Drink News Archives - Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated https://www.saucemagazine.com/category/drink-2/drink-news/ Your Guide to St. Louis Restaurants, Recipes, and Food Culture Fri, 10 Oct 2025 19:49:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.saucemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cropped-sauce-magazine-favicon-Katrina-Behnken-32x32.png Drink News Archives - Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated https://www.saucemagazine.com/category/drink-2/drink-news/ 32 32 248446635 6 St. Louis spots featuring the ‘dirty soda’ trend https://www.saucemagazine.com/drink-2/6-st-louis-spots-to-try-the-dirty-soda-trend/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 19:45:25 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/?p=47460

These St. Louis spots are offering an array of dirty sodas.

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What started originally as a vice for those who don’t like or can’t enjoy coffee and tea drinks has grown into a nationwide phenomenon. Dirty sodas, which gained their popularity in Utah attracting members of the Mormon community, have made their way into St. Louis businesses. This concoction involves taking any soda of choice and mixing it with a creamer or syrup to elevate the flavor profile. If this makes you curious to try one, here is a list of places that have adopted this trend into their menu.

Crispy Sips
When Caitlin and Dominic Corvington noticed a gap in the St. Louis dirty soda market, they decided to do something about it. The husband-and-wife team launched Crispy Sips, a pop-up soda shop that serves at farmers markets and local events. Their best seller goes by the name of “Dr. Dreamy” and involves a combination of Dr. Pepper, vanilla syrup and coconut cream. In addition to their six signature sodas selections, they rolled out two seasonal fall specials to add into the mix. Every Tuesday, they announce their weekend set up on their Instagram page rotating between the Kirkwood, Webster Groves, and Lake St. Louis farmers markets but are currently on the hunt for a physical location.
crispysips.stl@gmail.com, crispysips.com

Fitz’s Root Beer
If you’re from St. Louis, you know Fitz’s Bottling Co. is a true local institution. Developed in 1947, their signature root beer became a city staple, but it was their iconic floats stacked high with ice cream and unique soda flavors that put Fitz’s Bottling Co. name on the map. With two locations to their name, the original in the Delmar Loop and one in South County, Fitz’s expanded their soda-filled menu to include six creative variations of dirty sodas. To name a few sellers, there is “Budder beer,” inspired by Butterbeer, and “Campfire Daze,” a treat for the smores lovers. Each drink, of course, features their signature soda as the base, flavored with cream or coffee creamer.
Multiple locations, fitzsrootbeer.com

Sodie Credit: photo courtesy of Sodie

Sodie
What started as a small mobile shop will soon evolve into a walk-up window. Sodie STL launched their dirty soda business in June 2024. In the early days, founders Megan and David Exler reached out to farmers markets and festivals, but after word spread, the community started reaching out to them. This led them to start working pop-ups events, from employee appreciation days to football games. Among their fan favorites are the Chicka Cherry Cola, (coke, cherry syrup and vanilla cream) and the Annoying Orange (sprite, orange syrup and vanilla cream). Each week, they post their schedule on their social media to find where they will be the upcoming weekend. Soon you can find them at their brand new walk-up window in Kimmswick opening this October.
113 Market St., Kimmswick, 573.450.7162, heysodie.com

Swig
With a strong passion for soda and an eye for opportunity in the drink market, Nicole Tanner opened the first Swig location in St. George, Utah, in 2010. Known as the home of the original dirty soda, Swig gained popularity quickly and went on to expand to locations across the country. Its newest location has now arrived in St. Peters, Missouri. In honor of their grand opening, on Saturday, Oct. 11, the new St. Peter’s location will host a ribbon cutting, and offer a free drink from their favorite’s menu, along with free cookies to celebrate the opening.
587 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, 636.486.7277, swigdrinks.com/findaswig/st-peters

Soda Fountain // Credit: photo courtesy of Soda Fountain

The Soda Fountain Express 
The Soda Fountain Express at Westport Plaza is known for their retro-style diner atmosphere, classic comfort foods, and over-the-top milkshakes that attract all ages. This location marks the second shop for the business, followed by the original Soda Fountain at Union Station. Expanding on their elaborate menu, The Soda Fountain Express recently introduced four dirty sodas into the mix, including the “Dirty Vanilla Coke,” “Dirty Cheryl,” “Muddy Mississippi,” “Creamy Deamy,” and a special Ice Cream Nachos item to complement the new drinks. 
147 W Port Plaza Drive, St. Louis, 314.683.2339, sodafountainexpress-stl.com

Truck Norris Twisted Eats 
Truck Norris Twisted Eats started as a food truck in 2017, but after garnering strong community support, they expanded into a brick-and-mortar location in Ellisville in 2025. The menu is serving up creative twists on classic comfort foods, including items like a jumbo egg roll sampler and a stuffed mac n cheese grilled cheese sandwich. To pair with their savory options, they have also added in dirty sodas into the mix. They offer five “twisted sodas” including Orange Dream, Root Beer Float, Sweet Tart, The Doctor and Campfire. Each drink starts with a soda base, heavy cream and a flavored syrup.
15856 Clayton Road, Ellisville, 314.988.2111, trucknorrisstl.com

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6 new St. Louis bars to visit this weekend https://www.saucemagazine.com/places-2/6-new-st-louis-bars-to-visit-this-weekend/ Fri, 19 Sep 2025 16:48:30 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/?p=47155

These six standout St. Louis bars have opened in the past year.

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We may not always realize how lucky we are in St. Louis. We live in a top-notch culinary city with award-winning chefs, along with one of the best bar scenes around. Talented bartenders are crafting some of the most innovative cocktails anywhere, and sometimes you’ll even find both under the same roof. Here are six standout bars that have opened in the past year.

Bemiston Cocktail Club // Credit: Sarah Higgins

Bemiston Cocktail Club
Bemiston Cocktail Club originally opened in 2019 but closed during the pandemic. It reopened less than a year ago, earning its place among the city’s newest bars. Located in Clayton just steps from sister bar Louie’s Wine Dive, guests enter through a large wooden door marked with a “B,” walk a long hallway and turn the corner into a stylish, tucked-away cocktail bar.

Bar manager and mixologist Trisha Wilson brings passion and creativity to her drinks. House specialties include Rosemary’s Garden – gin, lemon juice, rosemary simple and rosewater liqueur – and the Jalisco Stinger with blanco tequila, orange liqueur, habanero bitters and citrus. Classics get a twist too, like the bacon-washed Old-Fashioned. Bemiston shares its kitchen with Louie’s, so many menu favorites are available alongside the cocktails.
14 S. Bemiston Ave., Clayton, bemistoncocktailbar.com

Keep Quiet
After launching Little Lager in South City, a beer bar specializing in lagers, Manny Negron shifted his focus to creating a speakeasy-style cocktail bar called Keep Quiet. Tucked behind the patio of Urban Chestnut’s Midtown location, it offers the rare chance to visit a bar within a bar. Although the two concepts collaborate, they operate as distinct entities.

Keep Quiet serves a rotating cocktail menu that changes monthly, alongside a short list of beers, ciders and NA options. Classics like the Manhattan, gimlet, martini and margarita are always available. For something whimsical, try the Boozy Bears – house-made gummy bear cocktails based on actual drink recipes.
The bar is only open on Friday and Saturday nights with seating for about 30 guests. If you see the red light glowing at the entrance, step inside for an intimate evening of inventive cocktails.
3229 Washington Ave., St. Louis, keepquietstl.com

Off Elm
Webster Groves has quickly become one of St. Louis’ most exciting dining neighborhoods, and among its standouts is Off Elm, a cocktail and bourbon bar with a neighborhood feel.

From the team behind STL Barkeep and The Vandy, Off Elm offers creative drinks such as Rind Beneath My Wings – cantaloupe-infused bourbon with toasted simple and tiki bitters – and the Ibiza Sunset with a blend of gins, pineapple, pineapple amaro, orgeat and citrus. The menu lists about 30 cocktails including several NA options, plus beer and wine.

Off Elm also boasts an extensive bourbon and whiskey selection, from local distilleries like Still 630 and Switchgrass Spirits to Japanese and Scotch varieties, as well as a limited stock of single-barrel bourbons available for purchase by the bottle.

The small food menu includes Union Loafers bagel pizzas, jalapeño popper dip, Red Hot Riplet pimento dip and meat and cheese boards. For parties, the Off Elm at Home program provides cocktails and bartenders for events – or pre-batched drinks for DIY gatherings.
8709 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, offelmstl.com

No Ordinary Rabbit
When Ben Poremba moved his restaurants out of Botanical Heights, it left a noticeable gap in the neighborhood’s bar scene. No Ordinary Rabbit quickly stepped in to fill it, taking over the former Nixta space with inventive cocktails and an equally imaginative food menu.

Most drinks change with the seasons, but standbys like Lillian’s Revenge – made with Plantation pineapple rum, yuzu gin, lemon, orgeat and bitters – and the Jungle Bird – Hamilton Estate black rum, Campari, pineapple, simple syrup and lime – have been on since day one.

Bright, citrusy cocktails pair seamlessly with the Eastern Mediterranean–inspired food, which includes spreads, dips, snacks, shareable plates and desserts. Like the drinks, the menu rotates seasonally, though favorites such as za’atar onion rings with caramelized onion labneh and Aleppo pepper and honey roasted cashews remain constants.
1621 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, noordinaryrabbitstl.com


Silk Road Lounge
Located in the heart of the Central West End, Silk Road Lounge offers expertly crafted cocktails and excellent service. As the sister bar to Pagan Wine Bar, it shares a similarly dark and welcoming atmosphere, and with its dim lighting and deliberately unmarked entrance, it has the feel of a classic speakeasy.

The ambiance is one thing, but the cocktails are the real draw. The menu lists more than 20 drinks covering nearly every base spirit. The Quiet Man is made with rye whiskey, bourbon, Drambuie and maraschino cherry liqueur – spirit-forward with notes of anise, a hint of smoke from the Drambuie and a slightly sweet finish from the cherry. For something softer, the Pink Squirrel, made with crème de noyaux, white crème de cacao and cream, tastes like a chocolate-covered cherry. Silk Road Lounge is an ideal spot for a special occasion, a first date or an evening out with close friends.
243 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, Instagram: @silkroadloungestl

The Moniker owner Jordaryl Logan // Credit: Charlotte Vieth

The Moniker
On the ground floor of the Six Cord apartment building, The Moniker is Washington Avenue’s newest restaurant and lounge. The space is open and elegant with bare brick walls, emerald green accents and large windows overlooking the bustle of downtown.

The cocktail menu ranges from a classic daiquiri – white rum, lime, simple syrup and a splash of pineapple – to riffs like the Jalisco Manhattan, which swaps reposado tequila for rye whiskey and uses house vermouth with plum bitters. Ask about off-menu drinks too, like a blood orange–habanero margarita, served with a side of sriracha roasted chickpeas for a spicy nightcap.

The food menu features snacks, shareable dishes and entrees such as hummus, southern shrimp and grits and salmon cakes with fresh dill aioli. The Moniker is more than just great cocktails and food – its goal is to bring people together and help spark the revitalization of downtown.
1000 Washington Ave., Suite B, St. Louis, themonikerstl.com 

Bill Moran is the creator of Instagram account @st.louis_taverns, where Moran anonymously reviews bars throughout the St. Louis area. He created the account in March 2021 after seeing many of his favorite bars struggling through pandemic restrictions. It has since evolved into a fun pastime of exploring the many neighborhoods in and around St. Louis.

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Good News Brewing Co. opens new location in Wildwood https://www.saucemagazine.com/places-2/good-news-brewing-co-opens-new-location-in-wildwood/ Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:59:14 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/?p=47136

Good News Brewing Co. has a new location at 2603 West Ave. in Wildwood.

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Looking for a good time in West County? Head to Good News Brewing Co.’s new location at 2603 West Ave. in Wildwood for a pick-me-up of some hot pizza and cold beer. 

Good News opened its sixth location at the intersection of Old Manchester Road and Highway 109. With other locations in O’Fallon, Defiance, Augusta, St. Charles, and Alton, Illinois, the newest location marks owner Dan Tripp’s first foray into St. Louis County. 

Good News Brewing Co. // Credit: Shwetha Sundarrajan

“A lot of our customers are cyclists, so a lot of them are [on] the Katy Trail. They were urging me to find something in [the area near] Wildwood,” said Tripp.

 Responding to the public demand, the Wildwood location opened its doors in May and is packed with families, couples and people looking to kick back and relax.

Step inside the 2,000-square-foot indoor tasting room to be greeted by a minimalist design featuring black and white with wooden accents. Furnished with picnic tables and metal bar stools, the open space turns this brewery into a gathering place where family and friends can share the restaurant’s namesake “good news” over a pint. With drinks and fresh pizza just an order away, conversations tend to flow as freely as beer from the tap.

