Square One Brewery & Distillery

Out of town, read their Unilocal review and stopped in. I would give the food a 3 ½, the beer a 4, and the restaurant and atmosphere a 5. The spinach dip was good as well as the beer pretzel. The other food items we ordered lacked seasoning.

Square One Brewery probably has one of the best patios in St. Louis. There is really a Louisiana flair to this place. The sandwich selections are interesting, eclectic and varied. The beer is nutso good. Try the Maple Stout. Seriously. I think the pride point for Square One is the small technical details they put into their cooking. The mustards have punch and are high grade. The sandwich buns have just the right amount of give. The sandwiches are perfectly balanced in their ingredients. You can visually see the food quality at every turn. These guys are committed to doing it right. The service is excellent, friendly and prompt. Me thinks you shan’t be disappointed with a dinner here.

Sunday brunch was outstanding. It was great to start my day with a lovely maibock. Each successive beer style that I tasted was right on point with a lovely flavor profile. Mrs G and her sister loved their specialty drinks. We had to wait a while for a table but once it was our turn the staff was most helpful in making us comfortable while the servers were most attentive. Sister’s waffle pancakes were out of this world. My Irish Skillet contained the best corn beef hash I’ve had in years — tasty meat, fine squares of potato and chopped onion.
Brave the crowd on Sunday morning, it’s worth the wait!

I’ve been here a handful of times over the past few years. I’ve never had a bad experience. The beers are always cold, the selection is varied, and the service is great. Patio is dog friendly, so we find ourselves sitting outside after we give our dog a bath at the shop down the street. The fish and chips platter that I ordered most recently was amazing! I was able to sub out the fries for a salad for no extra charge. Husband ordered the wings– also very good!

Enjoyed the lovely, serene, almost romantic patio on several occasions with family and friends. The food and service was very good both times. Unfortunately, I’m writing this review weeks later and don’t remember what I ate, but all of us enjoyed our food and didn’t have any complaints.

Great atmosphere, excellent service. Spirits are on point. Food is mediocre, not bad but not great either. My friend ordered pretzels with cheese and mustard and they were pretty stale. My husband ordered the bratwurst pretzel bun burger, the inside looked great, but the bun was like a rock. My uncle ordered the fish and chips and it looked amazing. I ordered the crab cake appetizer, which was not horrible but it had soooooooo much aioli on it that it was like eating mayo straight out of the jar then my mahi mahi tacos had excellent flavor underneath all the spicy mayo sauce. (My own fault for not reading the details in the menu).
I will not return for the food but I will return for the ambiance and the great service.

Stopped in after some dessert at the Chocolate Bar for a sampling of their distillery whisky – the JJ and the JJ reserve were both fantastic – made with cherry wood smoked malt, you could really taste the smoky flavor in the former. The latter mellowed the smokiness but brought forward the cherry notes. Would definitely recommend.

Love this place! Been coming here for 3 years now with no complaints. The patio is so peaceful and relaxing. Not to mention the beers here are refreshing, especially on a warm summer day. Servers are friendly and the food is delicious. I definitely recommend this place.

Send time here. First time was brunch outside and I would have given that experience 4 stars. Great patio, fun menu and service was good.
This time we were just grabbing a quick bite at the bar. Service was pretty slow, the bartender was very busy making drinks for tables. The main issue was the employees who just got off hanging out at the end of bar. Rude, disruptive and just shouldn’t be there. Not sure we will be back

I had the pleasure of taking my family to this restaurant the day before my graduation. I will say that my parents were impressed. My only other time at Square One was during Mac Mondays… (Its $ 3 for mac and cheese. Definitely on budget for poor students)
My parents loved the atmosphere. We sat next to the two large «beer making machines» (Don’t know the correct name for that. obviously not that big of a beer fan. but my dad is). I had the Pulled Pork Sandwich that was cooked in their special ale. My dad had the smoked Salmon BLT, my mother had the Cuban Sandwich, and my brother had the fried chicken sandwich served on sourdough. The food was good and I loved that they incorporated the beer in many of the dishes especially the fries! YUM.
The service was also exceptional. I recommend this place for many families with of age children. I am sure they will enjoy it.

