Updated Dec. 15: Shula's 347 Grill has closed.
Nestled into a corner of Old Post Office Plaza, Shula's 347 Grill provides a break from Washington Avenue and the noise of downtown.
The cool, modern bar at Don Shula's steakhouse is as welcoming as the urban oasis surrounding it outside. Bright, oversize light fixtures accent shiny, iridescent surfaces to create a mood that's loungy — not like the sports-bar atmosphere I expected of a place owned by a famous former NFL coach.
Memorabilia from Shula's career, including two Lombardi trophies, is sprinkled throughout, but none of it calls much attention to itself. And there's only one TV at the bar, so televised sports aren't the focus, either.
At Shula's, the emphasis is on taste and service.
A Mojito Martini ($9; Cruzan Light Rum, mint, fresh lime) was my favorite of the house cocktails. The muddled mint was worth the wait. A Lemon Drop martini ($10; Stoli Citron, triple sec, sugar rim) was sweet and boozy. And our dirty martini ($10.75) was perfect. On a second visit, we ordered it with blue cheese-stuffed olives. They weren't on hand, but bartender Kristy happily prepared a few for us. She even filled the glass a second time with the shaker's excess.
We also had a bubbly, crisp Morgan Street Golden Pilsner ($5), one of four beers on tap.
Tempted by Shula's food menu, I also tried a House of Blue burger ($13 with fries), which came topped with blue cheese and caramelized onions. It's one of the best burgers I've eaten — lightly crispy on the outside and meaty and juicy inside.
The bartenders — Britt on our first visit and Kristy on our second — were friendly and engaging, chatting us up even while filling orders from the dining room.
It wasn't crowded on a recent Sunday and Monday, even with a World Series game on TV. The place closes at 10 p.m. (or earlier) nightly, which is a bit of a deterrent for late-night drinkers. And the patio seating area doesn't live up to its full potential at night, but it's nothing a little outdoor lighting can't fix.
Shula's 347 Grill
Where 411 North Eighth Street • More info 314-241-7267, donshula.com, facebook.com/shulas347grillstlouis • Smoking No • Hours 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Gabe Hartwig is the creative director of Go! magazine. He also writes about bars and theater. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook, and find more recommendations by Go! on Foursquare.
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