The ownership team behind the well-known downtown sports bar Wheelhouse is stepping out of theirs.
"We are excited to introduce this completely new concept to the St. Louis scene," says Stephen Savage.
The four-man Consips ownership team, of which Savage is a part, has partnered with Atomic Dust to create a nostalgic playground for adults: Start Bar.
Located next door to the downtown Wheelhouse, on Spruce Street, the arcade bar will feature six pinball machines, two Skee-Ball games, and 18 cabinet games. (Think Pac-Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Mortal Kombat). But don’t expect bright blinking lights and ball pits. The owners are aiming to strike a fun, more sophisticated note.
"We really did this for ourselves and other people around St. Louis," says Savage. "We want to do more than just go out for a drink; we want social activities, too."
But not to worry: There will be drinks, too, including a roster of canned beer that Savage describes as "extensive," a selection of different bourbons, as well as boozy milkshakes and snow cones.
On the food side, the menu will include handmade pizzas, a candy bar, and a snack bar stocked with nostalgic homemade treats.
"We're excited to introduce our Cheetos marshmallow crispy," teases Savage.
Say no more.
Start Bar is slated to open this June in the 5,000-square-foot space next door to Wheelhouse—though that square footage does not include an outdoor patio that Savage and his counterparts are looking forward to showing off.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated from an earlier version.
