Taste Bar

walked in and were seated right away, which was shocking for a saturday night.
My wife has been previously and since she is staying nearby for the summer, recommended we pop over for a drink. I was not prepared…
I consider myself a rum connoisseur so imagine my surprise when they hand me a drink menu and the page of rums is deep and long… on top of that, none of the usual suspects. no baccardi, no captain morgan… they’re loaded up with really high quality spirits.
I love that they are focused on the quality of their cocktails and obviously take pride in what they’re doing. I ordered a Plantation XO and it came quickly and with the most perfectly cubed ice i’ve ever seen, which certainly has an impact on the quality of your drink.
Staff was great, friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is great, dark, semi-quiet…great for sitting and enjoying some time together.
The table next to us ordered some fries and they looked amazing… can’t wait to go back and try some of the food.

This is one of my favorite restaurant in St. Louis. Food selection here is never bland and all the dishes are complex and tasty, even the smallest appetizers. I am not much of a drinker, but their cocktail list is 10 pages long and quite fancy. My drinking buddies love their cocktails. I suggest making a reservation in advance, since the wait can be up to 60 – 90 minutes.

This place was amazing! Seated quickly, great ambiance, and attentive servers. Our server was great to talk to, and make fantastic recommendations. The drink list is extremely extensive, but is broken up logically so as not to be overwhelming. Definitely a must visit!
Oh, and bacon grease cornbread? Yes… yes to all of it.

Very nice drink menu — I liked the mix of unique house specialties and then a nice list of the great classics — so you can be adventurous or stick with something familiar. Their own creations were very creative and had very interesting ingredients.
My only reason for not going with a full 5 stars was due to the food selection, or lack thereof. There is a small selection of small plates — which were all outstanding by the way — but it’s slim pickings’ and only 2 large plates to choose from. So bottom line is to come here for the drinks, and if you are hungry plan on having your dinner somewhere else. Staff was very friendly and attentive, and the outdoor tables were a nice plus.

What a place! The cocktails are amazing. I had the «in boca al Lupa» which was phenomenal, light and refreshing. We also tried the «she’s out of control» which was great. The Mojito was also out of this world. There was almost a two hour wait at 10pm! So we sat at the bar. It was a bit loud inside but otherwise nice atmosphere. I didn’t try the food but I can’t wait to go back.

Nice outside patio, great atmosphere, awesome drink menu, nice attentive servers, music is way too loud, very hard to have a conversation. Will sit outside next time.

I believe that Taste Bar is my absolute favorite place to grab a cocktail and a few small plates in the Central West End. They have valet parking at a reasonable price. Now that the weather has turned nice, they have al fresco dining. We came at $ 6.00 specialty cocktail time and I got my margarita and Majordomo got his Manhattan. We ordered the fried cheese curds to snack on while we looked over the menu.
We decided to start with the garlic chili potatoes. Small fingerling (?) potatoes that are roasted to a crispy skin on the outside. I think this is my favorite dish here. We polished them off and then moved on to the next plate. Gnudi — ricotta cheese made dumplings with mushrooms and brown butter. Perfect little pillows of cheesy goodness. I think this is my favorite dish here. Room for one more small plate? Of course. The jagerwurst (smoked sausage) with cabbage and potatoes. Incredible. I think this is my favorite dish here. Because these are small plates, we had room for dessert. Goat cheesecake with blueberries. I think this is my favorite dish here.
Would I come back here? Yes, there are a few more of my favorite dishes that I would like to try.

You come here for drinks — particularly cocktails. The mood is intimate, cozy, and it’s very dark inside. It’s also hard to get a table, but they use the No-​Wait App! There is an upstairs couch section for larger parties.
Pros:
1) They have a drink which is the bartender’s choice, but you just need to tell them your emotions and some of your favorite taste/​smells. I love this.
2) Scotch/​Cognac flights
3) Churros. Wow. The chocolate pane-​cotta dip that comes with it is intense and wonderful. I would even skip the cocktails to just come here for this.
4) $ 6 all HH and all day Sunday/​Monday cocktail specials. They open until 1am every night. This is an evening only place.
Cons:
1) Personally, I wouldn’t come here for dinner or bring any children.
2) Very very dark. Again great for an intimate date night, but otherwise — I could barely read the menu.
3) Pork Burger. Get it with the cheese or else it’s a little salty and dry. I did it wrong.
This place is trendy. I feel sexy by just walking in the door. So yes, come on in and have a drink.

Five big stars for this place! It has it all — ambiance, service, unique AND delicious cocktails, and spectacular food. Everything we had was phenomenal. The best place we visited in STL. We had the bacon fried cornbread via a strong suggestion from a friend and it was the best thing I’ve ever eaten. I’m ruined now as I’ll always crave it. We also got a cheese board and the chili potatoes. We finished the meal with a goat cheese blueberry cheesecake. All cheesecake should taste like this.

Very chill atmosphere, extensive drink menu, and great tapas selections for food. Outdoor seating option or indoors. Since it was chilly, my group of 4 decided to sit indoors for a drink and some appetizers.
I would recommend the gnudi and the porchetta. Delish! The gnudi was seriously perfectly cooked gnocchi type with mushrooms. It definitely amazed me.
Seems like a great date atmosphere, or just a chill place to meet up with some friends!

The ambiance alone is award winning. I mean I could literally make a fluffy pallet on the restroom floor surround myself with tons of throw pillows, soft music & eucalyptus before falling fast asleep. It’s that tranquil. It’s that clean and it’s that cozy.
Now off to the dining area… just as inviting. Intimate for sure; with dim lighting, tea lights, exposed brick, a full bar and semi-​open kitchen. The patio was perfect on this beautiful spring evening. My dining partner and I jumped at the first 2-​top we saw, took in the West End atmosphere and enjoyed the food immensely.
*Mussels (tasty! No pork & I appreciated that)
*Goat Cheese Cheesecake (I love all things goat cheese… this dessert did not disappoint)
*El Diablo Cocktail (can’t go wrong with tequila)
Neal’s service was right on point. He was a real gent and treated us kind. I can’t wait to return for more of this place. Catch me on the patio…
~Christy

Such a romantic little spot! Perfect for a date or a long catch-​up with an old friend (as was the case for me). And what a cocktail menu!
I was completely overwhelmed by the drink selection, which all looked amazing, but somehow ended up choosing the «flutter drum» (dark rum, house-​made pumpkin butter, and cream — served hot!), which was absolutely delicious. Not too many places serve hot cocktails — or pumpkin in April! Love.
Later I also had «the garden was crowded» after trying my friend’s (served cold; bright and fruity with gin, absinthe, and a bunch of other ingredients), which was also very tasty.
The two of us also shared a bunch of small dishes, including the fried pickle appetizer, the citrus glazed carrots, the gnudi, and the porchetta with egg. They all came out in these adorable little cast iron skillets, and all tasted amazing! My favorite, though, was probably the porchetta, which was just a little crunchy, and super savory and satisfying.
We finished with the goat cheesecake with blueberries and *black pepper* — this was soooo good! The tang and spice of the goat’s milk and the pepper were a great complement to the sweetness and creaminess of the berries and, well, cream.
Overall, the prices were definitely on the high side, but everything was delicious and creative, and the care and thought that had gone into each dish was obvious. If I lived in St. Louis, I’m sure I’d be here a lot!

I LOVED the drinks here. They’re absolutely beautiful! I’ve had the food in the past but hadn’t sat the bar before the last time I came in. I highly recommend sitting at the bar. You get to see all the good magic it takes to make those crazy sounding drinks they make here!

I consider Taste trendy. Unfortunately trendy in larger metro areas usually means crowded which equates to noisy. Add to that, a smaller venue and a place that doesn’t take reservations for parties under 6, and you have a long wait. (We went on a Friday night).
On the plus side, they have valet parking for $ 3 and for anyone who frequents to Central West End, this was a blessing. The food was good and despite being filled to capacity, service was fast. They use the NoWait app so you can track how many people are in front of you and they text you when your table is ready.
I might consider a repeat at this restaurant but I’d try a week day to see if it makes a difference how busy it is.

