onto what would soon become their future home. “We fell in love with the layout and started shooting out ideas,” Siebenman shared. A few weeks later, Pi Pizzeria had officially closed and the team jumped at the opportunity.

Now, as they prepare for an August debut (possibly mid-month), final touches are underway, from designing the space to dialing in a menu and schedule, they’re focused on creating a space and experience that feels right at home in the CWE. While the original Carondelet location closes at 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 p.m. on weekends, the CWE spot plans to keep the lights on a little longer: 10 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends.

That shift is less about strategy and more about intention: showing up as a neighbor, not just a new business. “Everyone seems so welcoming,” Siebenman said. 

Guests can expect the same menu favorites from the original location, with one twist: the Burger of the Month will be unique to the CWE. They also pride themselves on accommodating dietary needs and sourcing as much as possible from local vendors, from Cope Grass Farms’ grass-fed beef to locally brewed beer and regional spirits. “We plan on giving customers the best burger experience … we want to make sure when you leave, you can’t wait to come back.”

Inside, the space has undergone a complete transformation from its former pizzeria days. Designed to be both sleek and social, the new space includes murals by St. Louis artists, a mix of indoor and outdoor seating and a semi-open kitchen that brings some of the action front and center.

As for what sets Stacked apart? For Siebenman it’s simple. “If you want to be the best at something, you have to make it the star and go 100%. And in this case, that something is one damn good burger.”

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We try new restaurants and bars that open in the area so we can make meaningful recommendations on where you should go. Here’s where made the cut in May.

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Old Bakery Beer Co. will once again unite the community for its annual Riverbend Earth Day celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, in downtown Alton. Held at 300 Landmarks Blvd., the free, family-friendly event will feature live music, environmental education, local artisans, and sustainable goods, along with plenty of craft beer.

Now in its 14th year, Riverbend Earth Day has grown into a regional tradition, drawing crowds interested in sustainability, environmental awareness, and community connection. “This event is a highlight of the year for us and our community,” said Lauren Pattan, co-owner of Old Bakery Beer Co., in a release. “We are proud to bring together people who share our passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship.”

More than 30 local organizations will be on-site offering hands-on activities and information on conservation and eco-conscious living. Featured participants include the McCully Heritage Project, National Great Rivers Research & Education Center, Sierra Club, The Nature Institute, US Army Corps of Engineers – Rivers Project and Treehouse Wildlife Center.

Vendors and artisans focused on sustainability will offer upcycled crafts, native plants and handmade goods. This year’s vendor lineup includes Alton Yard Farms, Dow on the Farm Apiary, Green Thumb Nursery, Scrappy Little Patches, Wild Roots, ReBloom STL and Tree In A Box Artworks.

The festival will also feature performances by local musicians Beth Bombara and Universal Groove Society, along with food, drinks, and a special beer release. Kernza Maibock, a brew made with the environmentally friendly perennial grain Kernza®, will make its debut at the event. Known for improving soil health and reducing herbicide use, Kernza aligns with the brewery’s commitment to sustainable brewing.

Attendees can also pick up limited-edition Riverbend Earth Day merchandise, including shirts and event-themed glassware.

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As part of our Sauce 75 list, we put together a guide of the essential St. Louis restaurants right now. While it was harder to narrow down the full list to 75 than you would think, three incredible Indian restaurants made the list. Scroll through the slideshow below to learn more about them.

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Llywelyn’s Pub is marking its 50th anniversary with a months-long celebration culminating in a grand Jubilee Bash on May 3. The festivities, supporting local charity Pedal the Cause, will feature weekly events, live music, and the release of a special commemorative beer brewed in collaboration with Schlafly.

Llywelyn’s began as a modest establishment with a Welsh identity, founded by Jack Brangle and Jon Dressel in 1975 at 4747 McPherson Ave. in the Central West End. At the time, the neighborhood was not the thriving district it is today, but Llywelyn’s played a role in shaping its transformation. By the late 1980s, Llywelyn’s expanded, acquiring the adjacent property and adding a dining room while maintaining its original charm. The McPherson Avenue location remained a popular gathering spot for over 40 years before closing in 2018, leaving behind a legacy that lives on through the pub’s other locations across the St. Louis area and Kansas City. In 1997, Webster Groves High School alumni Chris Marshall, Brett Bennett and Scott Kemper took ownership, transforming Llywelyn’s into a full-fledged celebration of all things Celtic while preserving the welcoming spirit that defined its early days.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to our guests’ loyalty and our team’s dedication,” said Marshall. “We’ve been proud to serve as a gathering place for so many over the past five decades, and we’re looking forward to continuing this tradition in the years ahead.”

Each remaining (the Soulard location closed in 2023) Llywelyn’s location offers a distinct experience while staying true to its historic roots. The Webster Groves pub features soaring ceilings and fireside seating, while the St. Charles location provides picturesque views of the Missouri River from its patio.

The 50th anniversary celebration includes live music, exclusive menu items, giveaways, and a showcase of Llywelyn’s history through photos and stories from the past five decades. April will serve as the highlight of the celebration with a Golden Anniversary Mont” packed with special promotions and events.

Beyond the festivities, Llywelyn’s remains committed to giving back to the community. The pub has supported numerous local charities, schools and events over the years, including the Webster Groves Chilifest. In honor of its anniversary, Llywelyn’s has pledged to raise $50,000 for Pedal the Cause, an organization that funds breakthrough cancer research at the Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The fundraising efforts will run from April through June, with a series of events and promotions contributing to the cause.

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From 1926 to 1985, travelers could drive Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles, making stops without wondering when the next exit would appear. Restaurants flourished as cars pulled right off the road to grab a meal. When the scenic highway was decommissioned in favor of interstates, this access changed. Some businesses have stood the test of time, though, and these St. Louis restaurants along Route 66 are keeping history alive.

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Nothing soaks up good beer like good bread — and there’s no bread better than the house focaccia at The Kings Oak by Modern Brewery. Inches thick, the crispy, slightly oily crust yields to a delightfully spongey core. It’s so soft, you want to take a nap on it (especially after a couple pints of Choice Nugs Hazy Double IPA). This focaccia forms the basis of the Porchetta Pastrami Sammie. You can get the sandwich with a few choice meats, including birria-braised beef, an Italian combo of prosciutto and stracciatella, and a turkey club, but we recommend the pastrami, with house-brined pork belly, Swiss, and mustard. You’ll love it down to the last crumb.

5200 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, 314.788.0900, modernbrewery.com

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A solid pool game starts with a good table to play on and a friendly bar amply stocked with your beverage of choice. These bars offer everything the pool enthusiast needs for an enjoyable night out.

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