The Best Bar in the Whole Wide World
Our next stop on the Cycle Saloon blog brings us to the legendary and self-proclaimed, “Best Bar in the Whole Wide World,” - Big Daddy’s - at 1000 Sidney Street in historic Soulard.
Just right around the corner from the famous Anheuser-Busch brewery, Big Daddy’s was established in 1999 by Jimbo “Big Daddy” Sinovic. It quickly became the place to be for both young and old. During the day and into the evening, the kitchen is bustling with food orders, and at night the bar transforms into a place where patrons can drink and dance the night away.
Big Daddy’s owns a special place in my heart because it was one of the first bars I frequented when I moved to Soulard roughly 15 years ago.
I remember the lines of party buses full of people celebrating their birthdays and bachelorette parties, and the lines to get in.
I remember Nick J. working the front door and the other bald security guy with glasses (forgot his name) interrogating underage looking kids trying to get in with their fake IDs.
I remember ordering a drink that came in a red bucket with six or seven straws to share with my friends, and to this day I still don’t know what was in it.
I remember chilling on the back patio with a bucket of beers watching football with my buddies.
While the late nights are less frequent for this old guy, every-time I drop a group of riders off at Big Daddy’s the memories come flooding back. What makes me smile now is seeing a packed patio, feeling the same energy I felt 10-15 years ago, and knowing that the groups I’m dropping off are going to have a great time and make memories like I once did.
What I noticed this year is that more and more riders are asking to be dropped off at Big Daddy’s. Why you ask? Well, this is what they had to say.
“I love the atmosphere. While it’s changed slightly since Covid as Big Daddy’s has been strictly adhering to the city’s safety recommendations, it’s still a party. Music is pumping, drinks are flowing, and people are still smiling and laughing, just six feet away from each other. It’s a place you can go and feel safe, especially on their beautiful patio.” – Aimee L of Crestwood
“The bars! They have one downstairs, one upstairs and one outside. I never have to worry about waiting for a drink.” - Trent P of Fox Park
“I go to Big Daddy’s, or as I like to say Large Fathers, because of the patio. It’s partially covered so I can choose to either sit in the sun or shade or enjoy fresh air if it’s raining. Plus, it’s a great place to grab a beer before I take the Big Daddy’s shuttle to the ballgame.” – Jake B of Edwardsville, Ill.
“The food is clutch for me. I’m a pretty picky eater so I like the broad menu. They have pizza, wings, burgers, sandwiches, nachos – you name it, they have it.” – Angie B of Oakville, Mo.
Photo cred: Big Daddy's FB Page
It’s no wonder why Big Daddy’s claims that they are “The Best Bar in the Whole Wide World.” They have everything you can ask for in a neighborhood bar, and are a welcoming stop for the Cycle Saloon. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend.
Big Daddy’s is open for lunch, happy hour, dinner and late-night fun. They host parties from 10-200 people, and you can rent the entire upstairs bar. They offer discounted food and drinks for all parties. As they are strictly following Covid precautions, call or visit their website for more information.
Til next time,
Driver Jeff