Bar: Dog Prairie Tavern 

Address: 2348 St. Paul Rd, O’Fallon, MO 63366

Score: 8.2/10

I’ve ventured into a lot of bars in my 26 years on this planet. I can count a handful of them that I vividly remember from my first experience there. And one of those bars belongs to Dog Prairie Tavern. 

There is nothing special about the outside of this bar that drags you in. It’s all in a small brick building on a back road. And one life lesson that I’ve learned that also applies to bars is this: it’s not about what’s on the outside, but the inside. And that is where this bar shines. 

A big L shaped bar is where you’ll find the majority of the crowd waiting for their drinks.  Along the edge of the bar are tables if you’re lucky enough to get a spot before the rush. And there’s even a nice patio for those nice days where you want to spend it outside. The inside reminds me of bars you used to see pictures of your parents and grandparents in. All wood interiors with vintage pub decor make this feel like an old, respected establishment, and not some flashy spot for nightlife newer bars try to replicate. 

I remember the first time stepping foot in the Dog, and thinking to myself, what is this place. I was young and dumb, and didn’t realize I had found one of the greats. At the time, we had just discovered Kona Big Wave, and not many bars we frequented had it. Not only did the Dog have it, but it was on draft. I’m a big draft beer lover, so this was groundbreaking for me. The root of this visit was for a 21st birthday. I have been to countless of those over the years, and can’t tell you a single thing about any of them, except this one. I remember who was there, what we were drinking, and the fun that was had. There’s a saying that goes: it’s not the place, it’s the people. And I have to disagree. I think it’s about both. The people we were there with that day, I still am friends with, and we go out all the time. I can’t give you specifics on what we did last weekend, but sure as hell can tell you about that summer day 5 years ago, and my first time walking into Dog Prairie. 

It’s also the atmosphere and the other people that make up the bar that make it so great. The bartenders are interactive and friendly with the crowd, other patrons welcome you in with arms wide open. I walked into this bar looking like I had a fraternity meeting to be at, and was greeted by big 6’ tall cowboys. Normally I would think to myself this is where I get my ass kicked. But not here. You show respect and make conversation with others, you leave as friends. That’s the beauty of this bar. Doesn’t matter your background. If you like to drink beer and show respect to others, you’ll fit right in. 

If you ever find yourself looking for somewhere new, get out of your comfort zone and go to Dog Prairie Tavern. You never know when a new bar may become your favorite. 

Decor: A country/small town vibe. Old beer decor and taxidermy line the walls. All wood on the inside gives it that retro old school feeling, which we all know rocks. 

Price: Super cheap. Love a small bar that has cheap drinks. Makes it a great local spot that doesn’t rely on stupid gimmicks to get people to come in and overpay for their drinks. 

Service: Bartenders are awesome. Very friendly and strike a conversation up right away. 

Atmosphere: Super friendly and relaxed. Just don’t be a dick and cause problems. I am the furthest from country, and walking into this bar, I stuck out like a sore thumb. But that means nothing here. Be friendly and cool, and that’s how you’ll be treated back. 

Cleanliness: Clean. Nothing to worry about. 

Bonus Points: None.