After a seven-week delay, Extra Brut opens tonight in Clayton

Let the corks fly and the celebration begin! Extra Brut is now open in Clayton.

The city’s first champagne-only lounge was slated to bow in early August, but due to unexpected construction requests and liquor licensing issues the opening had to be postponed until tonight.

Whitney VinZant, a champagne aficionado and the owner of Louie’s Wine Dive (seven locations, including 16 S. Bemiston in Clayton), says he had wanted to open a bubbles bar for years. “There are wine bars everywhere,’ he told SLM, “but not many places—even across the country—that focus exclusively on champagne." He added that "champagne is an underserved part of the wine market and people need more exposure to it."

That was the genesis for Extra Brut (named after a very dry style of champagne), a 55-seat rustic-walled speakeasy that utilizes the vacant space adjacent to Louie’s. The name is a propos, as sparklers are the only beverage offered: no other wine, no hard liquor, and—horror of horrors in the city of Clayton—no Bud Light.

Photo courtesy Angela Castelli

Those who buy a bottle can pour as generously as they want.

While several glass pours are available, bottle service is the order of the day, with offerings priced from $42 to $600. Kindred spirit Patrick Olds, a sommelier and the GM at Louie’s, assembled and curates the list that VinZant says will develop into one of best champagne menus in the Midwest. "Many of the selections are rare, allocated, or must be secured when they are released," Olds explains. "Some are limited to only a few bottles, so customers can expect a lot of variety and and a lot of change."

Besides the bevy of bubbles, there’s a raw bar, a selection of broiled oysters, and several bubbles-friendly small plates (full menu here).

As SLM reported in late July, there are three ways to secure a seat at Extra Brut (beginning next week): walk in and take your chances; use the NoWait app; or buy a $25 VIP Ticket (pre-sold online) that provides immediate entry, a reserved seat, and a glass of champagne.

VinZant and Olds realized at the outset that the market for a limited-beverage lounge would be small, hence the weekends-only hours. Part of the appeal, they say, is for private parties, tastings, and corporate events not limited to champagne and oysters. “There’s an entire restaurant right next door,” VinZant reminds, “so for an off-night experience, the sky’s the limit.”