“One of my favorite things is to walk around and look at how many people are not on their cell phones. It’s a special thing that people are here to interact, to have fun. [Nowadays] people just aren’t going to restaurants, and [when they are], everyone’s just on their phones. You don’t see that here,” Tripp said.

As you take a step outside, the space transforms from a refined indoor experience into an outdoor backyard bash, with games like cornhole and bocce ball, along with a small stage for local musicians.  Pop in on a Friday night to enjoy the fall weather, try some local food trucks, and listen to local bands. Good News aims to be the backyard for Wildwood every Friday night, Tripp explains.

Vampire Deathwish pizza // Credit: Shwetha Sundarrajan

Their signature sourdough wood-fired pizzas are made in-house, baked to crispy perfection right in front of your eyes. Try the aptly named Vampire Deathwish, layered with garlic sauce, spinach, feta and mozzarella cheese, and wash it down with the Local 636 Hazy IPA, one of Good News’ most popular beers. 

“Good News prides itself on having something for everyone,” Tripp said. “I like to call them approachable beers. You get someone in here who isn’t really a craft beer enthusiast, but there’s something for everyone.”

For those new to the craft beer scene, Tripp recommends the Belgian White with hints of coriander and orange. The beers pair well with the Jalapeno Popper Pizza, with the signature Boom Boom sauce, jalapenos, bacon and crushed Fritos that’s topped off with a drizzle of ranch.

If you’re looking for something unique, try the Hazelnut Coffee Milk Stout, a perfect balance of hazelnut and rich coffee. Not a fan of IPAs? The Lime-Tangerine Sour, a crisp, bright, wheat-based ale, might be up your alley. Or, as the fall festivities approach, order their seasonal pumpkin brew, an amber ale with just the right hint of pumpkin spice. 

As business increases, Tripp has plans to open more locations in the St. Louis region, including an additional brewhouse at the Wildwood location, along with the company’s existing brewhouse in Augusta.

“Our goal is to get families and friends to gather and hang out and spend the afternoon together. That’s our focus and our priority, and that’s our mission,” Tripp said. “That’s kind of why we started, to be a light in a darkened world.”

Visit Good News Brewing Co.’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages for more updates. 

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Narwhal’s Crafted is opening a location in Edwardsville this fall https://www.saucemagazine.com/places-2/narwhals-crafted-is-opening-a-location-in-edwardsville-this-fall-18023324/ Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/places/narwhals-crafted-is-opening-a-location-in-edwardsville-this-fall-18023324/

A fourth location of Narwhal's Crafted will open in Edwardsville, Illinois, in fall 2025.

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Narwhal’s Crafted has been slinging elevated frozen cocktails around St. Louis for years, first in Midtown, then the streets of St. Charles, followed by the most recent opening at The District in Chesterfield. Now the iconic bar is taking their brand across the Mississippi River to 400 N. Main St., Suite A, in downtown Edwardsville, Illinois, with its first franchise location slated to open in fall 2025.

“Edwardsville has long been on our radar,” said co-founder Brandon Holzhueter. “It’s a vibrant, growing city with a strong sense of community and a lively downtown. We couldn’t imagine a better place to debut our first franchise – which is a huge deal for us as a brand – because we know our fans on the other side of the river have long been hoping for us to one day have a Metro East location.”

The new location is right in the heart of Edwardsville’s entertainment district and will feature a courtyard patio with fire pits and sidewalk seating, along with the nautical but polished interior design fans have come to know and love.

Shawn and Ashley Beach, who have a lot of combined business experience, are the franchise operators. “We’ve always loved going to Narwhal’s for our date nights, and during one of those nights out, we started talking about the idea of owning something of our own,” said Shawn Beach. “That conversation led us to investigate Narwhal’s franchising, and when we saw the opportunity, it just clicked. Their fun, welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality really aligned with what we wanted to bring to a community. With us being from the Metro East we felt Edwardsville was the perfect place to start. We’re excited to grow from here and look forward to bringing the Narwhal’s experience to even more cities in the future.”

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Old Bakery Beer Co. hosts annual Riverbend Earth Day in Alton on Saturday https://www.saucemagazine.com/places-2/old-bakery-beer-co-hosts-annual-riverbend-earth-day-in-alton-on-saturday-17776813/ Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:08:00 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/places/old-bakery-beer-co-hosts-annual-riverbend-earth-day-in-alton-on-saturday-17776813/

The free, family-friendly event will feature live music, environmental education, local artisans and sustainable goods, along with plenty of Old Bakery beer.

