First Look: Clark & Bourbon at Live! by Loews in downtown St. Louis

Live! by Loews, a $260 million addition to Ballpark Village, opened Wednesday, Feb. 26, featuring several food concepts, in addition to a luxury hotel. 

The 8,000-square-foot first level of the hotel comprises the main fine dining concept, Clark & Bourbon, as well as Bar Bourbon and the Whiskey Room. With about 130 seats spread among tables, the bar and lounge areas, general manager Geneya Sauro said the opulent hotel aims to provide an upscale yet approachable gathering space.

“The bar and dining area flow into each other quite literally, and bourbon is a theme woven throughout,” Sauro said.

Helmed by executive chef Matt Lange, Clark & Bourbon serves elevated classics with a twist, from truffle tagliatelle to salmon tartare served with everything-spiced lavash. Other mainstays include items crabcakes, filet mignon, fried chicken, a traditional burger and vegetarian Beyond burger and more. The menu will change seasonally, focusing heavily on local offerings.

“[Lange] is young and super creative,” Sauro said. “He’s really driven and talented, and he’s very excited to have an outlet to share with the community. He loves to create things that resonate with people – comfort food but done in a way that’s unique and different.”

The adjacent Bar Bourbon offers an extensive array of beer, wine and spirits, plus an inventive cocktail list with creations like the Old-Fashioned-esque Mad Dash and the Bird on the Horizon, with an exclusive Ezra Brooks Signature Barrel whiskey. Once the weather warms, the garage door between Bar Bourbon and the patio will open, creating a large indoor-outdoor space.

Purists can explore Whiskey Room, which only serves flights selected from nearly 500 bottles of whiskey. Flights can be ordered in a particular style – rye, bourbon, scotch, etc. – or from a particular region like Scotland or Japan.

Live! by Loews also offers River Market, which has grab-and-go options like sandwiches and fresh juice. On the second floor, The Bullock, a massive patio and bar overlooking Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village, will open soon too. Clark & Bourbon will offer carryout, and patrons staying inside Ballpark Village will be able to order a drink to-go.

Clark & Bourbon will be open daily for breakfast from 6 to 11 a.m., for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner service will begin at 5 p.m. Bar Bourbon will open at 11 a.m. daily. Closing times will be flexible depending on demand, but Bar Bourbon has a 3 a.m. permit. Take a first look at Ballpark Village’s newest restaurant and bars.

Lauren Healey is associate editor at Sauce Magazine.