The laid-back sister of Twisted Tree Steakhouse just arrived in Arnold.
Twisted Tavern Eating & Drinking Co. is a new concept from the Syberg family, which also operates seven Syberg’s restaurants across the region and Helen Fitzgerald’s Irish Grill & Pub in Sunset Hills.
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Located in a former Ruby Tuesday’s, at 3606 West Outer Road, Twisted Tavern is taking a more casual approach than Twisted Tree, with both its ambiance and menu, while maintaining the same high standards of quality and sourcing.
Dressed in gray and lack, the interior is comfortable with no excess adornment, its 150 seats split between bar and dining room. Standard tables flank a window wall in the main room; booth seating and half walls capably break up what could have felt like a huge space.
The hope was to open the doors somewhat quietly, which didn’t happen. On its inaugural night, the restaurant ran a three and a half hour wait. “People are cooped up all over town, looking for something to do,” reasoned company rep Tracy Stamper. “I get it.”
While there are two steaks on the menu, gastropub fare is more the rule, with half-pound burgers, melts, and sandwiches leading the charge.
The Twisted Salad, similar to a version served at Twisted Tree, is served in a steel bowl and accompanied by a caddy containing warm croutons, two dressings, and feta cheese.
The appetizer menu certainly has a “twist” to it, including the Twisted Fries with cured pork belly, cheese curds, gravy, chives, and garlic aioli. The Twisted Shrimp include four bacon-wrapped prawns stuffed with jalapeño. Also making an appearance are the same hand-battered onion rings that grace almost every table at Twisted Tree.
Following in the footsteps of Twisted Tree, a bit of surf and turf is weaved into the main menu. The Arnold is a triple smashed burger with lobster, Swiss cheese, and aioli. The Lobster Melt (pictured above) includes poached lobster, mozzarella, smashed avocado, and chipotle aioli.
On Saturdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Twisted Tavern offers a chef’s choice platter of eggs, proteins, and other provisions. (Two renditions are pictured below). After negotiating the mammoth Breakfast Board, you’ll be set until dinner.
Of course, you can’t call it a tavern and not have amazing drinks. The wine menu is smaller in scope than at Twisted Tree, with 15 affordable wines from both Europe and America, available by the bottle and the glass. The rest of the drink program features some twists on classic cocktails using signature barrel selections and boozy shakes.
The craft cocktail menu is anchored by the Twisted Old Fashioned. A partnership with local tequila maker Una Vida produced a special Twisted Tavern Margarita. The boozy shakes, a signature at Twisted Tree, feature homemade ice cream. The Salted Caramel blends vanilla vodka, caramel syrup with vanilla ice cream while the Boozy Baileys mixes the Irish Cream with chocolate and chocolate chip ice cream.
The beer menu features a mix of draft, cans, and bottled beer from St. Louis breweries such as 4 Hands, Urban Chestnut, and Anheuser-Busch.
While reservations are not accepted, Twisted Tavern’s website does feature a virtual waiting list. Service is currently dine-in only, with no curbside pickup or delivery available as yet.
