When you walk into Hidden Gem (3118 Locust), the self-described disco dive bar in Midtown from Golden Gems founders Amanda Helman and Susan Logsdon that opened December 20, the first thing you’ll likely notice is a bold statement emblazoned above the bar: “You’re a F—ing Gem,” the sign reads, a nod to the brand’s message of unapologetic self love.
Helman, Logsdon, and manager TIffany Kaltenbach hope to convey that idea to every person who walks into the space. “Ultimately, we are looking to build community and give people a place to go,” Kaltenbach says. “Safety and inclusivity is the backbone of what we are trying to build. In the absence of places like [the late Grove bar] Novak’s, we wanted to create a space that we wouldn’t necessarily deem to be a gay bar—even though that’s sort of what it’s becoming—but where people can feel free to be themselves. Our ultimate goal is to make a positive, happy gathering place that helps to build community and to be loud about the things that matter.”
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Here’s what to know before you go.
The Menu
Kaltenbach, who previously made her name in the St. Louis beverage industry as owner of mobile bar The Wandering Sidecar, wanted to create a menu that was both elevated and approachable. In keeping with the Golden Gems spirit, it was important for her to have fun, irreverent names to set the tone for the experience. These include such offerings as Gay Water (made with vodka, cranberry, and lime juice, and topped with a rainbow candy garnish), a nod to the drink of choice in her friend circle.
Others offerings include draft beer served in a glass cowboy boot with a shot of whiskey, a citrus gin bucket served in a disco ball, and the Midwest Honey, made with gin, rosemary and honey simple syrup and lemon juice, which is inspired by Kaltenbach’s personal cocktail preference.
“We will also have many spirit-free options—there are two mocktails on the menu, but you can also add any of our simple syrups to ginger beer or soda,” Kaltenbach says. “When we first put out the word that we were opening, that was one of the main questions people had. We wanted the drink menu to also be inclusive.”
True to its dive bar spirit, Hidden Gem will not serve food. Although there is talk about perhaps one day offering some light snacks, the idea for now is to partner with local food trucks.
The Atmosphere
The same bright pink, loud, and proudly sparkly vibe that characterizes the Golden Gems retail brand shines through at Hidden Gem. Three hundred disco balls adorn the two-story room, giving the entire space a shimmer and festive feel that invites patrons to cut loose on the dance floor.
“When people walk in, it definitely takes them aback a little bit,” Kaltenback says. “People’s mouths drop to the floor, from everything being all different hues of pink and the 300 disco balls. It definitely makes an impact.
A 60-foot curved bar, adorned in shimmery disco ball–style tiles and capped with a slick red bartop takes up one side of the lower level. Green tufted leather bar chairs and large pastel pink banquettes provide ample seating downstairs. The upstairs loft area features a 1970s-style conversation pit where folks can sink back and relax with a cocktail.
Artwork throughout the bar reflects its in-your-face ethos. A poster that reads “It’s Free Britney, Bitch” holds court over the room, and a neon sign lets merry-makers know “This Ain’t No Disco…It Ain’t No Country Club Either.” The vibe even carries through to the bathrooms, adorned with neon paint and pink grout.
Kaltenbach and company plan on putting together a range of entertainment options, including DJs and drag shows. They also hope to be a destination for private events and have a separate back room that will be available to rent.
“It felt like St. Louis was missing a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone can feel at home,” Kaltenbach says. “Extending the brand into hospitality just made sense—and Golden Gems does nothing in a subtle way.”
