The Schlafly Tap Room

The Schlafly Tap Room is Missouri's most significant craft brewery and represents a pioneering chapter in American beer history. Founded in 1991 by Tom Schlafly and Dan Kopman — when home-brewing was only recently legalized in Missouri and the craft beer movement was in its infancy — Schlafly became the first brewpub to open in St. Louis since Prohibition, operating from a restored 1900 warehouse at Locust Street in Downtown West that had previously served as an auto repair shop and later a printing warehouse. The building's industrial bones — exposed brick, heavy timber, high ceilings — were preserved and now form the backdrop for one of the most atmospheric drinking and dining spaces in St. Louis.

The brewery produces 20 or more rotating taps of house-brewed ales, lagers, stouts, and seasonal specialties at any given time. The Pumpkin Ale, released each fall, has achieved iconic status in St. Louis and draws lines of regulars during its seasonal availability. Year-round offerings include pale ales, IPAs, wheat beers, and the Schlafly Coffee Stout. The kitchen serves American pub food that takes the beer program seriously: the fish and chips use Schlafly beer in the batter, the pretzel is paired with a beer-cheese dipping sauce, and the grilled swordfish sandwich has become an unexpected signature for a brewpub. The menu also includes seasonal specials that rotate with the beer lineup.

The Tap Room is the original Schlafly location and remains the most characterful of the brewery's St. Louis properties. Live music, seasonal outdoor events, and the annual Schlafly Hop in the City festival — one of St. Louis's most anticipated beer events — make the brewpub a cultural anchor for the city's food and drink community. Reservations are not required but are recommended for larger groups and weekend evenings when the room fills.