Deer Creek Bar & Grill is now open in the former Cousin Hugo’s space in Maplewood

Earlier this month, Deer Creek Bar & Grill replaced the vacancy that had been left by the long-standing Cousin Hugo’s Bar & Grill (3233 Laclede Station Road in Maplewood) as a result of the pandemic. However, the new Deer Creek restaurant is in good hands. Two tenured employees from Hugo’s, John and Paige Cundy, have returned to manage the property with high hopes.

“Deer Creek Bar & Grill is a great update to the historic location,” said general manager John Cundy in a release. “I’m sure we will become a favorite gathering spot for the community.”

The location itself has quite the history, and has been family-owned ever since it was purchased by Maplewood resident John Johnson in the 1920s. The location then became home to Cousin Hugo’s in 1938. Unfortunately, the pandemic has been especially tough on independent restaurants, and Hugo’s was no exception. With the establishment closing in September 2020, one of Johnson’s great-granddaughters, Lynde Anderson, was “heartbroken” to lose the history of the place. But thankfully, community outreach helped to renew some of that tradition. 

“During the pandemic, we received encouragement from the community to open a bar and grill again at this location,” said Anderson. “So we've worked hard over the past year fixing things up and preparing to continue the historic gathering spot for the community to enjoy.”

As for seating, the space offers 3,300 square feet of indoor seating for up to 99 guests. There’s also a patio with seating for 28. Later in the season, heating will be provided on the deck to help defend against the evening chill. 

“We’ve worked hard to create a familiar and inviting atmosphere the whole family will enjoy,” said assistant manager Paige Cundy in a release. 

Deer Creek’s menu is focused around “classic family comfort food.” Salads, sandwiches and burgers are the main staples of the restaurant, but don’t make the mistake of skipping one of the appetizers. “The wings smothered in our special sauce and dipped in ranch dressing are a huge favorite,” said Anderson. 

The Creek Cheeseburger Lunch Special is also a hit: Featuring a 5-ounce burger with American cheese, as well as lettuce, tomato, pickle and grilled onion, this special also comes with a side and a drink. “It’s sure to satisfy the heartiest of appetites,” added Anderson. 

For drinks, there's a full bar with "a variety of favorite beers," including Budweiser and Bud Light, as well as IPAs on tap and in bottles. The bartenders can also create an array of cocktails.

Deer Creek Bar & Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday.