The Grove will soon have a new late-night dining option, courtesy of two big players in the St. Louis food and entertainment scene. Atomic Eats (4140 Manchester), a fast-casual restaurant, will open inside Atomic by Jamo on July 8. The Five Senses, LLC, the hospitality group that operates Kingside Diner and Herbie’s, will run the restaurant.
According to Atomic by Jamo owner Drew Jameson, Atomic Eats represents the full realization of his vision for the multi-use venue, which opened in 2024.
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“Food has always been one of a few key need pieces for the vision to come alive,” Jameson says. “I’m OK with that part coming later on in the process, because we found such an incredible partner in The Five Senses. I’m glad we let things marinate until we found the right one. Having the right fit for that front room is important, because it is a very special place.”
The Concept
Atomic Eats will be located inside the Atomic by Jamo complex, the multi-use entertainment venue that includes different spaces and experiences: Atomic Pavilion, Atomic Lounge, Atomic Garage, Atomic Block Party, with live music, DJs, and other performances.
Atomic Eats will provide a dining component for the complex, which will be run by The Five Senses team of chefs Aaron Teitelbaum, Eric Prophete, and Jamal Holmes, as well as director of operations Dan Rolf. The restaurant will serve food from 5 p.m.–1 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and the bar will remain open until 3 a.m.
As Jameson explains, Atomic Eats will make the Atomic complex a complete destination for dining, drinks, dancing, and enjoying music, whether while enjoying a ticketed event for a live show or a casual hang in the front room.
“After we opened, we became event-driven, so it’s nice to regroup and see the casual side of the place make its debut in the building,” Jameson says. “We’re looking forward to being a casual, affordable, everyday place where you can come in one or three times a week. Ninety-nine percent of the time, you are going to be able to come in for free for just a cool hang or something special like a World Cup watch party, with some of the best technology and audio in town.”
The Menu
Although The Five Senses group is still tweaking Atomic Eats’ menu, Jameson says to expect elevated-yet-approachable comfort food. He points to several signature smashburgers, all creatively topped, among the menu’s highlights. Additionally, diners can expect several vegetable offerings, as well as sides, including vegan chili, which he believes will be one of the more popular offerings. Atomic Eats will also offer both dessert and kids’ menus.
As part of the restaurant launch, the Atomic complex is updating its beverage program to put more focus on beer, tequila, and batched cocktails from STL Barkeep that are designed for quicker service. Guests can expect offerings such as adult slushies served in Capri Sun-style pouches, Jell-O shots, and several non-alcoholic selections.
“Initially, we tried to be more elevated with beverage director-style energy—and we were lucky to work with some of the great names in the St. Louis bar scene,” Jameson says. “But it turns out that’s not necessarily what our customers are looking for. This works well for what people want, as well as our efficiencies as an operation.”
The Backstory
Jameson, a concert promoter with the local outfit Jamo Presents, opened Atomic by Jamo in The Grove in August 2024. Housed in the former Atomic Cowboy space (where Jameson worked for five years), Atomic by Jamo is the neighborhood’s live music venue and serves as a destination for St. Louis music lovers, thanks to its wide range of shows, DJs, and jam sessions.
Jameson sees Atomic Eats as the next step in the venue’s evolution and a key player in The Grove’s post-pandemic momentum.
“I’ve been in the neighborhood off and on since 2015, and I’ve seen people come and go,” Jameson says. “We have some great operators in the neighborhood right now, and I think there is a lot of leadership that is helping to take things down the right path for creating a fun, entertainment-driven city district. It’s a journey, and we are all building it together, working toward that goal and vision.”
