The space at 137 Carondelet Plaza in Clayton hasn’t seen diners since Araka shuttered in March. Doors are just weeks away from reopening, this time to a steakhouse instead of a Mediterranean-inspired concept.
801 Chophouse is slated to open early-to-mid December. This will mark the fifth location for the Midwest-based steakhouse. Others are located in Des Moines, Iowa; Omaha, Neb.; Kansas City, Mo.; and Leawood, Kan. The restaurant is the flagship concept for 801 Restaurant Group, which also operates 801 Fish and Pig & Finch Gastropub. According to Ian Rockwell, general manager for the St. Louis restaurant, the menu will mirror that of the other 801 locations, and there will be “features, seasonal things and fish preparations that change,” Rockwell said. Such offerings are noted on the restaurant’s Fresh Sheet menu and can include sushi-grade ahi tuna, live Maine lobster or wild salmon from the Pacific Northwest. Rockwell added that fish is flown in daily and filleted in-house.
Helming the kitchen will be Christopher Dennis. He recently relocated to the Gateway City from Leawood, where he worked as executive chef at that city’s 801 Chophouse. Dennis has worked at each 801 location, noted Rockwell, who likewise recently moved to St. Louis. He transferred from the restaurant’s Omaha location, where he worked as general manager.
While USDA prime beef and other steakhouse classics are the restaurant’s calling card, beverages are not an afterthought. Look for an extensive by-the-glass wine list. 801 Chophouse also will have a signature cocktail menu, including its signature 801 Martini that combines gin and vodka. Rockwell also said the bar program includes some house-made bitters and infusions.
Those who once frequented Araka will notice drastic changes to the space. The mezzanine has been removed, and a 35-seat oval-shaped bar will serve as a focal point. The restaurant’s footprint has been expanded to include the storefront to the west; the additional space enabled the construction of five private dining areas, the largest of which seats 50 guests. Expect a classic steakhouse feel to emanate from dark wood, leather booths and polished brass fixtures that decorate the venue.
This article appears in Guide to the Holidays 2013.