Despite age restrictions, Bliss restaurant and lounge in Florissant is staying busy with Caribbean and West African classics
The buzz surrounding Bliss, the North County restaurant and lounge that drew international attention for its age restrictions, has increased business significantly. “We’ve seen a solid jump,” said public relations manager Winnie Thompson, who was hired by owners Tina and Marvin Pate to manage the attention coming from media outlets as far flung as London…
Cannabis-infused dinners are changing the culinary landscape in St. Louis
With the legalization of recreational marijuana in Missouri, the prevalence of edible cannabis is growing rapidly. Now, thanks to Missouri’s pioneering dispensaries and chefs around town, edibles are no longer relegated to candies and sodas, with infused dishes and full meals increasingly available. A few months ago, local dispensary Swade Cannabis launched Best Buds, a…
Steve’s Hot Dogs founder Steve Ewing’s 10 favorite St. Louis restaurants
When Steve Ewing, the founder and co-owner of Steve’s Hot Dogs and Steve’s Meltdown, talks about cake, he gets serious. He places his palms on the table and declares, “Listen. I love cake.” But that isn’t all he loves. Ewing’s eclectic palate includes a passion for sushi, Cantonese baked barbecue buns, burnt ends, cheeseburgers and much more.…
3 new St. Louis restaurants to check out now
We aim to try all the new restaurants and bars that open in the area so we can make meaningful recommendations on where you should go and then feature them in our monthly Hit List column in the print edition, which you can also read online. Here’s where made the cut in June. Taqueria Morita…
Atomic by Jamo will open in former Atomic Cowboy space in the Grove this fall
Now in its 11th year of operations, local concert promoter Jamo Presents is bringing new life to the former home of Atomic Cowboy with Atomic by Jamo, which is slated to open at 4140 Manchester Ave. in the Grove neighborhood of St. Louis in fall 2024. In 2022, plans were made public to revive The Ready…
This week on the Sauce podcast: CityPark Stadium, Blues City Deli and Tucker’s Place
This week on the Sauce podcast, Meera and Michelle discuss a visit to CityPark Stadium, where the Balkan Treat Box vegan kebab, which is only available at CityPark, and the tofu bacos at Saucy Porka were standouts. Also in the conversation is a visit to Blues City Deli, where their take on the tuna melt, the fiesty…
The Taco & Ice Cream Joint is closing permanently on Cherokee Street in St. Louis
A taco and dessert shop that has been serving Cherokee Street since 2017 will soon cease operations. The Taco & Ice Cream Joint at 2738 Cherokee St. in south St. Louis announced the closure on social media. “It is with a very sad and heavy heart that we announce the closure of this journey,” the…
Wright’s Tavern, Louie owner opening Box Hill Grocer in Clayton in September
When we tell you Matt McGuire – epicurean brainiac behind Wright’s Tavern and Louie – is opening a “grocery store,” definitely don’t go thinking Schnucks. You’ll be way off. Box Hill Grocer, directly next door to Wright’s Tavern at 7628 Wydown Blvd., will open around the first week in September and will be as far…
Chef Rob Connoley announces Bulrush has closed permanently in Midtown, citing unease over anti-LGBTQIA+ Missouri politics
James Beard Award-nominated chef Rob Connoley has announced that he has closed Bulrush, citing an increasingly anti-LGBTQIA+ political environment in Missouri as the primary driver of his decision. Sunday, June 23 was the final day of service at the award-winning restaurant, located at 3307 Washington Ave. in Midtown St. Louis. A statement from Connoley announcing the closure was…
Spencer’s Grill is closed in Kirkwood as owner seeks new buyer
Seventy-seven years is a very long time in the restaurant business, and the closure of Spencer’s Grill (223 S. Kirkwood Road) last weekend appeared to bring an end to a long-running chapter in Kirkwood dining. Unless, that is, somebody steps in to save this beloved institution. According to Ben Strake, president of Premier Business Brokers,…
Pizza Via is a new gem in the Central West End from the former owner of Pizza Head and Pizzeoli
