Can we do six stars? I have nothing but good things to say about The Drawing Board! The staff is stellar and the food is AMAZING--especially that Medart Burger, a dish with a rich (and kinda greasy) Saint Louis history. Sidewinder Fries are spiral-cut wedges that come with just enough seasoning. The falafel pita is a great vegetarian choice... seriously, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. There's always a nice selection of craft beers on tap for about $7/pour, as well as a smattering of AB products and other national brands in cans. Beer is wonderfully cold. The bar is well-stocked--especially with local spirits--and the bartenders here know their stuff, making drinks to order and advising what to try if you ask. I'm usually interested in trying a gin or bourbon I haven't had, and they're quick to make recommendations and talk about what's on the shelf. The Drawing Board has a nice-sized bar area with pool tables, darts, and chalkboards, as well as a cool patio. There's a small parking lot on the east (right side of the building), as well as ample street parking just west of the bar on Oak Hill. If you like pub trivia, drop by on a Thursday and test your knowledge and memory! read more

See all

This is a definition of a dive bar vibe but without the bar looking in rough shape. I didn't get to try the food (not hungry) but supposedly their burgers are fantastic according to my friend who was with me. It's on the smaller side, reminding me of places in my new home of SF, so anticipate seats/tables could fill up quickly. Parking is very limited, I got lucky to get a spot, so on a weekend evening I'd consider ride share otherwise you may be stuck parking blocks away. Beer was reasonably priced at $4-$5 for domestic. There was a group of people playing Magic The Gathering which was intriguing. read more

There is always something good cooking at The Drawing Board; from the live music to the menu. Love how they change it up with different offerings. Best bar food in town. read more

The Drawing Board - Updated menu - New American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

This is not exactly a place to go for a meal . It's a place to go for a beer and if you get hungry, they offer some yummy choices to go with your drink. Small with some tables and a bar, pool table, a neighborhood stop with that Smokey bar ambiance. Menus at the table, ordering at the bar. Burgers, hot dogs, and some surprise choices on menu like hummus, falafel, chopped salad. Portions small, prices fairly reasonable, service friendly. I enjoyed a small salad with a requested change of falafel instead of chicken. No problem and tastey with a hot honey squirt on top. If you're in the area , a nice stop for a beer and a nosh. read more

The Drawing Board - Chopped salad with falafel( or chicken) and hot honey. - New American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Okay, here's my updated review cause that's how much I like this spot::: This place is a gem. I've almost always gone alone, except one time, which means my favorite thing: just watching folks come in and out and probably some performance happening. The first time I went, I got The Medart w/ Sidewinder Fries because I'm a sucker for a smash burger. Holy shit. It was so dank. Medart (my fave) is a smash burger with dill pickle, romaine, onion, 1000 island, american cheese anndddd toasted bun. With 2 patties. Like you have to get 2! Anyway, the many times after, I've gotten the same but with just pickles and onions. Or just pickles. And they have classic yellow mustard at the bar (where I've sat 95% of the time) and I put that on it. Sidewinder fries are like waffle fries but like seasoned and fried so well. Idk what a sidewinder is but Big Plump over here is a fan. Patty Melt is also great but I've only had that once. The drinks are always perfect and even getting wine is great (because I don't see much folks getting wine). I recommend going on an open mic night, sitting at the bar and getting a Medart w/ 2 patties AND Sidewinder fries. And just watch/listen. Lowkey, I never see people on their phones there which is pretty nostalgic of my younger years. I digress though. Such a wonderful spot with great lighting, great service and clean bathrooms. read more

We went here at an awkward time, a bit late after a Cardinals game on a Sunday so the bar was pretty empty except for a band playing and a group of people. Though the bartender was really nice, they had a good selection of beers and ciders and the kitchen was still open even though it was after 9pm which was nice. We both ordered a classic smash burger with everything on it and fries. The reviews had said the burger was delicious and it really was one of the best burgers I've ever had. The pickled and onions were chopped up, and it had a lot of condiments and toppings. It was just a good classic hamburger that I would stop by to order again if I'm ever in the area. read more

