Ever since Brennan’s opened back in 2003, folks have found this CWE shop to be a great place to grab a bottle of wine, order a boozy cocktail and smoke a stogie. Only problem was the quarters were awfully tight. Not so any more.
Owner Kevin Brennan has done an interior switcharoo that gives some breathing room to the ground floor. How’d he do that? The wine, liquor and beer have been moved to the back, and the bar – it’s now 30 feet long, enough for a dozen stools – takes up most of the west wall. Banquette seating and two-top tables occupy the opposite side, all of which triples the seating capacity. And since the cigar cases have been moved downstairs, there’ll be no more smoking on the first level.
These changes should leave patrons unclouded to enjoy Brennan’s expanded menu. Replacing the meat and cheese plate is a more extensive small-plates menu of hot and cold items, flatbreads and salads. “It’s simple, good stuff that’s pretty interesting,” said Brennan. And Brennan’s has expanded the beer list to 60 suds, including a dozen or so larger bottles that are perfect for pairing with one of the small plates.
These small changes are happening just in time for Brennan’s biggest tasting event of the year. On May 12 you can drink and eat your way through Brennan’s from top to bottom: Upstairs at Maryland House, there will be 30 wines to sample; in the cellar, you’ll find Glenfiddich and Balvenie Scotch whisky; out on the patio, you can stop for Stoli martinis, and somewhere in the mix you’ll find St. Louis’ tried-and-true Schlafly beer.
The new menu launches May 17 and is accompanied by new hours. Brennan’s will be open Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. with Sunday hours on the way. “I’m hoping it will be a fun summer,” said Brennan. A new menu, an extensive selection of wine, spirits and cigars, and a bit of smoke-free elbow room – we’re sure that patrons will find some summer fun at Brennan’s.
– Ligaya Figueras
Photograph by Ligaya Figueras
This article appears in May 1-31, 2010.