Central West End residents have a new gem in their backyard with Pizza Via, the newest pizza outpost from Scott Sandler. Sandler is something of a pizza evangelist, having opened (and eventually sold) Pizzeoli in Soulard and Pizza Head in Tower Grove East, two cult classic favorites among local pie enthusiasts. Sandler says the currently…
Employees take over ownership of several St. Louis businesses
When Travis Howard, co-owner of Yellowbelly and Lazy Tiger, was thinking about selling Retreat Gastropub, he didn’t want to pass his baby to just anyone. He wanted buyers who cared. He didn’t have to look far for that emotional investment. It was rolling napkins and buffing goblets behind the bar, and it was on the…
Esca in Delmar Maker District is one of the most exciting restaurant openings in St. Louis
No new restaurant opening this year has nailed concept, design, service and menu execution so completely as Esca. The restaurant is the latest from Bengelina Hospitality Group owner Ben Poremba, aided very capably by general manager Jonathan L’Helaouet and beverage director Luciano Racca. The cocktail menu from Noah Davidson presents exciting renditions of classics: the…
Your guide to some of the best farmers markets in the St. Louis area
With summer unfurling like the leaves of a hosta in the backyard, it’s market time again. And like those hostas, many of these markets in our area go from strength to strength, increasing in breadth each year. Now, in addition to shopping for local produce, you can enjoy an agua fresca, taste some local gin,…
Pink Willow Cafe is a charming addition to Cottleville
Cottleville has gained an adorable new spot for breakfast, brunch and lunch with Pink Willow Cafe. The cafe is an independently operated part of the adjoining Oak Street Inn & Lounge, which is set to open later this year. All of Pink Willow’s 1,200 square feet drip with charm, from the hand-painted willow tree mural…
Teatopia will close permanently on Cherokee Street on June 23
Goodbye, Teatopia. We’re going to miss you. The cafe at 2606 Cherokee St. has been nurturing the bodies, minds and spirits of the St. Louis community for the past seven-and-a-half years, but yesterday the announcement came that Teatopia will close for good on Sunday, June 23. “We are deeply grateful for the trust and support…
Burger Champ in Maplewood will close permanently on June 21
Burger Champ will close tomorrow, June 21, at 2704 Sutton Blvd. in Maplewood. Restaurateur Chris Kelling opened the burgers-and-milkshakes restaurant in November 2023, in the same space where he previously co-owned Elmwood. “It’s not working,” said a statement from Burger Champ’s management in an Instagram announcement posted on June 19. “Simply put, the space is too big…
South City Sports Bar is slated to open in July in former home of Cotter’s Sports Bar
Randy Heisner and Chuck Powers, who hope to open a new bar on South Kingshighway in a few months, have the perfect origin story for two would-be saloon keepers: For 20 years, they hung out together at the bar that used to be located on site. For pretty much their entire friendship, the bar was…
August The Mansion restaurant and bar brings new life to historic building in O’Fallon, Illinois
This beautiful Italianate-style family farmhouse was built in 1857 and has been home to several restaurants since the 1990s. The latest in that lineage is August The Mansion, which offers a New American menu inspired by a range of cuisines. Standout items include the kale Caesar salad with freshly zested lemon and a delicious Peruvian…
This week on the Sauce podcast: Saucy Soiree returns June 23 to St. Louis Union Station
This week on the Sauce podcast, Michelle and Meera chat about a recent visit to Old Bakery Beer Co., where they got to try new dishes from their menu including a pulled pork sandwich and a tofu Parmesan sandwich. Also in the conversation is Dalie’s Smokehouse where the barbecue is delicious but the sides here are equally…
First Look: 4 Hands + Peacemaker Kirkwood