The Drawing Board - New American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Driving home to San Antonio from Michigan my husband says boy I could go for a good burger this evening for dinner. I said a good bar burger? He said yeah that sounds great. I love Yelp for the fact that you can target exactly what you're looking for. We put in a search for dive bar burger and The Drawing Board popped up. It was a little ways off the interstate but I've found that most of the best places are the ones that you have to drive out of the way to get to. Got there around 7 PM and was surprised that the place was pretty much empty. We sat up to the bar, ordered a drink, and chatted with the bartender about the menu. He recommended the Italian beef sandwich. My husband was sold but I had my heart set on a good bar burger. I got the double Medart (smash burger) and oh boy was it huge and delicious. My husband enjoyed his beef sandwich but after taking a bite the burger was the way to go and I made the right choice. The Italian beef was good but was dry and I told him next time order it wet (like a true Chicagoan). We also split an order of onion rings. They were crispy and good but nothing out of the ordinary or spectacular. We finished up with the order of cream filled churros. The cook came out and was chatting with us and he sold us the churros. One of them had an apple filling which was OK but needed more filling as it was a little dry. The other churro had a cream inside and it was excellent. The side of Bavarian cream was a nice extra touch. All in all a great find. As we were leaving it started getting busier and they were setting up for karaoke. They have live entertainment on the weekends and Thursday night is trivia night. We definitely had our bar burger cravings satisfied. read more

See all

I'd been following this place ever since they opened, and finally made it. I may have waited too long, and ended up getting my hopes up to high? It was good, but it was bar food. I had a DELICIOUS Corn Dog, but it cost $9, which just seems craaaazy. The pasta salad was definitely different and I enjoyed it too. I drank a Bushelhead Cider and it suited the meal perfectly. Service was good: Order at the bar and then they bring it out. Didn't take too long. They've done some really great decorating in the place... The floor is nice and the mural behind the pool table is awesome! If I were in the area, I might stop in again. But probably won't make it a point to go to it otherwise. read more

See all

Nice dive bar. Games, pool table, TV with sports and Silence of the Lambs playing. We really liked the atmosphere and the vibes of the bar. It appeared to be a 2 man show, the bartender and the cook. It took about 25 minutes after we ordered to get our food. My boyfriend thought his burger was average, not bad but not great. He also prefers skinnier fries. I love potatoes so I really liked the fries. My falafel wrap was really good, I enjoy tzatziki. We only drank water. Not sure we'll be back for the food but maybe just to enjoy a beer. read more

See all

Super Cool place to grab a beer and some great food! The open mics hosted by Curt and Tiffany are a lot of fun one of my favorite places to play and the bartenders and patrons of The Drawing Board are all fun ! read more

We came here for book club recently based on food recommendation. I wasn't quite sure what to expect so I was wondering by the outside of the place what had exactly been recommended. Luckily I got parking right in front on the street. They also have a lot next to it. I walked in to a divey atmosphere and a friendly welcome from the bartender. There weren't many tables. I ordered a beer and waited for friends. I noticed trivia is at 7, and by that time, the place was packed! The food was great! I had the burger topped house style and fries. We also shared the gooey butter cakes. Trivia was so much fun! The host was great and we all decided we would be back. Prices are great and j couldn't believe my tab was $22 with a couple beers and the food! Don't be scared by the surrounding area or outside. It's a gem with a good time waiting inside for you! read more

The Drawing Board - Smash Burger - Single - New American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Drawing board is top notch! Professional in all assets, conveniently located if you're in South city. Highly recommend

Great burger, great bar, great staff. Can't ask for much more. This burger easily contends with some of the better burgers in STL. read more

The Drawing Board - New American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Tiny but nice local bar with fantastic karaoke and shockingly good food!! Ryan is always such a friendly bartender and he takes good care of us every time. Perfect place for a fun night of singing with friends! read more

The Drawing Board - Chicken burrito - New American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

This is a hidden gem in the heart of South City. The Drawing Board is a come however you are bar with GREAT (and inexpensive) FOOD, with an amazingly friendly & attentive staff who know what they are doing. The MedArt smash burger is a St. Louis original throwback to Bill Medart's Restaurant at Clayton & Skinker from the 1940's. Your grandparents would remember it. Park dive bar part great find part you will want to make this your go to place to think, drink, have some great grub, or bring a friend! This is a 5 Star place in the truest sense of a great find! Enjoy! read more

Bar/pub vibes, they play live music sometimes which is nice! The Philly burger and the Italian beef are delicious, definitely recommend!

