Venice Caf

My wife and I headed to The Venice Cafe for nightcap drinks on our date night. The decor was quirky and interesting, though a bit over the top. Live music added to the lively atmosphere. Since the weather was nice, we opted for the patio, which was a fantastic choice--it was lovely out there. You have to self serve and order the drinks at the bar with cash only.A couple of things to note: the whole place is cash only, but they do have an ATM for convenience. Also, since it was the weekend, there was a $5 entry fee per person. Despite these quirks, we had a great time and enjoyed the unique vibe.

I stopped in for a visit to see the amazing collection of art and other decorations. I was not disappointed. Everything from the walls to floors to ceiling plus everything else in the cafe was all visually interesting. There were definitely things I liked and some not so much.Its obviously a local hang out where everyone knows each other.While called a cafe, its a bar. Theres no food except some pretzels available. They do serve canned soda for anyone not drinking.I went in the afternoon when they opened. They are also known for their nightly entertainment. On Mondays its open mic night but the rest of the week brings in a variety of musical groups.

Found this place in the Atlas obscura and made a point of visiting while in town. Definitely a unique bar with live music and certainly worth the visit! Cash only so be sure to bring some though there is an ATM that you can pay a fee to use in the basement

We visited on the recommendation of our B&B host, and we are so glad we did! We just stopped in for one drink (cash only - but there is an ATM on site) and took in the whole extravaganza that the Venice Café is! It’s so worth a stop even if just for a half hour like we did.

Absolutely surreal! The atmosphere is beyond mind-blowing. A literal wonderland and the drinks are awesome :)

Wow!! This place has a vibe & Im loving it! Cash only. I dont know what the food options are/might be but the place is amazing with a Hippie welcoming vibe & I will be back next week. ✌️💚

This bar is a gem. Its got the most eclectic decor. Art and mosaics and sculptures everywhere. Often has live music as well. Nice patio too. And some fountains. Cash bar only and often has a cover.

Kitchen closed. Great music. Great adjacent dining open later.Chardonnay was subpar. Great energy, decor, and photo 📸 opportunities. Definitely, found a neat area to explore. Got there at 9 pm hoping to go earlier before kitchens close. Shouldnt drink on empty stomach.

Venice Cafe in Benton Park, St. Louis, is a cash-only gem that seamlessly blends a watering hole with a vibrant performance venue. The funky folk art and lively mosaics, both inside and outside, create an atmosphere thats as eclectic as it is welcoming. The wacky, goofy charm extends to the live music, playing from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am, Monday through Saturday. This vivid burst of color everywhere is everything I needed.

Quirky but fun place. Good music. Good drinks. Would have been 5 stars, but the door guy has a bad attitude, which was a drag. Sad, because hes the 1st impression of this otherwise fine establishment.

Ive been coming to this eclectic, artistic, ever-changing bar for years. I do miss the Rastafarian cooks from the old days in the late 80s. It is a mandatory stop for a drink or three whenever out of towners want to do something a little different .From the first floor to the upstairs to the various patio areas there is something interesting and wonderful around everycorner. Just do it !

In contrast to the typical pub - you have the Venice Cafe.A mix of madness and art coming together in absolute chaotic beauty. A former house and fairly small venue - packed to the absolute gills with every visual object you can imagine. Doesn’t matter where you look, you’ll find something to try to figure out or discern the meaning therof.A super cool place that hosts live music and is cash only. Prices are great and the people always look happy - which, is a rarity in bars.If you’re in town, this is a must see - if for nothing else the visual feast. I particularly like the small, intimate conversation room on the second floor.You won’t be disappointed.

This is quite simply a magical place! When you walk in you are transported to somewhere that exists in several decades at once. We were lucky enough to get there while seats were still available during a performance. The atmosphere was amazing, the music was great, and the people you were surrounded by are awesome as well.Be sure to explore inside, outside, upstairs and downstairs. Everywhere you look there is something to see, and when you look again you wont notice something else! A must see!

Some friends and I came here for the first time last weekend and I love this place. They had these $20 mystery boxes for sale at the bar and we bought them. They were full of just fun goodies that made no sense and I think that was the point. Great place to take some Instagram photos and just chill to have some drinks. Well definitely be back.

First time here with my partner, love the vibe, welcoming staff, live music, excited to come back 🍹🍻

Venice Café is a unique artistic experience catering to all senses! You will love the Music which will get you up and dancing. We got to hear the Buttery Biscuit Band live enjoying some great blues covers. The mosaics will cater to sight and feel. Your choice in drink will get you smell and taste going too. This place is gem within all of St Louis!

This is one of the coolest event venues in St Louis, I don’t want to give it a bad review but the owners are keeping a live baby tortoise in a tank at the upstairs bar. I can’t imagine how bad its quality of life is at a loud bar in a glass tank that doesn’t have the proper set up. It would be a great place for a large spider or something less sensitive with a shorter expected lifespan. I really hope they decide to give the tortoise to someone who can care for it well and put a critter in the tank that’s better suited for the environment.

