Novak’s Bar & Grill

Awful owner. Food was always alright. The biggest turn off was watching how this owner treated her staff. Some of the staff had been subjected to being treated so poorly they began to enjoy it. One could have studied Stockholm syndrome by merely watching the employees around the owner.
Very disappointing. Thank heavens it’s now closed.

So first I am SO entirely bummed that they’re closing on the 30^th (meeps!!) — UPDATE: Apparently they’re just switching owners!
But anyway, I’m enjoying them while I can.
The food is pretty decent (especially for a bar), the patio is QUITE lovely, and the events are stellar. I was there recently for their guest bartending night to support the Arch Rivals. Had a blast.
I do feel inclined to note something about their drinks, however… So I’m a cosmopolitan girl. I’ve been drinking cosmopolitans as my drink of preference (except t Bailey’s Chocolate Bar and Cyrano’s in Webster Groves) for the past four years. I also usually drink 2 – 3 drinks when I go out. Yet, something about the way they make them at Novaks makes me sick after one. They never taste like a cosmo (actually burn while drinking) and as I said i always end up sick… So I’ve given up drinking those there. Sad face.
I’m going to miss Novaks with Nancy there!

I came here about a week ago and experienced very quick service with a lot of drinks that were very delicious. The drinks here are a bit overpriced but the service is top notch. They even gave me a free meal on my birthday (hamburger with fries, but the burger was HUGE!) All in all, Nancy Novak has a repeat customer on her hands!

I had one night in St. Louis and this is where I ended up… and I am so happy for that! I had so much fun and we came the day before they celebrated their 40^th year anniversary. Wish I could have come back the next night as well! It’s a fun gay bar that has an open area patio and a dance floor that wraps around on the one side of the bar. They play whatever is on the radio and they have this big projector screen where they will project the music videos… it was a lot of fun! As the night progressed, some of the bartenders and dancers got up on the bar and were shaking their thangs… it was great! It was so entertaining to just watch them dance up there that I just wanted to go up there and join them :)
Pros:
— no cover, lots of fun
— my friends paid for this pineapple drink that was really good and it was only for $ 5
Cons:
— the bouncer was being weird and spent a really loooong time looking at our IDs and he would just «joke» around about how we had fakes since we were all from different states… weirdo
Why I gave it a 4…
It was a ton of fun! I miss going to gay bars sooo much since I’ve been living in the midwest… this place was tons of fun and the dancers just made it even more fun! I would just say that the area around there is a little sketchy and we parked about 5 blocks away from it. Next time, I would definitely try to park closer to Novak’s.

Novak’s is clearly a place to have a blast if you’re hanging in the Grove, but this is more of a lunch review. I don’t get to enjoy the nightlife here often, but when I do it’s usually a great time! I recently had some good friends in town that were staying in the area so we headed here for some burgers and bloody marys.
If you ever need a Sunday lunch spot that’s bound to have plenty of room, definitely go here. I’m pretty sure we were the only table in the entire place! It wasn’t awkward or too quiet though, because there was plenty of good music & the vibe overall is awesome. Our server was friendly and eager to tell us about the menu, especially when she heard someone say they had a hangover — apparently the Novak’s Slinger/​Swinger sandwich is where it’s at if you’ve had too much booze the night before. Two eggs, two sausage patties and cheese on parmesan garlic Texas toast. Wowza. I wasn’t feeling that brave so I ordered a simple cheeseburger and fries.
The bloody mary was just so-​so… but I always am bummed when it’s made with a mix. It was still good and I like that you can choose your level of spicy. It ended up being passed around the table a bit and everyone seemed to enjoy. The coffee was excellent and strong (thank God) and the food impressed me quite a bit. My cheeseburger was perfectly cooked and came loaded with the works, and the fries were crispy but fluffy on the inside.
Service was a little sketchy at the end when we didn’t see our server for a good 20 minutes, but overall we had a great lunch. Anytime I’m craving a good burger, I know where I’m going!

