Rated Cafe is an approachable daytime version of Rated Test Kitchen
Chef-owner Juwan Rice has created this daytime cafe concept in the same downtown space as his dinner-only Rated Test Kitchen. Here, Rice scales back the intricacies of his evening tasting menus to present an approachable menu that still has the capacity to surprise. Each bite of the salmon wrap we tried yields varying flavor and…
Eat Today’s Ethiopian cuisine reinvigorates the former Lulu’s Local Eatery space
Saddened as we were by the drawn-out demise of Lulu’s Local Eatery, it’s a relief to see something new on the corner of South Grand Boulevard and Wyoming Street. With Eat Today, new tenants Theo and Ruth Mengistie offer up a taste of their native Ethiopia, with plentiful vegetarian options and a menu that isn’t…
Tower Grove Farmers’ Market vendor Chimera Teas to close its brick-and-mortar in November
Chimera Teas will close its cafe located at 3149 Shenandoah Ave. in early November. In an email communication with Sauce, Chimera Teas owner Brianna Velarde confirmed that the business will close some time after Nov. 3. Velarde said that she picked that timeframe to give her staff time to find other jobs and so that…
Vietnamese restaurant Truc Lam is a St. Louis landmark
The soft jingle of a weathered bell announces your arrival at this charming Vietnamese eatery on Gravois Avenue in Tower Grove South. Truc Lam’s unassuming exterior belies the rich tapestry of history and heart contained within. For over three decades, this local treasure has been not only a cornerstone of the community, but also a…
Fordo’s Killer Pizza at City Foundry STL pairs inventive ideas with mastery of techniques
Niche Food Group’s pizza spot inside the bustling food hall at Midtown’s City Foundry STL is making some of the best pizza in St. Louis. Here they pair inventive ideas with mastery of techniques like naturally leavening dough and working with live fire. That magic shines through most frequently in specials like the grilled cheese…
3 new St. Louis restaurants to try this month
We try new restaurants that open in the area so we can make meaningful recommendations on where you should go. Here’s where made the cut in September 2024. Eat Today on South Grand Saddened as we were by the drawnout demise of Lulu’s Local Eatery, it’s almost a relief to see something new on the corner…
Ramsay’s Kitchen at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis has debuted a new fall menu
When news broke earlier this year that Ramsay’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay was coming to St. Louis, the community was pretty psyched, to say the least. Now, after a few months of great reception from locals and visitors alike, the upscale restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis at 999 N. Second St. in…
Armory STL in Midtown has closed
On the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 25, rumors began circulating on social media that Armory STL – a massive bar, restaurant and playground that opened in late 2022 at 3660 Market St. in Midtown St. Louis – has closed effective immediately. The staff was made aware of the closure via text. A screenshot of a…
Kim’s Bop Shop brings Michelin-star restaurant experience to The Hill Food Co.
Co-owners and husband-and-wife chef team Sean and Nicole Kim bring Michelin-star restaurant experience to this contemporary takeout-only concept at The Hill Food Co. The dinner-only menu is inspired by Sean Kim’s Korean heritage and upbringing, with a selection of made-from-scratch bibimbap (mixed rice bowls) forming the core of the menu. The K-BBQ bowl shows off…
Deli Divine has a masterfully executed menu of Jewish deli classics
With Deli Divine, prolific restaurateur Ben Poremba is filling the gap for an authentic Jewish deli in St. Louis city. The restaurant’s masterfully executed menu of classics does more than just hold space – it holds its own in the inevitable comparison with favorite delis in Chicago and New York. Pick your favorite: pastrami, corned…
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The Blue Duck is a community hub in Maplewood
At The Blue Duck, craft cocktails meet local beer heritage and an incredible whiskey selection in a cozy, vibrant setting. This unique bar showcases a curated selection of artisanal seasonal and mainstay cocktails crafted with precision and consistency. Guests can savor expertly mixed drinks alongside a rotating lineup of local beers and over 200 bourbons,…
10 fall dinners in St. Louis celebrating the bounty of the season
