It’s fun to say their name out loud, but it’s even more fun to be here. Hammerstone’s is a great little Soulard bar in any season, but it’s absolutely sublime during the summer months, because the patio is one of the most charming spots in the city to just hang out and have a little food and some beer. Not only does the patio make for great people watching, but there are some very charismatic squirrels hanging out in the nearby trees.

It’s been Hammerstone’s since January of ‘97, when Denny Hammerstone took over what was formerly known as 9th and Russell. While it’s definitely a bar—they feature live music regularly, and have a variety of beers on tap—the menu offers much more than mere chicken fingers and jalapeno poppers. There are appetizers, mind you, but there are also soups, sandwiches, salads, and entrees, including a daily special. Much of it is Soulard food (Cajun burgers and rib sandwiches) but they also serve tacos and prime rib steak. Prices are pretty moderate, and though it’s not fancy, you can taste the fact that whoever’s cooking the food is taking time and care with it.

Yet, the real draw here is the people and the music. Hammerstone’s advertises itself as “the friendliest bar in town,” and while that’s a tough title to lay sole claim to in St. Louis (especially in Soulard), Hammerstone’s is definitely in the running. The crowd is there to hang out, socialize, and listen to music rather than show off a new pair of shoes, so it’s hard to feel uncomfortable here. Their featured musicians include blues, jazz, and R&B artists, and on Saturdays, there’s a musical open mic that features plenty of aural joie de vivre. If you ever find yourself at a loss for something to do and driving through Soulard, pull over and amble in; chances are, you’ll leave feeling gratified and a little bit mellow.

– Dorian Falco, STLtoday.com Associate Editor