GF and I came in here for the first time a few weeks ago and Im not sure why we waited so long. What an awesome eclectic place to come have a cocktail and sit on the patio.The boat bartender was friendly and good to talk with.

Ive lived in st.louis my entire life and have never been inside until moving away and acting as a tourist. Very chill spot with plenty of interesting things to view while sipping on a cocktail.

This is a cute cozy space with a very friendly staff and great vibe all around. We enjoyed sipping our drinks to the tune of a live band whilst enjoying the mosaic, art, funny captions. The patio was closed in Feb 2022, but must be amazing to sit there if it’s open in Summer. A definite go to place.No food though but Cafe Piazza close by is good. Also this place is no card only cash, great prices too.

Great bar with live music. Everything is decorated in amazing mosaics. Check the live music schedule to see some great bands and bring cash - no cards accepted

One of a kind, cash only spot with great service. I popped into this eclectic, cash only, bar on Valentines Day and did not regret it. The live music was incredible, the vibes were high and our bartender was hilarious. Looking forward to returning here the next time Im in STL.

Love this place, if you’re visiting St Louis for the first time, this is DEFINITELY a go-to spot! It is CASH ONLY though, drinks are reasonably priced and it’s got such a unique ambiance. Super busy in the evening time over the weekend so if you want to get some cool pics with few people go around 4-5pm on a week day!

Amazing unique establishment with delicious variety of drinks and decor for days. Door guy sooooo not friendly, makes it obvious he doesnt want to be there.

This place is insane... in a good way!!! Artistic, imaginative, and so many wondrous things to look at, you will never see them all. The indoor bar is flabbergasting, but the courtyard will absolutely blow. your. mind. Every surface is covered in a mosaic of glass, plastic toys, lighters, tile, and found object art. This place is truly unforgettable, and a quirky couples dream date. Not to be missed!

Great cacophony of decor, ubiquitous mosaics, very similar to what you see in STLs City Museum. Heard a medicore blues band but it was just fun and easy.

Absolutely wonderful outdoor bar. My rum punch was amazing. I loved that they asked for my vaccination card and id, even though we were outdoors. Absolutely beautiful atmosphere. The bathroom was interesting, not sure if I like a ton of mirrors but it was clean and the soap smelled nice.I recommend this place if you want a nice atmosphere and simple yet good drinks.

Myself, and 25 of my acquaintances show up on Friday night. We were turned away at the door. Too large of a group... We just wanted a few drinks and to enjoy the atmosphere.It happens

Really funky place... there’s so much history on those walls. Really interesting. The place is cash only (which means, really good prices). The menu is really simple, not many options but enough if you’re not too picky, if you are maybe the drinks menu won’t be enough.Food wise they have this small menu (sandwich mostly) that’s from a place across the street (I think). Didn’t get any so, no opinion on that. The night I went the band was a blues one, entertaining for sure.

A very fun and unique bar! I enjoyed my time there. Good music, awesome aesthetic, and good drinks. The bar tender was very friendly and the atmosphere was amazing. Recommended.

Theres typically a cover at the door. And they only accept cash at the bar. But inside is so unique and fun. The staff is always friendly. Definitely worth a visit.

What a wild little place!I drove by it and decided I had to come back when it was open.So so so much to look at!They have a couple mixed drinks available and some canned yummies.Cash only! I know it says that but I didn’t notice haha!ATM in the basement though.Want to come back for sure for sure

Being drunk here while the music is loud is like a fever dream. It is visually overwhelming in a great way. Drinks are reasonably priced, cover is cheap for the consistent quality of bands that play- Ive never seen a dud in the dozen times Ive gone. Keep in mind its a cash-only bar. Do yourself a favor and visit during the spring or summer when you can access the full patio area, its just as crazy as the inside.

We had an absolute blast here listing to a live band Friday night. The decor is awesome. Fun, quirky neighborhood place to hang out.

Loved the eclectic atmosphere & a great band was playing the night we were in. Can’t wait to go again!

This place is wonderfully quirky. Always a fun experience! If you go, checking out the upstairs bathroom is a must (trust me, you want to)! Theres live music most nights, great patio space, friendly staff, and an interesting crowd. They are cash only and have an ATM downstairs.

Funky place with cool decor. The drinks were awful. Pinot noir for $6 is a definite no no and it looks like the guy at the bar doesn ‘t care

The artwork itself is worth the visit! The band I see Liquid Gold was great! Fun people, relaxed atmosphere A must see place if you are in St. Louis!

Super beautiful space. The tile and glass fixtures blew me away. The artist sat next to me, wish I wouldve said something to him. Beautiful beautiful place.

A fun and trippy environment that is one gigantic art installation with alcohol. Mosaics and tchochkes everywhere. Youll find something new at every turn. To enhance the evening, find the awesome bartender out on the patio and engage in a conversation. You wont regret it!

The boss is a creative curmudgeon and the employees are snarky artists and theyre all wonderful; like hanging with the cool-cousins at Thanksgiving dinner. Drinks are cold. Prices are low. Entertainment is everywhere. They welcome food but dont serve. Cash only

Fantastic place. Always great service, great music, and plenty of awesome to look at.

Went to this Cafe after dinner for the uniqueness of the experience (this entire place is an art exhibit). Will visit again.

Great drinks and eclectic atmosphere. The place itself is a literal work of art.

A vibrant place with an eclectic array of quirky adornments, this bar is all about fun.

Really cool venue. Part of it was closed for construction and the rest was a little crowded. We had to dance outside, which was no big deal but the music was a bit muted.

Venice Cafe is like Rainforest Cafe for adults! It’s a vibe! The atmosphere is so cool - eccentric - and all around a total experience!Whether you’re looking to have a drink with your friends, by yourself or even to take your date - empress your peeps with this spot!A total hidden STL gem!

Such a fun place, and so creative. Cash only! Free street parking outside.

Theres no food here anymore, but its a Bar and DEFINITELY a place NOT TO MISS!!!

A crazy little chunk of funk, the Venice distinguishes itself from any place in STL by its decor, with every square inch of surface from floor to ceiling adorned with a fascinating doo-dad. Gotta see to believe. Live music makes it all come alive. Love the crowd, love the energy.

Eclectic with an amazing vibe. Sat at the bar and had fun talking with the bartender. Learned a lot. Richard Simmons 80s VHS videos should say it all.

Great music every night from local bands, something going on every night. Good drinks reasonably priced, Venice Cafe is an art museum all around you. Must visit, once you do, you will come back again.

If meow wolf had a bar, this would be it! Visually stunning and the band was great!

Awesomely unique place for cheap drinks and live music. One of a kind environment.

Greatest bar ever. If you dont have fun here, book a therapist immediately. So fun. Art everywhere. If employees get sassy, reflect on yourself. Its you.I dont drink but love hanging at this bar. Thats a fun bar!

Wonderfully weird, casually fun, music to change your life to. And reasonablly priced drinks, and wonderfully nice staff.....And, Clean!

Fantastic atmosphere. Couldnt stay long but I could see myself hanging out and enjoying the live music for hours.

Awesome spot for live music! Great aesthetic inside and a nice outside area as well. Its cash only for the drinks, but they do have an ATM on-site. Will def frequent more often!

This was a very fun bar! One of the most memorable places Ive been to in STL.

Best bar in St. Louis hands down. Come as you are, be that a cowboy or wearing ur 9-5 clothes. Great music, very entertaining interior design choices, and a guaranteed old hippy lady dancing partner. Check out upstairs if u go. Open mic every Monday at 9.Update: they told me I was ugly and my mother dresses me funny! I thought she dressed me just fine! Sad.

Was really excited about this place, coming from California I was really hoping for culture... Sadly the guy working was so, so rude. Didnt get to try the food because my party was essentially turned around and made to leave upon arrival. Seemed like the guy just wanted to make small talk with his friend and was very inconvenienced by costumers. Only about five people in the establishment... Not busy, but turned away. I certainly hope it wasnt because we had people of color in our party, but very off-putting and hostile.

*NOTE* Cash Only Bar - now onto the reviewVenice cafe is an experience and a vibe all its own. The best way to describe Venice is an art project that you can experience from within. The building and garden are covered in a smattering of trinkets, ceramics, sculptures and flat work that forms its own gestalt. The bars in my opinion are merely there to keep you hydrated while you take in the music and ambiance.Every time I’ve been they’ve had life music and it’s a very intimate venue. It feels like they’re in your living room playing a set, because the bar is effectively an old living room.Most of the time I’ve spent at Venice is in the garden. There’s more breathing room, a more accessible bathroom(single unisex) and there’s a lot to look at. If you’re a kid of the 90’s you’ll see tons of old happy meal toys coving the walls along with various other bits & bobs. We’ve ordered DoorDash to the bar and enjoyed it outside. The beer prices are good and depending on how basic your cocktail order is, you can get out pretty cheap.Definitely take friends with you if you’re headed here and come a little early if you’re planning on visiting on a Saturday. They have dedicated parking across the street.

Yasssss. Amazing spot. Live music, amazing art. $20 mystery boxes I wont open till Christmas. Its got it all haha. Great spot to hang out an get a cheap drink and a great experience.

Super cool and fun bar with good priced drinks! Probably more fun if you come under the influence of something

I LOVE the Venice Cafe. The live music is to die for and there are so many amazing local musicians that frequent this spot. This is a cash only bar but they have an ATM and all the drinks are very reasonably priced. 10/10 one of my favorite spots in Saint Louis.

Um yeah. This place is a trip. The energy is great, the drinks were proper, and the visuals were something out of a date with Hunter S. Thompson

Very unique and decently priced drinks

The most unique bar around! Very cool art! Live local music! And a super-cool patio area for warm nights! Friendly people and an all around fun place to go! Check it out!

I came in with my service animal and was told by the owner they only allow sight dogs. The gentleman was very rude. I will be contacting the American disability act on this matter. I felt very humiliated and embarrassed as I am a neighbor and was introducing this place to a friend from out of town. I guess if you have a disability other than being blind your not welcome here. Beware.