It’s that time of year when the foliage begins to drop, the air grows crisp, and the St. Louis culinary world embraces the harvest season. Here are a few events to check out around town this fall. Bistro La Floraison The charming and elegant Bistro La Floraison, operated by the Take Root Hospitality team, is…
Chef Bob Brazell promises a return of Byrd & Barrel offerings through new Irish pub ownership
St. Louis restaurateur and chef Bob Brazell took to Instagram earlier this month to share some pretty big news with his social media audience. “Excited to officially announce our purchase of 2 StL staples,” the post began. Those staples are Irish bar Nick’s Pub, located at 6001 Manchester Ave., and SOHA Bar & Grill, located at…
Fleur de Thé High Tea Salon opens in October in Tower Grove South
Tower Grove is set to embrace a world of flavor with the arrival of Fleur de Thé High Tea Salon a vibrant new destination for tea lovers and social gatherings. Opening on Oct. 9 in the former home of Crispy Edge at 4168 Juniata St. in Tower Grove South, this unique space promises an immersive tea…
Dalie’s Smokehouse offers exceptional barbecue in Valley Park
We expect delicious pulled pork and ribs from the sister restaurant of both Pappy’s Smokehouse and Bogart’s Smokehouse, but there are plenty of exceptional surprises at Dalie’s Smokehouse in Valley Park. Their Ultimate Reuben is one of our favorite sandwiches in town: Mild sauerkraut allows both house-smoked beef and pork belly pastrami to star, supported…
Honeybee Edibles launches new blue raspberry gumdrops
There’s no such thing as a blue raspberry, yet the flavor has been pervasive for decades in everything from candy to slushies and probably a lot in between. St. Louis-based Honeybee Edibles has really upped the ante for the ever-popular flavor combination with its new pâte de fruit gumdrops made with the puree of blueberries…
Mead Hall in St. Charles offers unique versions of an ancient beverage
Mead Hall, the newest outpost of owner and veteran homebrewer Mike Fuson, specializes in – you guessed it – mead. With roots that may date back to Africa over 20,000 years ago, the honey-based beverage is possibly the oldest fermented drink in history. Fuson’s clean, not-too-sweet meads are perfumed with wonderful things such as raspberries…
3 Tower Grove South restaurants are closing this weekend
Mary and Zach Rice, the team behind three Tower Grove South concepts on Morgan Ford Road, announced on social media that all three restaurants will be closing after final services this weekend. “With the heaviest and broken of hearts we have made the impossible choice to close our beloved restaurants, Black Sheep, Three Little Monkeys…
Clementine’s Ice Cream sets the bar for frozen desserts
Now with eight St. Louis-area locations, Clementine’s sets the bar for decadent, creamy frozen desserts. The “naughty” booze-infused flavors run the gamut from pink Champagne sorbet to maple-bourbon with candied pecans. The “nice” flavors are fit for the whole family: Our favorites include the salted cracker caramel, vegan coconut fudge, and Italian butter cookie. Look…
Eat this edamame ‘hummus’ from Stews Food & Liquor in Soulard
Bar snack perfection, thy name is edamame “hummus” from Stews Food & Liquor — and thankfully this Soulard drinking den offers a compelling cocktail list to match. A generous plate of delicately crispy, housemade wonton chips hits the table with a cup of whipped green dip so light and creamy, with addictive, umami miso flavor,…
Grace Meat + Three hosts 8th anniversary party on Saturday
It’s hard to believe Grace Meat + Three has already been a staple in the Grove for eight years, but here we are celebrating their eighth anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 21, at their restaurant at 4270 Manchester Ave. “When we opened Grace eight years ago, we knew that we wanted to create a place where…
3 places to celebrate Negroni Week in St. Louis
We love a negroni at Sauce HQ, so we’re naturally pretty stoked for Negroni Week, which takes place from now until Sept. 22 as part of a national fundraiser at thousands of venues across the country with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Slow Food Movement. The cocktail is traditionally made with a 1:1:1 ratio…
South Grand Fall and Music Fest returns to St. Louis this weekend
The South Grand business district will once again play host to the South Grand Fall and Music Fest on Saturday, Sept. 21. This is the ninth year for the free annual event. About 70 vendors will line South Grand between Arsenal and Humphrey streets from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and there will also be games…
Chef Cary McDowell joins culinary team at Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria
Former Wright’s Tavern executive chef Cary McDowell has joined the culinary team at Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria, which has three locations in St. Louis. McDowell will work under chef-owner Katie Lee and longtime culinary director Jake Sanderson. “When Cary came to me about the possibility of working together, I knew he would be perfect,”…
Clara B’s Kitchen Table has impressive Southern-inspired food in Belleville
Chef-owner Jodie Ferguson’s Southern-inspired concept was still operating as a food truck when it was a Sauce Best New Restaurants honoree in 2021, but Clara B’s has since laid down roots in Belleville. The breakfast and lunch restaurant quickly grew out of its initial brick-and-mortar space, moving into a shared space with LongStory Coffee in…
Damn Fine Hand Pies in Shaw offers decadent treats
This popular Tower Grove Farmers’ Market bakery now has a corner of Shaw to call its own, and they make it count. It’s a cute little space, with a chessboard floor, a few leather stools to perch on by the window and a patio with candystriped umbrellas and colorful chairs. The menu of baked-in-house items…
The Wienermobile is coming back to St. Louis this week
If you missed the opportunity to see the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile when it was in town in early August, you’ll have another chance this week. On Thursday, Sept. 19, the giant hotdog on wheels will be at Schnucks Brentwood at 8800 Manchester Road from 9 a.m. to noon. From 1 to 4 p.m., it’ll be…
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Choose one of Schlafly’s many beautiful spaces to host the event of your dreams
Are you looking for the perfect venue for your next celebration? Whether it’s a birthday, corporate event, wedding, rehearsal dinner, or fundraiser, Schlafly, St. Louis’ original and largest independent brewery, has you covered with four locations throughout the metropolitan area. Each Schlafly location provides a distinct atmosphere, exceptional craft beer, and customizable event packages tailored…
Eat these Mary Jones hemp-derived edibles inspired by Jones Soda flavors
Despite the increasingly widespread legalization of both medicinal and recreational marijuana across the country, hemp-derived THC edibles, legal thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018, that are available outside dispensaries are still making waves in the cannabis space. And while a recent executive order bans these products at Missouri storefronts, you can still order them…
Taste of Black St. Louis returns to downtown this weekend
Soldier’s Memorial Plaza in downtown St. Louis will once again play host to Taste of Black St. Louis, now in its sixth year. The event takes place from Friday, Sept. 13, to Sunday, Sept. 15, with hours from noon to 9 p.m. each day, in front of Soldier’s Memorial Plaza at Poelker Park & Kaufmann…
Canine Carnival is fun for whole family at Francis Park Sunday
Treat your furry friends to a special day at the Canine Carnival, slated from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, at Francis Park in South City. Highlights of the event include plenty of dog games that will be fun for animals and humans alike, a kids’ crafting and gaming area, a vendor village…
The Passport: a first look at the new bar in Downtown West St. Louis
Pour Decisions STL launched in 2020 as a mobile bar company offering expertly crafted cocktails at events around town. Co-owners Javia Gilliam-Sanford and Kaje Sanford experienced so much success with the operation that they decided to make it even more official with a brick-and-mortar location called The Passport at 1321 Washington Ave. in Downtown West…
Celebrate Friday the 13th at Witch Please! in St. Louis
Spooky season might not normally start until at least October, but when Friday the 13th falls in September, we might as well embrace the vibes sooner than later. To help kick off Halloween season in style, the inaugural Witch Please! event takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. at Work & Leisure at 3015 Locust…
Music at the Intersection returns to Grand Center this weekend
St. Louis has long had a pretty great live music scene, but the addition of the Music at the Intersection festival in 2021 really upped the ante for our community. The fourth annual Music at the Intersection will take over Grand Center Arts District this weekend on Saturday, Sept. 14, and Sunday, Sept. 15, and…
Dinar serves Mediterranean and Iraqi cuisine in Ballwin
The owner of Caesar Supermarket at 4704 Gravois Ave. in South City have opened up a new restaurant in Ballwin. Owner Ahmed Almedee and his wife Dalia used to serve Iraqi food in a section of their store, Caesar’s Supermarket. But the pair was forced to close down for a couple of months when the…
Mission Taco Joint is rebranding to Session Taco
After being sued for trademark infringement by the parent company of Mission Foods, Gruma Corporation, Mission Taco Joint has announced it is changing its name to Session Taco. The rebrand will include a new logo, as well as some new menu items, which will debut in St. Louis locations next week. “We’re thinking of this…
ChiliSpot offers impeccable Chinese food in University City
If you’ve never experienced the ways green Sichuan peppercorns invigorate a dish, the boiled fish with Chinese green pepper at ChiliSpot is a revelation. There’s that signature numbing heat, but with an herbal, floral quality that adds a surprising, pleasing twist. ChiliSpot also offers this dish with chicken or beef, but the smooth, flaky texture…
Nexus: a first look at the upscale restaurant in Midtown St. Louis
Nexus has been a long time coming, but it’s here, it’s open and on first impressions it’s looking like a restaurant with huge potential. The restaurant, located at 2704 Locust St. in Midtown, is part of the JCMidtown development, which currently includes four other food and drink venues. Formerly the chef at Bait (a Sauce…
Jerk Unlimited to open in Hartford, Illinois, on Sept. 18
Jerk Unlimited is taking its Caribbean soul food across the Mississippi River to Illinois, with a second location set to open Sept. 18 at 5 N. Delmar Ave. in Hartford. The new restaurant adds to Jerk Unlimited’s existing location at 3108 Cherokee St. The new restaurant will be open for carryout-only lunch and dinner service, with…
7 ways to drink amaro
The name on everybody’s lips is amaro — and if it’s not, maybe it should be. This category of herbal liqueurs can be as divisive as it is diverse. Famously bitter, with complex, often mysterious botanical flavors, the barrier to entry can feel high and confusing for new drinkers. So what exactly is amaro? Simply…
3 excuses to grab a drink this weekend in St. Louis
Schlafly Art Outside Festival Sept. 6 – 5 to 9 p.m., Sept. 7 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sept. 8 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood, 314.241.2337, schlafly.com Over 60 local artists working in a wide variety of mediums fill the streets with their artwork, with plenty…
Chiang Mai in Webster Groves pays homage to chef-owner Su Hill’s hometown
Opportunities to enjoy northern Thai food are few and far between in St. Louis, but anyone who is already familiar with the region’s cuisine will be excited by Chiang Mai, which pays homage in name and spirit to chef-owner Su Hill’s hometown. The confident, straightforward menu’s northern Thai signatures include gaeng hung lay (a braised…
Chez Ali sells superb Senegalese cuisine at City Foundry STL
Chef Alioun “Ali” Thiam moved to the U.S. in 1999 and lived in New York City until 2013 before ending up in St. Louis and bringing his superb Senegalese cuisine to City Foundry STL. Try as much as possible by getting the chicken sampler plate, which, depending on when you go, should come with curry…
LoRusso’s Cucina to close in Lindenwood Park after 38 years
LoRusso’s Cucina has announced it will close its doors on Sept. 29, ending a 38-year run for the Lindenwood Park restaurant. The closure comes two-and-a-half years after the death of the restaurant’s chef-owner, Rich LoRusso, who passed away in March 2022. The closure was reported Sept. 3 by St. Louis Magazine, with Terri LoRusso, Rich LoRusso’s widow…
Eckert’s Millstadt Farm corn maze opens this weekend
While fall doesn’t technically start until Sept. 22, we’re already embracing all the autumnal vibes. Eckert’s Farm at 2719 Eckert Orchard Lane in Millstadt, Illinois, will open its corn maze this Saturday, Sept. 7. The maze is a pretty neat design of a dog inspired by Stray Rescue of St. Louis, and the nonprofit will have…
7 events for ‘Gilmore Girls’ fans in St. Louis this September
The lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are coming to a close and Gilmore Girls rewatch season is upon us. The cult classic TV series has become a fall tradition for generations of pop culture superfans and as the leaves change and the pumpkin spice latte cravings start to hit, so does our itch for…
