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Brennan's
Categories: Shopping Tobacco Shops Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Tobacco Shops, Wine Bars [Edit]
4659 Maryland AveSt. Louis, MO 63108
Neighborhood: Central West End
(314) 361-9444
- Nearest Transit:
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N Euclid Ave @ Maryland Ave (1)
N Euclid Ave @ Maryland Ave (1)
N Euclid Ave @ Lindell Blvd (1)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 3 pm - 1 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
About This Business:
With its striking architectural ceiling, focal finishes of bamboo and recycled butcher block bar, Vino Nadoz is the ideal retreat for indulging in… read more »
55 reviews for Brennan's
Review Highlights
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"Awesome edition to the Central West End." In 6 reviews -
"Bottle prices and cigars range from reasonable to expensive." In 13 reviews -
"Best people watching in STL on sidewalk tables in the..." In 3 reviews
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54 reviews in English
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Review from Nathan D.
Saint Louis, MO
3/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great spot to hangout and grab a drink with some friends. Nice beer, wine, and cigar selection. Downstairs lounge is cozy and quiet. You must check this place out if you are in the CWE.
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Review from Mark F.
What a great bar!
The wine collection is very nice and although I'm not into scotch, Brennan's has you covered. Good thing the whiskey selection is grand as this I will take part in.
Fun, mellow and dark, the vide is laid back but not dull. Small groups of friends leaned in with drinks in hand to enjoy the conversation as my friends and I kicked it at the bar.
Cute patrons, fun debates in the toilet and jazz from hell. This is the bees knees. -
Review from Kate B.
Updated - 2/4/2012
Man. I really hate having to do this. I really do. But Brennan's has kind of gone downhill.
I'll make a comparison here: It was kind of like discovering a really cool singer or band who you just can't get enough of. You'd listen to their records or go to their concerts every night if you had the chance and it never seemed to get old or dull. It was a new experience every single time and oftentimes you'd bring along friends for maximum enjoyment. But yeah, no. Not anymore. Your favorite band sold out big time. They hired complete assholes or d-bags to run the show for them, and to write their lyrics and music. This is how I feel about Brennan's. They just went and sold out. It's all about $$$ now for them and the opening of the Zino lounge or whatever the crap it's called upstairs is proof of that. I did enjoy going to the Zino for a little while when my friend Amy had a membership but she didn't renew it after the service up there went south. One staff member basically insulted us on a regular basis (and I saw him insulting other customers too) so that was that. If you don't treat me (and my friend) well then we can easily stop giving you our money. End of story.
I'd still stop by their main floor or basement every so often for a drink or two with a friend because the atmosphere is nice. But it's almost as if the Bar Louie crowd figured that out too and it's more or less flooded with late 20s and early 30s something annoying, d-bag, bros and their skank-ass, tactless, anorexic girlfriends. Yeah. Maybe the trick is to go on a weeknight instead of a weekend. But I dunno, the CWE is getting more nauseating by the minute for me so I try to only go to the other side of Euclid to visit Kampai, Taste, Wildflower, and Chi....basically all of the businesses down thataway. Not to mention there is far more parking there too.
Sorry Brennan's....you lost your glow for me. I guess it's time to move on. When one door closes, another one opens.Listed in: Fancy Pantalones
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/1/2011
Hands-down one of my most favorite places to go in all of St. Louis. Years from now, if I am moved… Read more »
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Review from Mindy P.
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Tiny Tiny Tiny!!! Wow.
There were only a few people standing near the door (I was trying to get to the basement) that couldn't move and I could barely get in! We brushed past the upper level straight towards the "Javier Mendoza" sign and carefully picked our way down some steep steps. I felt like I was hiding from prohibition officers!
After the concert started, we did get some very yummy wine, best Moscato I have ever tasted. $8/glass (fyi) I guess basement walls are great acoustics, because it was so small down there that I kind of thought we would get blasted out, didn't turn out to be a problem.
Didn't really try anything out, since we arrived for the concert, but I would definitely go back again. -
Review from Chrissie C.
