10 Best Nightclubs in St. Louis

HandleBar, situated in St. Louis’ buzzing downtown Grove neighborhood, puts a unique spin on the typical nightclub experience with its quirky bicycle-inspired concept. Patrons arriving on 2 wheels get a discount on food and drink, and the industrial-chic space incorporates vintage bikes and other cycling memorabilia into its Instagram-worthy interior and bustling outdoor patio.

A popular spot on the LGBTQ+ scene in St. Louis, HandleBar has a packed cultural calendar taking in everything from drag performances to line dancing and bingo, and caters to patrons’ culinary needs with delicious pizzas to accompany some famously strong cocktails and local beers on draught. Try their delicious filled puff pastries called the Handlepies.

Pop’s Nightclub & Concert venue is one of the best-loved spots for live music, DJs, and dancing in St. Louis. Party people have been flocking here since it opened in the 1980s. The landmark nightclub is a hop across the river from downtown St. Louis in Sauget and attracts a diverse, fun-loving crowd thanks to multiple dance floors, popular local DJs, and late opening hours. 

Pop’s gets the weekend started early with drinks promotions and packed dancefloors on Thursdays, and all-night Friday and Saturday parties with a crowd-pleasing mix of chart hits, EDM, hip hop, and nostalgic rock. Live stages host both national acts and local talent, making this one of the best places in STL to catch live shows. 

Honky Tonk brings a taste of Nashville to St. Louis. This intimate space hosts live country western acts 5 nights a week. Hugely popular thanks to its friendly staff and high-caliber performances from visiting and local musicians, Honky Tonk warmly welcomes country music lovers of all stripes.

The iconic bar occupies a corner building in downtown St. Louis, and free-flowing whiskey, beer, and hard seltzers keep patrons flocking to the dance floor for a honky-tonking good time on the always-packed dance floor. Lineups vary but expect to hear live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

Pepper Lounge, located in downtown St. Louis, attracts a dressy crowd for all-night dancing and sophisticated cocktail-sipping. Margaritas are among the stars of the drinks menu at this sleek, split-level venue, where VIP tables and bottle service add to the “see-and-be-seen” vibe.

Popular for date nights, bachelorette parties, and major birthday celebrations, Pepper Lounge is known for hosting top-tier DJs and occasional live performances, with music ranging from hip-hop and R&B to house and electronic dance. Themed nights include pre-game parties and Cinco de Mayo tequila-fests, so check the website for details of upcoming events.

Club Viva brings the energy of Latin and Jamaican nightlife to St. Louis' Bevo Mill neighborhood, offering a tasty musical menu of Afro-salsa, merengue, and reggaeton beats. Two left feet? Beginners can hone their skills at regular free salsa and bachata classes, ensuring everybody is ready to take to the dance floor for energetic fiestas that last until the early hours.

The playlist at Viva varies across the week, with fleet-footed locals and absolute beginners alike flocking to this high energy venue for regular events. Visit on a Friday and enjoy African-Reggae Fridays, when tasty plates of jerk chicken and rice accompany the dancehall beats and rum cocktails. 

PBR St. Louis, located in Ballpark Village, brings a hearty dose of cowboy-themed fun to St. Louis’ nightlife scene. Line dancing (join in or just watch the experts) brings flair to the dance floor, and shot-slinging bar staff keep the cowboy vibe alive at the multiple bars and patios.

But the centerpiece of PBR is its giant mechanical bull, challenging brave patrons to test their riding skills. Crowds gather to cheer on the riders, with the fast-moving bull proving a strong diversion from the VIP areas, country karaoke sessions, and soft-seating lounge. Give it a go and see if you can you beat the bull.

House of Soul, located in the historic Laclede's Landing district, caters to lovers of R&B, soul, and hip-hop. The intimate venue recalls old-school nightclubs, with low lighting, plush seating, and retro decor. House of Soul is renowned for its live performances by local and touring R&B artists, as well as its talented resident DJs who keep the dance floor packed with classic and contemporary hits.

Wednesday nights are the biggest night of the week for patrons with vocal flair to rival their R&B heroes. Arrive early to bag a table and order drinks in preparation for House of Soul’s famous weekly karaoke sessions.

Take a deep dive into St. Louis’ nightlife scene at Shark Bar, located at Ballpark in St. Louis' entertainment district. The vast, aquatic-themed party space offers summery cocktails like pina coladas, served in a beach-chic space that’s popular with big groups of friends celebrating landmark life events.

Retro tunes draw a mixed-age crowd of revelers to the dance floors of this modern, multi-floor venue. Spend a little extra and enjoy the VIP rooms and bottle service, just a couple of the exclusive perks for those with cash to splash on a night out in St. Louis.

The intriguingly named Crack Fox, located in downtown St. Louis, caters to a hip crowd looking for an alternative nightlife experience. This underground venue embraces a gritty, industrial aesthetic that complements its eclectic music lineup. Crack Fox is known for hosting a variety of themed nights, including goth, punk, and industrial music events, as well as burlesque shows and performance art pieces.

The intimate space features a small stage for live acts, a dance floor, and a bar serving up creative cocktails. Try the absinthe-infused Green Fairy for a surreal touch to your night out, or the enticing mocktails if you prefer to keep a clear head.