Gate-side pints in Terminal 2
Terminal 2 fliers at STL basically have one sit-down option past security, and it’s Three Kings Public House. It sits on the airside concourse used by Southwest, so you can keep an eye on C-gate boarding lines while you eat. Service runs from late morning into the evening on most days, matching Southwest’s heavier schedule, but don’t bank on a full menu on the very first or last flights of the day.
Three Kings is a local St. Louis brand, so the tap list leans on regional names like Schlafly and 4 Hands, usually in the $8–$10 pint range. Food is standard pub fare: burgers, wings, and sandwiches typically land in the $15–$20 bracket before tax and tip. Portions run bigger than grab-and-go spots in Terminal 2, so this works better if you’ve got at least 45–60 minutes before boarding.
The bar in the middle of the room is the fastest move if you’re solo and your Southwest flight is already on “Begin Boarding” on the screens. Seats along the windows give you a view of the Terminal 2 ramp, including the constant stream of 737s. There’s table service throughout, but at peak times around 5–7 p.m. you can see waits of 15–20 minutes for both a table and food.
Prices sit a notch above the pre-security options in Terminal 1, but you trade that for not having to ride the terminal shuttle or re-clear security at T2. Figure on $25–$35 per person for a main and a drink. Kids’ menus sometimes appear but aren’t guaranteed, so plan around full-size entrees if you’re traveling with younger passengers.
Practical tip: if your Southwest flight out of Terminal 2 has a tight 30-minute turn, skip a full meal here and grab just a drink or fries at the bar so you can cash out quickly when your boarding group (A, B, or C) pops on the monitor.