Saint Louis, MO
11/15/2011
I remember when Brennan's first opened, and still to this day I always enjoy my nights there!
On a recent visit I learned that they have completely remodeled the basement space, and attended a Comedy Show there - which I just loved!
Their staff is always welcoming and eager to help with a selection or a purchase!
They carry a few brands that I have not seen at other wine bars - so I always feel a little special when I visit.
The space itself can be rather small at times, but with their Patio Space it can hold a lot more people.
I think this is the perfect place for a date night! Get a glass of wine, watch the nightlife and then grab some FroYo right next door ;) -
Review from Angela J.
Saint Louis, MO
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is my Boyfriends fave spot. Amazing wine and just a cool place to meet up with friends and converse were regulars :)
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Review from Jen J.
How can you not love a place that puts "Festus, MO" time on the wall? We
stopped by Brennan's last weekend. We came earlier in the evening, around 10 PM and managed to fit two small tables together. It was crowded but not loud, perfect noise level for conversations. The foo foo drink menu isn't too big, just six options. But for anyone who is seriously interested in alcohol, they have a big selection of whiskeys, and according to my alcoholic companions, the menu does not do what they have in store justice. Our server agreed that they need to update the menu to include all the hard liquor options.
Brennan's is definitely my favorite drinking establishment in CWE. Unfortunately it's so busy on weekends that it's impossible to find seating unless you go early.
My previous review for Maryland House still stands.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/27/2011
Back when the Maryland House first opened, I loved it. They used to have all sorts of artworks… Read more »
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Review from Jakki C.
Saint Louis, MO
8/1/2011
Never knew this joint was there. I enjoyed the cocktails served up by Brian. Only thing I didn't like, the location of the restroom. Awkwardly there in front of the bar and inconveniently located behind the group of guys guarding it.
I need to to better asses, but overall not bad. Good selection of beers, my friends seem to enjoy! -
Review from Abby S.
What happened to The Maryland House? It used to be one of my favorite (if not my favorite) bars in St. Louis. I came back for a weekend and, of course, wanted to stop in for a drink and was sadly disappointed on several accounts.
1) You must have a membership to access a majority of the space. WTF? Half of the fun of Maryland House was hanging out in the different rooms, which led to very interesting conversations.
2) The staff, including the bartenders and bouncers, were especially douchy. The decor and overall vibe of the space does not mesh well with backwards hats or old school KSwiss tennies. Bad staffing choice. And they're not nice!
3) My drink, the Perfect Fit, was God awful. It's supposed to be blood orange juice with some other liqueurs. They served me a $10 screwdriver, made with rail vodka and in a tiny glass. Gross.
I used to hate hanging out downstairs at Brennan's, but this place got a serious upgrade. The bartenders down here are super chill and the drinks are way better, so two stars to them for making the experience less than a total disaster.Listed in: Pure Perfection, When I like to leave the…, Hidden STL Gems, Wine a little..., Date Spots in the STL
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/19/2009
The Maryland House (upstairs bar/lounge) is probably one of my favorites in St. Louis...definitely… Read more »
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Review from Joe R.
3/27/2011
I was out with a few friends on Friday night and we decided our second stop would be Brennan's. Walking up I noticed that there were a few guys milling about outside at one of the outdoor tables with a few cigars. I was a little buzzed and the smell of a nice cigar kind of got me in the mood to smoke, to bad the two girls I was with were not having any of that so I'll have to definitely come back and enjoy a stoagie.
Walking into the place there weren't too many people which was nice. The atmosphere was really laid back and intimate. The place looked amazing with the lighting and the wood work along the seating area and the bar. On the wall to the right are a bunch of mirrors which help open the place up and make it seem larger than what it actually is which was nice. We sat down at the end of the bar where I couldn't help myself but look at the humidor that had a box of Macanudos in it. That's it, I'm sold. I definitely need to make a return trip.
One of the girls I was with decided she wanted some wine. Past the bar they have a huge wine rack. The prices listed are the retail prices and they add a small fee to each bottle if you drink it at the bar. I wish I could remember the name of the Wine we had but it was a nice smooth red. I was a little hammered already so I wasn't really paying too much attention as I was lusting after a nice cigar.
