St. Louis is a city that combines a lively craft beer scene, iconic landmarks, and a dash of the mysterious and historic. Its brewery history alone makes it a fascinating place for a drinking tour — but it’s also the city’s flavorful barbecue and unique stories that really set it apart. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a history lover, or simply looking for a fun way to explore the city’s culture, St. Louis offers engaging options that go beyond the typical pub crawl.
The city’s mix of historic breweries, modern craft breweries, and legendary barbecue spots creates a perfect backdrop for memorable tours. You can enjoy tasting some of America’s best BBQ, learn about brewing traditions, or even explore haunted brewery sites. Here are the best drinking tours in St. Louis to help you decide which one suits your style.
1. Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour (BBQ Joints & Breweries)
At number one, we have a private guided tour that offers a deep dive into St. Louis’s food and drink scene. This tour, led by Wayne, is perfect for those wanting an immersive experience that combines local breweries and barbecue. The tour lasts around 4 to 6 hours, making it a substantial taste of the city’s culinary culture. You’ll visit famous spots like the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and the Schlafly Tap Room, which played a key role in the craft beer movement that started in 1991. The Anheuser-Busch Brewery remains a true icon, with options to upgrade your visit with brewery tours like the Cellar, Brewmaster, or VIP Clydesdale experience.
What makes this tour stand out is its personalized approach. Wayne tailors the stops based on your interests, whether that’s sampling BBQ ribs at Pappy’s Smokehouse (famous for its award-winning ribs and pulled pork) or exploring boutique breweries like Side Project Brewing. The tour’s reviews highlight its fun, informative, and flexible nature, with visitors praising Wayne’s wealth of knowledge and friendliness. The combo of history, culture, and delicious food makes this an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive taste of St. Louis for a reasonable price of $129.
Bottom Line: This private tour offers a well-balanced mix of local history, craft beer, and barbecue, perfect for a full day of indulgence with a knowledgeable guide.
2. The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour
Coming in at number two is a different kind of drinking experience—a haunted brewery tour that also explores St. Louis’s industrial past. For just $30, you can spend about an hour and 15 minutes touring the basements of the Lemp Brewery buildings, which have a reputation for paranormal activity. This tour takes you through Buildings 2, 3, and 3A of the historic Lemp Brewery complex, offering a mix of history and spooky stories.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on the dark side of brewing history. After the collapse of the Lemp Brewing Empire, the site became the largest shoe manufacturing plant in the world before shutting down due to highway construction. The tour’s guides share stories about the family’s tragic history and paranormal legends that continue to swirl around the site. Visitors consistently praise the informative storytelling and atmosphere, with reviews noting the chilling tales and well-preserved underground tunnels.
This tour is ideal for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts with an appetite for mystery and history. Its affordability and unique focus make it a compelling option for a quick but memorable experience. Keep in mind, it doesn’t involve sampling drinks but rather the history and stories of the brewery’s ghostly reputation.
Bottom Line: For a quick, intriguing look into St. Louis’s brewing past with a spooky twist, this tour offers entertaining storytelling in an historic setting.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two drinking tours in St. Louis, consider your interests and schedule. The Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour is ideal if you want a longer, personalized experience that combines beer, barbecue, and local history. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy foodie adventures and craft brews in a relaxed, flexible setting.
On the other hand, the Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour is perfect for a shorter, themed experience that blends history and paranormal tales. It’s suitable for history lovers and ghost story aficionados looking for a cost-effective outing.
If your time is limited, the haunted tour is quick and easy to slot into an afternoon. For a more in-depth day of tasting and learning, the private gastronomy experience offers a comprehensive journey through St. Louis’s brewing and barbecue roots.
Final Thoughts
Both tours showcase different facets of St. Louis’s rich drinking culture. The private gastronomy tour provides a balanced mix of beer, barbecue, and local stories, making it a top choice for those eager to explore the city’s culinary scene. Meanwhile, the haunted brewery tour offers a quirky, atmospheric peek into the city’s industrial and ghostly lore.
For travelers who love craft beer and food, the private tour is hard to beat — especially with the flexibility and personalized approach. If you’re intrigued by history, the paranormal, and industrial architecture, the haunted tour offers a memorable, slightly spooky adventure.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the private tour, which can be tailored to your interests. Whether you prefer to indulge in St. Louis’s culinary delights or explore its mysterious past, these tours provide engaging ways to experience the city’s unique character.
Choose according to your interests and schedule, and enjoy discovering the flavors and stories that make St. Louis truly special.