Travel agency owner Dee Dorsey and her husband, Cartez “Tez” Dorsey, are planning a new type of travel-inspired destination for St. Louis diners. The couple plans to open Travel Lounge at 1511 Washington, in the space that previously housed The Sliced Pint, in late September. The restaurant will provide customers of Dorsey’s travel agency, DeeLuxe Vacation, with a spot to review travel plans, as well as an option for those just looking to enjoy food and drink flights. Here’s what to know before you go.
The Menu
Find the best food in St. Louis
Subscribe to the St. Louis Dining In and Dining Out newsletters to stay up-to-date on the local restaurant and culinary scene.
Travel Lounge will offer flights of such dishes as tacos and toasted ravioli, along with Asian-inspired fare and St. Louis favorites. With the kitchen already having a large pizza oven from the space’s predecessor, Dorsey added pizzas to the concept as well. Chef Dominique Crawford—Dorsey’s longtime collaborator on brunches, catered events, and meals for group cabin trips—will serve as the kitchen manager.
The beverage menu will also offer flights from around the world, inspired by such destinations as the Caribbean islands, Mexico, and wine country. Specialty drinks include the Palm Tree Breeze Freeze, (which comes in a souvenir palm tree cup), a house-made piña colada, an island punch with fresh pineapple, and the Road-Trip Rocky (a cocktail of lemonade vodka and pink lemonade garnished with Pop Rocks candy). Once the restaurant’s liquor license is finalized, Travel Lounge will also offer a full bar with beers on tap, wines by the glass, and shots.
The Atmosphere
The multi-story location on Washington Avenue allows Dorsey to expand the scope of her businesses while bringing them under one roof.
The ground-floor restaurant space has high ceilings, rich wood décor, and teal-colored accents reminiscent of the ocean. The interior features photo-ops along the walls, travel-themed neon lights, and booths decorated with colorful world maps. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday and for midday brunch on Sunday.
The second floor includes a VIP room with a projector where Dorsey and her team can show trip photos to groups who are booking with DeeLuxe Vacations. It also houses an event space and the travel agency’s offices, where restaurant customers can book a trip.
The Travel Lounge is located near Windows on Washington, which recently announced its closure. Dorsey and her team have since received a flurry of inquiries for the event space. At the same time, Dorsey is planning special events, including a kid-friendly, Barbie-themed brunch on September 1.
The Background
Dorsey noticed that travel agency clients who were planning trips often wanted to get together with family and friends to talk through decisions in person. “There is a need for people to get together and coordinate, rather than doing group texts or messages,” Dorsey says. “I’ve been looking for the right spot for this concept for about three years.”
Dorsey, who plans to offer group trips through DeeLuxe Vacations, says restaurant patrons will be able to peruse a destination menu at their tables. Servers will be versed in frequently asked questions, but customers will need to go upstairs to the travel agency to book trips.
Asked whether there’s a peak season for booking travel, Dorsey says, “People book all year round, but I feel our Travel Lounge will be busy in the summer, with being so close to City Museum.” She also feels upbeat about adding a unique downtown destination. “There are other travel-themed bars and restaurants, but none like this.”
