New Food & Drink in St. Louis

Last week Food & Wine praised the St. Louis Food scene. “It’s an exciting time for St. Louis,” says the new Food & Wine feature. “New, independent restaurants have the space to make a name for themselves while staples continue their decade-long legacies.” This we’ve known. Here are some new food and beverage spots in St. Louis that are on our radar.

New Food in St. Louis

Jovock Brothers – Princeton Heights

Jovick Brothers Burgers (4993 Loughborough) allows diners to build their own burgers from a long list of options. Or you can choose from a number of specials like Beso Del Diablo (or “kiss the devil”)—a double burger with pepper jack cheese, mayo, tomato, and a hot sauce. In addition to the smash burgers, the menu includes chicken sandwiches, glizzies (quarter-pound, all beef hot dogs, and vegan options. The casual space seats about 24 inside, with an additional 20 seats on the small patio.

_{House-designed combos are the specialty at Jovick Brothers. For example, the Macklind: single cheeseburger, double bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion and peanut butter.}

Mainlander – Central West End

At the Central West End prix-fixe supper club Mainlander (8 South Euclid), the menu changes each month with a focus on modern takes of Midwestern flavors. The September sample menu includes delicata squash poppers, beef cheek stroganoff, and a carrots foster dessert. There is a definite mid-century modern vibe inside. We can’t wait to try this one.

_{Swanky MCM-inspired interior of the Mainlander in the CWE.}

The Hill Food Co – The Hill

The Hill Food Co (2360 Hampton) is a ghost kitchen, a space where chefs can prepare food for pickup or delivery. Currently there are about ten restaurant partners utilizing the space, which has a capacity for 22 kitchens. Customers can place orders for pick up or delivery through apps like Doordash, UberEats, Grubhub, Postmates, etc. Alternatively, you can use The Hill Food Co portal. There is also a self-serve order kiosk on-site.

_{The Hill Food Co ghost kitchen on Hampton Avenue.}

Idol Wolf – Downtown

Idol Wolf (1528 Locust Street) adjoins the newly opened 21c Museum Hotel located downtown. The menus blend traditional takes on Spanish classics with drinks and dishes that have a distinctly Midwestern point of view. The result is a shared drinking and dining experience that is uniquely craveable and truly memorable.

_{Everything is gorgeous (the bar, the food, the drinks) at the Idol Wolf, located in the new 21c Museum Hotel.}

New Drink in St. Louis

The Vandy – Forest Park Southeast

The creators of the popular pop-up bar, STL Barkeep, have embarked on a new venture with their latest establishment, The Vandy (1301 S. Vandeventer). Exceptional craft cocktails are the focus. In addition to timeless favorites, you’ll discover an array of signature concoctions. Expect locally-sourced ingredients, freshly prepared syrups, and homemade bitters. Furthermore, The Vandy boasts an extensive beverage menu featuring over 90 varieties of whiskey and a selection of beer and wine.

_{Craft cocktails are the focus, but the Vandy boasts an extensive beverage menu featuring over 90 varieties of whiskey and a selection of beer and wine.}

New Society Experimental Cocktail Lab – Tower Grove East

New Society Experimental Cocktail Lab (3194 S. Grand) is a hidden, tiny, dark, glorious bar in the basement of Grand Spirits. The menu utilizes ingredients you don’t normally see in cocktails. Think strawberry and banana cracker with peanut butter or cotija gummy bears. There is a story behind every cocktail. Reservations recommended.

_{Reservations are recommended at the 20 seat New Society Experimental Cocktail Lab.}

Parker’s Table – Richmond Heights

Parker’s Table (7118 Oakland) is slated to open a 30-seat wine bar next spring adjacent to its wine, beer, spirits, cheese, and gourmet food shop. A small number of sidewalk seats will be available during nice weather. Expect a menu of hot and cold snacks served 5-10pm Tuesday through Saturday.

_{The former law office next to Parker’s Table will be transformed into a wine bar, slated to open in spring of 2024.}

The Wine Merchant – Olivette

The Wine Merchant recently left its longtime Clayton location for a new storefront in Olivette (9200 Olive Blvd.). The new location is roughly the same square footage but has newer amenities. For example, there is a freezer which allows the addition of Crispy Edge potstickers and frozen wagyu steaks.

Have you tried any of these spots yet? Reach out if you want to know more about the neighborhoods, restaurants, or wine bars of St. Louis. We are here to answer your questions (or grab a drink).