If I had been asked 4 months ago to name my favorite patio in St. Louis, I would have immediately responded Square One Brewery. To my immense disappoint, some how in the past 4 months (last time I was here) Square One Brewery has drastically gone hill.
The main reason I went here on Friday evening was to sit on the patio and drink beer. The hostess told me that the patio was, understandably, full. However, when I asked how long the wait was for the patio the hostess responded «whenever someone leaves.» If she had given me an estimate of 10 minutes I would have happily waited, but instead I didn’t get any answer. We choose to sit at a table, which had no wait. Not even 5 minutes later 2 people came in and asked for the patio and were immediately seated. My party was only 2 people. Please note that there are no reservations for the patio.
We ordered the Goat Cheese Artichoke dip as an Appetizer. As my friend put it «it tasted like a weird crab ragnoon with too much cream cheese.» For my meal I ordered the grilled cheese. It literally had 1 piece of cheese. 4 months ago the sandwich was amazing and oozing with cheesy goodness. But this time the entire meal was mediocre at best. I did bring this to the servers attention and she took the sandwich off the bill. Between the rude and incredibly slow service and poor food quality I will not be going back.

I’m slowly learning to be a «beer person» (as anyone who knows me, I’ve had a love affair with wine for years…), but Square One is helping me on the path to being a better beer drinker. Yay! Square One was doing the Micro Brew thing before it was popular, and I think they deserve some credit for being in on the trend before it was one. The food is OK, nothing that will change your life, but I do very much like their loaded nachos after a few. Finally, if you’re not in to beer, I would Highly recommend their drink the «Mississippi Mule.» It’s my favorite. It’s a ginger beer based tangy and citrusy drink that will make you smile.

The architecture and overall vibe of the bar area was hipster before hipsters even thought about growing ironic facial hair. The poached eggs were perfect. We got the bloody mary sampler and the water vit was excellent. There’s a great patio we did not get to enjoy due to weather, but will definitely be coming back to enjoy it once spring is in full swing.

I’ve been here for brunch a couple times now. They are only open for brunch on Sundays. Sit outside if you can during nice weather. Their outside patio is beautiful.
My first trip I had the Park Avenue Breakfast Sandwich. It was not what I was expecting since it wasn’t really a «sandwich» but I was not disappointed. It was just a bit messier, deconstructed version of the sandwich I was expecting. Despite the surprise, it was quite good with generous portions.
On my second trip, I had an Apple Bellini which was a refreshing alternative to a mimosa. I also had Eggs Your Way — 2 eggs, country potatoes, bacon and English muffin. Another great deal for the price.
I plan on going back for their Macaroni Monday when I get the chance!

I went Square One with a group of friends on make your own mac and cheese night. It was kind of a neat change of pace. I didn’t get any beers, but they always have a large selection on tap. I would say overall the food is good but not great, but I like the location and atmosphere. The pace is probably a 3 star for food and a four star if you are just getting drinks.

Fun place with nice patio area. Beers are very good, along with the food. Haven’t tried the «homemade spirits», but I’m sure the are equally as good as the beer. Attentive staff without being annoying.

I ordered the salmon blt. It was okay. Huge cold bun that tasted like it came straight out of the bag. Salmon was a little dry. The jalapeño cheddar grits were good though. And the ambiance was nice. We had a great server too. The manager went around and checked on everyone. Black ipa was okay.

This is the first restaurant I came to when I first moved to st. Louis and it came highly recommended. It definitely did not disappoint. It is still my favorite place to come in the whole city. Excellent beer that they brew themselves and the food is amazing as well. The prices are pretty fair for the quality product you get. This place will not let you down.

I’ve been to this place several times. The food is great, I especially like the pulled pork sandwich on a pretzel bun. The atmosphere is nice and the beers are good too. My favorite is the Bavarian Weisen (sp?). The Unilocal on-​line reservation made it easy to schedule dinner for a group of 7.

The Elk burger was a little dry, but the Cheese Grits were the best I have had since returning to St. Louis. My friends Rueben looked good as well. Nice late lunch.

Alex Stirrat did our wine tasting today, he was just as good as last year. It’s the best time of the year when Alex comes around. Always professional, and polite. Can’t wait to see him next year! Couldn’t have a better sales rep.

I was hungover and this place rescued our Sunday.
Hearty and greasy spoons du jour is the breakfast brunch at Sqaure one, I was delightfully surprised. As in the past, being a former resident of Lafayette square I wasn’t expecting such a thorough menu of brunch options from SQ1. I always fancied it a brewhouse that featured local brews and delicious burgers to highlight their growing lunch menu. As memory serves, I recall dinner and lunch being quite pleasing and how much the kitchen improved over time. So I don’t know why I was really surprised by the brunch menu.
We walked into to an absolutely packed dining area full of brunch goers who were in on the secret, we were late to the party. Their brunch menu is as big as their dinner menu so you can have your choice of eggs Benedict three ways, several omelettes, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, waffles, skillets, and even lox bagels. I settled for the Irish skillet which paired two eggs over a delectable serving of hash. Washed down with coffee and their signature Bloody Mary that’s made with their own vodka, I was alleviated from the spoils of Saturday night.
Four stars and I’ll be back to give it five next Sunday.

