We are visiting every St. Louis microbrewery to help highlight the variety, quality and fine spaces we have to enjoy a fresh beer in our fair city.
We stopped at Civil Life Brewing Company. at 3714 Holt Avenue in the Tower Grove South Neighborhood.
This brewery is located in the southern tip of one of the most popular St. Louis neighborhoods. It is in what we call the “working man’s section” of the neighborhood. They have been brewing beer in St. Louis since 2011. In March, 2022 they underwent a major expansion and renovation adding a kitchen and much more.
We love this place. It is somewhat deceiving from the outside where you might just see a non-descript cinder block and metal shed post industrial building. Per city records, it was built in 1953, so it has the decidedly mid-century warehouse look.
But the place has wonderful vibes. From the staff to the food and beer to the intimate upstairs spaces, the pub-like setting bar and first floor area and the wonderfully expanded outdoor area.
There is a very adult feel downstairs, a more subdued space upstairs and of course, the outdoor area is a family and kid and pet-friendly feel with walk-up windows.
The beer is arguably the most unique in St. Louis. There are less standard American IPAs/APAs and German/Czech styles that you get in other spots. Civil Life is decidedly British with more malty, dark options. It is the best English style in town in our opinion.
That said, their Czech Pilsner is undeniably delicious.
But, the place and vibe is what brings us joy here.
We’ve enjoyed heading upstairs into the cozy wood booths and playing cards or Scrabble is one of our favorites. This space has a winter vibe with darker stained wood and quiet, private booths to compliment the more open areas. It complements the oatmeal and classic brown ales very well.
The first floor has a charming bar, long communal tables and a stand up bar stand. There are darts and bullring toss games.
The outside area is a tremendous spot. So, perfect on many levels. First, it is kid friendly with a whimsical vibe. But there are plenty of spots to spread out and even what I think is a grass spot to set up lawn chairs or blankets to camp out and watch the soccer game. This is a soccer-forward spot.
Heck, maybe it’s a dog lawn, but I saw them setting up an outdoor TV for the STL CITY game.
The landscaping and new sidewalks show they care about the neighborhood. There is and EV charger with a nod toward the future, and a civilized place to stop and charge up on a road trip.
The food is excellent and the scene is positive and healthy. Great St. Louis spot.
On to the next one, cheers!
