Bars in Swansea

In 1999, Jimbo Sinovic opened the first Big Daddy's on the Landing and Soulard in the historic Soulard district, less than a half-mile from the iconic Anheuser-Busch Brewery. The eatery's drink specials and tasty pub staples—served for lunch, dinner, and late-night owl watching—established the bar as a neighborhood favorite and inspired its owner to declare it "The Best Bar in the Whole Wide World."

A new player in the O'Fallon restaurant scene, K Pub & Grill shakes up the dining experience with an expansive pub menu and a smoke-free atmosphere. Pummel hunger pangs with the beef brisket in a zesty barbecue sauce ($13.99), or slap them with the chili-teriyaki-glazed tails of crispy fried jumbo shrimp (10 for $12.99). Seven specialty pizzas, including the Philly beef and cheese, slathered in A1 steak sauce ($15.99), vie silently for gustatory attention. A carnivorous theme runs through the menu, with wings available in barbecue pork ($6.99) and superhot chicken ($6.29). Flame-retardant mouths can test their strength by taking the hot-wings challenge, a 15-minute eat-off that ends with a photo on either the Wall of Champions or the Wall of Shame.

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Nick's Pub keeps crowds of locals and nighttime revelers satisfied with a menu of hearty Irish-American pub fare and a menu of more than 90 beers on tap—many of which come from local brewers. Guests chow down on shepherd's pie, fish 'n' chips, or half-pound burgers as they sip craft beers. They can play friendly games of darts and pool, or they dance and laugh along to live musicians and open-mic comedy on Sunday nights. Nick's Pub is also smoke-friendly, though they don't allow cigars or scented cigarettes.

The Library's exposed-brick walls and low-hanging lights embody its chic, industrial décor, whereas pool tables and pub games fill the hall. Each weekend, a live DJ blasts hip beats and Top 40 hits to encourage rug-cutting, and more than 20 flat screens boast every NFL game on Sunday and footage of the owner's all-feline candid-camera show otherwise.

With panoramic views of downtown and the St. Louis Gateway Arch looming in the background like a giant croquet wicket, baseball enthusiasts and Cardinals fans can visit sites they don't normally see on game day. During the tour, fans will swing through the Redbird Club—a spacious, closed-in section of the ballpark with some of the best views available—as well as the press box, where the world first learned that Mark McGwire's goatee was actually a toupee. Visitors get to check out other notable spots in the stadium, including the Cardinals dugout, Trinket City, and the secret fifth base. While tours are usually available daily, visitors are strongly encouraged to call ahead.