Stop Two on the bar crawl in search of action in St. Louis’ Grove. Place was only about halfway full. One third mixes of straight, lesbian, and gay. Without an obvious dance floor (even though Curtis at Just John’s told us it was the place to dance), I was still cautiously optimistic. Crazy hot lez bartender named Surfer seemed fun and interesting with one of the best hairstyles I have seen in a long time. Seemed interested in us when I ordered two drinks asking for her to «surprise me» for my order. She asked sweet or sour. I explained about the sugary nothing from Just Johns and asked for sour. She gave me a vodka and seven. If that is sour for St. Louis, then I shudder to think what strange tastebuds they have in the Gateway City. Maybe they really think Budweiser passes for ‘good’ beer.
Best feature — the fire pit on the patio where people sat, smoked and talked.
Worst feature — Bar Top Trollop sporting cellulite as she flexed about a ‘strripper” pole. But if vodka and seven are sour, maybe this is what passes as «sexy» in St. Louis.

I absolutely Love this place! I always have a great time… I dance all night, stay out later than I ever expect to and always feel comfortable however I come!
Hands down the best club to go dancing! Added perk is I get to see the videos of the songs I hear on the radio!
Don’t forget to try the Black Bean Burger and the Plum Martini, best ever!
They always have something going on… had a awesome time playing BINGO on Friday… I actually won a round!
The bathroom could use a good hose down, Ugh!

Novaks is my favorite gay bar in Saint Louis. It can get crowded on weekend nights, but it is a great place to hang out during the day. I know this makes me sound like an old lady, but there’s something about not shoved several times in a night by people who are trying to move around a place that I just don’t appreciate.
What I do love about Novaks is their patio and their specials. On Saturday and Sunday from 12−6pm, they have $ 1 beers. I don’t remember which beers they are, but we had Bud Light. For $ 1 and a patio, I don’t care what the beer is. The patio is covered and pretty large, and it’s a good place to sit and chat with friends. I have been known to bring cards and would definitely think about bringing work or knitting. During the day this is a chill place to hang out with a bunch of nice regulars and bartenders.
Check out their website for the calendar of events. Novaks does brunch, drag shows, karaōke, theme parties, and on the first Monday of the month you were born you can get a free bucket of beer with your valid license (12−9pm, I believe). They also serve delicious bar food in good portions. I highly recommend this establishment.

In writing this review, I’m keeping in mind ALL of the times I’ve ventured down to Novaks. Let me break it down:
Lunch —
Novaks has the BEST wraps and hummus I’ve found in this city so far (which probably means I don’t get out enough). There’s never a crowd during the day, and the patio is awesome! There’s nothing like eating gay-​made food outside by statues of naked women (except the ones without heads — creepy).
The Nov at Night —
Novaks loses some points when the weekend rolls around and every gay in the city forces themself into this establishment. I’ve left feeling both violated and half drowned in glitter several times! It gets so crowded on Saturdays (especially during holidays and events), that you can hardly breathe. Thank God they have hot bartenders for the most part or you would have nothing to look forward to besides being in a long line with sweaty nether parts shoved in your face. Hmm, maybe that’s a plus actually. My major complaint, however, would be the small dance floor. You can’t expect me to break out my mad, white-​girl dancing skills on a tiny dance floor.
So I seemed to have complained a lot. Why the four stars then you might ask? Lots of reasons (besides the good-​as-​sex-​food and the hot bartenders). It’s one of the only places I can congregrate with other homos near my age (albeit no one talks to you — damn clicky STL!). I also love that they have everything in one bar. Pool tables, two bars, patio, food, karaōke, drag shows, dancing and POLE DANCERS! I just wish they would buy up the building next door and expand the bar. That would be my dream come true!

