Narwhal’s Crafted co-founder Brandon Holzhueter recently joined The Sauce podcast with longtime friend and business partner Brad Merten to celebrate the bar’s 10th anniversary and talk about how they turned frozen cocktails into a St. Louis staple. The two also shared what’s next for Narwhal’s, from new locations to expanding its food program. Here, Holzhueter shares five of his favorite St. Louis spots, including family traditions, a longtime Taco Tuesday ritual and a restaurant connection that goes back to Narwhal’s early days.
Mai Lee
“One of the first places my wife took me when we started dating, because her dad always took her there since she was a kid. Still our go-to for special occasions with family. Qui Tran, whose family started it decades ago, and I have gotten to be friends over the years, and I really appreciate how hard he works, his passion for the St. Louis restaurant community and his food. I can’t remember the number, but my recommendation is the Salty Shrimp.”
El Indio (Rock Hill)
“My list couldn’t be complete without this one, since I’ve gone here about once a week for the last 15 years. Started coming here for Taco Tuesdays (and Mondays, IYKYK) when my oldest, Carter, now 16, was a baby and just never stopped, even after we moved farther away. They’ve seen my kids grow up. My kids hug them when we arrive, and we celebrate literally every birthday here. It would be hard to imagine life without our El Indio nights. I recommend the Enchiladas Suizas, Carter’s favorite.”
Tucker’s Place
“This was always my dad’s favorite spot, the only place he’d ever want to go out to eat when I was growing up. Maybe where my love of Wisconsin-style supper clubs started. He always said that’s the closest thing to it around here. I love anywhere I can get a good Brandy Old-Fashioned, sour or sweet. I recommend one of those with the pork chop.”
Zen Thai
“This is one of my favorite lunch places. They have a great lunch special and they’re quick. Just know that even ‘Level 1’ is damn spicy. I recommend any of the curries.”
Good Company
“Had to make sure one of Jordan Goodman’s places made my favorites, but I’ve never had anything but great experiences at all of them. Jordan was our first-ever GM at the original Narwhal’s and has grown into such a prolific restaurateur. He really knows how to make a high-class cocktail. I recommend the Green Chile Burger and an aperitif.”
