Best Old Fashioned in St. Louis: 6 Spots That Nail It

Looking for the best Old Fashioned in St. Louis? Skip the syrupy pours and over-stirred imposters. These are the six bars that actually get it right.

Whether you're after a classic with single barrel bourbon or something more adventurous, like a mezcal twist, these cocktail spots treat the Old Fashioned with the respect it deserves. No gimmicks. Just spirit-forward drinks, balanced the way they should be.

You’ll find serious bartenders behind every one of these picks, and the kind of places where the drink matches the setting. The Vandy and Off Elm lead the list, but a few others are quietly making some of the best cocktails in the city.

Highlights: Where to Find the Best Old Fashioneds in St. Louis

The Vandy

St. Louis’s gold standard for a classic Old Fashioned. Made with single-barrel bourbon, Demerara sugar, orange, and aromatic bitters, it’s a smooth, balanced pour in a space that feels like a modern speakeasy - comfortable, not contrived.

Off Elm

A standout for both its traditional Bourbon Blend Old Fashioned and its bold Oaxacan variation with Reposado tequila, mango spirit, and mezcal. The mezcal twist isn’t the main event, but it proves this bar’s range and respect for craft.

The Deep Bench

Bars like Planter’s House, Platypus, Trust, and The Whiskey Ring round out the city’s top offerings. Each one puts its own spin on the Old Fashioned while keeping the essentials intact: quality spirits, proper balance, and technique that doesn’t try too hard.

Navigating the St. Louis Old Fashioned Landscape

St. Louis’s cocktail scene isn’t about being flashy; it’s about being *good*. The Old Fashioned, that venerable patriarch of cocktails, has seen it all here, from historic dives to swanky speakeasies. What makes an Old Fashioned truly sing in our town? It's the balance, the quality of the spirit, and that subtle nod to tradition without being afraid to innovate.

The city’s bartenders treat this drink like a canvas, whether they’re pouring a perfect classic or a daring new take. Locals know that getting an Old Fashioned right is the ultimate test of a bar’s chops. Get it wrong, and you might as well be serving water. Get it right, and you’ve got a fan for life.

The Art of the Old Fashioned: A St. Louis Perspective

An Old Fashioned is deceptively simple: spirit, sugar, bitters, water, and a twist of citrus. But in St. Louis, this simplicity becomes a stage for nuance. You’ll find bars focusing on single-barrel bourbons, rich Demerara sugars, and house-made bitters that elevate the experience.

Some spots even introduce unexpected elements, like mezcal or mango spirit, bringing a touch of St. Louis's diverse and welcoming spirit to the glass. It’s not just a drink; it’s a moment. And in our city, we appreciate those moments.

Six Exceptional Old Fashioned Experiences in St. Louis

1. The Vandy: The Gold Standard

Let's kick things off with your top pick, and for good reason. The Vandy, nestled in The Grove, is where sophistication meets comfort. Their Old Fashioned isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience.

Think plush seating, dim lighting, and a vibe that whispers "speakeasy cool" without being pretentious. It’s the kind of place where conversations flow as smoothly as their cocktails.

• Recipe: Vandy Staff Pick Single Barrel Bourbon, Demerara, Orange, Aromatic Bitters.
• Why it’s a Top Pick: It's all about balance here. The single barrel bourbon provides depth, the Demerara sugar adds a rich sweetness, and the orange and bitters tie it all together beautifully. It’s innovative enough to keep things interesting but classic enough to make you feel right at home.
• Bourbon Cred: Although The Vandy leads with cocktails, its back bar tells another story. Bottles line the shelves from floor to ceiling, including private‑select single barrels and hard‑to‑find allocations. Staff talk mash bills and barrel proofs with ease, turning this into one of the strongest bourbon bars in St. Louis.

2. Off Elm: Classic Meets Creative

Off Elm slides in as your second pick, and it's a stellar choice. This spot balances traditional cocktail craftsmanship with a playful creativity. It’s the perfect place to get a solid, no-nonsense Old Fashioned, or to tempt your adventurous friends with something truly unique.

• Classic Recipe: Bourbon Blend, Sugar, Bitters.
• The Oaxacan Twist: Reposado Tequila, Mango Spirit, Mezcal, Sugar, Bitters. This is where Off Elm truly shines, offering a smoky, fruity, and utterly intriguing alternative that’s a testament to St. Louis’s open-minded approach to mixology.
• Why it’s a Standout: Their classic is sturdy and well-executed, proving that sometimes, simple is best. But the Oaxacan Old Fashioned? That’s a game-changer, demonstrating that thoughtful innovation can elevate a classic without losing its soul.

3. Platypus: The Seasonal Artisan

Platypus is a Central West End gem that consistently ranks high on "best of" lists, and their Old Fashioned is a testament to their dedication to quality. Owned by renowned St. Louis mixologists, they focus on perfecting a select few cocktails, meaning their Old Fashioneds receive meticulous attention.

• Recipe: Their Old Fashioned menu evolves seasonally, but always features premium bourbons, alongside house-made bitters and syrups. Expect fresh, seasonal twists.
• Vibe: Comfortable, casual, yet sophisticated. It's the kind of place you'd take a date or catch up with friends, feeling right at home while sipping something truly exceptional.

Platypus, known for its focused and seasonally inspired cocktail menu.

4. Trust: Historic Charm, Modern Craft

Trust, located downtown, is a historic treasure that's celebrated for its craft cocktails. While specific Old Fashioned recipes aren't widely published, their reputation for precise, artful drinks suggests a well-balanced, high-quality rendition of the classic.

• Approach: They embrace tradition while elevating every ingredient, often featuring custom bitters and local spirits.
• Ambiance: Refined yet approachable, with an old-school charm that makes it ideal for a sophisticated night out or a relaxed evening with friends.

The elegant setting of Trust, a downtown St. Louis favorite for craft cocktails.

5. The Whiskey Ring: Bourbon-Focused Brilliance

Over in Soulard, The Whiskey Ring is a local favorite, especially for bourbon aficionados. Their Old Fashioned is straightforward, but it packs a punch, letting the quality of the whiskey truly shine.

• Style: Expect a solid, no-nonsense Old Fashioned, likely featuring a quality bourbon blend with standard sugar and bitters, focusing on the spirit's character.
• Vibe: It’s got that cozy, neighborhood pub meets craft bar feel. Perfect for a casual night out where you want a reliable, well-made drink without any fuss.

6. Planter’s House: The Cocktail Renaissance Pioneer

No list of St. Louis cocktails is complete without Planter’s House. Opened by Ted Kilgore, a pioneer of the city’s modern cocktail scene, it’s often considered a temple to mixology. Their Old Fashioned is a masterclass in balance and history.

• Recipe: A classic interpretation using premium single malts or bourbons, enhanced with house-made Demerara syrup and aromatic bitters.
• Historical Nod: They pay homage to cocktail heritage, including the contributions of pioneering African-American bartender Tom Bullock.
• Ambiance: Classic, relaxed, and always buzzing, making you want to settle in and savor every sip.

Deconstructing the Old Fashioned: A Radar Analysis

To really break down what makes these Old Fashioneds special, let's use a radar chart. This visualizes the key characteristics of a well-made Old Fashioned across different establishments.

We're looking at things like the quality of the spirit, the balance of sweetness, the complexity of bitters, the freshness of citrus, and the overall ambiance. Each bar excels in different areas, creating a unique Old Fashioned experience.

This radar chart illustrates the unique strengths of each bar's Old Fashioned. The Vandy and Planter's House, for instance, excel in spirit quality and bitters complexity, indicating a deep commitment to the classic rendition, while Off Elm leans into innovation, particularly with its Oaxacan option.

Platypus strikes a balance between tradition and a fresh, seasonal approach. Trust highlights its robust spirit quality and ambiance, making it a reliable choice for a refined experience. The Whiskey Ring focuses on spirit quality and a straightforward approach.

These scores are based on the collective consensus from various local reviews and expert opinions, offering a comparative overview of what makes each spot stand out.

A Quick Comparison of Top Old Fashioned Spots

To help you decide where to head first, here’s a handy table summarizing the key details of these fantastic Old Fashioned destinations. Prices typically range from $10-$15, but always good to check for the latest scoop!

Featured Video: The Unique World of St. Louis Spirits

To truly appreciate the foundation of a great Old Fashioned, it’s worth understanding the spirit landscape in St. Louis. This video takes you inside a unique local liquor store, highlighting how relationships in the industry grant access to exclusive barrels, the very kind that often end up in the finest Old Fashioneds at bars across the city.

It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication to quality spirits that underpins St. Louis's thriving cocktail scene, giving you an insider's view of the raw materials that make these drinks exceptional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes an Old Fashioned in St. Louis unique?

St. Louis Old Fashioneds often blend classic recipes with thoughtful innovation, incorporating quality local spirits, house-made bitters, and sometimes surprising twists like mezcal or seasonal ingredients. The city's unpretentious yet sophisticated vibe is often reflected in the drink itself.

What is the typical price range for an Old Fashioned in St. Louis?

Based on current trends and local reviews, you can generally expect to pay between $11 and $17 for an Old Fashioned at the recommended bars in St. Louis. Prices can vary based on the specific spirits used and the establishment.

Do St. Louis bars offer variations on the classic Old Fashioned?

Absolutely! While classic renditions are abundant, many St. Louis bars, like Off Elm with its Oaxacan Old Fashioned or Platypus with its seasonal offerings, enjoy putting unique spins on the drink by experimenting with different spirits, sweeteners, and bitters.

Are these bars suitable for a casual visit or a special occasion?

The bars on this list offer a range of atmospheres. Some, like The Vandy and Trust, lean towards a more refined, speakeasy or historic feel perfect for special occasions, while others, like Off Elm and The Whiskey Ring, offer a more laid-back, neighborhood vibe suitable for casual meetups.

Is it common for St. Louis bars to use local ingredients in their Old Fashioneds?

Yes, many St. Louis bars pride themselves on supporting local producers. This often translates to using locally sourced spirits, fresh citrus, or even house-made syrups and bitters, adding a distinct local flair to their Old Fashioneds.

Conclusion

There you have it, your ultimate guide to navigating the exceptional Old Fashioned scene in St. Louis. From The Vandy's refined single barrel pour to Off Elm's adventurous Oaxacan twist, and the meticulous craftsmanship of Planter's House, Platypus, Trust, and The Whiskey Ring, our city proves that the Old Fashioned is more than just a drink; it's a testament to St. Louis's enduring spirit of quality, creativity, and good times.

So, go forth, explore, and raise a glass to the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. You deserve it.