Oh, the old gay bar, she ain’t what she use to be.
She ain’t what she use to be.
Don’t get me wrong, you can still have fun at Novak’s, but it seems to have taken a different path recently. Some of the staff seem to have developed an «Attitude» and it is not a pretty «Attitude».
What makes Novak’s a fun place to go is the melting pot mixture of patrons who frequent the bar regularly and those who are coming to see what all the hype is about. It’s not Ellis Island, but it is close enough when you are mixing the straight and LGTB communities.
My most recent visit was meeting friends for drinks before dinner at Sanctuaria. Shannon was our bartender and she served a very good cock-​tail. She was also very pleasant and made sure those of us sitting at the bar were fully taken care of and entertained.
The night we were there was a game night and they had two teams playing Family Feud. We were seated at the end of the bar near the stage. We began to banter and have fun with one of the teams and were quickly put in our place by the game show host. We were told to «shut-​up» and not talk to the contestants. (Attitude) I’m sorry, I thought this was a bar to have fun. It’s not like we were giving them the answer to the last question on «Who Wants to Be a Millionaire». We became mute and our new friends still won the feud.
The biggest disappoint of the night was the patio. It was a cool breeze night and sipping cock-​tails out there would have been grand. Instead, it smelled to high heaven and everyone who went out to enjoy it quickly returned. It had the smell of stagnant water and stale beer. Get out the power-​hose and wash it down.
Shannon was a delight, so next time we’re in The Grove, we’ll stop by again. After all, with gay bar turn over in STL Novak’s is quickly becoming one of the oldest.

I wanted to go here because a friend goes all the time so I figured I’d better check it out. Went for lunch on a Saturday afternoon, not all that many people but I get it’s probably much busier at night. The food was really good. I was opting for healthier eating today (after a visit to the doctor yesterday) so I went for the portabella burger (very good), the hummus (really good) and sweet potato fries (very good, krinkle style). In a conversation with the bartender something called Jeremiah Wheat came up and he offered up a miniature shot for me to try and it was really good.
I like places like this where you get to talking with the staff and because they want to share they just do so without prompting. Friendly staff, pretty nice interior and was actually easy to get to. I also realized two other places on my list to go try where right there on the same block (HandleBar and Everest Café). I’ll be back.

Not gonna lie, I was pretty nervous going to Novak’s for the first time being a straight gal, but I had nothing to be worried about. It was a BLAST!
My friends and I went there very late one night as we had dance fever but nowhere to cut a rug. Then came Novak’s. Dance party central! My girls and I danced the hours away on a Friday night until 3am. No judging and no unwanted creepy dudes trying to «get up on it» like most other trendy dance clubs. The Novak’s dancers on the bar were phenomenal and had the place rockin’ along with the best dance worthy hits!
Next time I just wanna dance, I know exactly where to go!

As a straight woman, Novak’s is not a bad place to hang out with my gay friends or straight friends for that matter. It’s a welcoming and causal spot in the heart of the Grove area on Manchester.
Drink prices are very reasonable, service is good and Novak’s has one of the best burgers in town!!! Believe it!
It does get a little too intense on the weekend nights with the crowds, the cover charge and basically the same plight that every bar faces… drunk people. But if you are up for hitting the dance floor and slinging back some cocktails, Novak’s should be on your list.
Novak’s also does a Sunday brunch (who would have thought?) and they are open for lunch and serve food late. I think until 12 midnight. For a bar that is late.

Novak’s has always been a fun time for me. As a straight female, I would go with my guys friends who were looking for some eye candy. I concur, the bar dancers are pretty darn cute! On another note though, I thoroughly enjoy this place. It is always on my list of stops when I go to Manchester.
I love the patio, the big screen tvs, and the music is always hopping too! The drinks are a bit pricey for the alcohol you get. To me, the drinks aren’t as ‘strong’ as you would like them. Watered down more with the mixer… On a positive note, the bartenders are really nice, and they do their best to get to you in a timely manner where you are not left hanging for 10 — 15 minutes to get a drink. Even if they can’t get to you immediately, they make a point to acknowledge that they know you are there, and that they will be with you shortly.
Novak’s is open until 3am. So whether if you go here to start your night or to conclude your night, it is always busy with an interesting mix of people.

