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    Venice Cafe

    4.4 (226 reviews)
    InexpensivePubs, Music Venues
    Open 4:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

    Venice Cafe Photos

    VENICE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Venice Cafe

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    Fontaine C.

    Venice Cafe should be the top place to visit in St Louis. It is a City Museum on steroid. Drinks, both alcoholic or NA, can be purchased at the bar. No food service is available but you can bring food from outside. Ambience is top-notch. It is a must-visit.

    fountain area
    Amy S.

    A lovely and maximalist space! I came here one evening for drinks with friends and it was so cool! I had ordered a standard cocktail of 'Sex on the Beach' and it was $4! Tasty and inexpensive! The decor is so fun to look at, everytime you look around, there is always something new to look at! It was quite busy when I came on a Friday night around 10 pm! But bartenders were friendly and responsive, even with the amount of people. I can't speak on parking as I didn't drive, but only street parking was available. Would love to go again!

    Marley R.

    Stop ittt this bar is amazing! It is jam packed with sooo much to look at. Every inch covered in mosaics or some funky art. This is such a fun spot to grab a drink and meet up with friends. We got lucky enough to arrive when the band was setting up - tons of seating outside since inside main floor can get a bit packed. It's a must try bar!

    Nichole M.

    Large parking lot across the street for this establishment and it's clearly marked. Get there by 4:00pn to get parking and a good seat. CASH ONLY NO FOOD. This is an eclectic establishment were drinking, enjoying each other's company, look at unique items and listen to music. It's definitely a sensory overload because every piece and every part of everything has something on it. This is multiple stories and floors so make sure you wear good footwear. Going down to the bathroom had very narrow stairs but it did have a handrail I could hold on to. There's two bathrooms. Very small but clean. The bartender was personable but busy so he was hustling. I enjoyed the outside seating on this day. Still plenty to look at outside as there is inside. Interesting stop definitely need to have an open mind and a good sense of humor to hang..

    Patio
    Rishi J.

    **Review:** My wife and I headed to The Venice Cafe for nightcap drinks on our date night. The decor was quirky and interesting, though a bit over the top. Live music added to the lively atmosphere. Since the weather was nice, we opted for the patio, which was a fantastic choice--it was lovely out there. You have to self serve and order the drinks at the bar with cash only. A couple of things to note: the whole place is cash only, but they do have an ATM for convenience. Also, since it was the weekend, there was a $5 entry fee per person. Despite these quirks, we had a great time and enjoyed the unique vibe.

    Jennifer M.

    Great place to hear some Music and grab a drink!!! Can't wait to go back and enjoy the patio when it opens!

    Kelse S.

    What a GEM! I've heard of this magical place called Venice Cafe, and it definitely lived up to the hype. My friend and I ventured here after eating dinner at Frazier's, which is a hop skip and a jump down the road. This has been one of those spots that has been on my "I must go here list" but was never executed. When we drove by on our way to Frazier's, I knew that it was time. There was live music here on the night that we went, so there may be a cover charge if there is a band. It was $5, so nothing wildly crazy. You walk in and it's like you step into a dram world. The decor is an array of items, spanning from all things shiny, plastic skeletons, sculptures, and mosaic pieces that give it an artsy vibe. Music was solid, definitely unique and it fit the spot. I got a glass of wine and my friend got an old fashioned. We made our way out to the patio and I am so sad it isn't patio season because I can imagine this place is amazing when it is. There are nooks and crannies that make it feel intimate but is still pretty large. It truly is one of a kind!

    Unique atmosphere inside this venue
    Lesley P.

    Great place to meet up for a drink and listen to live music. We had a chance to see the opening band S3SOA perform since my friend knew Seth Jacquay. I hope this band gets more invites to perform back at this venue later this year. Drinks are reasonably priced and reminder to make sure you have cash. Only thing that would make this place a true five stars and regular option when visiting the city is if the outdoor area was dog friendly. I know my 18lb 12 year old Shihtzu Teddy would enjoy people watching at this place. I would have no issue keeping him in my sling carrier across my shoulder the whole time in the patio if it allowed well behaved leashed dogs. Bar tender was efficient and good customer service.

    Blurry pics
    Karen N.

    So hard to describe the atmosphere in this place, but it a so unique and one of a kind. It is a late night destination . We walked in and was overwhelmed seeing stuff everywhere, Every nook and crany is filled with a knick knack , funky art, or pictures, and you cannot possibly see everything. There was live music playing which was good. We were fortunate to find an area near the bathroom (which is a must see) with cozy couches . Drink selection was very good and decent prices. This is a must visit.

