★ 4.7 (1587 reviews)••101 S Hanley Rd Ste 120, Clayton
The Capital Grille is strictly for closing deals or celebrating ridiculously large wins; this place absolutely screams 'expense account' with its plush, power-dinner vibe. Forget your usual spot – you come here for the seriously good dry-aged steaks and an extensive wine list that puts most others to shame, making it perfect for impressing clients or a *very* fancy date.
★ 4.7 (580 reviews)••14 N Meramec Ave Ste A, Clayton
If you want a mimosa with your avocado toast, the Ivy Cafe is your place; it's less a bar, more a meticulously curated brunch tableau for influencers and those on a "sophisticated" first date. Its unique charm lies in perfectly blending a bright, airy aesthetic with a decent wine list, making it the ideal spot to pretend you're cultured without actually trying too hard.
The Crossing isn't for casual diners; it's a 'platinum card required' French institution where the white-glove service and incredible wine list demand respect (and a hefty bill). Come here when you absolutely need to impress a client or celebrate an anniversary, because this fine-dining temple caters only to those who appreciate expensive perfection, not laid-back charm.
Forget stuffy wine bars; Louie's serves up a smart-casual vibe where good food meets an even better drink list. It's your go-to for a killer first date or when you actually want to hear your friends talk, offering a uniquely balanced experience that's both restaurant-quality and genuinely great for a serious tipple.
Forget quiet corners; Barcelona Tapas is a full-on, slightly chaotic Spanish fiesta, loud and vibrant with live music that drowns out your bad jokes. It's strictly for groups wanting to share plates and shout over flamenco, or maybe a confident third date who appreciates a high-energy distraction. Don't expect just drinks; it's a food-first situation with killer tapas and legit live entertainment that elevates it far beyond your average bar with snacks.
C.J. Mugg's is that dependably bustling American restaurant where the vibe is less "hip" and more "get it done." It's perfect for weary office workers grabbing a bite or families who've given up on cooking, uniquely nailing the art of being the absolute safe bet: consistently decent food and drinks without ever trying to be anything more.
★ 4.3 (577 reviews)••227 S Central Ave 11th Floor, Clayton
High Bar Clayton screams "I'm making a statement," with its swanky, see-and-be-seen lounge atmosphere that gets loud after dark. This is your spot for an expensive, impress-the-hell-out-of-'em first date or showing off your expense account to colleagues. It uniquely blends a sophisticated cocktail bar with a late-night club vibe, catering exclusively to the city's well-heeled.