America's Top-Ranked Airport Bar Is In A Midwest City With Delicious Craft Brews
For many travelers, a stop at the airport bar is an essential part of any pre-flight ritual. Add a collection of tightly packed bar stools, muted CNN or FOX on a gigantic flatscreen, a dose of travel anticipation, and you've got the perfect backdrop for your drink of choice. And while some airport watering holes are decidedly shabby, USA Today 10Best named Three Kings Public House in St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) the reigning best airport bar in the U.S. for 2026.
Home of the original Budweiser, the Midwestern city of St. Louis boasts over 70 breweries. However, the USA Today 10Best ranking takes more into account than an airport bar's location. To determine the winner, a panel of editorial experts nominates standout haunts. Next, readers vote for their favorites over a four-week period. "Three Kings' cozy atmosphere both comforts and rejuvenates weary travelers, including those with dietary restrictions or preferences," praised USA Today, highlighting the selection of local beers, wine, and spirits. In addition, the bar serves a menu of gastropub favorites, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers made with locally sourced ingredients from Illinois and Missouri.
This airport pub is located in Terminal 2, making it an ideal choice for passengers traveling with Southwest, Lufthansa, British Airways, or any other airlines that depart from this zone. Terminals 1 and 2 are over a mile apart, so if you're flying with a Terminal 1 airline, dining at Three Kings might not be the best use of time. The bar can be found near Gate E33 and is open every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What to order at Three Kings Public House
From the moment you step off the concourse, you can't miss the polished metal draft tower at Three Kings Public House. Featuring around 12 taps, it serves as a beacon for thirsty and flight-delayed passengers. The taps are fairly evenly divided between national brews like Sierra Nevada's Hazy Little Thing from California and regional options. If you didn't make it to the 4 Hands Brewing tasting room in Kirkwood's walkable downtown with historic charm, you can usually order a pint of the City Wide pale ale, the best-selling craft beer in St. Louis according to Sauce Magazine. You can also choose from a variety of cans and bottles, including ciders, hard seltzers, and at least one alcohol-free beer.
One of four Three Kings Public House locations in the St. Louis metro area, the airport branch has a limited food menu. But you can still pair your beer with some of the pub's signature offerings like the award-winning "Three Kings Wings." This whopping dish comes with over one pound of breaded chicken coated with buffalo or spicy Thai sauce. Many travelers stop by specifically for the wings, with one reviewer on Google describing them as "massive wings, fried perfectly and cooked all the way through."
If you need a real meal, the Angus smash burgers are another favorite. Stacked on brioche buns, the burgers come with cheese and fries, so you don't have to worry about getting a bare-bones burger for the base price. Other menu highlights include the buffalo chicken wrap and the toasted ravioli with ranch.
What to expect at Three Kings Public House
From the brick accent wall to the exposed ceiling ducts, Three Kings Public House brings an industrial aesthetic befitting a city like St. Louis. You can sit at the bar, a dining room table, or a curbside seat of sorts overlooking the busy concourse. There are outlets under the bar to charge your phone and several wall-mounted flat screens, in case you find yourself stranded in the airport.
It's worth noting that the pub only receives 3.9 out of 5 stars on Google reviews, due in part to inconsistent service. While some diners report friendly bartenders and quick turnaround times, others complain of dismissive staff and serious delays. If you don't have a lot of time before boarding or you see lots of people waiting for their orders, consider visiting Three Kings another time.
In terms of price, you should expect standard airport bar upcharges on most food and drinks. In particular, guests on Google mention that the mixed drinks are painful for the wallet. However, the draft beer prices at the airport location are only a couple bucks higher than what you'd pay at the Des Peres location. For other traveler-approved eats, check out 10 airport restaurants worth waiting for.