SLM contributor Joe Bonwich weighs in on local food events, happenings, and dining news of note. Look for his observations every other week in On the Burner, SLM’s dining e-newsletter.
What’s the Big Woof?
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What’s new at Woofie’s ? Well, husband-and-wife co-owners Craig Smith and Mary O’Leary bought it in May from Paul Fitzgerald, who’d owned it since 1998, after the death of legendary founder Charlie Eisen. Although the somewhat-tattered décor was part of Woofie’s charm, it was also in somewhat-dire need of a facelift, which happened incrementally over the summer. Among other things, the walls are newly painted, with many of the portraits restored. But best of all, a Woofie Dog is still a Woofie Dog, and a Big Herm is still a Big Herm. (And oh, those fries!)
A Hop, Skip, and a Jump
St. Louis Hop Shop beer store and tap is moving two doors down, to a larger space at the corner of Cherokee and Jefferson. Owners Ryan Griffith and Justin Harris opened the store just over two years ago and quickly established a solid reputation in the local beer community and along Cherokee Street. The new and improved Hop Shop is expected to open in mid-September.
Tangled
Festus will become a focal point for the St. Louis beer scene on September 9, from noon–4 p.m., when it hosts the Tanglefoot Brewfest, featuring more than 100 beers from more than 40 different breweries, as well as concoctions from local home brewers. Purchase $25 tickets at Festus’ renowned Main & Mill Brewing Company or online. Proceeds benefit the installation of playground shade structures in Festus public parks.