The food and service was just ok. It took a long time to get greeted and it seemed very rushed and not comfortable. I ordered a Moscow Mule and it was horrible. Won’t be back

Excellent beer and food! I had the Belgian Dubbel with Shrimp n grits. Service was pretty good. Ambiance really cool since its in a historic building. A little loud tonight, but a great scene. Seating could be more comfortable but I will be back because the food and drink was so good.

Square One is the perfect choice for brunch! We sat in the bar area and our server was awesome. My friend and I both had a spicy bloody mary and it was delicious. I ordered the eggs benedict and my friend ordered the hues rancheros. We loved the both of our meals!
I have been in the past and tried lunch but the brunch hard to beat. They also have bloody mary and beer flights.

Nice little pub/​brewery/​restaurant/​distillery.
Had the Ruben and a flight of beers.
Ruben was excellent. One of the best I’ve every had. Everything you expect a Ruben to be.
The beers are good too.

We enjoyed Square One. the food was a 6 out of 10, but the ambience and outdoor patio really made it a great place for lunch. I’m sure we’ll be back to try it in a few months, around springtime, I hear they allow dogs on their patio, which is kind of rare in the area.

Stopped in on a Friday evening before a show. No problem getting a table and quick service. Smallish food menu. Enjoyed some of their brews with a crab cake sandwich and fries. My guy had the fish and chips. We were both impressed with the flavors of our sandwiches. Good place to stop in for a bite before an evening of fun on Lafayette Square.

Square One is absolutely a great choice for any reason.
When in season, the patio is refreshing with a quaint fountain waterfall. In colder weather, there’s a huge room with neat viewing of their brewing set up as well as the bar having this killer window behind it that looks out onto the patio!
I’ve yet to have anything to eat or drink that wasn’t tasty. The service is always friendly with a smile. Their $ 2 Tuesday build a burger is extremely fun and reasonable.
I’m INCREDIBLY happy they’re within 2 miles from my apartment.

I hate to give this place 3 stars, when they probably deserve 4 or 5 but the service was lacking on this initial visit enough to bump them down. I do really like the patio, I like the set up the interior space overall but our waitress forgot multiple times food ordered, including an item wanted for take home (which being trusting, my family didn’t see until we got home). While there I ordered the fried fish which was some of the best I have ever had and I also ordered the polenta which I know is generally a plain dish but this was very plain to me and somewhat disappointing. I also had a couple of the South Side drinks which were very well made and I would get again.
I will go back here again because they definitely deserve a 2^nd chance and because I trust my friend who really likes Square One.

Came for dinner on a Friday night. Made reservations for 2 at 7:15. Thank goodness I did, this place gets busy on a Friday night! It is busy for good reason. The beers are unique and tremendous. I uploaded a picture of the «mainstay» beers menu. Terrific descriptions. I had the special for the night, surf and turf. Pork loin, shrimp on tomato and spinach risotto. It was incredible. My wife got the grilled palento on spicy black beans. It was grilled to perfection! We had the brownie for desert. It was homemade with their Irish stout. It was very good. I recommend splitting it with someone! The presentation of the food was pleasing and the service was exceptional. I now know why this is a «go-​to» in St. Louis!
–compliments to the chef please if anyone from square one reads this!

My wife and I ended our lovely afternoon by having an adult beverage at SQ1. After the gyros and ice cream it was a perfect ending. We were to full so we didn’t eat. We sat at the bar and were served by Emily. She was knowledgeable of the beers and other beverages as well as the food. My wife had a Crispin and I had the beer sampler flight which consists of four 5 oz. beers of your choice.
The happy hour and Sunday menus definitely had some appetizing items so I know we will be back. I also want to come back and do the spirit sampler flight. The Hopskey has me very curious.
And finally, thanks to Emily for chasing us down as we were leaving to make sure I didn’t leave my credit card… (wouldn’t be the first time!)

My first time at Square One after hearing for years how amazing it wasn’t they did not disappoint.
I came for a Unilocal event, «No More Confusion Infusion» which gave a group of Elites amazing infusion drink making demonstrations. Our mixologist for the evening was Tim; I wouldn’t call Tim a bartender I’d say he’s more of alcohol expert. He was a wealth of knowledge, very engaged and designed 3 delicious infusions for us to try at home. His instructions also gave us the ability to order drinks and not sound like a novice lol…
I ordered the calamari while we learned and they were delish. The staff brought out complimentary cheese, roasted peppers, scrumptious pretzels & mustard dip to satiate the palette. I’m glad I finally made it to the One and I can not wait to go back.

