First Look: Cha Cha on Shaw and The Gaslight

A carryout taco joint and a recording studio walk into a bar … Rather, they share a space with one at 4916 Shaw Blvd., on The Hill, where patrons can now experience all three in one night at Cha Cha on Shaw, The Gaslight and Gaslight Studio.

As Sauce reported in September 2015, Cha Cha Chow food truck owner Kandace Davis announced that former general manager Sam Burke would helm the Cha Cha on Shaw, a brick-and-mortar location doubling as the commissary kitchen for the truck. Davis and Burke partnered with Matt Stelzer of Amsterdam Tavern, who opened The Gaslight in the same building with JB Anderson, Ryan Anderson and Billy Holley.

As with other bar and restaurant partnerships (think Amsterdam Tavern and The Dam on Morgan Ford Road or Tick Tock Tavern and Steve’s Hot Dogs in Tower Grove East), customers place their food orders at Cha Cha, then step into The Gaslight to grab a seat and a drink. When their order is ready, Cha Cha will text customers via the No Wait app and they can pick up their food to eat in Gaslight.

Cha Cha Chow’s tacos, burger, fries and more are available for carryout along with items exclusive to the brick-and-mortar location. Look for pupusas, house-made masa tortillas stuffed with pork and/or cheese, grilled to order and served with red cabbage slaw and salsa. Local ice cream cart Maggie’s Icebox supplies three flavors of ice cream sandwiches for dessert.

Next door, The Gaslight offers a speakeasy vibe with dim lighting and boozy cocktails. The 49-seat venue serves 10 local draft beers from Six Mile Bridge, Urban Chestnut and others, as well as a selection of bottles and cans. A small selection of by-the-glass wine is available, and a full bar focuses on local and boutique spirits. Holley created the nine house cocktails, some of which are named for bars that once operated on St. Louis’ Gaslight Square.

The Gaslight also houses Gaslight Studio, where local and national artists can book recording sessions. During operating hours patrons can watch – and listen – to performers; a large window looks into the studio and speakers pipe music into the bar.

Cha Cha on Shaw is currently open at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, while The Gaslight is open from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Here’s a first look at what to expect when you enter The Hill’s newest restaurant and bar: