When David and Meggan Sandusky closed their much-heralded Grove neighborhood restaurant BEAST Butcher & Block last March, St. Louis lost much more than an outstanding barbecue spot—it lost one of the area’s most thrilling burger menus. Or so it seemed.
Next Monday, January 22, however, the Sanduskys plan to bring back their popular Butcher Burgers for a pop-up event at their Belleville Smokehouse, BEAST Craft BBQ (20 S. Belt W, Belleville). For the one night–only (at least for now) affair, the BEAST team will turn the restaurant into a diner-style eatery, complete with floats, fries, a signature side dish, and, of course, burgers of all different styles. The pop-up will be walk-in only and follow the smokehouse’s usual line-up, counter-service format.
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The Background
As David explains, the burgers were just too good and had too much of a fan base to remain missing from the area’s dining landscape.
“The loss of Butcher & Block was a big one; we did a lot of things there that we enjoyed doing, that were working, and that we felt really good about and could put ourselves behind,” David says. “The Butcher Burger part of the menu was one of those things. People were starting to visit us for the burgers, and we were really making a name for ourselves with them, as well as everything else we were doing. It was just a little too little too late, but we are still really good at doing those things.”
The Sanduskys saw an opportunity to host the pop-up after changing their smokehouse hours for the winter. Because it is currently open only from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday (the restaurant remains open from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday), it left the dining room dark during what would normally be dinner service. Some of that time is being filled with barbecue classes, which have proven to be popular, prompting David to add sessions. For the remaining dates, the Sanduskys are looking into ways to offer different experiences for loyal fans.
The Butcher Burger pop-up is the first idea they settled on—and an easy decision, considering how well diners responded to the burger menu when it was on offer at BEAST Butcher & Block. For the event, David plans to bring back both thick and smashburgers with various themes, such as the Bayou Burger (pictured at right), which he describes as a play on the boudin burger previously offered at the shuttered Grove location. A ground pork patty will be infused with seasoning that’s typically found in traditional New Orleans-style boudin, then topped with pimento cheese, house-made andouille sausage, and remoulade. Another favorite for David is “The Wurst” burger (pictured below) made with two bratwurst seasoned smashed pork patties, Swiss cheese, candied bacon jam and pickled onions.
Beyond the Burgers
The Sanduskys are also excited about offerings beyond the burgers. Brussels sprouts, one of BEAST’s most popular side dishes, are getting a new look for the pop-up in the form of a delectable chili crisp. “Forget everything else on the menu, and get the Brussels that night because they are so good,” David says.
Also available will be floats made with Breese, Illinois-based Excel sodas. Options include a traditional root beer float, as well as one made with both Ski and Red Cream Cola that David insists tastes like a Dreamsicle.
Although David has no immediate plans for another pop-up, he won’t rule it out. “We’re hoping for a big night,” he says. “This is just a way to test some things out and give something to our customers who have been with us for nine years…. Maybe there’s an opportunity to see again. I’m not sure when, but never say never.”