Stopped by here for a cocktail before dinner. I am not a big mixed drink person, but they have a very good selection, and what I had was so delicious. We also tried one of the small plates. Very good. I could definitely make dinner out of the small plates and cocktails.

Food is amazing, cocktails are not!
The food here is really good, at least the things we tried. Food was absolutely delicious and the ambiance was very nice and cozy with candle lights in the dark and open kitchen, and very friendly staff. I deducted 1 star because of the drinks, they have 1 page of food menu and like 10 pages of drinks menu and have a long list of cocktails they do, which obviously gives you lots of choices however it can be confusing for someone like me (and only 3 options for white wine!). Me and my friend tried 3 cocktails each, however unfortunately I didn’t like any of them, and finally I had to order a simple gin and tonic for me. Regarding the food we had braised pork belly (with foie caramel, mushrooms, endive, walnut), mussels (with thai chili, paprika, white wine and buttered bread) and pancetta lardons. Everything was very good, especially pork belly and pancetta. I would definitely go back for the food.

The BF went here last night for the 1^st, arrived around 7:30, there was an hour wait, just an FYI for Sunday dwellers but it was sooo worth it. We killed time across the street at The BBQ Saloon having drinks. We arrived for Joel’s last day, the bartender, so I only found it fitting to order a cocktail off the special menu «Joel’s last day on Earth». The BF ordered a beer. The drinks were personally delivered by Joel himself, whom was very nice and personable. We had an amazing waitress, can’t pull her name to save my life. Her suggestions were on point. We started with the bacon fat fried cornbread and the gnocchi which were both amazing!!! Then the salad and burger arrived. The pork burger was OUTSTANDING!!! OMG… and those fries with the two dipping sauces (mayo and ketchup). That was the best pork burger since my 1^st experience at The Missouri State Fair. It was beyond juicy and flavorful. I’d order that Togo. The BF absolutely adored it. The salad was no slouch either, waitresses pick. We left soo full and elated, we can’t wait to get back.
The restaurant reminds me of a french gastropub. The atmosphere is chill. It’s a not noisy but I could care less. The cocktail selection is expansive and the beer selection is limited. I was apprehensive considering the other reviews but I’ve had this place bookmarked for ages. I would say try for yourself.

WE LOVE TASTE! I had a group of nine celebrating my birthday here. The food and drinks are always fantastic but the service on my birthday was incredible. They made us feel so welcomed and seemed genuinely grateful for our business. Taste will continue to be a favorite spot for us.

Taste is a cute and cozy collective of culinary prowess and libationary expertise. The atmosphere oozes an air mellowness and gustatory arousal. Head chef Heather Stone has learned well under previous direction of Chef Matthew Daughaday, sporting many familiar flavors and many new ones in her menus. Prepare your palate for a barrage of flavors, textures, and happy, mouth feels. Highly recommend.

I came, I drank, and I rejoiced in the splendors of quality made craft cocktails.
The bar tender was attentive and took the time to really understand what it was that I was looking for in a great drink. I ended up having several. Everything from a Negroni to a Caipirinha with a special twist, a touch of mezcal to give it some smokiness.
Ice is SOLID here, your drink will not get watered down. My ice cube looked like a small Campbell’s soup can in my glass. Not to mention is was nearly perfectly clear. I really enjoy when ICE is pleasing in both form and function.
I’ll be back Taste Bar.

A unique dining experience that always delivers. A rotating menu and killer cocktails always bring me back. Go there to drink, go there for food or do what I do and go for both! Great drink specials every Sunday and Monday. Service is always great and the some of the most knowledgeable people regarding booze in the STL. Awesome place.

