Crafted

Crafted is one of those South City spots we keep meaning to return to more regularly. It's tucked into Tower Grove East — brick walls, a solid cocktail menu, the kind of neighborhood bar that doesn't try too hard. It took us a few visits to fully appreciate how well it works for gluten-free dining, and now it's a reliable option in our rotation when we want something easy and affordable.

This is a bar first, with elevated bar food alongside it. The happy hours run 4–6 PM and again 8–10 PM, and the kitchen takes gluten-free seriously in a way that matters. The menu states clearly that everything breaded in-house is 100% gluten-free, and anything labeled GF that's fried goes into a dedicated gluten-free fryer. That's not a small thing. Dedicated fryers mean my partner can order the fried items without negotiating, which changes the experience considerably.

We order the Thai chili cauliflower and the garlic parm wings most often — both from the happy hour menu, both genuinely good. The $6 martinis help, as does the fact that their well vodka is Nü, which is gluten-free without requiring an upcharge. My partner notices that kind of detail.

Crafted also runs Gluten-Free Fried Chicken Fridays, which is worth planning around. Weekend brunch is available but we haven't tested it yet. We'd skip the $10 steak night — the kitchen has better strengths.

It's not a place I find myself craving on a random Tuesday. But for a relaxed, affordable happy hour with a kitchen that understands cross-contamination, it earns its spot.

Crafted
Crafted | 3200 Shenandoah Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63104
www.craftedstl.com

Tips

• Everything breaded in-house is gluten-free; look for the GF label and confirm it's fried in the dedicated fryer.

• The Thai chili cauliflower and garlic parm wings are the standouts — both reliably GF.

• Their well vodka is Nü, a gluten-free spirit, so no need to upcharge for Tito's.

• Gluten-Free Fried Chicken Fridays is worth timing your visit around.