On this episode of The Sauce podcast, host Lauren Healey sits down with our September issue cover star Kimberly Pitliangas, owner of The Thaxton in downtown St. Louis, for a conversation about running a speakeasy and event venue inside a circa-1927 Art Deco building that was once the Eastman Kodak Building, and why the space has stayed a hidden gem for locals even after nearly two decades in business.
Kimberly walks through how The Thaxton came to be — she originally just wanted to open a low-key cocktail lounge in the building her father purchased and renovated, but quickly discovered the entire building doubled as one of the city’s most sought-after wedding and event spaces.
She shares the story behind the name, why the speakeasy’s hours fluctuate around private bookings, and how Lauren first discovered the space on an Instagram-password-fueled staycation downtown.
From there, Kimberly gives a tour through The Thaxton’s history: its days as a prototype Eastman Kodak retail store, the original 1927 architecture preserved throughout the Grand Hall (including Kodak-inspired molding, camera motifs, and film-reel balusters), and how new artwork and finishes were added over the years to blend seamlessly with the old.
She also talks about being an early pioneer of St. Louis’ speakeasy scene since 2007, the venue’s drink menu (including a “temperance” section of low- and no-ABV options), and the real history behind the word “speakeasy” itself.
Plus, Kimberly shares how to actually find The Thaxton (hint: it’s through the alley), how the weekly password works, and why she wants more St. Louis locals to know the speakeasy isn’t as exclusive as they think — with 85% of business currently coming from out of town.
In this episode:
• Opening The Thaxton in a circa-1927 Art Deco building once home to Eastman Kodak
• Running two businesses under one roof: private events/weddings and the speakeasy
• Being a forerunner of St. Louis’ speakeasy revival since 2007
• Why 85% of The Thaxton’s business comes from out of town
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