Taste is probably my favorite cocktail bar in Saint Louis. Every cocktail that I’ve had here is well made (and also very strong). The bartenders don’t rush through any cocktail/​drink order. Their menu is constantly changing, so there are always new concoctions for us to try. I usually order drinks under the «tart. bright. citrus.» section but I occasionally go for one of their «classics.» I also like the small plates that they serve here, especially the bacon fat fried cornbread (amazing) and the churros. I’d love to come here more often but I’d go broke since each cocktail costs $ 10+.
They don’t take reservations for groups smaller than 6 people, so if you’re looking to grab a drink with some friends, I’d recommend swinging by during less busy times.

I’m not a big cocktail person, but this is a fun spot! It has a cozy intimate atmosphere and the friendliest staff. Additionally, the food and drinks are amazing. I have been several times, and I always enjoy myself. All of the staff is knowledgeable about the menu and they have great deals on Mondays ($ 6 classic cocktails, which is literally like every cocktail ever invented). Plus, if you are really unhappy with your drink, they will take it back and make you a new one!
On the food side, there are plenty of tasty options, all well prepared. Plus, the cozy atmosphere makes it a great spot for dates, catching up with friends or a larger group gathering (they have a small upstairs area with couches and longer tables!)
Basically, Taste is doing just about everything right.

A couple years ago it was Taste that introduced me to mezcal just as it was growing in popularity. During my recent visit, they proved once again to craft legit cocktails.
We tried the Aesthetic of Prisms (cognac, aquavit, carpano, amaro, and «winter savory tincture») and sure enough there was a prominent savory finish (rosemary among other herbs). This was a very good and well balanced drink. We also tried the Tuxedo Begins (gin, madeira, Luxardo maraschino, berry tincture) and it was not as impressive — mostly just heavy on the gin and juniper berry, spiked with mixed berry flavor. After this drink I was very ready for something fuller, more robust…
Because there surprisingly weren’t many whiskey based cocktails on the winter menu, we ordered bartender’s choice for our second round. We ordered two spirit forward cocktails, one with mezcal and mole bitters, another with some intriguing fig leaf bitters and whiskey as a base spirit. For the former, the bartender used a smokey Vida mezcal, benedictine, Bitterman’s Xocolatl mole bitters, and a few other components. For the latter, he used Highland Park 12 year scotch, the fig leaf bitters which actually tasted almost like oolong tea, added a splash of Campari, and I think a sweet vermouth. This drink was soooo good! I was impressed that our bartender was knowledgeable enough to 1) think to add Campari and 2) to use it in moderation so as not to overpower the scotch and bitters.
I mean the greatest compliment when I say Taste’s craft cocktails are on par with bars in San Francisco. Yet there are instances that remind me I’m not in SF. For one, Taste offers $ 6 classic cocktails all day Sunday and Monday, and they have a lengthy list of classics! Man, SF is seriously lacking in good HH deals. Another anecdote: In front of my bar seat there was a small bitters-​sized bottle of Smith & Cross rum. The bartender said they use a few dashes of it in certain drinks just to impart some of the funky notes. Meanwhile, I’m thinking I’ve had several drinks using Smith & Cross as one of the base spirits… heh. Regardless, I’ll definitely be returning to Taste next time I’m in town!

I’ve spent the last 2 years nurturing a love for craft cocktails, drinking my way across every new city I pass by. After returning to Taste with a more educated and refined palate, I can safely say that it still holds up! Bartender’s choice was probably the best evidence of this — our talented mixologist crafted two delectable concoctions for us: a smokey and dark mezcal drink with chocolate mole bitters, and a unique scotch drink utilizing some of their local fig leaf bitters. Both were exactly what I look for in cocktails: balanced, unique, and complex. What’s even better is that you get them at Midwestern prices — each drink was only $ 10.
Taste can easily go up against some of the better cocktail bars in foodie cities like SF, LA, and Chicago. I’ve never been prouder to be a St. Louisan. #TheLou!

I don’t need to say much. I’ve been here at least 15 times. Both the cocktails and the food are creative, well-​executed, and consistent. Service has almost always been on point here, even with a full house.
The classic cocktails are well made and strong, and the creations are interesting. They have their mixology down. The small plates are fantastic — I would recommend the fries, the cornbread, the cheese board, and the charcuterie. With the desserts, the churros and panna cotta are some of the best I’ve ever had.
Priced fairly. Great ambience. Delicious food. Unforgettable cocktails.
Did I mention the fries?

