We got there around 3pm and there were a few people sitting at the bar. The atmosphere was nice – a typical south side bar with HDTVs, a few video games, darts, and a jukebox. Plenty of space to sit at the bar or at a table in the next room. They have a few drink specials (late night, HH, Schlafly, shot specials) and entertainment throughout the week (trivia, karaoke, bingo).

We ordered our drinks and started talking to the bartender. It turns out she just bought the place back in October and has been trying to battle the bad reputation (see Kelly B.’s review here).

In addition to the new and friendly staff, they recently added a kick butt BBQ menu! All the meat is smoked out back each morning and the sauces are made in house. It’s so great to have a bar with yummy BBQ in south city… And so close to my house! On this visit we tried their pulled pork duck sliders and nachos and have since tried almost everything on the menu. It’s all drool-worthy. Here’s a link to their menu.

We were hooked after the first visit and Southtown Pub is now on our short list of regular hang outs in south city.

P.S. – My only complaint is that they turn the juke box up too loud. But I’m sure they would accommodate my request if I asked .

3707 South Kingshighway Boulevard
St Louis, MO 63109
(314) 832-9009

The atmosphere of the bar is great.  It is well decorated and has a dark moody feel to it.  The patio is very large and can accommodate large groups with their L-shaped benches.

Unfortunately, we didn’t stay long due to lack of service.  All three bartenders were muscle-y men that didn’t even give us eye contact after standing at the bar for 20 minutes.  The bar was crowded, but not THAT crowded.

I also only saw one drink book, so it was hard to know what you wanted without asking for a recommendation or clarification on a particular type of beer.  There were also no prices.  I know Chimay and Delirium are pricey, but I’m not sure about anything else.  I didn’t want to pick an interesting sounding beer for fear of the price tag.

After 20 minutes of waiting, we decided to leave.

I think we will go back again another weekend, during the day, when we can belly up to the bar and try a few different beers without waiting so long for service.

photo by: davidgsteadman

And if you forgot about the Naked Bike Ride last weekend, check out the photo gallery on RFT.com.

• [6/21 - 6/27] Yelp Eats

Participating restaurants will offer a special 3-course dinner menu for $25 + tax and tip. Visit Yelp for a list of participating restaurants and the special dinner menu. South city spots include Frazer’s, Onesto Pizza, and The Shaved Duck.

• [6/26] Morgan Ford Pet Parade

Bring your pooch to the 4th annual Pet Parade on Morgan Ford this weekend.  The parade starts at noon and the awards ceremony is at Tower Pub.  Get all the details on the website.

• [6/26 - 27] PrideFest 2010

Visit Tower Grove Park, Morgan Ford, and South Grand this weekend and show your pride from 11am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday.  This year’s theme is “living green” so be friendly to the environment!  The 5k and Pet Parade will take place on Saturday and then the official parade will be Sunday at noon.

• [6/23] Javier Mendoza @ Botanical Gardens

As part of the Whitaker Music Festival, Javier Mendoza will be playing at the Missouri Botanical Gardens on Wednesday.  Free admission to the garden after 5 p.m.  Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs and a picnic.

Did I miss anything? What are your plans?

Arch Observer
B.E.L.T.
Dotage
Ecology of Absence
Exploring St. Louis
Exquisite Struggle
STL Hops
STL Meal Deals
The 13 Blog – Slinger Review
Urban Review STL
Vanishing STL

Last time we were there on a Monday which boasts 4pm – 10pm happy hour. Great drink specials, room at the bar, and your chance to spin the pie wheel. The wheel (see photo) has different prizes for either the whole bar or just the spinner. They range from free dessert and pizza, to $2 u call it shots and $1 long necks. My spin landed on $2 u call it cocktails, so the bar was happy.

We had a fun time talking to the regulars and enjoying a mellow Monday night at Joanie’s.

They also have a large patio for use when the weathers nice, as well as tables upstairs if you’re looking for something more intimate.

Here’s some crappy footage of Hurricane Frances (it was 6 years ago, so you have to cut me some slack on the quality).

Hurricane Frances from Abby on Vimeo.

So, I was kind of excited on Saturday when a tornado rolled through St. Louis.  Fortunately, we were at our neighborhood bar, the Tin Can (on Morgan Ford).  It seemed like a solid place to wait out the storm — no windows (except for glass cubes), a walk-in PBR cooler in the basement, and a stocked kitchen.  We switched back and forth between the KMOV skytracker radar and the open doorway, waiting for something to happen.  Finally, there was an eerie calm, then fast moving clouds, a swirling torrential downpour, and then the sun came out.  To me, it was the strangest thing.