It’s been two years in the making, but the Kirkwood collaboration between 4 Hands Brewing Co. and Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co. is finally here. The long-awaited tasting room – 4 Hands’ third – opened on June 10 at 150 W. Argonne Drive in downtown Kirkwood, with Peacemaker operating the kitchen. What 4 Hands and…
St. Louis Burger Week returns with $8 burger deals from July 22 to 28
An $8 burger is a rare find these days, except during St. Louis Burger Week, which returns from July 22 to 28. So far, 37 restaurants around the metro area have their grills primed for this year’s event, with more to be added, and all will be offering $8 burger deals throughout the week. St. Louis…
3 Juneteenth celebrations to check out in St. Louis this week
In the three years since Juneteenth was declared a national holiday, festivals commemorating the 1865 emancipation of enslaved people, are increasing both in number and size. Here are a few Juneteenth celebrations to check out this week. Dellwood Juneteenth Festival The Dellwood Parade is part of the inaugural North STL County Juneteenth Celebration. Aimed at…
Tiger88 Banhmi & Boba now open in Des Peres
A new place for boba has bounced into the frame. Tiger88 Banhmi & Boba opened at 12055 Manchester Road in Des Peres last month and, according to shift leader Tyler, it’s already filling a niche. It’s a fun, flashy little spot. There’s some neon, some fun wall art. The tables and chairs (for 15 to…
Milque Toast offers experimental comfort food in Benton Park
Colleen Clawson, the chef behind Milque Toast, has moved up a few notches from her 430-square-foot restaurant on Jefferson Avenue to a 5,400-square-foot space inside the old California Do-Nut Co. building at 2924 Jefferson Ave. She now has seats for 40 people, as well as a bar and patio. It’s already clear that this has…
First Look: Napoli Bros. Pizza and Pasta at The District in Chesterfield
Rapidly growing entertainment complex The District in Chesterfield has a new spot to grab a bite. Napoli Bros. Pizza and Pasta opened in early June at 17081 N. Outer 40 Road, Suite 205, next door to 4 Hands at The District and the forthcoming location of Narwhal’s Crafted. This is the fifth restaurant from the…
Fielder’s Choice now open at Ballpark Village serving breakfast, salads, ice cream and more
Fielder’s Choice, a gleaming, fast-casual spot to eat, opened this morning in One Cardinal Way, the residential tower in Ballpark Village. No surprise in the color scheme: It’s a gleaming red and white space. One wall is papered with a giant photo of the old Busch Stadium, a column is painted in “baseball stitches.” The…
Boombox bar and lounge will open at Majorette in Maplewood in July
It won’t just be Maplewood strapping on its boogie shoes when Boombox Lounge opens in early July; we’ll all be doing it. Boombox is another groovy space from Schuchard Projects, best known for Tim’s Chrome Bar in Bevo Mill, Das Bevo, Boo Cat Club, and the event space Majorette at 7150 Manchester Ave. Boombox will…
6 trucks to check out at Sauce Food Truck Friday on June 14 in Tower Grove Park
Sauce Food Truck Friday takes place today, Friday, June 14, in Tower Grove Park. The event will run from 4 to 8 p.m., and will feature the Food Truck Friday debut of Case and Bucks. To celebrate, here’s a spotlight on six of the trucks parking it this week. You can also view the full lineup…
St. Louis restaurants and bars celebrate apéro culture with lighter bites, wine and spritzes
Hospitality pros need to be on their toes, whether by freshening up menus, adding a new service that adds that extra sprinkle of magic, or getting more out of their spaces during the quiet hours. A number of local restaurants, bars and even a beloved shop are doing all of the above, and though the…
This week on the Sauce podcast: Bud’s Pizza & Beer, Picadilly at Manhattan and more
This week on the Sauce podcast, Meera and Michelle discuss revisiting some personal favorite spots like Picadilly at Manhattan where the NOLA BBQ shrimp in spiced butter and their famous chicken pot pie fall under the “must order” category. Also in the chat is a pop-in to Mai Lee, where the St. Paul sandwich ranks among the…
Harvey’s Coffee and Cocktails is opening in Midtown St. Louis on June 14