When I first visit Venice Cafe it was for a poetry reading with some other live acts. It was a warm and kind atmosphere; I knew immediately it would be a staple every visit.

I normally enjoy this place. But tonight the bartender asked me to turn my phone down after o listened to something for like about five seconds even with the music much louder. I dont think anyone herd my phone. What ever! Never had anyone be this rude at Venice before.

Epic interior and great happy hr deals! From the outside, you can smell the hops from budweiser

Super ornate and colorful! Both bartenders were very friendly including the woman on the top bar. She seemed to understand her assignment quite well. I dont know if I would hang out at this bar often, but it is super cool to visit and get a beer and listen to them live music. Be Warned there are cover charges

Came on a closed evening but the toy wall was amazing! Kiddos even added a toy if their own!

This place isnt for everyone, its very eclectic and good for people watching if youre not into unique trends. Honestly, not my cup of tea. Im a 25 year old girl but coming here made me feel like an 98 year old woman. I couldnt hear anyone, there was an eclectic crowd, but the band they had playing on a Thursday night was pleasant.

I visited earlier this year and it was great! The music was awesome and so were the drinks!! Im definitely coming back. Such a cool place 😎

Wonderland of Art work.Definitely worth taking a look.Bartender was friendly, good drinks. No food right now.

Super cool, laid-back, must stop when in St Louis. Reminiscent of an Amsterdam hangout. Fun vibe & great people.

Super cool place!! Like being in a trippy & unique MAD Magazine!! Toys and strangeness everywhere you look. 😊They dont serve food. Awesome garden. Be prepared to be awed (like a train wreck where you cant stop looking!)

Venice Cafe in St Louis is a fantastic spot with live music, eclectic decor, and reasonable prices. The NOLA vibe with a splash of Woodstock makes for a unique and fun atmosphere. It can get crowded, but there are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Highly recommended for a fun and unique experience in St Louis!

Great spot for a cocktail…in an art installation!

Very beautiful place. Lots of people though, so if you don’t like big crowds I don’t recommend but it’s a great view and friendly people. Loved it. Not too pricey either.

Great music. Awesome art eork. Fun.

Was such a cool spot for drinks and live music

I love this southside gem!!! Beautiful atmosphere, great music and wonderful people!!!

Perfect place to grab a drink, before or/and after a show, before or/and after a game, or just because. Eclectic in style and music, it reminds me a bit of NOLA. The outdoor patio is spacious and cozy, if that is possible. No food, but you can get it delivered, beer and cocktails No cards; cash only. Not a problem. ATM on site. We ❤️ it. We think you will also.

Funky cool place to get a drink and hear some music. The patio area is fantastic.

This place is awesome. Very eclectic and eccentric decorations. It is a 1 of a kind place that is worth the trip to experience. Their outdoor patio is like a magical garden playland. The atmosphere of this place is unlike any other and the bands that play here are among the best in St. Louis. I highly recommend Venice Cafe as a must see destination in St. Louis.

Beautiful, funky, and cool. Its a great place to see a show.

If your into art this place is pretty neat on the inside. great for pictures. Bathrooms are gender neutral which I appreciated. Bartender was rude the first time I came but the second they were neither friendly nor rude so I guess that’s ok. Seating is hard to find if your with a group of people because the tables are so small. Drinks are also overpriced. Make sure when you search them you read that there is no food here. I got confused the first time because a menu is still attached. Not a big deal but for anyone else needing confirmation, they do not serve food regardless of the menu attached. Not the worst experience I’ve had at a bar but wish it was better.

Every single inch of this place is covered in artwork! With indoor & outdoor bar areas, there is a lot to explore! Definitely feels more like an interactive art experience than a bar. Live Music is the cherry on top! They do not serve food here so, eat before you go!

Great place! Lots of cool knick-knacks on the walls and outside. The live band was great to listen too. It is kinda small and hard to get a seat if you show up too late.

Eclectic, really interesting place. Drinks were reasonable and crowd was friendly

Incredible place, of course. Though middle aged bartender with a van-dyke beard was a jerk and then definitely stole from us.Edit: I think the response to this (and the other negative reviews on here) pretty much sums up what we had to deal with. Class.Edit 2: You are clearly a very professional and adjusted person. Many people must love you and feel safe in your presence.

Really cool place. Small interior but large eclectic patio area. Beer selection is limited and they are cash only which is strange and inconvenient in this day and age but we had a good time. Live band was good as well.

Venice cafe is amazing! Strong well priced cocktails and a million different things to catch your eye. The atmosphere will have you feeling like you are on vacation. Great place to take friends in from out of town. Cash only but they have an atm inside.

This place is amazing. I felt like I return to Venice Beach in CA.

No good. Fun bar.

Great staff, such a cool place for a drink!!

Fun eclectic and chill place. The prices on booze are super reasonable but it is cash only. The staff is friendly and makes quick work of anything you throw at them. They have live music which can make the main bar feel claustrophobic on a busy night. Overall, love any chance to check this place out!