Fantastic! Music was all 80s from my record collection. Bartender immediately greeted us. Several domestic and craft beers on tap, and great selection of cans and bottles. Crispy cringle fries were delish! Smoked chicken salad was divine- smoky chunks of chicken, Mayo, celery, and arugula on a toasted soft bun. Yum!!!! Decor is grandma's basement chic. Chalkboard and coloring books for patrons. Bob Ross on TV. Brick River cider. Free darts and ring game, and pool table. Unisex bathrooms. Live music at night. Parking lot on east side. Outdoor tables in back. Fantastic! read more

See all

Checked this place out due to yelp and so glad we did! Stopped by on a friday night and it had a nice crowd and some live music. We ordered at the bar and the food came out in five freaking minutes. When I say this is the BEST bar food i've ever had !!!!!! holy moly. The nachos were perfect with white queso.. smash burger medart style.. YUMMY. To top it off, local beers and top top notch service! I'll be back! read more

See all

One of the best burgers in the city! A small but mighty menu - I had the Medart, which is a take on a Big Mac, with fries on the side. We'll definitely be back! read more

Best bar food I've had in the tower grove park area. Wonderful and amazing service too. Place looks amazing on the inside, with pool table and darts too. The exact kind of bar we need in our community. Get the burger. It's amazing. read more

The Drawing Board - New American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Used to come here when this place was Ryder's. It has had a facelift, and reopened a little over a month ago. The food its ON POINT! The grilled cheese made my taste buds sing. The crinkle cut fries have a wonderful seasoning on them. The burger, is so close to how Ryder's was it is amazing. The patio is more colorful then ever. Had a wonderful chat with one of the owners & had to give my compliments to the chef. Wonderful selection of spirits & beer. Such a great neighborhood feel here. read more

See all

What a fun new spot! Formerly the home of the Bleeding Deacon and Ryder's, The Drawing Board already has a growing crowd of regulars. All spruced up, the inside is casual and comfortable with bar and table seating, plus a pool table and a nice patio. The food menu is small but diverse with things like falafel sliders, burgers, grilled cheese, house made pickles and red beans and rice. I throughly enjoyed the house pickles that consisted of cucumbers, green beans, carrots and celery - yumm! The owners and staff were super friendly/welcoming and it wasn't awkward at all to stop in solo and have a drink at the bar where they have a small selection of local taps and a nice whiskey selection to boot. Show The Drawing Board some love and support this new local, bar! read more

The Drawing Board - New American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

So my husband and I were in the mood for real burgers and didn't want to travel too far. Ordered take away over the phone. The girl on the other end was super friendly and attentive. Had to wait a few minutes after I arrived as they were boxing it up. For some reason they had me enter through the patio which was a little confusing. It was not clearly labeled with signage. However, the food was delicious! Obviously freshly made and correct. The small staff was friendly and appreciative of me being there. They made sure to go the extra mile in making sure we had everything needed. Will definitely be coming back for more! read more

Great food. Nice neighborhood place. Hope to return. Large selection at the bar. Food menu was small but very tasty. We also enjoyed the red beans and rice. read more

The Drawing Board - Double Smash Burger and fries - New American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I go here every week for trivia and it's amazing all around. The staff is friendly and cool, the food is ALWAYS fantastic (I have an actual fear of mayonnaise but I dip their fries in their house rosemary mayo and it's incredible). The owner is really awesome and the trivia is the best in town. Great vibes! There's a pool table and darts, bathrooms are spacious and clean (and gender inclusive). This is a great spot whether you're here for a beer with your friends or for a delicious dinner. Can't recommend it enough. read more

Saw the reviews and had to try it. The food was great, super good, especially the fried macoroni bites, I would highly reccomend. The service was rather weird though, our food waited in the window for 8 minutes before the bartender realized it. Other than that I would reccomend, atmosphere and service was rather bland. Nice people though. read more