I’m as straight as an arrow, but feel perfectly comfortable at Novak’s. It was founded as a lesbian bar and eatery, always known for amazing cheeseburgers. It has evolved into a very diverse crowd that attracts every walk of life, including straight bachelorette parties!
They always have some sort of quirky entertainment, friendly faces and one of the best bartenders ever! Last time I was there, she put salt on our napkins so the napkins wouldn’t stick to the drinks and was totally on top of it all night. Great energy, extremely friendly!
Now that Novak’s is nonsmoking, I will be back in the near future! This is a 3am bar with a large patio and a lit, secure, fee-​based parking lot right outside the door. I see another reviewer was upset about being carded. I’m not sure why. I’m older than most of the reviewers on here and I get carded. Its’ their responsibility to do so. Only negative I found was that the bathrooms are a bit grungy.

What is wrong with Novak’s you ask?
Well. I can tell you, as a bisexual 22 year old who goes to school at SLU. Oops. Did that sound like the beginning of a personal ad? Well, maybe it did because Novak’s left me empty-​handed. Or empty — woman’d?
Firstly, the cover. 10 bucks every Sat. night? MEH. Or am I missing something here? I always leave feeling like I never really got my 10 bucks worth! And don’t you dare say it’s because I fail at picking up women, lol.
It’s smoky as fuck. Every single corner of this bar – even the outside patio during warmer months – is like some spiteful god just took a cigarette the size of a kiddy slide and puffed a gigantic, menacing cloud over everyone. The music is ear-​burstingly loud to the point where you have to to the back of the bar to even be able to communicate with anyone. One might argue that communication at a bar full of drunk people is not necessary, but anyway… lol.
In terms of demographic, and please forgive my frankness: Novak’s is about 50% butch women, 25% gay dudes, 10% straight women (fruit flies/​faghags), 5% douchey straight men looking for a bi girl/​straight girl caught up in the mix, 5% creepy middle-​aged couples looking for a «cute» bi girl to take home with them for a threesome, and 5% «other»… and by «other» I mean femme women, and trans folks and anyone else who just randomly wandered in and doesn’t fit in one of my aforementioned categories. This is a huge problem for me, as I am bisexual and in search of femme girls at such an establishment. Of course it’s not like I keep coming back with the intention to bring someone home. It’s more like a group of friends all decide to go to Novak’s together and I just want to make the most of my time there! It can be a fun place with friends, NGL, but alone it kinda blows. Although I have met some incredible friends from Novak’s. But I’ve also had some awkward times hitting on girls who ended up being straight or already taken by a drag king. D: oy.
Let’s face it, St. Louis, this is a place where straight people go to «get the LGBT experience!» It’s not really a place for femme girls to find other femme girls, as per my experience. So if you are like me, and you are femme seeking femme, I would either avoid Novak’s or don’t go in with high expectations.
I mean seriously, straight girls, why are you so shocked that you are getting hit on by a gay or bi girl at a GAY BAR? If you don’t like it, please, cross the street to Atomic Cowboy or go elsewhere that isn’t in The Grove.
And the drinks at the bar? Taste awful. I almost always order a Blue Moon or too because I can’t stand their mixed drinks. They taste like someone poured 90% booze and 10% mixer in. If I wanted to drink something that tasted like a bottle of pure alcohol, I would just do a shot or drink a bottle of pure alcohol. Ugh. Not to mention the bar lines are always MADLY and impossibly long.
The one thing I am shocked about is the bathrooms – the lines are never long when I need to use one, so I am thankful for that. But they do need to maybe clean the toilets once every decade.
I WILL say though, their food is so delicious in the worst possible way. Fried chicken strips. Greasy burgers. It’s bad for you, but sooo tasty.
I hope someone found this review useful, in all it’s snarky bitterness. :D

I’ve had great nights at Novak’s in the past, but my visit this Saturday was disappointing. The dance floor didn’t open until 10:30 and the music was awful. Did the DJ have all his good music stolen earlier in the week? I remember the DJ last spring being quite awesome, but apparently he doesn’t work there anymore :-(I’m fine with top 40, hip hop, 80s, and 90s, but you gotta play the good stuff! Sprinkle in a little electro, house, and indie, and I will be especially happy. But none of that happened on Saturday. We did hear a lot of annoying mash-​ups though.
Drinks here are very reasonably priced although small. They don’t charge for water — yay! I haven’t tried the food yet but I hear it’s good.

