St Louis is a city that truly knows how to celebrate its beer culture and culinary heritage. Its combination of historic breweries, innovative craft beer scenes, and legendary barbecue options makes it an ideal destination for drinking tours. Whether you’re a fan of sampling local brews at iconic spots or intrigued by tales of ghostly breweries, there’s something here for every type of drinker.
We particularly love the Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour for its mix of history, food, and drink, and the Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour for those who enjoy a spooky twist on beer history. Both tours offer authentic insights into St Louis’s brewing past, paired with memorable experiences.
If you’re planning your trip, consider which kind of tour suits your interests and schedule. A laid-back half-day exploring breweries, or a longer, curated food and drink experience—either way, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. Let’s explore the two top options.
Quick Overview
This list highlights two of the best drinking tours in St Louis. The first is a Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour that combines visits to premier breweries and barbecue joints, providing a comprehensive taste of the city’s culinary and brewing scene.
The second is the Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour, a shorter, more atmospheric experience focusing on the ghostly stories and history of one of St Louis’s most famous breweries. Both tours offer unique perspectives, whether you want a rich, full-day experience or a quick spooky adventure.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these tours stand out.
1. Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour (BBQ Joints & Breweries)
For around $129 per person, the Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour offers a hefty dose of local flavor, history, and craft beer in a 4 to 6-hour experience. Led by Wayne, this tour is especially appealing because it adapts based on guest input, ensuring a personalized route through some of the city’s top food and drink spots.
This experience combines visits to world-renowned Side Project Brewing and the Anheuser-Busch Biergarten, giving visitors exposure to both boutique breweries and historic giants.
This tour’s highlight is its ability to blend beer tasting with barbecue—not just stopping at random spots but curating visits to places like Pappy’s Smokehouse, which has been hailed as the “best BBQ in the USA” in 2015. The itinerary also includes an in-depth visit to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, where you’ll learn about the brewing process and see the iconic Gateway Arch from a distance.
The Schlafly Tap Room marks the beginning of the craft beer revolution in 1991, offering a glimpse into how St Louis’s beer scene transformed.
Guests frequently comment on how knowledgeable and friendly Wayne is, providing tailored recommendations along the way. The tour’s value lies in its combination of history, culture, and food, making it perfect for those wanting an immersive experience.
Bottom line: If you want a flexible, in-depth exploration of St Louis’s beer and barbecue with a personal touch, this tour delivers. It’s suited for foodies, craft beer enthusiasts, and history lovers who appreciate local stories and flavors.
2. The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour
At just $30 per person, the Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour offers an intriguing one-hour and 15-minute peek into the spooky side of St Louis’s brewing past. This tour focuses on the basements of the old Lemp Brewery, where underground tunnels and dark corridors tell stories of a once-thriving beer empire turned ghostly legend.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour explores the remnants of the Lemp Brewery, which became the world’s largest shoe manufacturing plant after the brewery’s collapse. Visitors will see buildings 2, 3, and 3A, and learn about the paranormal activity associated with the site.
The stories of ghostly sightings and real-life tragedies add an atmospheric layer to the historic setting, making it ideal for those interested in both history and ghost stories.
Reviews highlight the guide’s engaging storytelling and the eerie ambiance, which makes this a favorite for those who enjoy haunted tales. It’s a shorter, more intense experience that appeals to history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the darker side of St Louis’s brewing history.
Bottom line: If spooky stories combined with historic brewery ruins sound appealing, this tour offers a memorable and reasonably priced experience. It’s perfect for a quick, atmospheric adventure that leaves a lasting impression.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two drinking tours in St Louis, consider your interests, budget, and schedule. If you want a comprehensive experience that combines craft beer, barbecue, and local history, the Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour is a clear choice. It’s ideal for those wanting a deep dive into the city’s food and drink scene with personalized attention.
On the other hand, if you’re pressed for time but craving a spooky story and a taste of brewery history, the Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour offers a shorter, atmospheric experience at a budget-friendly price. It’s great for history and paranormal fans looking for a quick adventure.
For planning, try to book early—especially the private tour, which fills up fast. Also, consider visiting the breweries or barbecue spots separately if you want more flexibility or to explore additional venues not included in the tour.
Final Thoughts
St Louis’s rich brewing history and culinary culture provide a perfect backdrop for memorable drinking tours. The Private St. Louis Gastronomy Tour offers an in-depth, customizable experience for those eager to taste and learn, while the Haunted Lemp Brewery Tour delivers a fun, spooky peek into the city’s past. Both are excellent options depending on your interests and time constraints.
If you’re a beer enthusiast, history lover, or curious about ghost stories, these tours are well worth booking early. They’ll give you authentic, behind-the-scenes perspectives on what makes St Louis a special city for drinkers and history buffs alike. Enjoy your adventure — cheers to discovering a city that truly knows how to pour a good story along with its beer!