The Key Bistro (5700 Lindell), a full-service lunch and brunch spot on the second floor of the Missouri History Museum, has closed—at least for the time being—along with its grab-and-go counterpart, Key Bistro Express.
Both concepts opened in summer 2023 and were operated by restaurant veteran Pierre Chambrin II, who previously managed Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, 801 Chophouse, and 801 Fish. His father, Pierre Chambrin Sr., a former White House chef and executive chef at the Saint Louis Club, consulted on the menu.
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Chambrin II told SLM that a kitchen fire on February 12 triggered the sprinklers, which caused water damage to the kitchen and the gift shop below the restaurant. The museum closed early that day as a result.
In response to inquiries, the Missouri History Museum stated: “Because the closure was unexpected, the immediate future of The Key Bistro is yet to be determined. We recently announced our ‘We Are St. Louis’ campaign, which includes the renovation of the galleries on our second floor. We are using this moment to explore what experience works best for visitors and are excited to talk to new partners.”
Chambrin II confirmed that he would not be returning as the restaurant’s operator.
Key Bistro is the latest in a 25-year lineage of restaurants occupying the space, which offers panoramic views of Forest Park. Previous iterations included Meriwether’s (operated by Patty Long Catering from 2000–2010), Bixby’s (operated by Butler’s Pantry from 2010–2018), and Café St. Louis (operated by Java Plus Café & Catering, then Pure Catering).
While the museum restaurant’s concept, name, and reopening date is being determined, guests can enjoy snacks from the museum’s Sold on St. Louis shop or visit one of the nearby full-service restaurants in Forest Park. Options include Panorama, located inside the Saint Louis Art Museum, which serves lunch and brunch during museum hours, and the popular Boathouse at Forest Park. Overlooking Post-Dispatch Lake, the Boathouse offers breakfast, lunch, and early dinner daily and is operated by the Sugarfire Smoke House team.
