The Brass Tap (9091 Olive Crossing), an upscale beer bar concept with more than 50 locations nationwide, opened its first Missouri location on March 2.
Franchise owners Kush and Prapti Patel, who plan to open five locations across the metro area, are quick to note that the name belies the concept. In addition to more than 40 draft taps, about half featuring local breweries, the bar offers another 50 beers in bottles and cans, along with wine, a full bar, a robust cocktail program, and an extensive food menu.
“If you love craft beer, you will absolutely love this place,” says Kush. “And even if you don’t love craft beer, you will absolutely love this place. There are more than enough options to keep everybody happy. Bring your craft beer buddies, bring your family, your partner, or just bring yourself.”
Here’s what to know before you go.
The Concept
The Patels have long wanted to get into the restaurant business (Kush’s family has a long history in retail), and they felt that the franchise model would give them more support as first-time restaurant owners. “My dream has always been to open a bar,” Kush reflects, “one that caters to as many people as possible. The Brass Tap is exactly that. Prapti shared the same dream, we got married, and here we are.
“Having been in St. Louis my entire life and Prapti having been here for a decade, we feel like we really understand St. Louis,” Kush adds. “When we saw this concept, we were like, St. Louis needs this. Why is this not already here? With the beer-loving culture that we have, it’s just a great fit here, and there’s nothing quite like it. It’s kind of an all-in-one, fun-for-everyone place.”
Prapti adds that The Brass Tap is focused on hosting events each week, from trivia nights, karaoke nights, and summer cornhole tournaments to World Cup and NBA playoff watch events. “St. Louis loves beer, but it’s also known to have these tight-knit community bars where people love hanging out, watching sports, and going to events,” she says. “We found this perfect opportunity, and we want to bring this to the community.
The first St. Louis area location of The Brass Tap is in the new 14.8-acre Olive Crossing mixed-use development. “We feel like it’s really an up-and-coming area,” Kush says. “There’s nothing quite like this in Olivette. We feel like the people of Olivette will love this, and it would cater to a lot of other people’s needs.”
The Atmosphere
The 3,000-square-foot space seats 85 and centers on a rustic wood-plank feature wall lined with four TVs and a 12-by-7-foot video wall that serves as the focal point. Graphics, murals, and references to local sports teams make it clear to guests that they’re in a St. Louis sports bar.
Most seating is at high-top tables, a “strategic decision,” according to Kush. The elevated height allows servers and guests to interact at eye level while giving patrons a clearer view of the bar and the TVs. “They’re space-efficient, easier to serve, and help create a more social atmosphere,” Kush says. “And the stools are padded, so they’re comfortable. We want guests to stick around.”
The Food
Kush describes the menu as “bar bites with a twist,” with shareable starters such as balsamic-glazed crispy Brussels sprouts, fried cheese curds, mac ’n’ cheese bites, onion rings, potstickers, and a soft pretzel.
The menu also includes salads, tacos, nachos, and wings, served with a choice of five dry rubs and nine dipping sauces. Kush singles out the Boom Boom sauce as a favorite, “a closely held secret that even we don’t know,” he says. (Traditionally, Boom Boom sauce is a thick, spicy, tangy, mayo-based condiment made with chili sauce, ketchup, Sriracha, Worcestershire, citrus, and spices.)
Asked about his favorites, Kush has plenty. BBQ pork mac ’n’ cheese bites arrive on a bed of queso. The fish and chips—beer-battered, hand-breaded cod—“may be my favorite menu item,” he says, at least until a pizza passes by. “The crust is par-baked in a TurboChef oven before being topped and baked again. It may be the best pizza you’ve ever had.”
Side dishes include fried pickle chips with delicate, translucent breading and crinkle-cut fries dusted with garlic and Parmesan. Kush notes that the Brass Tap menu is highly customizable, and nearly every item can be made vegetarian.
While the core menu will remain consistent across locations, Kush says each location has flexibility to offer weekend brunch—expected to launch in Olivette within a month—and to introduce a few local tweaks. “We’re planning additions that go beyond the expected toasted ravioli,” he says.
The Beverages
First and foremost, The Brass Tap’s drink program centers on an expansive craft beer selection, with as many local options as possible. Guests can choose from 40 taps, and the menu highlights eight beer glass styles, with icons indicating the proper glassware for each brew to maximize flavor and aroma. For the undecided, four-beer flights offer a chance to sample a range of selections.
In addition to beer on draft, in bottles, and in cans, the beverage menu includes a small selection of wines, sangria, and nonalcoholic options, including N/A beers and cocktails.
House cocktails feature classics such as an Espresso Martini, Aperol Spritz, and Mojito, along with an Old Fashioned that’s smoked tableside. Margaritas are also a focus, with several variations available, including one made with reposado tequila, a spicy version, and another with watermelon purée. A four-margarita flight is also offered.
Kush emphasizes the breadth of the bar’s spirits selection. “We don’t have a Negroni on the menu, but if you want a Negroni, we’ll make you one,” he says.
Whether guests stop in for dinner with family or just grab a beer at the bar after work, the Patels hope that The Brass Tap becomes a go-to gathering place.
“We want to become the community’s favorite new hot spot,” Prapti says.
The Brass Tap
📍 9091 Olive Crossing, Ste. 100, Olivette
📞 314-455-2018
⏰ 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Sun–Thu; 11 a.m.–midnight Fri & Sat
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