After leaving Taste last night, it soared to the top of my list of preferred date-​night venues. Even now, I’m having a difficult time identifying the primary feature that made this evening wonderful (other than the company).
My husband and I arrived at 5:30pm (Wednesday) and strolled in to be seated without delay. Once we’d settled, our server promptly introduced himself and explained the menu. As I novice drinker, I was shocked at Taste’s expansive cocktail list, but soon felt confident that anything I selected would be a thrill. After exploring the timeline of cocktail history, I ordered the «Last Word,» and my husband had an old-​fashioned, both $ 6.
Sipping on fantastically potent libations and eyeing the small plates list, I beheld the scene. We were one of approximately 12 tables occupying the snug restaurant. The dark-​stained plank ceiling, vintage light bulb pendants, marble tabletops, brick walls, and white subway tile form Taste’s thoughtful and cool atmosphere. From corner table, I had full view of the bar and kitchen and the entire dining area. I felt like I belonged; it was tasteful but not pretentious, cozy but not jammed, lively but not loud, creative but not foreign.
We were a bit peckish by this time, so the we ordered a starter and three small plates to share. Dish after dish arrived perfectly timed, fresh, hot, and scrumptiously presented (although the dinnerware was oddly bland). The cheese curds were a textural treat paired with a rich jalapeño aioli. The bison soup was familiar and flavorful. The gnudi was artful and buttery. The buffalo chicken was my husband’s choice, but I’ll admit it was delectable. To top the dinner off, we ordered the raved-​about churros with the velvet almond panna cotta. It wasn’t incredible, but it scored points for eclecticism.
We benefited from the rigorous standards of service, however the server’s dress code was a bit relaxed. (I’m starting to sound like an Emily Gilmore, I know.) Every detail was masterfully managed and we left happy and full. I was fully tipsy after two «Last Words» and ready to enjoy the rest of the evening. Taste earned its high reviews and my experience wasn’t an outlier. I’m happy to add this Central West End to my list of recommendations. I hear they’re throwing a NYE bash; I would consider attending if I were in town.

I went to taste for some drinks with a co-​worker and was instantly impressed with their mixology. It has a San Francisco speakeasy vibe with the right décor and people. Was very pleasantly surprised when I walked in.
I started off with he el Diablo and later moved to the salt of the earth. Both drinks I would highly recommend. I wasn’t too hungry but I did snack on some bacon fat baked corn bread which was delicious!
Great drinks and great atmosphere. If you are looking for a unique cocktail, this is the place. Will definitely be returning next time I am in town. Highly recommended.

When your able to sit at the bar and enjoy a bowl of bison chili and then churros with vanilla panna cotta for dessert you really can’t go wrong. You add in a hand crafted bourbon cocktail on the rocks, I would say your night is off to a good start.
Taste has a great variety of small plates to share and an extensive cocktail list with knowledgeable bartenders who are interested in making you the right drink. It is a perfect spot to grab a drink or a light meal while in this part of St. Louis.

Not only did Taste knock my socks off last night but it also had my taste buds singing. Even though we got there early, the joint was jumpin’. We wanted to sit at the bar and the hostess was kind enough to ask two patrons to move down opening up the last two stools for us. I would recommend making reservations. $ 3.00 valet parking is available.
Our mixologist Kyle took good care of us. Mike got a Manhattan and I got my Margarita. Yummy. The menu consists of snacks, small plates and two large plates. We decided to share two of the snack plates. The fried cheese curds with jalapeño aioli and the fried pickles with dill aioli. Both were wonderful. The jalapeño aioli had a hint of jalapeño but not too spicy. The fried pickles (they were chips, not spears) were nice and thin and crispy.
Time to try some small plates. I decided on the Bison Chili and Mike got the Porchetta with Italian chilies and a fried egg on top. My chili was delicious and my taste buds sang. A little tang of spice but not too spicy. Mike said his Porchetta was delicious also.
We are on a roll. Might as well get dessert. Churros with an Almond Panna cotta to dip them in. They were so tasty dusted with cinnamon and sugar. The Panna cotta was so good and the consistency of a crème brûlée.
What a great night we had. Yes, of course we will be back.