    Breanna K.

    i have no words for this bar. it's so eclectic and awesome and just such a vibe. i wish they had more specialized cocktails rather than just the basic stuff but the cool decor makes up for it. a must in stl

    Outdoor patio
    Stephanie S.

    Holy cow, if you're looking for eclectic, you found it. In fact, the environment can be a little over stimulating, if you are prone to that. There are Knick knacks EVERYWHERE. But that's a big part of the charm! I've been here a few times and have never been disappointed. I'm a fan of cheap and strong (not just in men), and I found it here. Great prices, good strength drinks. Nothing worse than getting a beverage and wondering, "uh, is there alcohol in here?" I dislike stingy bars. The patio has recently fully reopened and it's pretty darn cool. So much stuff to look at. You could come here 47 times and still not see it all. They do have live music on the weekends. Word of warning- this is a cash only place, and they do not serve food.

    Patio (not open when we went)
    Merry W.

    I love love love this place! It's my favorite patio in St. Louis. I know it says cafe but there is no food....you can eat next door at Fraser's. Venice is all about the vibe and eclectic decor. They have great bands, great bartenders, and more art to look at than an art museum. Patio opens may 1st. Don't smoke and leave your kids and dogs at home.

    Lucy N.

    Ok ya I'm obsessed with this place. Patio vibes A+. We stopped in based on a recommendation, and were so happy we did. It was quiet on a Wednesday afternoon, but honestly such a relaxing vibe on their patio. Friendly locals, comfortable seating, lots to look at. The boat bar was super unique and everywhere you look, there's more and more to look at. It's honestly just amazing how much work must have gone into this place. It's hard to explain it without photos, so just take a look! I ordered the Bloody Mary (and later a wine) and my friend got a rum punch. All drinks were great and we felt welcome to stay as long as we wanted. Would for sure recommend this place to anyone in town looking for something out of their comfort zone to check out!

    Live music and shit

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    14 days ago

    Venice cafe had a beautiful interior, a kind bartender and cool events. Would recommend!

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    6 months ago

    Cool place to go see good music for cheap. An institution, at this point. Bring cash!

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    9 months ago

    This is a fun place to grab a drink with friends ! Love the back patio's creative decorations.

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    2 years ago

    Bring people from out of town but don't expect a seat as it gets busy during peak hours.

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    1 year ago

    Love the music and the art! Service for alcohol was great! Always have a fun experience here!

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    Ask the Community - Venice Cafe

    Gonna be traveling through in a month or so and was wondering if theres any current open mics being held there or if you could point me in the right direction? Traveling musician looking to play on the road

    I believe they have open mics on Monday

    Do you have coffee?

    Nope. Crazy, right?

    Can my 15 year old come in to see the art and have a soda or water with me?

    Nope. We’re a BAR. 21 and up by law.

    Do the have a door charge?

    Usually, yeah. If you get there before the bands start playing you won't have to pay. But, you should anyway bc, like I said, it's for the talent. :)

    Is there a food menu?

    No food available onsite

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - Venice Cafe

    It's like the City Museum and a tiki bar crashed into one another in Benton Park to create the über awesome Venice Cafe.

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

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    Fox & Hounds Tavern - So cozy!

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    4.2(118 reviews)
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    The coziest spot! This place is so perfect when you're wanting to go somewhere quaint and…read morecomfortable to enjoy an intimate setting. The fireplace totally makes the overall experience and makes you feel like you're in an elevated pub. There's lots of taxidermy on the walls and classic looking paintings, you feel like you're not in stl anymore. Our visit was for drinks only, and my dirty martini was great. We sat on the leather couches and chatted with another couple and it was a great spot for a double date night. Check it out!

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    Stopped by O.B. Clark's for a casual dinner and drinks with the family. It's definitely your…read moretypical neighborhood sports bar--nothing fancy, but comfortable and easy. The atmosphere was fine--lively but not overwhelming, and it worked well for a laid-back night out. Our server was friendly and attentive, which honestly stood out as one of the better parts of the experience. Food-wise, it was just okay. We tried a mix of things--tater tots, wings (both sauced and dry), pizza, and chicken tenders. Everything was decent, but nothing really stood out. The wings had good flavor but weren't anything special, and the pizza was pretty standard bar-style. Portions were solid, though, and it's definitely the kind of place where you can find something everyone will eat. Overall, it's a good spot if you're looking for a casual, no-pressure place to hang out, watch a game, and grab some familiar bar food--but I wouldn't go out of my way for the food itself.