I used to go here a lot. Between the vax card (Im vaxxed or I wouldnt get in) requirements, the woke culture, and the cash only policy (its cute but wake up), the whole scene is old. Im sure the owners are fine with it and like it that way, but eventually your old fans will die off and your young fans will look at your place as a relic. The music scene here is amazing, the bartenders are really nice, but something has to get modernized here. Or not, its your business to do with what you like. Three stars for the music scene and great bartenders.

I can’t think of a more visually appealing bar I’ve been to, anywhere

This is one of my favorite gems in STL! Its not a place I can exactly describe, but if you are looking for something unique and quirky, this is the place. If youre looking for a unique and interesting spot to get a good selfie, this is THE place! Make sure you bring cash, as it is cash only and on the Saturday night we went there was also a cover charge at the door. They do have an ATM on location and the person at the door was nice enough to let us go in and get the cash first. Great service, great drinks, great atmosphere, live music!

A lovely artsy and quaint bar. I love Venice Cafe because it is filled with whimsical mosaic artwork hand done by the owners. Open Mic nights are always a lot of fun! This place brings a diverse group artsy people and followers together.

I wish they accepted card here. But the bar design is awesome live music is great and the vibes in general are good.

Come for the garden and the art, stay for the music and the drinks. There is no other place like The Venice. Jeff, the owner, has taken so much care to create an artful place to hang out. Every time I go I notice something new.Great place to hang with friends or even chill by yourself. My favorite bar in the world.

The staff were friendly and effective. The bar itself has a great atmosphere and really awesome decorations. Their back yard is a really cool place to relax and drink. Wacky surroundings with warm feel. Definitely recommend

This is a great vibe. Check out the art have a great time!!! Byo food. They do not serve food here. The music is y u r here!!!!

I’ve been here two times and I was absolutely amazed the first time and delighted the second. They are super friendly and fun, and I feel like it’s a great catch all kind of place. On both a busy day and a slow day (Tuesday) they had live music, and good music at that! It was a little loud on a busy day (to be expected, but just in case overstimulation is an issue hit them on a slower day). Good blues and rock.The employees are real and fun, I don’t know them well enough but Rose was delightful. (Sorry I forgot the other part of your name).The decor may be one of the most important elements of the place - the main bar area is a beautiful and open room with gorgeous mosaic and art that heralds to Robert James Cassilly Jr.’s genius and eye for abstract art with balance.The garden is, for me, the most important element of Venice Café, I am not overstating to say I genuinely felt I had walked out of Saint Louis and into a fantasy. I know that’s intense but it absolutely delighted me and I felt like I was in some palace garden. If you can’t afford to go to the beach, or visit some old palace in the continents across the sea, this place will take you there for free. Also $6 for at least 6oz of a good pinot grigio is inappropriate for such a beautiful place! Go for your own good!

Great spot! Immediately feel at home and not. To much to look at. Nice mix of city folk. Drinks are reasonable and the staff cool. Go you wont regret it. P.S. Did I mention live music...

Easily one of my favorite places in Saint Louis. The atmosphere is incredible and everytime I go I end up making new friends. Bartenders so wonderful you will think youve known them all your life. Plus amazing local music every night.

Go for the decor alone... its worth it!

Very eclectic atmosphere. I feel like Im in a weird movie that makes you feel strange but euphoric.... but Im sure the alcohol has a little to do with that. Open mic on Monday is fun. A definite spot for patio season. Bring a first date here if you want them to understand how strange you are.

This is one of the most visually appealing places in St. Louis. The decor, inside and out, is stunning. It sets such a unique mood that relaxes and inspires. Great to hang out for couples or groups up to 6-8 at most.You would be doing yourself a great injustice by not checking out the upstairs and the patio here.But BRING CASH!

A unique find if youre visiting STL. An eclectic bar with a decent drink menu. Live music in the main area with a very comfortable patio where you can eat and drink outside.The main attraction is the vast range of memorabilia saturating every possible square inch of the place, inside and out. Bumper stickers are plastered everywhere, cool shells are nestled into a nook on your left, a row of baby pictures line the top of the bar (wonder if its the bartenders? Who knows? Could be stock baby photos for all you know), framed pictures of celebrities are scattered throughout the building, the patio is a treasure trove of knick knacks attached to the wall where you have to squint before you realize youre looking at a picture of egg yolks next to a tile next to a column of imbedded lighters in the wall.The decor makes you shake your head in wonder while you laugh at the sheer random nature to how its laid out.

Always the best people and experience. Hope this place out lives me.

This adorable hole in the wall is exactly what I needed. If youre an artsy person, this is the place for you! If you like good music, this is also the place for you! I cant wait to return!

One of the hippest places to get a drink and see live music in all of Saint Louis! This place is a living, breathing art piece that features art made/collected over many years and from some of Saint Louis finest artists.Do yourself a favor and get to Venice to experience the awesomeness that it is.

Best patio n tha world!!

