Lemmons by Grbic to give new life to an STL favorite

An old favorite is getting a new lease on life, thanks to the folks behind Grbic Restaurant. Lemmons by Grbic is slated to open on Wednesday, May 24, at 5800 Gravois Ave.

The popular South City bar and music joint closed doors in June 2014 after 12 years in business. As The Scoop reported later that year, the Grbic family bought the building in August and embarked on an extensive gut rehab. The new space has 99 seats, a full-service bar and plenty of TVs.

According to Senada Grbic, who also helms the kitchen, the total investment in the building is just less than $1 million.

“It’s your friendly neighborhood sort of place,” Grbic said. “As far as the food goes, I’m going to do a short, simple menu, things that I love to eat and I know other people love to eat.”

Grbic said she’s excited for the chance to be a bit more creative with the cuisine at Lemmons, which she refers to as “American cuisine with a Balkan fusion.”

Take the 50/50 burger. Because many people from the Balkans don’t eat pork, Grbic uses equal parts ground beef and ground beef bacon, which Grbic said has a similar texture to pork bacon. The burger is topped with provolone and a fried egg seasoned with vegeta, a traditional Balkan spice blend.

Grbic said for the first few weeks, Lemmons by Grbic will only be open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, but lunch service will soon follow.

Matt Sorrell is a staff writer at Sauce Magazine.