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    OB Clark's
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    Llywelyn's Pub

    Llywelyn's Pub

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    Went the Saturday of st Patrick's day parade downtown for dinner. Was just the right mood for us,…read morenot too crazy but enough going on for it to be fun. They had a special st pats menu which was nice. I had the corned beef and cabbage dinner and my companion had the shepherds pie. Both were excellent. I had enough of the corned beef left for a wonderful Irish breakfast the next day with eggs. It was just as good the next day. Our server was competent and pleasant, and the atmosphere was cheery and fun. I usually enjoy Llewelyn when I come in. Nice place with lots of room if you come with a larger group. Sorry to neglect pics. My mind was elsewhere! Thanks to the establishment for the fun holiday!

    I've been coming here forever. From family dinners, post work drinks, special events in the event…read moreroom, and casual lunches, it's a good spot in a good area. They have a large amount of drinks to choose from, and their pub food has a little bit of a twist to it. I'm a huge fan of their pretzel sticks and Caesar salads (girl dinner) but wanted some protein this visit. I got the sliders and they were tasty. They were out of a few things, and I think they were out of buns so they used what looked equivalent to hot dog buns. Tbh bread is bread, it was fine, just different. The burgers themselves were cooked well and the fries were delish. I'll always corn back.

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    Llywelyn's Pub - Corn beef. Cabbage and potatoes w/carrots. Little rye bread, too

    Corn beef. Cabbage and potatoes w/carrots. Little rye bread, too

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    Sign out front

    The Crow's Nest - Breakfast burger aka sandpaper.

    The Crow's Nest

    3.9(380 reviews)
    5.5 mi
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    What a great place! Popped in and found seating right away. The had a lot of great food and drink…read moreoptions, including vegetarian and vegan. We got cheese curds for the table and I got the hot honey mac and cheese. The food was delicious. They had a retro movie playing and lots of cute decor. It was super fun to sit there and enjoy the ambiance. The service was also quick and good. Will be coming back.

    Crows Nest in Maplewood -- the alleged sister to Eat Crow in Soulard -- feels less like a sibling…read moreand more like a distant cousin who borrowed the family recipes and forgot the seasoning. The only real warmth we encountered came from the female host; the rest of the staff delivered service that hovered somewhere between disinterested and "we're doing you a favor by being here." We kicked things off with the fried deviled eggs, which arrived neither fried nor particularly deviled -- just cold little reminders that hope is fleeting. Cocktails landed squarely in "General Public" territory. My Squatty Potty showed up lukewarm, like it had been loitering at the bar contemplating its life choices instead of making it to the table piping hot. A chicken Caesar salad was perfectly fine... if you enjoy playing hide-and-seek with the chicken. The breakfast burger came on an English muffin with what might be the most emotionally unavailable portion of hash brown casserole I've ever seen -- tiny, distant, and gone too soon. Then there's the Scream Burger. Marketed as ghost-pepper spicy, priced like it's the main event, and delivered with all the heat of a polite Midwestern handshake. Dry, bland, and somehow bold enough to charge me an extra dollar for more mayo -- because nothing says "premium burger experience" like a condiment upcharge to make it edible. My husband's Pork Pountine? Imagine fries sprinkled with a few bacon bits like confetti at a party nobody wanted to attend. We came in excited because Eat Crow in Soulard sets the bar high. Unfortunately, Crows Nest feels like it's cooking for someone driving in from Chesterfield who asked the kitchen to "tone it down." If you're craving the real deal, do yourself a favor: go to Soulard. This nest still needs a lot more feathers. And to the influencers calling this place "amazing" -- do better. Honest, authentic reviews help restaurants grow and help diners know what they're walking into. Stop selling hype and start telling the truth.

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    The Crow's Nest - Heated patio

    Heated patio

    The Crow's Nest - Brunch Burger Beef patty(veggie option available), cheddar, bacon, fried egg, garlic pepper Mayo on muffin

    Brunch Burger Beef patty(veggie option available), cheddar, bacon, fried egg, garlic pepper Mayo on muffin

    The Crow's Nest

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    Side Project Brewing - Fried green tomato BLT with arugula, smoked paprika remoulade & French fries

    Side Project Brewing

    4.1(182 reviews)
    5.7 mi
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    Friday during Lent, I was excited to try the fish sandwich. It was busy! Lots of little groups…read moreand families. We spotted a couple of bar seats and squeezed our way in. Lively atmosphere, bartenders were welcoming and interactive. We ordered the Hot Cheese curds as an appetizer, and I got the Obscura as me beer of choice. Not going to lie, the cheese curds were as advertised! They were hot! Not so much that I couldn't handle but don't take them lightly, they are good. They came drizzled with a good ranch. The beer was great, especially with the hot cheese curds. Ordered the Friday Fish Sando with no cheese. Came out in a timely manner, large and crispy! It was messy in the best way. Crispy, beer battered cod, lettuce, and house made tarter. It was juicy on the inside with none of the batter mush you can sometimes get with fried fish, loved the house made tarter, all-around great sandwich. The fries were on point, too. Crispy but not greasy. Great space, friendly staff, good food!

    This is one of my favorite breweries in STL! I am a huge fan of sour beers and side project never…read moredisappoints with their draft sours. The bartenders were so friendly and helpful in choosing which beers to order. The kitchen is also phenomenal and I love coming here for their crispy chicken sandwich. We went on a Sunday afternoon and it was packed, so we parked across the street at side project pizza. Tables ranged from families with small children to friends watching march madness. There was a small wait for the food but it was worth it! We will be back soon

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    Side Project Brewing - Slow roasted pork shoulder sandwich with salsa verde & French fries

    Slow roasted pork shoulder sandwich with salsa verde & French fries

    Side Project Brewing - Side Project burger  with two 4oz patties, American cheese, caramelized onions,
apple cider aioli & French fries

    Side Project burger with two 4oz patties, American cheese, caramelized onions, apple cider aioli & French fries

    Side Project Brewing - Mixed greens salad with sun dried tomatoes, candied walnuts,
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    Mixed greens salad with sun dried tomatoes, candied walnuts, goat cheese & Pulling Nails vinaigrette

    The Block - Grilled Chicken

    The Block

    3.9(369 reviews)
    7.7 mi
    $$

    This was our annual Valentine dinner with friends. Usually around 12 to 18 of us and this time it…read morewas 16. Since we had a large group we called and were able to secure a reservation. We all arrived fairly close together, so we just started filling in seats as we arrived. The had us at the back of the restaurant at a banquet seat with tables and additional seats on the outside. It was a little tight, but we worked it out. The hostess was nice when welcoming us in and getting us going. Our server was Tera, she had our large group plus other tables, so she was doing her best to coordinate. We shared menu's, they had regular menus and special menus for Valentines Day. Tara was great with keeping track of the couples when ordering. I ordered the Butcher Board as an appetizer to share with others. Everyone really enjoyed it, especially the toasted bread. The salami, sausage and Braunschweiger. There was a buffalo chicken terrine that was different but good. Grain mustard aioli and house made pickles rounded out the board. I also ordered a cherry margarita as my first of two drinks. The second one was a Hugo Spritz. Both were ok, not great. I ordered the Tenderloin from the Valentine menu. It came with fingerling potatoes and green beans with a sauce. It was delicious! The beef so tender and flavorful. The meal was superb. To go packaging was great and came in a brown bag with handles that makes it easy to carry. We had a great time, great food and service.

    On Friday we went to The Block in Webster Groves the first time. We arrived around 7:00 pm and the…read morerestaurant was busy. There was a 20-30 minute wait so we found seats at the bar and ordered cocktails. Very good. Very strong. The Block is a great space. Tall ceilings, warm & inviting, perhaps a little low lighting for us challenged folks, but nice, easy to read menus made up for it. A busser brought us water and shortly behind him was Laura-Beth, (our server) with a big smile and menus. After explaining the menu, specials, and taking our drink orders she left us to think about our choices. The menu is a little limited but includes sandwiches as well as entrees including fish option.. Being a "butcher" restaurant we both opted for the ribeye, medium rare. The steak comes only with fries which I ordered while my date went for whipped potatoes. I also went for a side of spinach. We also split a Block Salad as a starter. Choosing to split the Block Salad was a good idea. It was more than enough for two. It was great version of a chopped salad with fresh greens, bacon, smoked ham, egg, house-smoked cheddar, tomatoes, red onion, dressed with just enough buttermilk dressing. Really enjoyed it and just the right amount of salad. Only criticism is not salt and pepper on the table. Probably by design but disappointing. Next came our steaks and sides. We both ordered medium-rare. Her steak was a little under but close enough. My steak was raw in the center. I should have said something but there wasn't so much it was inedible for me. Better under than over! The seasoned fries were good and the whipped potatoes very good were delicious. The fresh spinach was cooked perfect, but under seasoned. All in all, good sides. We finished with Irish Coffee and vanilla ice cream. Kudos to the staff A special thank you to our server Laura-Beth. You were spot on friendly, courteous, attentive, and made our evening great and not just good. Overall, a good place, A bit expensive but where isn't these days. Well worth a try if you haven't.

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    The Block - Whipped Feta Appetizer

    Whipped Feta Appetizer

    The Block - Character Board

    Character Board

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    Bacon Jam

    Venice Cafe - pubs - Updated May 2026

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