Naked Tiki Distilling Brings a Tropical Escape to St. Charles

If you wander down North Second Street in the historic Frenchtown neighborhood, the air feels a little different. Amidst the charming brick facades and storied history of St. Charles, a new kind of magic is brewing—one that smells of toasted sugar cane, fresh pineapple and a hint of island mischief.

Welcome to Naked Tiki Distilling, the brainchild of Brandon Eckardt, who with his business partners has turned a decade-long passion for rum into the region’s premier tropical destination.

Naked Tiki Distilling interior

From Garage Hobby to Tiki Haven

Brandon’s journey didn’t start in a lush island cove; it started in a garage. Ten years ago, he began experimenting with the alchemy of distilling rum. What began as a hobby evolved into Naked Spirits in 2020 in Brentwood. But when a relocation became necessary last year, they decided it was time to "go all in."

After scouting locations across St. Louis, Lincoln and Franklin Counties, they kept coming back to Frenchtown. Brandon noted, "We are very excited about the future of this neighborhood and felt it was a perfect fit for the distillery and the tiki bar."

After 18 months of collaboration with the City of St. Charles—whom he credits as being instrumental in navigating the process—the doors at 1116 N. Second St. are officially open.

Crafted with Care and a Hint of Mischief

At its core, Naked Tiki is about the craft. The distillery focuses on American-grown sugar cane sourced from a single farm in Louisiana, ensuring that every drop of the seven rums currently on tap meets his exacting standards. “We have bold pours, wild ideas and one big promise: our spirits are crafted with the highest-quality ingredients and just the right amount of mischief,” Brandon added.

Offering seven different kinds of rum, and new flavors always in the works, the most popular rum drinks are the Pain Killer—creamy, tropical and potent—the classic Mai Tai, and the Banana Cabana, a fruity escape. While the rum is the star, the menu is a love letter to Missouri craft culture. You’ll find local craft beer selections from Muddy Banks (Sullivan) and the soon-to-be Frenchtown neighbor Side Project. A curated list of gins and vodkas from Kansas City and bourbon from Union round out the Missouri spirits. Naked Tiki also offers a "light bites" menu featuring crab rangoon, various shrimp dishes, pizza and wings.

A True Tiki Escape

Tiki culture exploded in the U.S. after WWII as a form of pure escapism—a way for people to find a "tropical paradise" without a passport. Brandon is carrying that torch as the owner of the only true tiki bar in the St. Louis area.

Step inside, and you’ll find an environment built for connection. You won’t find a TV blaring the latest sports scores here. Instead, you’ll find driftwood, bamboo, coconuts and the hum of conversation. It’s an immersive world designed for "tiki talk" and relaxation.

Whether you’re a die-hard member of the St. Louis Tiki Club or a curious local looking for a new hangout, Naked Tiki Distilling offers a slice of the exotic right in our backyard.

As a New Town resident since 2024, Brandon isn’t just a business owner; he’s a neighbor. And he’s inviting all of us to leave our daily stress at the door and trade it for a glass of the finest rum in the state.

Visit Naked Tiki Distilling