The Washington Avenue dining and entertainment scene will soon get a jolt of fresh energy, courtesy of a sleek new restaurant and lounge. The Moniker (1000 Washington), an elevated food and beverage concept, is primed to become a go-to spot for drinks and dining, catering to everyone from those looking for a date-night spot to C-suite executives wanting the perfect place to close a deal. The space is slated to open June 19.
Jordaryl “Jordy” Logan, a longtime bar professional whose resume includes the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis and The Last Hotel, owns the Moniker with the support of local real estate developer Alex Oliver and business consultant/strategist Britteney Ofodile. According to Ofodile, the vision for the Moniker is not just contained within its four walls, but is part of a larger plan to be a part of creating a vibrant downtown where people work, live, and play.
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“In St. Louis, we constantly hear that we don’t have anything like this,” says Ofodile. “We deserve places like this, and no matter what is going on around us, we can create a space where people feel comfortable, happy, and excited to be there. St. Louis has a lot of gems—and the truth of the matter is that they are not all hidden; I think they are in plain sight, and we are not taking advantage of them. We see what we are doing as a key component of a vibrant downtown that encourages other people and signals to others what is possible.”
The Atmosphere
Ofodile describes The Moniker as a restaurant lounge where people can come together over delicious food and drinks, whatever the occasion. While the Moniker will be a come-as-you-are, welcoming environment, she describes the space as decidedly elevated.
“This is a place where grown people can come and unwind,” says Ofodile. “Not that we aren’t welcome to families—we are—but sometimes, as a parent, you might want to get away for a bit, go on a first date, or meet with business associates. You can stay for a quick bite and conversation, or you can make a night of it.”
Ofodile describes the space as having a sexy, somewhat moody vibe, that will be filled with sophisticated music; a mix of DJs, a curated jazz and low-key R&B playlist and even live music will define the soundtrack. In terms of decor, the space will be adorned with sumptuous fabrics, comfortable seating, and luxe touches defining the scene. Emerald green plays a significant role in the decor, not simply because of the interior’s aesthetic but also because it has personal significance to Logan.
“Emerald green was his mother’s color,” says Ofodile. “She passed in 2022, so this is his way of paying homage to her. There is even a mural of her in the lounge. Everything about the space is intentional.”
The Menu
Logan will draw upon his background in cocktails to create a beverage menu featuring creative concoctions and well-executed versions of classics—with a twist. A French 75 is enlivened with kiwi, for instance, and a traditional Cosmopolitan will feature honeydew for a delicious melon riff. All beverages are made with fresh-squeezed juices and herbs plucked straight from a garden, such as the deliciously floral Lavender Lemon Drop. Ofodile notes that Logan loves Manhattans and has several takes on the cocktail, including one made with mandarin orange and another infused with vanilla.
The food options will match the creativity of the beverages, thanks to executive chef Mark Brown, formerly of the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. Brown has created a menu of both small plates and larger entrées that will allow people to grab a quick nosh or make an evening of their visit. Salmon cakes, Ofodile says, have been particularly well-received during the soft opening. The restaurant will also have several “dirty boards,” filled with everything from assorted cheeses to peppers. She notes the chicken ribs, which feature a sweet or spicy sauce. And though it might be difficult, she encourages folks to save room for desserts such as cotton candy crème brûlée and a playful twist on bananas foster.
“Seeing [Brown] spread his wings and create like this has been amazing,” says Ofodile. “Everything he does has little twists on it that show how he understands flavor.”
The Backstory
Before Logan, Ofodile, and Oliver began collaborating on The Moniker, they met at One Cardinal Way, where Logan ran the bar and Ofodile and Oliver were residents. It was the early days of the pandemic, and the three quickly became friends. “When Jordaryl came to One Cardinal Way, he really flipped our resident experience around,” recalls Ofodile. “He is a master at creating experiences and vibes. He creates community and a culture of connection and creativity; it’s just innate in who he is.”
If Logan is the hospitality mastermind of the group, then Oliver is the real estate visionary, whose bold plans for downtown St. Louis include purchasing large swaths of real estate as other investors have turned away from the area. As Oliver told SLM’s Sarah Fenske last October, the idea is to buy entire blocks, so he can curate the sort of environment that residents and those coming to the area want to see.
One of Oliver’s properties, Six Cord Apartments, had a space that he felt was perfect for an upscale restaurant lounge. He was also so impressed with Logan’s prowess behind the bar and knack for hospitality that he knew he was the one he wanted to run it. From that idea—and with the assistance of Greater St. Louis, Inc. and St. Louis Development Corporation’s Downtown Retail Incentives Program—The Moniker was born.
“St. Louis deserves a space that is fun, safe, and open,” says Ofodile, “where everyone is welcome.”
The Moniker
📍1000 Washington, downtown
📞 314-932-5602
⏰ Thu-Sun: 2 p.m. -11:30 p.m, plus Sunday brunch