The other girl we were with decided she was hungry and got a small cheese and meat plate. It looked phenominal though I wasn't really all that hungry I didn't try any of it but the two of them enjoyed it. It was also pretty cool that the bartender brought out some more cheese for us free of charge as well. I just kept looking around and taking in how neat the place was.
Anyway, I would definitely like to come back here in the summer and hang outside with a nice bottle of wine and some cheese and a nice Macanudo or Cohiba. Looking forward to visiting the place again. -
Review from Pamela R.
11/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I was actually at Maryland House the upstairs part of Brennans so sorry to be confusing but this review is about that place...Cute space with a huge TV that is great for watching Cards games then it switches over to giant size visuals of videos by Prince and Michael Jackson. Let's add great wine list and general good drinks to that mix. This equals a good spot on a Friday night. Done.
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Review from Kylah F.
Saint Louis, MO
10/18/2011 3 Check-ins Here
love.love.love this place. It is the hidden gem of CWE with great wine and service. Everything about this place is chill, you can sit on the patio, people watch and drink a good glass of wine, beer or cocktail. If you fancy cigars you can also get a good one here according to my husband. If you need a little something to eat they will set you up with a very generious cheese or cheese and salami plate.
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Review from Jim S.
Alexandria, VA
7/27/2011
I remember when Brennan's opened and I joined their "speakeasy" club -- don't know if it still exists. But, the service and selection was great. These guys know how to live the good life.
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Review from Danielle B.
St Louis, MO
7/29/2010 3 Check-ins Here
It's possible we looked too "Bar Louie" when we were here, cause our server was kind of a bitch, but I'll look past that. I ordered a round, and for two top-shelf pours, and a few beers, I was only out about $40 (this was for 6 people). We only stayed for that one drink, but it was a pleasant experience. It was still a little early, so it was still mostly empty, but it made it easier to chat and enjoy our drinks sitting at a table. I vaguely remember coming here and going downstairs and having a cigar while highly intoxicated, but that was before I even moved here, so I will save the review for the downstairs cellar for another time.
I'd come again, but maybe sit at the bar and try to avoid being thought of as possibly not "cool enough" to be here. -
Review from Nish N.
5/25/2010
Brennan's could easily become my neighborhood bar, just too bad I live in San Francisco! Seriously though, it's the sort of local spot that breeds regulars, and a classy, good-looking lot at that.
While I'm not the biggest cigar aficionado, I certainly can appreciate a fine smoke when the occasion merits it, and when you can match that with fine wine and spirits, well only good times can result.
How do I judge a bar? By their liquor selection, of course! Brennan's has perhaps the finest, choicest selection of whiskeys in town, with knowing bartenders offering up their thoughts and opinions.
P.S. The Maryland House is next to Brennan's, well via an adjacent red door, and it's a whole separate but oddly connected experience. I recommend started at Brennan's and then moving upwards as the night sways into motion.Listed in: St. Louis - The City That…
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Review from Jelena Z.
It's undeniable: Brennan's is one cool little bar.
It's filled with eclectic artwork and the patio tables offer some of the best people-watching in the CWE. Awesome wine + beer offerings and cigars too if that's your vice.
Really solid music selections and the downstairs bartender knows her stuff.
I'm really digging on this space-- you'll probably see me here this weekend when I head back to St. Louis. Gemtastic!Listed in: Best Bars in St. Louis: The…
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Review from Nichole P.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2010
I really like Brennan's! They have super helpful bartenders (when they aren't swamped) with the massive wine selection. I love that it is tucked away and sort of feels exclusive without all the hype.
Now, if you like cigars you should check out the cellar. This is naturally in the basement under the shop (not the upstairs apartment). It is like a cave down here with small nooks and dark corners to go around. It gets super smokey at times if it is a packed evening, but otherwise it is a nice change of scenery. You should check this local spot out for yourself.Listed in: watering holes
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Review from Matt M.