Even though this place was busy, we got service fast. We were seated almost immediately and we got our food and drinks quickly. For me, that adds a star to any review. If a place can make you feel special, even when they’re busy, you’re doing it right.
The ambience here is definitely hipster, but don’t let that stop you from coming in. It’s a great place with an eclectic ambiance, and most importantly, the food and drinks are amazing.
They have a crazy list of cocktails and a few different types of «flights.» We had a flight, and it was a great compliment to our cocktails. Being able to try out several different brands and styles was great.
But, the food here also shines. You MUST try the bacon cornbread. Being from the South, I know good cornbread, and this place has its cornbread game down. We had a sampling of other fair, and it was all great. For my girlfriend to compliment a place on the food, it’s good. And, she most assuredly did here.
Whether you’re looking for a date night spot or just a place to get your drink on with friends, I recommend this place.

Came here with some friends from NY so was hoping to impress ;) we waited for only about 10 minutes, and eagerly ordered drinks. Try the Bartender’s Choice if you’re feeling risky. We were happy with our drinks, and he quickly replaced the one we didn’t like at no charge.
The food portions are pretty small and pricey for what you get, but we loved everything. Definitely get the Gnudi and the Fries. And don’t leave without the Churros for dessert! They’re addicting.

**If you are coming during a busy time, try checking to «No Wait» app to get on the wait list. If you show up and there is a wait, you will give them your cell phone # and they will call/​text you when your table is ready. They told us we could wait next door at Brasserie for drinks.
**Sit at the bar if you enjoy watching the skilled bartenders make drink after drink. All the drinks are fancy!
I have not had a bad dish or drink here. The cornbread is pan-​fried in bacon grease and topped with butter and honey– OMG was this amazing! The mussels are served in a small cast iron skillet with plenty of liquid to dip the crusty bread into. They even gave us extra bread to soak up the extra sauce. LOVE this place!

I went here the other night with a good friend and we had a perfectly wonderful time. I loved the ambience, the decent service and the fact that they serve a cheese plate and a burger. They had all the things I was looking for.
However, looking back, it’s not a place I’m likely to return. The food was fine. Definitely not bad. But only fine. And the prices were kinda high. Higher than they should be for «fine». I consider myself a pretty serious foodie. I put a lot of thought into what recipes I try at home and even more thought into what restaurant is going to give me the best return on my money. And after putting in a lot of time exploring St. Louis over the past year, I can think of quite a few other places that serve cheese plates and burgers that are a lot more interesting than what I experienced here.

This spot is technically a cocktail bar and does not really have much food (that would be next door). The appetizers though were quite good bite sized foods. The drinks though are great! As a person that prefers cocktails over other alcoholic beverages, this place really struck a chord with me.
I will be back here I’m sure multiple times.
If you are a cocktail person, you should definitely visit this spot.

Great date place. Good concept with a creative and expansive list of cocktails with a changing menu of some well executed small plates.
Service was good. I liked this place enough that I would consider coming back if I visit St Louis again.
We shared, in order of preference:
Cauliflower with harrissa — very good… i would get this again.
Radish Salad– cold dish with basil goodness. Decent portion too.
Mussels — with a side was warm crusty bread. Yum. Bit salty too but it was a good dish. We asked for more bread to mop up the coconut broth.
Lamb meatballs over orzo — a bit tooo heavy on the salt. :(
Pork scrapple– eh this is what I would pass on… too greasy, heavy, salty than the rest of the meal.
Given their creative cocktails, i decided to venture out and try 2 with gin, absinthe and vermouth. My date had 3 with more bourbon. Everything was pretty good. We were here on Sunday when they had happy hour specials on the classics.