3 new St. Louis places to try in March

1. Takashima Records
4095 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis, 314.571.9133, takashimarecords.com

Takashima Records is almost prohibitively cool. Almost. The Grove’s new Japanese whisky and sake bar will pull you in with its alluring mix of low lighting, beautiful, dark wood, walls of records and stereo equipment. 

Beverage director Tai Nalewajko offers up an expertly curated list of spirits, as well as wonderful cocktails like the scotch- and vermouth-based, soy-laced Rob Gordon. Chef Chris Krzysik’s small plates, like the winter caprese and the potato salad, are inviting and clean, while the delicious tuna mayo onigiri will prove to be a hearty foundation for the many drinks you’re sure to enjoy. 

2. Storming Crab
1242 S. Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, 314.821.9888, stormingcrabs.com

From this restaurant’s name, it’s unclear whether you’re going to be storming the crab or whether you’re supposed to be the subject of the crab storm. Regardless, you’re in for a perfect storm of crab and other delights when you visit. 

We enjoyed reeling in tasty hush puppies and a platter of delicious seafood bread topped with a cheesy crab mixture to start; then, we charted a course that led us to a massive, customizable crab house Cajun boil – ordered spicy, of course – that included potatoes, sausage, shrimp, corn and snow crab.

3. Road Crew Coffee
3172 Morgan Ford Road, St. Louis, 314.260.1536, roadcrew.cc

Opening quietly in November, South City’s newest cafe snuck up on us – and we’re so glad it did. Incorporating a sleek bike repair shop fueled by Blueprint Coffee, this cool concept from co-owners Patrick Woodling, Andi Zekthi and Christopher Green is worth a visit regardless of your preferred mode of transportation. 

Choose from a number of Blueprint brews or a rotating roast from guests like Temple Coffee Roasters and Parlor Coffee for your cortado or latte. While sipping, enjoy a pastry from Whisk or a doughnut from Donut Drive-In. Road Crew also hosts events – we’ve already started training for their group rides, which will take cyclists on journeys that end at local pizzerias, breweries and more.

Adam Rothbarth is the staff writer at Sauce Magazine. 

Editor's Note: This article was updated at 12:45 p.m. March 2 to correct information about Takashima's stereo system.