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Old Bakery Beer Co. will once again unite the community for its annual Riverbend Earth Day celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, in downtown Alton. Held at 300 Landmarks Blvd., the free, family-friendly event will feature live music, environmental education, local artisans, and sustainable goods, along with plenty of craft beer.

Now in its 14th year, Riverbend Earth Day has grown into a regional tradition, drawing crowds interested in sustainability, environmental awareness, and community connection. “This event is a highlight of the year for us and our community,” said Lauren Pattan, co-owner of Old Bakery Beer Co., in a release. “We are proud to bring together people who share our passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship.”

More than 30 local organizations will be on-site offering hands-on activities and information on conservation and eco-conscious living. Featured participants include the McCully Heritage Project, National Great Rivers Research & Education Center, Sierra Club, The Nature Institute, US Army Corps of Engineers – Rivers Project and Treehouse Wildlife Center.

Vendors and artisans focused on sustainability will offer upcycled crafts, native plants and handmade goods. This year’s vendor lineup includes Alton Yard Farms, Dow on the Farm Apiary, Green Thumb Nursery, Scrappy Little Patches, Wild Roots, ReBloom STL and Tree In A Box Artworks.

The festival will also feature performances by local musicians Beth Bombara and Universal Groove Society, along with food, drinks, and a special beer release. Kernza Maibock, a brew made with the environmentally friendly perennial grain Kernza®, will make its debut at the event. Known for improving soil health and reducing herbicide use, Kernza aligns with the brewery’s commitment to sustainable brewing.

Attendees can also pick up limited-edition Riverbend Earth Day merchandise, including shirts and event-themed glassware.

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Schlafly Bankside in St. Charles has closed https://www.saucemagazine.com/places-2/schlafly-bankside-in-st-charles-has-closed-17557206/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 21:51:00 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/places/schlafly-bankside-in-st-charles-has-closed-17557206/

Schlafly Bankside in historic St. Charles has closed.

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Unfortunately, the wave of closures in St. Louis just keeps coming. Schlafly Beer announced today, Monday, Jan. 27, that its lease has ended and it has closed Schlafly Bankside at 920 S. Main Street in historic St. Charles.

For more than 25 years, Trailhead Brewing Co. operated in the space, and Schlafly purchased it in 2020 and opened Schlafly Bankside in May that year.

“Our commitment to any location is to create a welcoming space for the communities that we serve. We feel that we’ve accomplished this at Schlafly Bankside. It has been a privilege to have a brewpub on historic Main Street, and we thank the St. Charles community for embracing us with open arms, especially during a very hard time for the hospitality industry,” co-owners Tom and David Schlafly said in a statement. “We love the St. Charles community and are truly grateful to our loyal customers and staff who have supported us over the years. We look forward to exploring opportunities to serve the St. Charles community in the future. In the interim, please join us at one of our other St. Louis locations for all the great food, beer, and entertainment that you have come to expect from us at Schlafly Beer.”

Schlafly’s other locations remain open: Bottleworks in Maplewood, the Tap Room in Downtown West and Highland Square, as well as its outpost at the Lambert International Airport. 

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Review: Melt in St. Louis https://www.saucemagazine.com/drink-2/review-melt-in-st-louis-17336423/ Sun, 01 Dec 2013 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/drink/review-melt-in-st-louis-17336423/

Melt2712 Cherokee St., St. Louis, 314.771.6358, Facebook: Melt It’s nearly morning, and Melt’s bar is at capacity. After two sips of my first drink, I know the reason why. Cocktails are a grand affair at Melt, the Cherokee Street newcomer that migrated north from the Patch neighborhood a few months back. The craft booze-comfort food […]

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Melt
2712 Cherokee St., St. Louis, 314.771.6358, Facebook: Melt

It’s nearly morning, and Melt’s bar is at capacity. After two sips of my first drink, I know the reason why.

Cocktails are a grand affair at Melt, the Cherokee Street newcomer that migrated north from the Patch neighborhood a few months back. The craft booze-comfort food concept is familiar enough, but the delivery at this place in both of these areas is more than noteworthy. And though Melt seems ideal for brunch, its midnight movie screenings, live bands and weekend hours (open until 3 a.m.), give the joint a serious after-hours draw.

