First Look: Hidden Gem in Midtown St. Louis

Hidden Gem, a self-described “disco dive bar” from the team behind local lifestyle brand Golden Gems, opened the doors of its bright pink facade at 3118 Locust St. on Wednesday, Dec. 20, bringing more than a little bit of glitter and sass to Midtown.

Over the top is most definitely an understatement when describing the interior of Hidden Gem. It’s the epitome of Instagram-worthy. Sisters Amanda Helman and Susan Logsdon, owners of Golden Gems, set their sights on creating a one-of-a-kind bar experience. It’s safe to say they’ve succeeded, and then some.

“We love Midtown, there’s so much happening here,” said Helman, adding she and Logsdon have wanted to open a bar in the area since opening the Golden Gems location just a couple of doors down at 3108 Locust St. in 2021. “There’s a lot of energy and excitement here,” Logsdon said.

Hidden Gem reflects Golden Gems brand’s inclusive attitude and colorful aesthetic. Every inch of the 3,500-square-foot space exudes excess, from the almost 300 disco balls hanging from the walls and ceilings (each one hung by Helman and Logsdon) to the 60-foot blush pink resin bar embedded with glitter, to the expansive second level, also designed and built by the sisters, that’s a nod to 1970s-era passion pits, replete with soft seating and plenty of pillows. Pink-upholstered booths, bar seats and a variety of high-top tables are available for seating on the first level. All told, Hidden Gem seats about 120, depending on how the space is configured. There’s a customized photo booth to document the revelry and private room in the back that can be reserved for private events is expected to be available soon as well.

Industry vet Tiffany Kaltenbach, owner of the Wandering Sidecar Bar mobile bar service, manages the bar at Hidden Gem with an eye to being approachable, like any good neighborhood bar, but also with plenty of whimsy and humor. The drink list includes options like Gay Water, an upscale take on bar staple vodka cranberry, Boot Scootin’ Boogie, a shot and a beer served in boot glassware, and Barbie With A Buzz Cut, a draft version of the espresso martini with a tequila base. Seasonal cocktails will rotate into the lineup throughout the year, and a selection of wines, local beers and canned seltzers are also available.

Hidden Gem isn’t offering food to start, though Helman said that may come in time. For now, the bar is partnering with some local food trucks for rotating late-night bites.

Hidden Gem will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Keep track of onsite events on Instagram.