Novak’s has been around for a long long time in various locations along the Manchester strip. Growing up gay in St. Louis often meant that Novak’s was your first place to make your debut (especially for the girls). And by debut I mean spending hours getting up the courage to make the drive, a few more hours arguing with yourself in the car about whether or not to get out, and that lovely cinemaesque moment of walking away from the entrance two or three times before getting the balls to suck it up and walk in.
Yes folks, this is my personal experience from oh so many years ago but it’s hilarious how often I talk to people who had the exact same defining moment at the exact same place. That alone will keep Nancy Novak and her namesake bar close to my heart for a long time.
OK. Enough with the memory lane roadtrip. Novak’s is still a pretty kick ass bar. It is no longer exclusively where the girls hang out. I like that it has opened it’s arms to everyone. I had a real good laugh the last time I was there when I walked in and thought I was at the Loading Zone (lots and lots of men). Turns out that they had marketed a boys night for that particular evening. Very confusing but still fun.
The bar itself is spacious with several rooms that open onto each other. Teeny tiny dance floor that gets real packed real fast especially on the weekends. You encounter the bar itself when you first walk in and on busy nights there is usually a smaller portable bar in another room AND there’s another bar on the outside patio. In the back there are pool tables and darts. Back to the patio, it’s pretty flippin amazing. In the winter they have fires going which is lovely but the summer is when you can experience it in all it’s multi-​leveled glory.
They are constantly offering fun things throughout the week here. Karaōke, drag, dancing, theme nights, etc. The drinks are strong (not the cheapest around) but strong. The food is actually pretty tasty. They mix in healthy selections along with the fried goodness and it’s def appreciated.
Novak’s can seem like a great big clique to most when you first enter but it only takes a few minutes and most assuredly someone will see that terrified newbie look on your face and they’ll teach you the secret handshake and buy you a great big gay shot. :-)

The best thing about Novaks is:
!) Nancy the owner is about as down to earth as it gets.
2)Shots were cheap and there is one called Andy’s something that will knock your socks off… chocolate oasis!
3)Gay, Bi, or straight you are welcome and feel welcome…
4)Great Music and as a single girl I feel safe here (aka not getting drugged like a few «clubs» I went to. I swear I must have a stamp on my head that says please drug me. lol)
5) That patio is nice especially if your all sweaty from dancing or if you just want to chill.
6) go to their website sometimes there is free admission and also your birthday month there is one day where she has a special just for that month’s birthdays…

We made two stops here in one day, so I think that says a lot!
Come in for lunch. Tasty black bean burger. Great bartender who chatted us up about the drag show later on that night, so we made plans to come back. Lunch time was dead but after 9 turned out to be pretty fun!
Come back after a stop at the City Museum, and walk in to learn that the free cover before 9pm we were told about is non existent. But never you fear! Nice lady at the door honored it, so there was no need for a hunt for an ATM!
Beers were pretty affordable. Though the plastic cups is quite the wasteful item to have. So many mixed drinks and beers poured… can we save the environment a bit before we save on a dishwasher? Get some real glasses up in here!
The drag show was pretty good. The kings were okay, and the queens were amazing. Truly wonderful and funny. Seeing one hop on the bar and turn upside down on a pole was a sight to see. Talented ladies.
The show ended though, and they moved the tables to create the «dance floor». Which means, small area of space drunk people will throw themselves all over. Not really a dance floor.
The outside of Novak’s is amazing. Lots of space and a couple of fires going. Plus outside bar!
The thing that impresses me about this place is how diverse it is. Not just gay vs. lesbian. But lots of straight people just wanting to see a show. There may be rainbows everywhere sure, but it’s almost just a bar for EVERYONE which is an awesome thing to see.
Next time we’ll explore more of this strip I’m sure, but I would love a frosty beer outside on their patio once again!