LivingTravelVisit the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis

Visit the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis

You can’t talk about beer in St. Louis without mentioning Anheuser-Busch. The world-famous brewery has been a part of the city’s landscape since 1852. The best way to learn about Anheuser-Busch and its beer-making process is by taking a free tour of the AB Brewery in Soulard, just south of downtown. St. Louis. For tours, go to the entrance at 12th and Lynch streets.

Visiting tips

  • This is a walking tour, so be sure to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Part of the tour leaves so dress for the weather too.
  • Children are welcome on the tour, but the brewery is not easily accessible for walkers. Children will likely have to walk or be carried during parts of the tour.
  • Fridays and weekends are the busiest times for tours. For smaller crowds, plan to visit on a weekday.
  • No registration required to take a tour unless you are bringing a large group of 15 or more.
  • The tour lasts a little over an hour. It ends with free beer and soda samples for those under 21.

What you will see

There are three main things you will see on a tour. First up are the Budweiser Clydesdales and their stable. The Clydesdales have been the face of the brand since the 1930s. They make hundreds of appearances each year.

Then it’s a walk through the brewing and bottling areas to see where Budweiser, Bud Light, and other brands are made. This part of the tour includes stops at the historic Brew House, the fermentation cellar, and the packing plant. This is where you will learn about the history of the company and how it became the brewing giant it is today.

Finally, it’s a trip to the tasting room for two free samples of AB products. Soft drinks and snacks are also available. After the tour, you can stop by the gift shop for souvenirs or visit the Biergarten for more food and drinks.

Other tips

Unsurprisingly, Anheuser-Busch does things big even with its tours. The groups can be quite large and the tours move quite fast. There will be no time to stop and chat with the brewmaster about hop quality. If you’re looking for a smaller, more personalized brewery tour, try Schlafly Bottleworks, an independent craft beer maker in St. Louis.

The extras

If you don’t mind spending a little money, you can sign up for Beer School before taking a tour. The half-hour class includes tastings, pouring demonstrations, souvenirs, and information about the brewing process. Another option is the Brewmaster Tour, which offers a deeper, behind-the-scenes look at brewery operations.

Parking and Transportation

Brewery AB is easy to get to by car, just off Interstate 55 south of downtown St. Louis. There is no Metrolink stop nearby, so taking the train is not a good option. MetroBuses run to Soulard, but with ample free parking, the best option for many is to drive.

Other Soulard attractions

Soulard is a historic neighborhood that hosts a popular Mardi Gras celebration in February and an Oktoberfest party in October. The Soulard Farmers Market also draws crowds year-round, so there is plenty to see and do after your brewery tour if you visit during those times.

Popular Soulard Restaurants

If you’re hungry before or after your tour, Soulard has some great restaurants worth trying. Barbecue lovers should stop at Bogarts Smokehouse for their fantastic brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. McGurk’s Irish Pub has been a popular destination for decades with its upscale pub grub, cold Guinness, and authentic Irish music. Another good bet is Molly’s, where you’ll find drink specials, a wide variety of bistro food, and live music.

St. Louis Magic House is the nation's best attraction for kids

In 2005, Zagat's "America's Family Travel Guide" called The Magic House museum in St. Louis the best attraction in the country for kids. Yes,

Shopping at Soulard Farmers Market

Soulard Farmers Market is the oldest and best known farmers market in the St. Louis area. It has been a landmark in the Soulard neighborhood for

Wild lights at the St. Louis Zoo

The famous St. Louis Zoo celebrates the holiday season in style with Wild Lights. USA Today has named Wild Lights one of the top three

Missouri History Museum in Forest Park

When you're looking for free things to do in St. Louis, Forest Park is the place to go. The park is home to many of St.

A visitor's guide to the St. Louis Renaissance Fair

Go back in time and enjoy the fun of the St. Louis Renaissance Fair. The annual event draws crowds from all over the St. Louis area.

More