The decor here is awesome. Jeffs always got something new up his sleeve, and the art here is ever-changing.I love summer just because of the boat bar and back patio here.Check this place out on a Monday night for open mic night and get a nice slice of the local music undercurrents.Drinks are reasonably priced but cash only. Theres an ATM in the basement by the washrooms.

What a great venue! This cash-only music haven is probably the best place to see local talent. The Yard Eagles brought it tonight, and I cant wait for our next visit. All walks of life and fashion welcome!

I love Venice Cafe so much. The staff is friendly but I really go for the ambiance. You could play an endless game of I-Spy in this establishment. Ive been several times and feel like I could go 100 more and still see something new each visit. If you enjoy art and beer, do yourself a favor and have a drink on their patio!

Loved taking my lady there. Live music. All round good vibe. And the mixers were 🔥! R.I.P Pee Wee

They dont serve food here at the cash only place but the atmosphere is great the band that they had was great everything was just wonderful as far as the decor

Great atmosphere, bartender is super chill and welcoming, regulars are friendly and fun.***Special Note*** They dont serve food anymore, so eat before you go.

Love love love this place. Aesthetically it is like no other bar and the patio is magical. Great live music playing. Staff is friendly. Only reason I cant give 5 stars is because drink selection is VERY limited. Bar bones no frills drinks only.

So impressed by the extensive artwork and eclectic atmosphere. Went for a live music night, it was intimate and fun and enjoyed the bartender. Will be back!

Beautiful and welcoming cafe/bar. The Venice Cafe is LGBTQ friendly which is very important to me and my crew when we travel. We showed up to Venice in the evening and had a long chat with the bartender who filled us in on the history of the cafe. The owners been curating the atmosphere for years through thrifting, dumpster diving, finding things on the street, etc. The whole building is a mosaic of one mans trash/treasure and cohesive as much as it is chaotic. Cash only, but ATM on site. Good vibes, cant beat it.

Such a creative and interesting place. Not a huge drink selection but you really go for the ambiance and music. Great live music performances. Love seeing local bands and performers.

Absolutely LOVE this place, its been a Lil while since Ive been there ( few weeks ) but when I lived on Chippewa ( south side BABY!! ) I was a wanna be light bulb and hung around constantly. Staff was always friendly, professional and the place has got more Character then the whole of South Side. There is not another place quite like it Anywhere.

Very eccentric bar with a good selection of drinks! Bartender was super nice.But please get some bug spray or something outside. There are thousands of mosquitos underneath the tables.

Ive been going to Venice Cafe for 20 years. I love the art installations and live music. The patio is perfect for a cup of coffee.

By far one of the coolest eclectic places in St Louis!!! From the bathroom upstairs to all the kitschy art, you HAVE to experience Venice just once to want to come again. Best time is spring when their outside boat bar is open on their cool patio!!! A dont miss place to visit!!!

Good friends here, great patio in warm weather. Love to play at this venue!

A past time favorite of my husband and I, long ago. Thought it was way cool then. My daughter lives close now so i checked ot out not too long ago and it is even more amazing. Got to check and see if they are open before going. They are still relatively a small business that makes their hours how they want and may change due to unforseen issues.Worth it. Take at least one friend but sitting on the patio listening to some live music with a small group of friends would be a perfect night for me. Neighborhood has definitely changed for the better in a lot of that area and Benton Park.

You’ve gotta come just to see the decor in this place! Every wall is adorned with endless trinkets and ornaments. There’s always something new to look at, have a couple drinks and you’ll feel like you’re on a different planet!

Jake’s Leg still making a cool, eclectic bar even cooler.

Its a quirky and fun place. You could go every time and still not see all the fun things on there. Only down side cash only bar. But Red is an amazing woman. She will treat you great, just dont try to hug her 😉

This place was very different. Rum punch was good..... Bar on main floor , second floor and outside on the patio.. no food at this cafe but you could spend hours looking at all the articles hanging onto the walls and from the ceiling

Gets a lot better as you go into the garden. I absolutely love this place. Its cool...

Venice Cafe is a unique place to grab a drink. Theres plenty of great art to enjoy, while youre sitting outside in the patio area. Keep in mind that this is a cash only place, but there is an ATM on site. I havent grabbed any food off the menu but I can speak to the drinks and they are fantastic. You cant go wrong meeting a group of people up here for a drink.

10/10 on all fronts. Atmosphere, culture, live music, etc! An amazing stop and a Soulard (dare I say St. Louis) staple. Remember to bring cash as the nigh only goes as far as your pockets are deep and they don’t take card. (There is an atm in basement and you’ll get to see the koi pond too) enjoy!

Love this art museum-and they carry Red Stripe! I could sit and admire the eclecticsculptures and decor for hours. Ladies, pay a visit to the restroom-a vision awaiting your senses. Prices very reasonable and the mood is relaxed. You will never forget the experience.

Brilliant spot! Fun and casual, I feel like I could have a beer here every week for years and not get tired of it. Live music on the patio on a summers day is THE vibe.

