St. Louis is a fantastic city for brewery tours. Its deep roots in brewing history, combined with a dynamic craft beer scene, make it a must-visit for beer lovers. Plus, with iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch providing a stunning backdrop, you’re never far from a great view or a good story.
We particularly enjoy tours that blend history, culture, and a bit of fun—like the Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour, which takes you through local breweries and legendary BBQ joints, or the Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour, a spooky dive into the city’s industrial past. Whether you’re after a laid-back tasting or something with a ghostly twist, St. Louis has options to satisfy.
Quick Overview
Our list covers two standout brewery experiences: a comprehensive private tour combining food, history, and craft beer, and a shorter, eerie exploration of the historic Lemp Brewery.
Both offer unique insights into St. Louis’s brewing heritage, with different flavors of adventure—one is more about indulging in local flavors, and the other about uncovering ghostly stories from the past. Now, let’s explore each in detail.
1. Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour (BBQ Joints & Breweries)
At number one, the Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour offers an immersive experience that combines local breweries with legendary BBQ joints.
For around $129 per person, you get roughly 4 to 6 hours of fun exploring St. Louis’s culinary scene alongside Wayne, who guides you through the city’s food and drink history. This tour is perfect for those wanting a personalized touch, as larger groups up to 50 guests are available.
The itinerary includes visits to Anheuser-Busch Brewery, where you’ll see the historic brewery and Biergarten, a true St. Louis icon. From there, the tour continues to Schlafly Tap Room, which launched the craft beer revolution in 1991 and remains a staple.
The highlight for many is Pappy’s Smokehouse, celebrated as “The best BBQ in the USA” in 2015, with ribs, pulled pork, and the famous Adam Bomb sandwich.
Throughout this experience, you’ll enjoy beer/bbq pairings, learn about local brewing legends, and see iconic sights like the Gateway Arch.
Guests rave about Wayne’s knowledge and personable style, describing the tour as “entertaining,” “informative,” and “tailored to us.” It’s ideal if you want a relaxed, engaging day with quality food and exceptional beers woven into a story of St. Louis.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a fantastic balance of history, culture, and delicious food and drinks, perfect for those who want a comprehensive, personalized experience.
2. The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour
Coming in at number two is The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour, an intriguing 1-hour 15-minute experience for just $30 per person. This tour focuses on the eerie, lesser-known side of St. Louis brewing history—the abandoned Lemp Brewery complex, which became a major shoe manufacturing plant after the brewery’s decline.
The tour takes you into the basements of Buildings 2, 3, and 3A, revealing the dark, atmospheric underground tunnels and old industrial spaces. What makes this tour special is its blend of industrial history and paranormal tales.
The guide shares stories about the Lemp family, the brewery’s decline, and reports of paranormal activity, which makes it a hit for those interested in ghost stories, history, or both.
Visitors report the stories are “interesting,” “engaging,” and “spooky,” with some even feeling chills walking through the dark tunnels.
While the tour is shorter and less hands-on than the full brewery experience, it’s a great pick if you’re curious about the city’s industrial past or enjoy a good ghost story. The $30 price point makes it accessible for a quick, fun outing, and reviews highlight the guide’s storytelling skills and the atmospheric setting.
Bottom line: If you love history, ghost stories, or simply want a different take on St. Louis’s brewing past, this spooky tour is worth considering.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider what kind of experience you prefer. If you want a comprehensive day with food, beer, and culture, the Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour offers a rich mix. It’s ideal for those who really want to dive into local flavors and history in a relaxed setting.
On the other hand, if your interest leans toward history and the paranormal, the Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour provides a shorter, atmospheric experience that’s both spooky and educational.
Budget-wise, both tours are reasonable, but they cater to different interests and time commitments. The private tour is great for a full day, while the haunted tour fits into an hour and a quarter, perfect for an evening activity or a quick adventure.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time. Both tours are popular among locals and travelers alike, ensuring you’ll have a memorable time.
Final thoughts
St. Louis’s brewery scene isn’t just about drinking beer—it’s about experiencing a city that’s proud of its brewing traditions, its food, and even its ghost stories. The Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour stands out if you want an in-depth look at the city’s craft beer culture combined with legendary BBQ.
Conversely, the Haunted Lemp Brewery tour appeals to history buffs and those with a taste for the creepy. Both offer a unique window into the city’s past and present.
No matter which you choose, these tours promise a fun, insightful way to learn about St. Louis’s brewing heritage. Be sure to book early—these experiences are popular for good reason—and get ready for a memorable taste of the Lou.