Kenny’s Upstairs

St. Louis is all about word of mouth, and Kenny’s Upstairs is the place bartenders will recommend if they deem you worthy. Walk up the dark, red neon-lit staircase of this queer-owned bar and you’ll find yourself in what feels like the set of an ’80s movie: glowing orange lights, a telephone booth, and posters from an old mall food court. The cocktails—made by some of the best bartenders in town—are seriously good. Think a carbonated gin and amaro drink with a tamarind-cherry-jasmine syrup that’s served alongside shots with a homemade khao soi broth. Stop in for a Hamm’s after a Cardinals game or for some late-night shenanigans and corndogs.