When Harvey’s Coffee and Cocktails opens at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 14, at 2706 Olive St., it will be one of the only places in town (maybe the only place) to watch what’s happening right now on a Hawaiian beach. This vast 14-foot by 8-foot live projector (which can pick up real-time activity in…
The Food Gallery will sell everything from burgers to ramen when it opens in north St. Louis on June 22
The grand opening for The Food Gallery at 2812 N. Grand Blvd. in North City will take place June 22 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m. There’ll be live music, giveaways and food to sample. Co-owners Roger Kelly and Terrence Dickerson are qualified in different ways for this…
Brew Tulum Specialty Coffee Experience has reopened on Laclede’s Landing in downtown St. Louis
The short version of the story is that Brew Tulum Specialty Coffee Experience rides again. The Yucatan roastery and daytime spot closed its Delmar Maker District brick-and-mortar late last year after a dispute with its landlord over lead contamination. But for the last week, owners and spouses Laura McNamara and Alberto Juarez have reopened as the…
Pint Size Bakery & Coffee will be under new ownership by beginning of July
Change is in the air at Pint Size Bakery & Coffee, where co-owners Nancy Boehm, Christy Augustin and Matt Augustin have just announced plans to sell the bakery at 3133 Watson Road in Lindenwood Park to new owners by the beginning of July. The bakery will be sold to pastry chefs Alexis Pereira (a former Pint Size…
13 St. Louis restaurants celebrating Father’s Day in style
With Father’s Day just around the corner, there is no better time to give the father figure in your life a break from the grill and treat him to some great bites around St. Louis. Whether you’re looking for a spot with a beautiful atmosphere and view or just want to enjoy delicious food from…
Napoli Kirkwood will open in September as sixth Napoli restaurant in St. Louis area
The Napoli family of restaurants is multiplying again, spreading its Italian deliciousness into yet another neighborhood. In September, Napoli Kirkwood will open in The James, a luxe new apartment building at 416 N. Kirkwood Road, right next door to Alpine Shop. It’s all happening so fast! Just a couple of weeks ago, the Pietoso family…
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Dining Out For Life fundraiser returns to St. Louis restaurants on June 13
More than 20 St. Louis restaurants are participating in the 30th annual Dining Out For Life on Thursday, June 13, and donating a portion of proceeds to Vivent Health in an effort to raise funds to help cover health care and other services for locals affected by HIV. “As a community-based organization, Vivent Health must…
Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill launches line of take-home steak boxes
If you can’t make it to Charlie’s Gitto’s Italian restaurant on the Hill quite as often as you’d like, they’ve just launched a line of take-home steak boxes available for pickup at the Hill location. The steaks are certified Angus beef with high levels of marbling in each cut and are aged at least 28…
4 Hands Kirkwood now open with Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co. running the kitchen
4 Hands Brewing Co.’s highly anticipated third tasting room location opens Monday, June 10, at 150 W. Argonne Drive in Kirkwood. Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co. is the culinary partner at the new location and also operates the kitchen at 4 Hands’ downtown St. Louis tasting room. “We’re thrilled to bring Peacemaker to Kirkwood and continue…
St. Louis-based Good Taste Edibles sets the bar high for rosin gummies
Having spent my formative years as a teenage stoner hiding my highly illegal habit, it’s a breath of fresh air to be able to now write about my experiences legally. And so it was in a celebratory fashion that I set out to one of my favorite local dispensaries, NatureMed in South County, to see…
Shelly’s Smashburgers sizzles up tasty food in a Sunset Hills convenience store
Shelly’s Smashburgers – located in the brand-new Phillips 66 at 4504 Lindbergh Blvd. – fired up its griddles just two weeks ago. It feels like a nice surprise, over there in Sunset Hills. You weren’t expecting to be seduced into a burger and some garlic Parmesan fries at 10:30 in the morning, but there you…