8/2/2010
Brennan's is definitely one of those "under the radar" places in the Central West End that you only find out about through a friend of a friend or cool websites like Yelp. The downstairs features mostly cigars, but the upstairs is where all the action happens. The atmosphere is sophisticated, but with a taste of a college house party. You can even play ping-pong in one of the upstairs rooms!
The entrance to the upstairs portion can be hard to find. It's immediately right (if you're facing the building) of the downstairs entrance with all the cigars.
I've never been here when they've had any specials, but I usually stay for 1 or 2 drinks before heading home.
CWE has some classy places, at Brennan's is near the top of the list. -
Review from Jozo B.
Saint Louis, MO
9/16/2009
I wish more places were like Brennan's.
First off, Great outdoor seating.
Second, You can order wine/beer to go at the shop on the middle level.
Third, their is a cool dark super chill little bar downstairs.
Fourth, the upstairs has a awesome bar, cool art, and Ping Pong.
Need I say more? -
Review from Amanda Z.
Saint Louis, MO
8/14/2008
This seems to be one of those great secrets you are only let in on when a friend (or in my case cousin) drags you in one Saturday night and suddenly your eyes are opened.
During the day, this place is pretty unassuming. Mainly a wine and cigar shop, you can simply sit outside sipping your wine and smoking your cigar, and watch the world pass you by. But at night....I feel like this is a place that belongs more in The Village than CWE. The upstairs lounge is completely chill and has some of the coolest art I've seen in any bar. The place doesn't get packed, probably due to it's somewhat secret location on the second floor. There is no sign to lead your way so I suggest knowing where you are going before you get there.
One of the best things about this place though is the dark and hidden wine cellar. The place is completely intimate, there are few tables to clutter up the space, and the wine selection is of course, amazing. I doubt most people would know that this exists unless it is pointed out by a friend. Otherwise, you really feel like you are just sneaking behind the counter and breaking some unwritten rule. No worries...they are expecting you to. -
Review from Chris L.
Saint Louis, MO
1/22/2010
I have been going to Brennans for almost 4 yeas now. I used to just stop in every once and a while to buy a nice cigar.
However, Brennans has so much more to offer besides their selection of wines and cigars.
1) There is a little cozy scotch bar in the basement that is great for meeting up with some friends or whoever to grab a drink (although it can get smokey with the cigars if anyone in your party has a problem with that). Their selection of scotch is great and the whole feel is very relaxing
2) Try Brennans when it gets warmer outside for a late night glass of wine outdoors on their street tables. The place gets very busy and the atmosphere is always lively
This is a place I hold very close and have many fond memories at. Give it a try and you won't be upset -
Review from Jordan A.
Somerville, MA
7/29/2010
I have spent many evenings here with my graduate school friends... I guess the reason is because we are tired from studying all week and want to drink, but don't want to put too much energy into it. It has three levels: basement, street level, and upstairs, where we usually spend most our time. The drinks are good and the place has some personality, but I am not sure I think this place is amazing or anything.
It's just a nice place in my favorite neighborhood where you can hear each other talking over a nice beer or glass of wine... can you really complain about any of that? (I can't.) -
Review from Sasha K.
St Louis, MO
8/5/2010
This place is great.
Not only a great selection of scotch... Also wine and a few nice tapas.
The debate night is wild (1st wednesday of the month). Last night was Jose Canseco vs. Jose Cuervo.
My only complaint is the smoke, but downstairs isn't bad (and I hear that it will be restricted to the basement only in January).
BTW, the speaker room is sweet! -
Review from Shannon R.
Dallas, TX
11/18/2009
Not one complaint other than it's a few states away from where I live.
Big strong drinks, cigars, fast and friendly staff with great shot suggestions and good prices.
We sat there all afternoon this weekend, and in no way is that sad. har har!
I didn't venture further than the front of the bar but I think I heard there was more seating somewhere else. I'd hope so because if the weather was bad it'd get cramped in there. -
Review from Britta T.
St Louis, MO
11/29/2010 2 Check-ins Here
The transition this place has made is brilliant. The first time I visited Brennan's in the early winter of 2010, it was a cramped hole in the wall that seemed more like a cold store front than a bar. It was impossible to get a seat (because there weren't any), and standing at the bar meant freezing to death each time someone walked in and forgot to close the door. Had I reviewed it then, it would have received one star.
The main level is now much more inviting. Plenty of room to sit down comfortably in an area separated from the shelves of wines and cigars. The staff is quick to serve and the beer selection is satisfactory. Plus, it's just pretty. Even better, they have outdoor seating during the warmer months, which is perfect for a group.
The cellar is another story. Smoking is no longer allowed on the main level, which is great for non-smokers. However, sit in the cellar for more than a few minutes and leave stinking like an ashtray. Probably a minor complaint for most, considering this is a cigar bar; still, some ventilation would make it more enjoyable for those of us just wanting a drink. On the plus side, they do have quite the selection of scotch. -
Review from R J.
Saint Louis, MO
5/12/2010
Brennan's is having a hugh Scotch and Cigar today. If it was anything like the last, it will be an enjoyable time (And cheap for what they offer)...
Awesome place! I am there weekly.. -
Review from Todd H.
2/21/2011
I've had the Brennan's experience only a few times in the year I've been living in the St Louis area but I love it...it's just undeniably cool, no matter what floor you're on. There are all kinds of intimate nooks and crannies in this place that make it a perfect place to take a date or just enjoy the company of some good friends. Neither wine nor cigars are really my thing but I'd still gladly spend an hour or two of my friday or saturday night at this wonderful and unique place.
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Review from Aaron J.
Saint Louis, MO
4/9/2008
Brennan's also known as Maryland House at night, is one of the best-kept secrets in one of St. Louis' most popular nightspots. Known as a wine bar, Brennan's is one of the places I like to take friends where if feels as though we are getting the VIP treatment, without actually receiving it.
Outside, there are chairs and tables along the sidewalk that provides the best people watching experience in the Central West End. The best part for me, it the practically hidden door that is unmarked that leads to the bar upstairs.
Friends of mine who have not been there before with me are always hesitant to follow, asking me, "Are you sure you know where you're going?" Yes, yes I do and as soon as we reach the top the stairs, the look around in amazement and generally all exclaim that this is cool.
Cool it is indeed. Around the bar is local artwork and rooms that have themes. One such room I fondly call the shoe room. Along the wall are a whole bunch of sneakers sitting in the glory that has been bestowed upon them in this bar.
Brennan's is a nice place to spend the night. Not so great for a large group due to the size of the place, but Brennan's is a terrific place to enjoy a bottle of wine with some friends. -
Review from Emily M.
Baton Rouge, LA
The BF and I started coming to Brennan's when he decided to start smoking cigars a lot more often. I've been there a lot since then, spending a lot of quality time in the basement (I think they call it the cellar).
The cellar is what makes Brennan's worth going to, hands down. Squeezing down the staircase is like going down the rabbit hole into a place where leather seats, copper tables, jazz, and rows of scotch are just waiting for you. At its best, being in Brennan's cellar makes you forget that you're in the Central West End--that you're anywhere but *right there*, feeling like the Coolest Person in Town. A perfect escape.
The entrance level of Brennan's looks great post-renovation. I love the feel of the place and the extra seating, which was badly needed. The wine and spirits available for sale are interesting and well-priced.
I have less kind words for Brennan's when it comes to their cigars (poorly kept; dried out) and its proclivity for attracting the right kind of people to kill my buzz, every time (read: wedding parties, lawyers who want to brag, Bar Louie rejects just trying to get wasted). These people are loud, inevitable, and I'm out the door as soon as they show up.
The bartenders here can either be really great, remembering your name and drink of choice every time you walk in the door, or really *not*, looking at you like you have a third arm as you stammer out your drink order.
I feel sometimes that the planets have to be aligned just so for things to go right at Brennan's, and when they do, it's one of the best bars in town. There are too many variables, however, and the lack of a guaranteed chill time there brings me to give only three stars.
But, just like Goldilocks, I'll be back time and time again, in search of the times when things are perfect.Listed in: CWE Love
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Review from Matt C.
3/31/2011
this is one of my favorite bars on the planet.. though it's hard to classify it just as a 'bar'. the storefront has a fantastic selection of both wines and cigars, with plenty of hard-to-find products like the A. Fuente 'short story' (my favorite). the best part, though, is you can purchase your bottle there, get your cigar cut, and head downstairs, behind the cash register/bar, into the quasi-hidden room downstairs. it doesn't get better than this place.. the atmosphere is amazing, as the place looks and feels like a speakeasy, with a small bar with some great scotches on tap, and very cool seating and lighting. you feel like you're in on a secret by being there.
they also host some tastings and promotions by wine and cigar makers, which are always a lot of fun to attend. -
Review from Joe B.
10/28/2009
Firstly, this place has the greatest selection of cigars I've found in St. Louis. The inside is classy and the seating outside is incredibly relaxing and perfect for people-watching.
It has a bar with a good wine selection and unique beers to pair with the cigars. The bartender is pretty knowledgeable about the booze as well as the cigars.
Holding back the last 2 stars are the prices. This place has never been cheap, but it's not so high-end as to be beyond reach for a special occasion. -
Review from Jay D.
Saint Louis, MO
6/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
if it wasn't for the outdoor seating, i probably would not go any longer. Just not as comfortable anymore. Its lost that touch that made it great. i think the membership killed it for me. added an air of pretentiousness to the existing air of pomposity. Which i can handle 98% of the time, but just don't feel like it 100% of the time.
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Review from William H.
Saint Louis, MO
7/4/2011
I really should say 5 stars because I can't think of a single thing wrong with Brennan's. Great drink selection (ahh no 5 star because no Pappy Van Winkle, but then who does have it!) great friendly service, outside seating, people watching, and perfect cigar selection. All this with some small plates and walking distance to great eats. Can we say pre-gaming before night out?
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Review from Sarah F.
Saint Louis, MO
11/28/2009
A tri-level urban retreat in the Central West End with some very interesting experiences.
Upstairs is the lounge-- exposed brick walls, interesting modern art work and different nooks where you can hang in a cozy intimate setting with friends.
Middle floor is the wine bar and cigar cellar which feels a lot like a cafe in Europe. Fantastic outdoor seating on a warm summer night.
Below is the cellar where they have little after hours gatherings. Word has it that it was a speak easy back in the day. -
Review from Evren A.
Saint Louis, MO
3/24/2008
This is my very dear local wine/cigar shop. Here goes..
The Good..
- You are more than likely to run into me on a Thu, Fri, Sat or any other night
- Brennan's has not one but two of the best kept secrets in STL --and I won't tell
- Best people watching in STL on sidewalk tables in the spring time
- Very local--same faces every time
- The owner is a great guy
The Bad..
- The corking fee keeps getting higher--$8 for wine bought in the store
- What happened to the cheese plate?
The Ugly..
- Cigar & wine: the guilty pleasure -
Review from C. E.
Saint Louis, MO
4/28/2011
This place is amazing!
Very inviting atmosphere and wonderful wine, beer, cigar selection. Reminds me of being in a relaxed and quaint upscale pub in Europe! If you visit the Central West End this is THE only bar that is worth the time and money. -
Review from Carolyn C.
Saint Louis, MO
2/3/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I almost don't want to say this, because I would like it to remain a little-known gem of sorts, but I am loving Maryland House. Agree with Abby S. that it keeps out certain Bar Louie clientele (although let's be real, Bar Louie can have its own appeal at times!). The vibe is pretty good - Just happening enough without feeling too cramped. Only question: What is up with the ping pong table? It's not working for me, personally, but otherwise, I'm a big fan of the place.
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Review from Sean M.
Saint Louis, MO
2/9/2010
Great place with great drinks and a fun, friendly atmosphere make this one of the BEST locations in the CWE to frequent.
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Review from Angela J.
St Louis, MO
11/3/2010
Hands Down this Bar is the Best!!! Brennan's and Maryland House...Is a Must Go!!!
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Review from Ed E.
Saint Louis, MO
9/26/2011
Great times!
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