Restaurant
Unclaimed profilePolite Society Restaurant and Bar
St. Louis, MO
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
Research completed 2026-08-29 · Based on current public sources
Editor: Micah Rousey
Review methodology and evidence standardsThe editorial take
Polite Society's bar turns out eight signature cocktails built on house-made syrups and bitters, with rye, cachaca, and mezcal getting serious play. The wine list is compact but thoughtful, and the beer program leans local, from Urban Chestnut to 4 Hands. A single non-alcoholic beer covers the sober set. Cocktails are the clear draw, and guests describe them as high quality in an upscale but unpretentious room.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Sinner Man, a cachaca and amaro number with cinnamon and anisette, or the Glow Worm, a mezcal-gin-armagnac blend with holy basil. For a bourbon-led sip, the Bourbon Murray uses house-made peppercorn bitters. Pair with a local beer like Urban Chestnut's Zwickle if you want something lighter.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking creative, well-made drinks will find much to like. The bar's relaxed yet classy atmosphere appeals to those who want a quality drink without pretension. Local beer fans will appreciate the St. Louis breweries represented.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are prime for the full cocktail menu. The bar area is noted as a great spot to relax and watch events like the World Cup, so game nights could be lively.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Beer prices range from $6.00 to $10.00, with examples like Brooklyn Lager at $6.50 and Perennial Saison at $9.50. One wine is listed at $12. Cocktail prices are not listed on the menu.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail list is the standout, with eight original creations that pair unexpected ingredients: eucalyptus syrup with rye, celery root in a cachaca sour, and Thai simple with gin and peanut-coriander tincture. House-made syrups and bitters appear throughout, and the menu rotates seasonally.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Eight signature cocktails showcase house-made syrups and bitters, with a wide spirit range from rye to mezcal. Recipes are inventive, like eucalyptus syrup with rye and celery root, and guests praise the quality. A creative, well-executed program.
Menu strengths
- — House-made syrups and bitters are used across the cocktail list.
- — Diverse spirits include rye, cachaca, tequila, mezcal, gin, vodka, and rum.
- — Guests describe cocktails as high quality with an upscale feel.
Standout selections
- — Rye Down Under: James E Pepper Rye, Eucalyptus Syrup, Apologue Celery Root, Lime Juice.
- — Sinner Man: Novo Fogo Silver Cachaca, Montenegro Amaro, Cinnamon Syrup, Meletti Anisette, Bittermen's Boston Bittahs.
- — Glow Worm: Los Nahuales Joven Mezcal, Príncipe de los Apóstoles Gin, Ch. Arton Fine Blanche Armagnac, Holy Basil Syrup, Peychaud's Bitters.
Pricing: No prices listed for cocktails on the menu.
Wine
A compact wine list includes rotating house white and red, plus sparkling and rosé. Each wine carries a brief tasting note, from citrusy Sauvignon Blanc to a peppery Côtes du Rhône. Limited pricing info, but the selection is thoughtful.
Menu strengths
- — Rotating house wines offer flexibility.; Brief tasting notes help guide selection.
Standout selections
- — Selbach-Oster Riesling Feinherb: peachy fruit with a touch of sweetness.
- — La Manarine Côtes du Rhône: spice, red and blue fruit, some pepper.
- — Bliss Family Pinot Noir: raspberry notes, florals, light and bright.
Pricing: Reserve de Saurine listed at $12.
Beer
Beer list emphasizes local St. Louis breweries like Urban Chestnut, Perennial, and 4 Hands, with a mix of styles from lager to sour. Prices are reasonable. A solid, regional selection.
Menu strengths
- — Includes a variety of styles: lager, IPA, stout, sour.
- — Beers listed with brewery location and serving size.
Standout selections
- — Urban Chestnut 'Zwickle' ($8.50) from St. Louis, MO.
- — Perennial 'Saison de Lis' ($9.50) from St. Louis, MO.
- — 4 Hands 'Divided Sky' Rye IPA ($6.75) from St. Louis, MO.
Pricing: Beer prices range from $6.00 to $10.00.
Nonalcoholic
Offers a single non-alcoholic beer, Well Being (NA) from St. Louis. No mocktail menu is evident. Adequate for designated drivers but not a destination for zero-proof drinkers.
Standout selections
- — Well Being (NA) from St. Louis, MO.
How it sits with the food
Seasonal menus suggest cocktails are designed to complement the food. The Sinner Man's herbal-spiced profile could match roasted dishes, while the Thai Fighter's peanut and coriander notes might echo Asian-inspired plates. The rotating house wines offer flexible pairing options.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
About this review
Research is based on recent public evidence, including official venue materials and beverage menus when available. The review date is the research completion date and does not imply an in-person visit.
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