CUISINE
Barcelona cocktails
Outdoor Dining Spots
We Love!
S
t. Louis’s unpredictable weather is probably most consistent in
the summer. What a treat to finally be able to sit outside and dine,
while absorbing some much-needed heat. Many restaurants are
offering outdoor summer fun mixed with great food and drink.
WEBER GRILL RESTAURANT – RICHMOND HEIGHTS
The “Who’s Who” in St. Louis media and society came out for Weber
Grill Restaurant and Academy’s recent launch party on the north end
of the St. Louis Galleria. Guests got to experience the best of Weber at
various food stations featuring hot items from the menu. This summer,
enjoy the 130-seat patio for happy hour or dine on delicious burgers,
barbecue, steaks, seafood and more grilled over charcoal on authentic
Weber kettles. If you are more of a hands-on kind of cook, a grilling
facility inside the restaurant offers classes focused on outdoor grilling,
and an interactive dining experience.
BARCELONA TAPAS - CLAYTON
A Clayton staple and favorite happy hour spot, Barcelona Tapas is perfect
for a night of fun tapas, sangria and music. The restaurant also serves
lunch and dinner seven days a week. The service reflects a traditional
tapas experience as you might find in Madrid, Barcelona or Seville. So
what are tapas? The word literally means “lid,” and the origin of the
tapas custom most probably lies in the placing of a small plate or lid over
a glass of wine when served in the neighborhood bodegas (barrooms).
Tapas-style service means that food is prepared to order and delivered to
the table, plates at a time. This way guests can enjoy an authentic tapas
evening that encourages sharing of plates, lots of gossip and sangria.
IL BEL LAGO – CREVE COEUR
Located in the City Place complex off Olive Boulevard, Il Bel Lago offers
a semi-private outdoor space accompanied by a great happy hour menu
and music. It is one of the few places that boasts a 4 to 8 p.m. happy hour.
If you have a taste for the spectacular, order from the upmarket classic
and modern Italian menu and dine while enjoying the view of a beautiful
outdoor fountain. The restaurant’s roots are deeply planted in St. Louis
dining history. After 30 years with Giovanni’s On The Hill, Giovanni’s
sons, Frank and Carmelo, branched out and brought a taste of the Hill to
Creve Coeur when they opened Il Bel Lago in 2004.
Photo courtesy of Kristen Hess, food stylist, photographer and author of the blog, “The Artful Gourmet”
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