first impression | This new 10,000-square-foot tasting room features beers and cocktails from 4 Hands Brewing Co. and food offerings from Hi-Pointe Drive-In. The partnership is highlighted by a mural from Killer Napkins (a.k.a. Jason Spencer), featuring characters from murals the local artist created for both 4 Hands’ original location and Hi-Pointe’s downtown restaurant. The atmosphere is very relaxed, with classic arcade games and several televisions playing live sports. Guests can also take their food and drink outside to The District’s Hub—a large green space with tables, yard games and a giant projection screen.
must try
- Heartichoke Attack, $8: While Hi-Pointe’s menu for the space includes a lineup of its trademark burgers, there also is a special selection of “Pub Grub” created exclusively for The District. These deep fried artichokes stuffed with spinach dip are a highlight. They’re crispy, they’re creamy, and the romesco sauce it’s paired with is flavorful.
- Mozzy Osborne, $8: These are mozzarella sticks that mean business. On paper, it may seem ridiculous that an order only includes two. In reality, it makes a lot of sense. These are huge and packed with cheese—no air pockets where you just get fried coating. If there’s a downside, it’s that the marinara sauce paired with these is not quite as good as the romesco that comes with Heartichoke Attack.
- Frycuterie Board, $18: A deep fried-take on a charcuterie board, this super shareable offering comes with a rotating selection of fried snacks. Our selection featured sweet potato tots, Buffalo cauliflower, sidewinder-cut fries and regular fries, all served with a variety of dipping sauces. While everything is super tasty, it is a multi-person dish. Don’t try to tackle it on your own.
- Build Your Own Flight, $12-$22: When we visited, the 4 Hands bar had 18 beers and one hard seltzer available on tap. The flight is a great way to try multiple brews at once. It features four tastings. Your friendly bartender gives you a paper with four sections where you write down your selections. The flight is then delivered to you on that paper so you can keep track of what you’re tasting.
- Pastaria Gin, $12: The bar also offers the full lineup of 1220 Spirits products, including its Origin Expressions range of gins created in partnership with local restaurants and spotlighted in a selection of gin and tonics. The Pastaria gin is designed to inspire a negroni with flavors like coriander, orange peel and rosemary.
final thoughts
Both times we visited 4 Hands at The District, it was bustling, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s got a fun yet chill atmosphere, and the food and drinks are already established St. Louis faves—plus, there are some fun new offerings to explore. The District, and The Hub in particular, are still works in progress, but the entertainment complex certainly seems to be moving in the right direction with offerings like this.
17081 N. Outer Road, Ste. 17073 | 4handsbrewery.com
Pictured at top: Mozzy Osborne – Giant mozzarella sticks served with marinara sauce and paired with a 4 Hands City Wide APA
Photo: Bill Barrett