I’ve been to Square One a three times. This review is of my recent brunch experience.
There was a 15 minute wait. We ate outside near the beautiful fountain on a beautiful day.
Minus one star for the hostess, who, when we arrived at our table, said to my dining companion, «I noticed you’re limping. What happened?» For obvious reasons.
I think I only had the cheddar jalapeño grits. It’s like someone took the one food too bland for me to eat and sent it to tasty food boot camp. Now it’s the star of brunch!

I come here every once in awhile because they have a really good selection of beer. I came most recently about a week ago for some drinks with my girlfriends. I ordered the Single Malt Scotch Ale and the Augusta Hyde Park Stout. I really enjoyed both of them and thought they were pretty reasonably priced. In contrast to my beers, I did not enjoy my food. I ordered the Grown Up Grilled Cheese. It was edible, but that’s about it. There was nothing special about the sandwich. The sandwich was lukewarm and the bread was a little tough. I would not recommend it. I should have went with the chicken tenders as I remember really enjoying those a few years ago.
Despite the sub par food, I still really enjoyed my time here. They have both indoor and outdoor seating areas. In addition to a good selection of beer, they also have a pretty good selection of spirits. For both the spirits and beer, you can order a flight, which I love. Finally, I have always had good interactions with the staff here. I’ve never had to wait long for a table and my servers have always been really attentive.
In sum, really good place for beer, but steer clear of the grilled cheese.

Looking for a bite before the cards game, I came to Lafayette square and stumbled upon this gem. Automatically my mind wondered if that’s how they came up with their name.
I thought initially the space was small even from the looks outside. The bar took the entire right wall as we walked inside. We were seated promptly to the outdoor patio which provided more space. As I went to the restroom, I realized there was plenty of indoor seating which was also where all the brewery tanks, distillery, and equipment were hiding.
For service, our waitress was on point. She took 4 of our orders without writing it down and checked on us regularly. At the end, she did end up giving me a cigarette without noticing as she pulled out the pens for our check which we thought was funny :)
Most of us ordered burgers of the week. I got the game burger of the week (bison) and the food came out fresh and were all perfectly cooked to our liking. Aioli sauce could have used a spicy kick, but tasted very rich and creamy. The fries and the homemade chips were fresh as well. Chips had that homemade taste because it was crisp on the outside and still somewhat soft on the inside and were clumped together.
For drinks, we ordered the docs Witte, light squared, Bavarian weizen, park avenue pale ale. All tasted great. I recommend the docs witte: light tasting, crisp, good abv, rounded off with some fruit notes, clean finish
Great experience and I will definitely be back. I love that they brew their own beer and have their own distillery.

My bf and I came here on a Monday night for a late dinner. It was apparently 10 mins before their kitchen closed so we were a little rushed to order, but we ended up getting a beer flight to share, the beer pretzels, wings, and my bf had the crab cake sandwich.
The beer was good, on par with others we tried in STL during our trip, but nothing exceptional to rave about.
The wings were on the bigger side and pretty crispy and flavorful. I got made fun of for devouring them like a savage, but I like to believe I’m a wing connoisseur unlike my dining companion and these fit the bill.
The pretzels were also really good, freshly baked and came with cheese and mustard sauces, but they were just as good on their own.
If we came back in the area, their bloody mary flight is on top of my list to try. Behind chicken wings, that’s my next weakness…

I came to Square One after looking it up on Unilocal.It was mac and cheese night for $ 2.99. Score! Alas, I didn’t like it every much. The cheese was soupy and the noodles were overcooked.
Beer: I got a flight of beers. They were ok. I’d put them on par with Rock Bottom, where all of the beers are drinkable and good, but not mind-​blowing where I can’t stop drinking the delicious ambrosia like I do at 4 Hands or Urban Chestnut.
Rum: I tried both their white and aged rum and they were both delicious. I bought a bottle of the aged to take home.
I would like to go back and order off of their regular menu. I don’t think the mac and cheese was representative of the food they had.

Located in Lafayette Square, this brewery and distillery is great and I am planning to come back to try more of their items. My friend and I stopped here as part of the Beer for Water brewery fundraiser for the MO environmental group. We ordered a sampler platter which is extra nice because you get to select the 4 beers for the platter. We chose the Scotch Ale (our favorite), helles Keller, helles unfiltered lager, and the Bavarian Hefeweizen. I strongly urge you to try the Scotch Ale– sooo good! I also like the lager because it a stronger hop flavor than you usually get in a lager.
They have a decent food menu and several items we saw smelled very tasty. I want to go back for more scotch ale and a Reuben! I will update when I do this to see if it’s as good as it looked.