It was widely speculated that Hubert Keller’s recently shuttered SLeeK Steakhouse and Ultralounge would become a sports bar. Today, the Scoop received confirmation from Pinnacle Entertainment, which owns the downtown venue, that the space at Lumière Place downtown would, in fact, be a dining destination for sports aficionados: Stadium Sports Bar and Grill.
When doors open this spring, Stadium Sports Bar and Grill will offer more than 40 high-definition flat screen TVs and a menu that includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, hand-tossed pizzas, flatbreads, smoked meats and steaks.
Jeff Babinski, vice president and general manager of Lumière Place, explained the reason for the change from steakhouse to sports bar: “Although SLeeK was a successful venture by any measure, both we and chef Hubert Keller agreed that a more casual concept is appropriate for this location. Our location, so close to the Edward Jones Dome, and just blocks from Busch Stadium and Scottrade Center, will make Stadium an ideal choice for fans of all stripes.” Keller’s other dining venue at Lumière Place, Burger Bar Saint Louis, continues to operate.
Changes have also occurred at Pinnacle’s other St. Louis gaming property, River City Casino. Management has officially settled on the name 1904 Steakhouse for the Pinnacle-operated restaurant that replaces the vacated Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, which closed in November. William Osloond was recently hired as the restaurant’s executive chef. The revamped menu – Sauce got a sneak peak of these dishes that are decidedly distinct from the Ruby’s bill of fare – debuts March 1. Lastly, the 1904 Beerhouse, also at River City Casino, has changed names and is now simply The Beerhouse.
This article appears in February 2011.