Photograph by Katherine Bish
It's those "hidden" places that are the most memorable: a "secret" garden, the private beach obscured by thick brush, that European courtyard that just appeared in the plexus of that old hotel. Not that Quintessential is hidden, mind you ... It is a rather obvious—and firstclass— Main Street renovation where every detail was considered and properly monetized, from the swirly granite bar top to the sparkly, oversized floor tiles. Even the washbasins are handmade, layered and stepped to look like mini Grand Canyons. The menu? Another wonder of the world—60 small plates—as in homemade ravioli (that is truly toasted, in an oven), smoked pork-belly penne, and panko-fried goat-cheese-stuffed olives. Whoa ... say hello to the new St. Chuck. The highlight at Q, though, is what is hidden from street view: a stunning rooftop patio, finished in myriad board feet of stained Brazilian ironwood, replete with pop-top cabanas and grand, semicircular groupings of soft seating—reservable, of course. To all that, add an unrelenting river breeze. The quintessential patio? Indeed it is.
141 N. Main
St. Charles
Phone: 636-443-2211
Website: q-stl.com
Hours: Lunch and dinner daily