Bayleaf Indian Cuisine uses traditional recipes in Chesterfield
Bayleaf Indian Cuisine brings you authentic flavors with traditional recipes crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients and exotic spices from India. The diverse menu offers a variety of dishes, including vegetarian, vegan, meat and seafood options, with customizable spice levels to suit every palate. The restaurant proudly supports sustainable practices, sourcing ingredients locally. Look for exciting…
Cate Zone Chinese Cafe has amassed a large, loyal following
It takes a lot for a Chinese spot to stand out on Olive Boulevard, but Cate Zone’s Dongbei cuisine has amassed a large, loyal following since the restaurant opened in 2016. The recent addition of a Chesterfield location will only extend the restaurant’s fame. The menu offers plenty of familiar dishes, like sweet and sour…
11 places to eat and drink near The Fabulous Fox Theatre
We’ve got our tickets, we’ve got our outfits, now where are we going for dinner and drinks? The first touring musical of The Fabulous Fox Theatre’s 2024-2025 season opened with a bang this week with Hamilton, which is running until Monday, Sept. 8. We’re often asked for advice on where to stop before or after…
Neon Greens and Little Fox team up for 5-course dinner in St. Louis
St. Louis culinary scene newcomer Neon Greens, which grows its various types of lettuce in an on-site greenhouse, is teaming up with Little Fox to host a five-course dinner at its location at 4176 Manchester Ave. in the Grove on Monday, Sept. 9. More dinners in Neon Greens’ new Harvest Series will be announced soon.…
3 Central American restaurants in St. Louis to try now
For several years and many election cycles, we’ve heard Latino communities in the United States described as “a mosaic, not a monolith.” What better way to celebrate these rich cultures than through the regional cuisines that contribute to their diversity? The food of Central America, for example, has evolved over centuries into a unique blend…
Atomic by Jamo announces grand opening date and upcoming concert schedule
In June, local concert promoter Jamo Presents announced plans to open Atomic by Jamo in the iconic space that once housed Atomic Cowboy at 4140 Manchester Ave. in the Grove. Atomic’s grand opening celebration is scheduled for Friday, Sep. 6, with doors opening at 7 p.m. Sean Canan’s Voodoo Players will perform a tribute to Dave Matthews…
Eckert’s Farm hosts Hard-Pressed Cider Fest on Saturday
The third annual Hard-Pressed Cider Fest takes over the Cider Shed at Eckert’s Farm at 951 S. Green Mount in Belleville from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7. The ticketed event is for guests 21 and older and will offer more than 40 hard ciders, craft beers and craft cocktails featuring local and regional…
Dolly Parton has launched Dolly Chardonnay at St. Louis retailers
Working 9 to 5 is enough to drive you crazy if you let it – enter Dolly Parton’s new wine, Dolly Chardonnay, to help you relax after a long day of working for the man. The wine debuted this summer and is now available at many retailers around St. Louis. The buttery, medium-bodied chardonnay is…
Chef Juwan Rice to launch nonprofit offering hospitality education programs to St. Louis youth
Rated Test Kitchen chef-owner Juwan Rice has announced plans for an educational nonprofit offering programs on hospitality, culinary practices and farming to young St. Louisans. Rice aims to launch Palate on Palette in summer 2025, as part of his newly established Umoja Food Group. Rice, a Sauce Ones to Watch honoree in 2021, said Palate on Palette…
Art Outside Festival returns to Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood this weekend
The annual Schlafly Art Outside Festival returns to Schlafly Bottleworks at 7260 Southwest Ave. in Maplewood this weekend, taking place from Friday, Sept. 6, to Sunday, Sept. 8. The free, family-friendly event features more than 60 local artists selling their works, such as paintings, photography, ceramics, woodworking and more, along with a stacked lineup of…
St. Louis restaurant openings and closings in August 2024
August was a fun month for St. Louis restaurant openings. Gerard Craft’s Niche Food Group opened its 11th restaurant at City Foundry STL, Soulard gained a Mizzou-themed sports bar, and Overland got the first location of a wild new all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue and hot pot chain. As far as closings go, we lost some beloved watering…
