Buddy's Local Grill & Bar — Restaurant in St. Louis

5/5 — Instant favorite.

Ambiance: Warm, cozy, and a little bougie in the “I earned this glass” way. The big dog portrait isn’t just décor—that’s Buddy, the namesake and guardian of good vibes. Loved the living-room-meets-library feel.

Drinks: Smart, fun cocktail list. I went for The Rabbit Hole with a buzz berry (aka Szechuan button). First time I tried one was at the Chandelier Bar in The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas—tingly, electric, unforgettable—and Buddy’s brought that same magic back. Great wine program, too.

Food: Easy, craveable small plates perfect for lingering—our table devoured the steak skewers, fries, and spring rolls. Hot, well-seasoned, and exactly what you want next to a well-made drink.

Service & People: Met Cory (the owner) and his husband—both genuinely lovely and clearly invested in building community. Friendly, attentive service without any pretense.

Value: Happy Hour is a steal (on my visit: $9.99 signature cocktails and $7.99 bites). Thursdays = half-price bottles of wine. Fridays = a free glass of wine with your entrée. Deals may change, but the vibe and quality are the real draw.

Bottom line: A perfect little retreat in St. Louis—date night, catch-ups, or solo unwind. Order The Rabbit Hole for the buzz-button experience, sit under Buddy’s watchful eyes, and plan your next visit before you leave.

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My recent experience hosting an event at this venue was deeply disappointing. I once had a great deal of respect and admiration for the owners, which is why leaving this review is so difficult. However, the lack of care for my event and the complete lack of response to my feedback have left me with no choice.

Despite receiving countless reminders to pay my invoice—including three emails on a single day—it was clear that my event was not a priority. I was asked for information that was already on my invoice, which made me feel overlooked. The biggest issue was the space itself. When I arrived, the room was unprepared and noticeably warm, forcing us to move the event. This was frustrating, as I could have made alternative arrangements if I had known the space wouldn't be ready. The lack of attention to detail and communication was unacceptable.

I saw another guest mention how well their event was handled via the event manager. I would like to mention the only time I spoke with the event manager was via text when he sent...

I recently had the pleasure of attending a special family event at Buddy's Wine Bar & Bistro in downtown St. Louis, and I cannot say enough great things about the experience. From start to finish, everything was executed flawlessly.

The event was held in their private Lounge Room, which was beautifully designed and exuded an elegant, top-shelf atmosphere. The attention to detail in the décor and setup created the perfect ambiance for our celebration. The food was absolutely outstanding—delicious, beautifully presented, and clearly crafted with care. Every course was a delight, and the service was impeccable.

Buddy's went above and beyond to make the event seamless and memorable. Their team handled everything from A to Z with professionalism and grace, ensuring that the family and guests felt welcome and well taken care of. If you're looking for a sophisticated yet inviting venue for an event or just a fantastic dining experience, I highly recommend Buddy's Wine...