What to Drink Nothing combats the rigors of cold and flu season like a stiff shot of whiskey. First-timers should opt for the Hayes Street, a classic rye whiskey Manhattan touched with the perfect amount of sweet vermouth. Meticulous pours and near obsessive fawning by the bartenders in residence mean a bit of a wait for orders to be filled, but the product is worth the time. The cocktail menu features time-tested standards (including, arguably, one of the finest bloody marys in town) as well as odd specialty numbers. Some of these are successful, such as the Eve’s Leaf pomegranate Mojito. Others less so: A lavender martini dubbed “Doll Parts” was about as detestable as a long night out with Courtney Love. During warm months, the cocktail selection is regularly infused with inventive and impressively potent specials like Beer Berry Lemonade and Hendrick’s The Cucumber. Though unavailable on a return visit, Melt also occasionally features the Mia Wallace, a rich, bourbon-laden $5 shake. Beer choices run the gamut with everything from college binge drinker (cans of Natty Light) to grad school chic (750-milliliter bottles of Perennial Saison De Lis). The bar also offers a number of nonalcoholic smoothie options, as well as ice creams, shakes and a full selection of coffees, espressos and teas.

What to Eat It seems like everything around town comes with an optional egg on top. Regardless, I was surprised when our server suggested one to accompany the Little Piggy, a thin house-made waffle smothered in a salty pile of barbecued pulled pork, light coleslaw and shredded cheddar. I opted for the standard Buttermilk Haus Batter, which proved not too sweet. On the sugary side, one would do well to embrace the Psycho Monkey waffle with its chocolate sauce, peanut butter and thick chunks of banana. This paired exceedingly well (as suggested) with a Wells & Young Banana Bread Beer. Still, the real standout (and naturally the most wasted-sounding item on a menu of upscale drunk food) was the Wake n’ Bake, which came with both bacon and sausage baked in the waffle and topped with eggs and a spatter of cheddar.

What to look for Expect a madcap crew of characters in a madcap environment. The patrons (who are pretty tame and generally young) enjoy the comforts of a converted shoe store packed with intentionally mismatched, vintage seats and wacky quilted couches – to the sounds of music like Nina Simone and Pearl Jam. Dominating nearly the whole wall next to the bar is a chalkboard version of the menu – except the cocktails, which are listed instead on stained little handouts on each table. On another wall, next to nostalgically outdated (but functional) pinball machines, customers can scribble their own musings on a floor-to-ceiling blackboard. The bar itself, a straightforward wooden number, has mismatched coffee cups hanging from wall art on one side and a giant mobile of glass coffee pots precariously dangling above it.

Transient boozehounds, casual date-night couples and coffee-shop kids alike have plenty to take in at Melt, which is a solid addition to the continually flourishing scene on Cherokee.

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Neat Drinks https://www.saucemagazine.com/drink-2/neat-drinks-17342587/ Sun, 01 Dec 2013 06:00:00 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/drink/neat-drinks-17342587/

Spheres, blocks, cubes, chips … whatever its form, ice plays a starring role in cocktail-making. But its absence can be equally important, for without the cold stuff’s flavor- and proof-diluting properties, a spirit’s full character truly shines. “Certain spirits taste better warm,” explained Robert Griffin, bar manager at The Royale. “Simpler is better. You’re showcasing […]

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Spheres, blocks, cubes, chips … whatever its form, ice plays a starring role in cocktail-making. But its absence can be equally important, for without the cold stuff’s flavor- and proof-diluting properties, a spirit’s full character truly shines. “Certain spirits taste better warm,” explained Robert Griffin, bar manager at The Royale. “Simpler is better. You’re showcasing a base spirit rather than building a mountain of flavors.” With their robust taste and complex character, room-temperature cocktails – multi-spirit mixes stirred without ice and served neat – make ideal selections for cold-weather sipping. Here, three of our favorites.