This place is dirty and gross. Horrible atmosphere. Used to be nice but has gone downhill fast. Tons of tweekers on stuff there, very scary to be around. They are now rudely going after people on their facebook page for bad reviews and they are saying our “masters” sent us to their page. Not sure what that means as they are clearly delusional. They also made horrific prejudiced and discriminatory remarks against minorities and then edited their comment on my post. They are going back to before the civil rights movement. Dr King would be rolling over right now. So sad.

I love that place! Ive performed on Open Mic night twice there so far as a singer they always make the experience awesome its a cool bar with an awesome decor very artistic friendly and outgoing. Im definitely going back! 😎

A striking and quirky dive bar with a healthy swarm of regulars and cheap drinks. The patio is beautiful when it’s open; it’s a great place to sit and stay a while. PS they’re cash only

Must-see epicenter of Dada and Funk with some really talented musicians leading the local blues scene.

This place is so amazing. Its like a mini City Museum in a bar. Go. Explore. Tip your bartender generously. Its the coolest bar you will ever visit (or at least be in your top 3 if youre well traveled). Its number 1 on my list.

I have visited Venice twice. Both times were a lot of fun. There is so much to look at. I went once on Halloween, and it was very rememberable.

I absolutely loved this place! Eclectic is probably the best description I can come up with. The outside stage area & live music certainly adds to its appeal. I would suggest that this must be on your Places to Visit in STL bucket list.

A St. Louis landmark, and a must see attraction. One of my favorite venues for music and meeting friends. They have the most amazing eclectic decor. Love the Venice Cafe!

Hands down my favorite place in STL♡

Venice cafe is amazing! If you havent experienced it yet, you need to. Upstairs bar is cash only, but I think its the best seat in the house. Theres a band or two that play every night. Trust me, you need to explore Venice Cafe if you havent already!

I was on a quick trip and noticed this place on one of the trip recommendation sites. I decided to check it out and totally worth it. They do not have food though. It was their first day opening since COVID and the feel of the place is totally awesome. Great place to have a beer and unwind!

Was trying to meet up with some friends who had already left by the time I arrived. There was live music on this particular night, so there was a cover charge. The people I was trying to meet up with had already left and the music had ended, so I only stayed for about five minutes. The door man was super cool and as he saw me walk out asked if I was already leaving. After hearing my brief explanation, he gave me the three dollars back. I didnt expect him to refund the money nor did I ask. Much appreciated, Venice Cafe.

We come here all the time. There are 3 floors of incredible rooms with good drinks. Its a great place to relax and just experience a different kind bar/outing.

The only thing like this Ive ever seen was in a house in Seattle where they collected art from local artists that were fighting against the capitalism of art and just wanted everything to be shared.Just visit. If you see this bring some cash and tip heavy.

This place is super groovy. I only knew about it from taking belly dance classes through Aalim Belly Dance, who have monthly gatherings there. The artistry of this place is just amazing though. There is crap covering almost every inch of every wall inside and out. The outdoor patio with kitchen is just so fun to view. I have not actually eaten food here as the kitchen has been closed each time Ive been there. I did find the owner a bit grouchy a few years ago, as she was bartending and made remarks about the belly dancing that I didnt agree with. I guess she didnt realize I was there cheering them on, as I had arrived well in advance of the show. But aside from that this place is amazing to just see!

An experience and a lifestyle. The drinks are phenomenal 😍

We absolutely love this place. They have great music, great service but best of all they have the best theme for a bar Ive ever seen. Ill continue to recommend this place to everyone.

Very cool experience, highly recommend people check it out. I would post pictures but the experience is way better as a surprise. A very creative owner I will say that. Great place to chill and listen to music.

Top notch. Cash only. Highly worthwhile. Great live band, fun clientelle. Super spunky design. I will be back in next time I come to St Louis.

Incredible space full of art and music. The drinks are relatively basic but delicious, and its just an awesome place to hang out, especially on the patio.

Did not buy food at this time. Great atmosphere. Very interesting decor. Enjoyed it.

Great local bar. Worth looking at the decorations alone.

Fun bar, only downside for me was the cash only policy. They had a live band that sounded great.

Cash only. Great service. Live music the night I was there. Good, but could be improvement on available space for large parties (work is currently ongoing on parts of the venue). Highly appreciative of the gender neutral bathrooms.

This iconic Saint Louis bar makes for a fun place to hang with friends or just to enjoy some music. If you havent been, youre missing out!

Super artistic! Great music and service. Cant stress it enough how colorful, fun and unique this place is. I would say a must visit for a relaxing night out...

I was happy to be able to go to this place its been many many years I really enjoy the atmosphere it was a little hot when I went but I know itd be a nice place to visit later this summer and fall

Called there 9 times no one answered. Even called different days. We have been told by many ppl they have great food. There is pictures of food online the 2nd photo that pops up is a cheese burger. So we drove all the way down there to be told there is no food. Weird right bc the sweet bartender told us no kitchen in decades ? Confusing why is there food on here.Bummer looked beautiful tho super nice ppl and bartender was very sweet. Bad advertising tho and bad Job about answering phones. Ended up leaving to get foodIf u read the reviews it says great food too.... Multiple say great food wish we could have tried it....

