Hump day hangout: Wine Down Wednesday at Oliva on the Hill

We understand where Mark Erker’s coming from.

How many times do you find yourself in need of a little evening sustenance, asks the owner of Catering St. Louis, but can’t seem to find exactly the right place? It’s either too far away, too loud, too hectic, too expensive, or has an unappealing menu. And you’re too tired to deal with any of it.

With minimal effort, one of Erker’s special event venues became that place.

The kind of place that’s open when you get off work and closes at a decent hour. A place with a small plates menu created by a renowned local chef, who happens to be on hand to personally cook, plate, and occasionally serve the items. A place with a limited (but premium) wine and beer selection, so making a decision is easy. A place where everyone seems to know one another, a Cheers-type of place, but the socializing takes place outside, on a secluded patio. And best yet, 50 percent of the evening’s sales are donated to a local charity.

Now in its third week, Wine Down Wednesdays will take place every Wednesday from 5–10 p.m. on the patio at Oliva …on the Hill (4915 Daggett), moving indoors in the fall and winter. Located in the shadow of the ascending Kingshighway viaduct (and precisely 5 feet from it), Oliva is a hidden gem.

Originally built as a tavern, the two-story yellow building has been a boarding house, banquet hall, and several restaurants, most recently Space and before that the legendary Sala’s. (Note: The wooden benches at nearby O’Connell’s Pub came from Sala’s.)  

The patio sits behind a peek-a-boo wooden fence in a courtyard that’s bookended by the building proper and the former laundry room for the restaurants. (It was converted into the Groom’s Room). Erker removed the sprawling willow tree that had taken over the space and replaced it with a pergola that’s now covered in wisteria vines.

There are standard tables, a counter, and upholstered seats (one under a gurgling water sculpture), so finding a comfortable landing place is easy. Step up to the bar to discuss the drink options with the bartender, Robert, and the food options with Lisa Slay, former longtime executive chef at Remy’s, who’s as comfortable and chatty as you’ll soon be.

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Slay says. “Small menu, most of it cooked on an outdoor grill—easy, fun items that I can change up as needed.”

Tonight, there will be a fire pit outside, and should the skies threaten, the party will move to the bar indoors, where Erker and Co. will share tales of the building’s storied history. Ask about the three apartments upstairs (currently used for bridal parties), which might soon see double duty as an Airbnb.