Run, don't walk!!! This place is SUCH a gem hidden in plain sight! Ordered the burger with their twist of a Big Mac, but BETTER! They mix the pickle, dressing, and lettuce together and it is perfection. Crab Rangoon has a slight added kick with peppers and sriracha. I usually don't like spicy food, but this was done right! Oh, and the STAFF was SUPER FRIENDLY!!! We called in a pick up order and the guy on the phone was so friendly and described what went into their burgers. Went inside to pick up and the guy at the bar and the cook who brought out the food were just as nice in person. This is a new favorite spot and decently priced for what you get as well! Thank you guys for the great meal!!! read more

The food is outstanding and the bartender/waiter is always nice and chipper. Ambiance is just a typical bar scene. We've been there a few times. Food will not disappoint. read more

Great spot for some cheap drinks/food. Live music was entertaining and not too loud, which tends to be an issue at other spots I've frequented. Service was great, bartenders were always helpful and attentive. The NA options they have (Bare Zero-Proof is available in tequila, whiskey, gin) are perfect for those who want a NA cocktail! Only reason I'm not going 5 stars is because the food was just OK. Pretzel was tough and overcooked. We'll probably try out other food items next time we go to see if we got a bad batch. Highly recommend giving them a visit! read more

Delicious BLT and Medart smash burgers. On point fries and onions rings. We will be back for more.

went to this place on a Friday night and it was lovely. There were plenty of games to keep us occupied while we waited for our food (which wasnt long at all). My friend and I ordered a smash burger and it was tasty. Will definitely be coming back to try more food and get drinks on the patio once it doesn't feel like Hades outside. read more

The Drawing Board - Single Smash Burger - Single Fries - New American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Went to Drawing Board on a nice weekday night. Dive bar vibe ... 1st timers here. It was terrific. Patio was great and the food was fantastic. It was me and my wife with our 14 y/o son who loved his burger, My BLT was outstanding and the falafel balls and fried Mac N cheese are not to be missed. Go there!! read more

Excellent burgers, friendly staff & well made cocktails. Music mix and atmosphere were very good too. read more

The Drawing Board - Bar area - New American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

My high school friend and I met in St Louis for a fun visit! We got to the Airbnb so late everything was closing. We were hungry! We called The Drawing Board, and the owner (?) of this bar/restaurant offered to stay open until we arrived. We ordered and took and uber over. There was great music playing (Even Steven, I believe), and the hamburger, fries, and cold beers hit the spot! Thank you very much for a wonderful experience! read more

The Drawing Board - Friends at The Drawing Board! - New American Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

We have to give it to the brothers and the entire staff. Great customer service, great food, and of course the drinks. Everyone is welcome, not just to make and extra penny, they do genuinely appreciate you. It is a must go place. Did I mentioned, free pool tables and darts. Come over. read more

Everyone feels like a regular here! Come in for a beverage--all your basics, plus a ton of craft bottles and cans (alcoholic, non, seltzers, CBD...) and a rotating selection of local drafts. Best smash burgers in St. Louis, hands down, along with a variety of quick bites and other sandwiches. The owners and staff are amazing, dedicated people who aim to make everyone feel welcome. It's worth noting that this is a bar with food--not a full-service restaurant! While everyone goes above and beyond here, and the food does occasionally steal the show, if you're expecting to sit at a table and get waited on, this isn't the place. Pull up to the bar, put in your order, and enjoy your food and beverages. Casual, comfortable, and welcoming to anyone who's here to have a good time. Quintessential neighborhood bar with an amazing kitchen. read more

Food and service were outstanding, almost did stop at the 'bar and grill' because we had kids (on the way to the airport) so pleasantly surprised at the wonderful food! read more

Best burger in St. Louis and free pool and great karaoke!!! Bartenders are always so nice :)

Great food and beer selection. Great atmosphere. Best smash burgers in town!!!--- End read more

Cold beer and the best smashed burgers in town! The vibe is dive and the bar staff are cool, smart and friendly. Trivia night is a gas, and there's always an array of weird shit on the tubes, including sports, of course. I'm gonna swing by for some of their live music soon. Stay tuned! read more