Phase II, Eclipse Restaurant After a month in an oak cask seasoned with Sump’s Ethiopia Abaya coffee, bartender Seth Wahlman’s innovative creation offers a complex, bittersweet flavor thanks to its unique mix of house-made Laphroaig cherry cordial and bourbon. Topped off with a cherry-coffee foam, this slow-sipper is handcrafted from start to finish. 6177 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314.736.2222, eclipsestlouis.com No. 29, Little Country Gentleman Bar manager Jeffrey Moll Jr.’s concoction rounds out the vanilla and tobacco flavors of French rum with nutty and medicinal accents for a mellow richness that lingers on the palate. 8135 Maryland Ave., Clayton, 314.725.0719, littlecountrygentleman.com Fanciulli, The Royale Griffin uses Fernet-Branca and red vermouth to tame the burn and complement the toasty flavor of Bulleit rye whiskey in this edgy cousin to a Manhattan, one of a few ice-free offerings found on the bar’s Sunday night Cocktail Museum menu. 3132 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, 314.772.3600, theroyale.com

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Review: Tripel in St. Louis https://www.saucemagazine.com/drink-2/review-tripel-in-st-louis-17340199/ Fri, 01 Nov 2013 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/drink/review-tripel-in-st-louis-17340199/

TRIPEL1801 Park Ave., St. Louis, 314.678.7787, tripelstl.com You still good? Ready to order something?” asks the bartender at Tripel, raising his voice above the heavy din of the crowd on a Saturday night. “Yeah. Something different this time. A bottle of the Houblon Chouffe,” I say, flipping the menu closed. “Nice.” He smiles and quickly […]

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TRIPEL
1801 Park Ave., St. Louis, 314.678.7787, tripelstl.com

You still good? Ready to order something?” asks the bartender at Tripel, raising his voice above the heavy din of the crowd on a Saturday night.

“Yeah. Something different this time. A bottle of the Houblon Chouffe,” I say, flipping the menu closed.

“Nice.” He smiles and quickly returns with a fat bottle and tulip glass in hand. A quick tilt and long pour result in an impossibly thick and creamy head topped with a pointy cap, oddly similar to the cartoon elf’s hat adorning the Chouffe bottle.

Between the drafts, bottles, glassware and perfect pours, beer is the central preoccupation at Tripel, a new Belgium-themed brasserie perched near the corner of 18th Street and Park Avenue in Lafayette Square. The term tripel is a designation for extra-strong beer fashioned in the European Low Countries – traditionally by Trappist monks who subsidized their monasteries by operating breweries. True to its name, Tripel’s streamlined beer menu flows decidedly thick with bottles and drafts of golden ales, wheats, saisons, brown ales, Trappist beers, fruity lambics and sour ales, each matched with its own proper glassware. Sixteen tall, gleaming taps pour a steady stream of crowd favorites – Duvel, Hoegaarden, Stella Artois. But there’s considerably more fun to be had with choices like the Gulden Draak 9000 – an outstanding quadruple with an amber body, a 10.5 ABV, and a complex-tasting mix of fruit and toffee flavors.

Certainly beer-centric, the bar nonetheless pays noticeable attention to detail in its cocktails with a handful of Euro-fusion sippers reinforced with small-batch liquors and fresh garnishes. Generous sprigs of mint adorn the masterful gin-soaked Good Day Sir, a substantial and refreshing mix of Hayman’s Old Tom gin with a splash of Barolo Chinato. Similarly impressive is the bar’s take on the Pimm’s Cup, a tall and imposing cocktail that is infused with flavors of cucumber and strawberry.

The wine list overflows with mainly French varieties, including a handful of approachable and affordable by-the-glass options. Overall, the beer and wine offerings potently pair with the food menu, both of which, like Belgium itself, are permeated by hearty and decadent French and Dutch flavors. Plates here are simple, robust and meant to be passed around. Don’t even bother searching for anything light. Indulgence is the order of the day. The moules Normandes, one of six varieties of pan-steamed mussels, was served in a rich, bacon- and apple-laced cream sauce that I greedily sopped up with thick, crusty slices of warm bread. A star among the small plates was the crisp yet tender pomme frites, served in a paper cone alongside an oversized dollop of thick mayo. Also noteworthy was the cailles, a savory-sweet quail appetizer served on a bed of braised red cabbage and apples.

Though Tripel’s dining area is loud and boisterous (The long tables come with the standard groups of excited friends.), its bar side is a serious date night spot and a haven for smartly dressed, older patrons who vie for seats at the rich wooden bar where candlelight flickers off rows of hanging glassware. With inspired offerings at this rustic, Old World retreat, Tripel was tailor-made for Lafayette Square.

“You like it?” says the bartender, motioning to my glass, empty save a few specks of foam.

“Yeah,” I say with a smile. “How could you tell?”

The post Review: Tripel in St. Louis appeared first on Sauce Magazine: Intelligent Content For The Food Fascinated.