Where were you when the tornado hit?  Does anyone publish a map of the tornado’s path, like they do for hurricanes?  I’m really curious to know how close we really were.

Mental Note: I need to stop talking/laughing in videos.

Here’s some cooler video.

So join in on the conversation!  Suggest some new events or places around South City STL.

You can also join me on Twitter (although I don’t post there quite enough)

*Let’s blame it on the wonderful weather and the fact that roller derby is consuming my life!

We stumbled upon Bommar’s one weekend after making a visit to PetSmart.  There are no signs from the street and it’s well hidden behind some car lots and a strip mall.  We were surprised to see something back there and decided to check it out.

Bommar’s is a typical sports bar and grill.  They have at least six large flat screen TVs, a whole wall of darts, skee ball, shuffleboard, silverstrike, etc.  They also have Club Keno.  No pool table though, but there are rumors that one may be added in the future.

For a bar, they have pretty good food.  The serve the usual TJ’s pizzas, but also have specialties like roast beef on garlic cheese bread and a cheeseburger quesadilla.  All their meals come with chips and your choice of slaw (vinegar based) or cottage cheese.  Bonus – the chips are from The Billy Goat Chip Company!  However,  if they’re going to compete with other sports bars in the area, they need to start making wings.  They should be expanding their kitchen and menu soon, so keep your eyes open.

We’ve been to Bommar’s about 4-5 times during the week and every time has been pretty empty, despite their drink specials.  The crowd gets a little rowdy later in the evening, but they all seem fairly laid back.  We see the same 8 regulars at the bar every time.  It’s that kind of place.  Last Saturday it was busy due to a birthday party and the Final Four.

Another bonus for you guys – the bartenders are all cute women.  Initially this worries me, because I assume they can’t bar tend.  Sorry to all the competent, cute bartenders out there (I know a few), but this is my first impression.  Surprisingly, most of them know what they’re doing.  Unfortunately, I think management told them to measure out the shots for each drink, in order to save some money.  So if your plan is to get drunk at Bommar’s, order a bucket of beer ($10 Miller Lite during NCAA tourney games).

If you live in the neighborhood, check it out the next time you’re in the mood for something different.  It’s not your typical South City local hang out, but it fits that urge to spend a few hours at a sport bar.

*Some pictures courtesy of Bommar’s Facebook page.

First, their menu is large and diverse.  Sure they have the usual bar fare, but they also have lobster rangoon, a kobe beef burger, bbq pork salad,  and more unique choices.  Second, their pizza is amazing.  I like mine with fresh ingredients and real mozzarella.  3 Monkeys delivers on that request.  If you like pesto and garlic, order the four cheese pizza.  It will melt in your mouth.  Another great option is their Jungle Love Nachos.  Spicy beef and pulled BBQ pork… how can you go wrong?  Just be prepared to get your hands dirty.

Their drinks are most expensive than their neighbor, Tin Can, but they serve appetizers and pizza late into the night and offer up a late night happy hour from 10pm – 12am. On Tuesday it’s $1 PBR bottles and $4 select appetizers.

Pat’s Bar and Grill -
Open at 6am on Wednesday (3/17)

Colorado Bob’s –
FREE Corned Beef and Cabbage all day Saturday.

3 Monkeys
Corned Beef & Cabbage Plate $8.99 and Reuben with Homemade Chips $6.99.  PLUS Schlafly Oatmeal Stout Pints for $2.75 Saturday from 2pm-5pm & 10pm-12am AND $2.75 Schlafly Oatmeal Stout Pints & $4 Guinness Pints ALL Day on Wednesday! RSVP on Facebook

Tin Can Morgan Ford
Phil Stendek is performing at Tin Can this Saturday.  He’ll be up to his usual antics with an Irish twist! Irish folk improv music and dirty limericks! RSVP on Facebook.

Amsterdam Tavern
Guinness 2010 Pint Night every Thursday until St. Patricks Day. 3 different glasses are available for purchase for $6.50 filled, and with that purchased glass, refills are $4.50. Glasses will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Mama Campisi’s
For $25 per person you get unlimited food and drinks – plus there will be give aways!

Tip Top Spirits & Foods
FREE Corned Beef & Cabbage all day Saturday, plus  St.Patti and the Hitman playing upstairs.

Nick’s Pub
Tent party with $3 Drafts, Irish Whiskey and Happy Hour from 4 – 7 pm on Saturday.

If I hear of anything else, I’ll add it to the list.  Please comment if you know of anything going on!