Amazing bar, as always. Tess on the first floor bar made it even better than usual. She had great presence and great special Tess cocktails. And Ive gotta say, best bathroom in Soulard.

Great atmosphere, one of a kind place. I havent been there to listen to music, but it was a great place to relax and have a drink. They do not serve food regularly! Check the website or call if you want to eat or make it a longer evening.

Venice is famous for its patio, which defies description in an awesome way. You can look at pictures, read reviews, or hear tales of the patio, but it really has to be experienced. No matter how often you go, youll be constantly discovering new details, tchotchkes, or other memorabilia that adorn the walls, floors, and pillars. By the way, the bar on the patio is actually a boat. Yes, you sit at the boat to order your drinks. If you get seasick, there are other tables and chairs scattered around. Ive never had a problem finding a seat.Ok, so Ive hopefully convinced you that the patio looks cool, but what about the rest of it? The food, the drinks, the music, the bathrooms? Yes, even the bathrooms are decorated in outrageous fashion. And compared to every other bar in the state, the Venice interior probably wins the award for most and strangest stuff on the walls (and hanging from the ceiling). The Cajun food is solid, the drinks are strong, and the music is a huge draw for Venice (and rightly so). My only qualms: its hard to keep track of when the kitchen and the patio open for the season. And although you get your moneys worth, be ready for a cover charge. But none of those minor qualms should prevent you from visiting Venice and visiting often.

Eccentric and eclectic cash only gem of a bar with live music nearly every night. Interior decor is comparable to City Museum (they even have a Cassilly frog out front!).

Great Vibe and decently priced drinks its an eclectic little place.

Great bar, fun atmosphere, and fairly cheap drinks.

SUPER fun and unique dive. Never have been to a place quite like it. Great prices too!

A great space, fabulous drinks, and wonderful company. I got to hang out at a table with the one and only, Suzie Cue! She did not buy me a drink, but she allowed me to fetch her a water!

One of my favorite places in all of St. Louis. Great atmosphere!

Quite the crowd fantastic Golf Course. Depends if youre playing the front nine or the back nine. Something for everyone. Five bucks for the wasted band. okay.

Chic and friendly bar, I always meet cool folks here. I love the live music and maximalist decor, this is a classic must-see stop in STL

Reminisceing, listening, not crying over a Christianiting, Stl louis is conditioning a new beginning. Not ranting but lightning CHANTING sparks a comback for.....POETRY NIGHT, 2 TITLED DANCERS WITHOUT FACES / A METAPHORE TO DESIRE ..OH Creator how do you tempt me so, with beautifully bodies, and heavenly PLEASURES, When Will I sample When will I touch WHEN...WHen.. When.. Whens poetry tonight I used to love it

Great evening listening to the Buttery Biscuit Band play! Amazing atmosphere.

Id been away and returned.You cannot get tea with hunny and milk at the bar for those there for the friends, music, and decor.You cant get beer in a can like 4 hands or Guinness Stout like you used to. The beer selection is awful. Schlafly in bottle is the best. Urban Chestnut is a local brew that the locals think is great. The usual mixed drinks. Though PBR and Busch in a can. Oh boy. Trashy St. Louis never fails.I dont need a glass. I like drinking from a can. And they dont recycle glass at the Venice Cafe.Its alright, I guess. Id lived in San Francisco, Portland, near Seattle and Bellingham, so kitsch like this is sort of meh to me. Though for the slack-jawed St. Loogey local-yocals, this must be paradise.It smells musty. You can trace the mal-odor to the fish pond in the basement. If upstairs, go to the room with all the animal bones and it smells awful. The bones were not properly disinfected and sanitized before being put on display. The seating area cushion in that room stink, also. Filthy.I guess Uncle Bill Green retired as the bouncer? Miss him. Though I see he shows up for some bands like Naked Rock Fight and rips out a spoken word that would make George Carlin smile. Uncle Bill Green is relentless and brutal. Yet he also enjoyed the tea and coffee when they had it and it gave him more punch in his spoken word.Naked Rock Fight is a great band with a short set list. See Naked Rock Fight more than twice and it repeats. Bands like The Scandaleros and Thunder Biscuit Orchestra serve up more mediocrity. Does anyone tune their drum kits? Easy on the snare-tom there, TBO. Damn. The Scandaleros sound great during warm up, then it goes to slovenly mediocre. Bring your ear plugs.Too bad as acoustically, the Venice Cafe is perhaps among the best of venues in St. Louis. The cavernous vertical space above the band. They dont need to crank the stack amp to eleven, this is not Spinal Tap. And also, acoustically, the venue is not biased harmonically.What happened to the St. Louis blues? All bunch of white folk playing blues anymore in this town. Sort of not right.Wish the Troubadours of Divine Bliss or the TripDaddys would play. Then again, I wish what was the Shanti and Fredericks Music Lounge was still open.