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Review: Hiro Asian Kitchen in St. Louis https://www.saucemagazine.com/drink-2/review-hiro-asian-kitchen-in-st-louis-17341036/ Tue, 01 Oct 2013 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.saucemagazine.com/drink/review-hiro-asian-kitchen-in-st-louis-17341036/

Editor’s Note: Hiro Asian Kitchen has closed HIRO ASIAN KITCHEN 1405 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314.241.4476, hiroasiankitchen.com In a time when simplicity, local sourcing and a “less is more” philosophy hold sway over so many bar owners and restaurateurs, it’s hard not to grin at a new establishment bucking all trends and, if anything, erring […]

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Editor’s Note: Hiro Asian Kitchen has closed

HIRO ASIAN KITCHEN

1405 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314.241.4476, hiroasiankitchen.com

In a time when simplicity, local sourcing and a “less is more” philosophy hold sway over so many bar owners and restaurateurs, it’s hard not to grin at a new establishment bucking all trends and, if anything, erring on the side of ostentation. Inside its chic little address in the nexus of Washington Avenue, the former Smash Bar and Sugar Lounge space has been reborn as Hiro Asian Kitchen. Part Pan-Asian eatery and part after-hours cocktail lounge, this ambitious newcomer is a bastion of excess.

Imagine if Benihana and P.F. Chang’s tied the knot and decorated their new downtown loft. That’s a close approximation to the look of Hiro – tastefully flashy. You can tell the owners threw some serious coin into this futuristic Asian-fusion redesign, which maintains a lively atmosphere throughout the night. Above the restaurant and main bar is an “ultra” lounge space, which caters to a young, after-hours crowd that packs the house until close (currently with the help of a DJ who spins house music and pop hits most Fridays and Saturdays). Lounge goers enter up a flight of stairs and down a hallway to a slick little loft space, which overlooks the restaurant below. Not so much a dance spot, the lounge (probably the most minimalist space in the joint) has a handful of benches, drink tables and a small but well-stocked bar. The upstairs crowd rolls in around 10 p.m. weekend nights, overwhelming the lounge (and the hapless bartender) and pouring over into the downstairs bar or outside to grab a cigarette on the street-side patio space. The restaurant also is flush with well-dressed groups of friends and the odd date night couple who mills around the enormous main bar or cozies up in one of the many bright wooden booths lining the opposite wall.

Nothing is small or subdued about Hiro, where, akin to the decor, even the small plates are substantial. Take for example the dim sum platter – a generous sampling of shrimp, pork and Shanghai soup dumplings served inside a chic little bamboo basket with wafts of steam escaping before a server ceremoniously pops the wooden hatch. The dumplings, overstuffed and delightful, are complemented with a savory ponzu dipping sauce. Guests will likewise make short work of the lotus leaf-wrapped sticky rice. Not to be confused with a lighter lettuce wrap, this starter features a hearty mix of shiitake mushroom strings, chicken and lap cheong (minced Chinese sausage), resting on a mass of gorgeously soft and sticky rice (Think the best you’ve had anywhere on South Grand.). Likewise significant are oversized noodle bowls such as the Singapore Spicy Ramen, a bright red amalgamation of full-size shrimp, thick egg noodles and tangy broth.

Like the food and furnishings, the drink menu follows a scattershot philosophy. Sometimes it hits: the Hiro Sangria, a pungent and well-flavored mix of house wine, sake, ginger liqueur, honey and a little orange liqueur. Sometimes it misses: the Washington 1405 cocktail, a sugary and sad waste of good whiskey. Serious drinkers should resist the urge to try anything that even hints at being too sweet. Unfortunately, most of the cocktail and martini menu falls into this trap. An exception would be the Drunken Samurai, a fun little mix of Maker’s Mark and plum wine. When left to their own devices, the bartenders perform more than admirably with non-signature cocktails. It also helps that the bar is reinforced with an outstanding selection of hooch, a variety of sake ready for traditional service, as well as a collection of smooth Asian beers on draft and in bottle. Not to be outdone, management also has included a thorough wine list with a handful of smart and reasonably priced Malbecs, cabernets and pinot grigios from across the globe.

At times Hiro might seem overtaxed in its attempt to be everything. It’s a Chinese place. It’s Vietnamese. It’s Japanese. It’s Thai. It’s also a lounge and, hey, a great spot to catch the game. (Did I mention the two massive flat-screens, which dominate the main bar?) It’s all over the place. But it’s also a hell of a lot of fun.

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