In early November, Salty’s Fresh Mex located at 5045 Hwy. N in Cottleville took to social media to announce that it was closing its doors. However, within a few days the establishment shared with its followers that rather than going out of business, the eatery would rebrand under a new concept and launch at the end of November.
Now known as Salty’s Bistro, the business is under new management and features a new menu that focuses on pasta dishes, steaks, burgers and a handful of its prior concept’s Mexican selections under the menu’s Southwest section.
“We have transitioned into a more Americanized menu using top-quality ingredients and offering a more upscale vibe for an affordable price,” said Bailey Harper, manager at Salty’s Bistro.
Some of the appetizers include a smoked gouda crab dip, spinach artichoke dip and chicken wings. There are also a number of salads along with two soup choices, and the entrees range from items like lemon-dill salmon served with lobster risotto to strip steak or gnocchi chicken marsala. Handhelds include burgers, a smoked gouda French dip and a walleye sandwich.
Repeat guests of the old concept can still find some of the most popular Mexican entrees on the new menu, like tacos, bowls, fajitas and quesadillas. In addition to the updated food selections, there’s also a new drink menu.
“We revamped our cocktail menu, added some sweeter drinks and changed the wines we carry,” Harper explained.
Whereas the prior concept focused on Margaritas, the new cocktail program centers around several martinis, such as a lemon drop, espresso martini and Cosmopolitan, as well as classics like Old-Fashioneds, Moscow Mules and mojitos. There’s also a selection of sweeter drinks like hurricanes, daiquiris and margaritas. Beers, wines and a variety of spirits, including bourbon, scotch and brandy, are also available.
The footprint of the 2,500-square-foot restaurant and its seating for 62 didn’t change, but a few of its interior details did. Among those updates are new artwork on the wall that Harper said are inspired by Italian and bistro-style eateries along with a golden yellow accent wall.
The establishment offers a breakfast menu on weekends, with free mimosas for women who order from the breakfast menu. Weekend breakfast selections include pancakes, biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos and breakfast tacos, as well as bowls. Find more information about the concept, including its weekend breakfast service hours on its Facebook page.
This article appears in December 2024.