Rated Test Kitchen has opened Rated Cafe in downtown St. Louis
Previously operating for dinner service only, Rated Test Kitchen at 313 N. 11th St. in downtown St. Louis is launching daytime hours in the form of Rated Cafe. After a soft opening phase this week, it will officially debut on Monday, June 10. By adding a second dimension to his intimate dinner club, chef-owner Juwan…
Adjo Honsou of Fufu n’ Sauce to compete in season three of PBS’ ‘The Great American Recipe’
Adjo Honsou of West African food truck Fufu n’ Sauce will compete on the new season of PBS cooking show The Great American Recipe. Honsou is one of eight cooks who will feature on the show’s third season, which premieres on June 17 at 9 p.m. on Nine PBS. Running across eight episodes, The Great…
This week on the Sauce podcast: Florentin, cicada-safe patios and more
This week on the Sauce podcast, Michelle and Meera talk about a few cicada-safe patios, including rooftops at the Moonrise Hotel in the Loop and Art Bar in Grand Center Arts District. Also in the chat this week is a first look at Florentin, the new breakfast and lunch spot from Ben Poremba’s Bengelina Hospitality Group in…
Boogaloo in Maplewood is closing permanently
After 19 years serving the St. Louis area, Boogaloo at 7344 Manchester Road in Maplewood, known colloquially as “the bar with the swings,” has announced via social media “with a heavy heart” that it will be closing permanently after service on June 15. Until then, the Cuban restaurant will open at 4 p.m. Wednesday through…
Hockey-centric Bar Down Sports Bar now open in South County’s All American Sports Mall
It may not be that obvious from the main thoroughfare, but Bar Down Sports Bar, a hockey-centric restaurant and watering hole, has opened at 11133 Lindbergh Business Court in South County’s All American Sports Mall. It shares the space with both an ice and roller rink and is owned by husband-and-wife team Rick and Margaret Metzing.…
7 St. Louis restaurants and bars celebrating Pride Month with specials and fundraisers
In honor of Pride Month this June, businesses around town are celebrating with special offerings with a portion of proceeds benefiting organizations that advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. Come out this month and show your support for our local queer community. 4 Hands Brewing Co.’s City Wide Pride One of St. Louis’ favorite philanthropic beers,…
Sylvie Dee’s ice cream and dessert shop is opening in Webster Groves in June
The news coming out of Webster Groves is pretty sweet: The opening of Sylvie Dee’s at 8721 Big Bend Blvd. may be less than two weeks away. By the sound of things, it will settle in well to that neighborhood; and the neighborhood will settle in well to it. “I want Sylvie Dee’s to be…
Vicia Wine Garden opens June 6 in Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis
Earlier this year, Take Root Hospitality’s Vicia at 4260 Forest Park Ave. in Central West End announced it would transition its Gardenside Pavilion into the Vicia Wine Garden during the summer months, and the opening date is now officially set for this Thursday, June 6. This change comes on the heels of Taqueria Morita getting…
First Look: Florentin in the Delmar Maker District in St. Louis
Florentin, the latest restaurant from Ben Poremba’s Bengelina Hospitality Group to open in the Delmar Maker District, will soft open at 5090 Delmar Blvd on Friday, June 7. Named after one of Poremba’s favorite areas of Tel Aviv, Florentin draws inspiration from that neighborhood’s bohemian culture and vibrant food and drink scene, with a brunch and…
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Meet acclaimed chef Tanya Holland at a brunch event at River City Casino in St. Louis on June 30
Have you ever wanted to meet an internationally renowned chef? Your chance will soon be here as chef Tanya Holland has teamed up with River City Casino for a family-style brunch on Sunday, June 30, complete with a meet-and-greet with the lauded chef. The seasonally inspired brunch experience will take place from 11:30 a.m. to…
