Beer Trippin'-St. Louis

When it comes to a city such as St. Louis, the bars and breweries it has to offer might be overshadowed by amazing rib joints and the swing of Albert Pujols. There's a million and one things to do while in St. Louis including seeing The Gateway Arch, hitting up some blues clubs, and exploring the historic Route 66. For the parents out there, you might have spent a long, grueling day with the kids at Six Flags and all you can think about is that beverage that makes standing in all those long lines worth it. Fear not, there are places to get quality beer and this is where you can find it.

The Stable is a Brewpub and Micro-Distillery that is pouring 24 taps and more than 50 bottles. You can find beers such as Odell 90 Schilling, Arcadia Sky High Rye, and tons more including three of their own beers - Amalgamated Brewing Marzen, Helles, and Zoigl. The menu has quite a bit to offer, but coming from South Jersey, I don't know what the hell a grinder is... but it sounds good. I'd settle for 

the Jerk Chicken Grinder with an Odell IPA. They also have Improv nights and live music for your enjoyment.

International Tap House. Now this place is serious. ITH is offering 500 beers with 40 on the draught lines. Basically, if it's available in St. Louis, you can find it here. Take a look at their site because I won't do it justice by naming 3 or 4 beers from the list. Only thing is they don't serve food, but it's all good and here's why. They have a partnership with all of their neighboring restaurants. Simply tell the bartender what you want and where you want it from and they go fetch it for you! How awesome is that? Just don't forget to tip 'em.

O'Fallon Brewery is an excellent place to take a tour. They generally give them on Saturday's at 2pm, but call ahead. While you're there try the Goat's Breath Bock Ale.

Growlers Pub has a West and a South location, but it's win-win no matter where you go. They serve a little more than what I'd consider to be pub grub with their blackened grouper and beef kabobs. There is quite a fair amount of beer here, too. Over 30 taps, including beers from Breckenridge, New Belgium, and Boulevard. Being the bbq nut I am I'd probably go for the brisket or the ribs. This place sounds good to relax at for a few hours with your buddies.

Schlafly Tap Room houses its brewpub in adjoining buildings that are over 100 years old! If I was only able to choose one place to go to on my visit here, I'd choose this place. Enjoy 5 beers brewed year round including a Pale Ale and an Oatmeal Stout or you can try their seasonals. Stop in and grab some food, drink some quality beer, take the tour and admire the buildings history. This place comes highly recommended on Beer Advocate's site, so give it a shot if you're in the area.

Square One Brewery was the victim of a terrible fire in 2004. They have since rebounded and made quite a name for themselves in the St. Louis area. They brew a ton of beers, so you will always find something new when you go and they also just installed a cask system! They have a pretty extensive food menu and if you check it out on their site they pair a beer with each item. Not enough bars do this! So when you get there try the Grilled Lamb Loin with a Single Malt Scotch Ale. They also make all their own spirits, so if you're in the mood, indulge yourself.

I would definitely try to get to at least one bbq place while I'd be out there, and Roper's Ribs sounds like the place to go. It's family owned since 1976 and it sounds like a great place to eat some baby backs. If you're up to it there's always Anheuser-Busch, while it isn't craft beer it's still something to see, plus they have clydesdales.