This year is already shaping up to be a busy one for new restaurant and bar openings in downtown St. Louis, with at least 10 restaurants, bars, and cafés opening or in the works. The forthcoming Jefferson Arms building will account for a number of those new openings, but new restaurants and a food hall are also in the pipeline across downtown. Here’s a rundown of developments.
The Jefferson Arms building
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The $135 million renovation of the Jefferson Arms building at 415 N. Tucker Boulevard is one of the most highly anticipated projects set for completion this year. The mixed-use complex will include five food-and-drink concepts, 235 residences, and an AC Marriott hotel with 235 guest rooms. Project architect Sofia Sarimsakci of Alterra Worldwide, the developer behind Jefferson Arms, says the complex is targeting a summer 2025 opening. Istanbul-based firm Naif Design is taking the lead on designing each of the food-and-drink concepts, with renderings released so far looking very stylish. Here’s what to expect at the Jefferson Arms:
The Taco Turko Bar: This casual, takeout-focused restaurant will serve a fusion menu of Mexican and Turkish cuisine, including tacos and gyro-style wraps. There will also be desserts such as baklava and churros, reflecting the restaurants Mexican and Turkish influences. Sarimsakci says seating will be limited to “a counter with a few stools.” The Taco Turko Bar will also operate its own food truck.
Nico’s Bakery: This bakery boasts, “The best bread is Balkan.” Nico’s will bring baked goods informed by Bulgarian, Turkish, and Greek traditions. There will be both sweet and savory breads, pastries, and other treats, including burek and baklava. Nico’s will seat approximately 20 guests.
Salonika: This fine-dining restaurant is inspired by Greek, Jewish, and Turkish cuisines, in a historical nod to the history of the Greek city of Thessaloniki (also known as Salonika in English). The restaurant’s attractions will include a mezze bar, fish bar, and a menu of grilled steaks, chicken, and other meats. A number of kosher items will also feature on the menu. The restaurant is expected to seat around 70, with a combination of four-top tables, booths, and bar seating. The bar itself will serve a full selection of cocktails, beer, and wine.
Clandestino’s Speakeasy: This elegantly designed speakeasy will be hidden behind the dressing room of British-inspired tailor shop Jefferson & Sons. Sarimsakci says guests can expect a throwback to Prohibition-era speakeasies, with bartenders whipping up cocktails, wine, and beer. A menu of bar bites will include items such as crudo, an elevated grilled cheese, and truffle fries. The venue will also have a small stage, which will host jazz singers and other performers. There will also be a photobooth, giving guests a chance to commemorate their evening with a snap. “It’s a space you just want to get lost in,” says Sarimsakci.
The Corner Vinyl Café: During the daytime, The Corner Vinyl Café will serve different coffees, matcha, and tea, with a menu of pastries, open-face toasts, sandwiches, and paninis. “It’s the type of space I envision you spending a while in, Sarimsakci says. “It’s a very dynamic space.” In the evening, the space will evolve into a bar offering only craft beer and wine, with DJs playing vinyl records on a high-quality sound system.
In addition to the food and drink concepts at Jefferson Arms, a dedicated kosher kitchen will be an option for catering at events hosted in the venue’s historic ballroom. Jefferson Arms will also have its own barber shop (The Gentleman’s Cut), which will be equipped with a full cocktail bar allowing customers to sip on a drink while getting a trim.
Beyond Jefferson Arms, there are several other places we’re tracking in downtown St. Louis:
AC Marriott: The AC Marriott hotel will also feature a lobby bar that will serve food, as well as a separate breakfast space. The complex will also house a street-level tailor shop and a barber shop.
Unnamed Food Hall (1122 Washington): Developer Oliver Properties is planning a 9,000 square-foot food hall, according to St. Louis Public Radio. The food hall would be built in the space formerly occupied by Reign and, before that, Copia Restaurant & Wine Garden.
The Moniker (1000 Washington): Based on teasers shared on social media, this “cocktail bar with small plates” looks like it has the potential to be among the year’s most attractive new openings.
The Place on Washington Ave. (1128 Washington).: A “kitchen, cocktails, lunch, and happy hour” restaurant will take over the former Bobby’s Place space. It’s slated to open in a few weeks, according to social media sources.
Recent Downtown Openings
Looking to try somewhere new downtown? Check out these recent openings:
Asian Arch (412. N. Tucker): On the heels of the owner’s retirement and the subsequent closure of Asia Gourmet, Asian Arch opened February 1. The menu includes Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes, including sushi rolls, donburi (Japanese rice bowls), pad Thai, pad see ew, General Tso’s chicken, and more.
Mosito’s (1317 Washington): One of the city’s best-kept barbecue secrets, Mosito’s added to its tiny Soulard Market spot by opening a second location in January. Owner Chivas Johnson’s specialties include brined, smoked turkey legs, turkey chops (similar to pork chops), turkey “ribs,” pork rib tips, and smoked chicken wings.
Thank you to civic advocate Denis Beganovic for providing information on many of the above spaces.
