Podcasts / Arch Eats / ‘Arch Eats’ Podcast: Chef Chris Bertke of Vegan Deli & Butcher

‘Arch Eats’ Podcast: Chef Chris Bertke of Vegan Deli & Butcher

George and Cheryl are joined by Chris Bertke of Vegan Deli & Butcher, “the reigning OG of local vegan restaurant chefs,” according to George.

by SLM Staff May 1, 2024 at 7:00 AM May 19, 2026

Vegan Deli & Butcher's Philly Cheesesteak

vegan%20deli%20bertke.jpg — Chris Bertke

As a follow-up to Arch Eats’ recent episode highlighting some of St. Louis’ best vegan restaurants, hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr chat with Chris Bertke of Vegan Deli & Butcher. As a vegan for almost 30 years, Bertke discusses his history as a chef in St. Louis and the steps that led to his latest project, Vegan Deli & Butcher in Bevo Mill. Hear why George calls Bertke “the reigning OG of local vegan restaurant chefs” and how the sandwich shop quickly became a community hub. From a vegan ode to Gioia’s Hot Salami sandwich to the “lox” bagel, discover must-try menu items that carnivores, omnivores, and vegans alike can enjoy. Listen and follow Arch Eats on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever podcasts are available.

“I wanted to do food that I liked when I was a kid. You know, Big Macs. Loved them. Tacos from Jack In the Box. Loved them. All that stuff. That was my favorite stuff when I was a kid. God, if I can recreate this, I know there’s gotta be a ton of other people out there who don’t eat meat or trying to be healthier that would want to try it.”

This episode is sponsored by Genesis of St. Charles and supported by Laumeier Sculpture Park. Just 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Missouri’s only standalone Genesis dealership is now open at 5601 Veterans Memorial Parkway. Experience luxury like never before at Genesis of St. Charles.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Esca: 5095 Delmar, Delmar Maker District, 314-365-2686
VertiGreens
Louie: 706 DeMun, Clayton, 314-300-8188
Olive + Oak: 216 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves, 314-736-1370
Bono’s Pizzeria: 4500 Hampton, Southhampton, 314-644-6666
Harvest (closed): Big Bend, Richmond Heights
Native Foods
St. Louis VegFest
Vegan Deli & Butcher: 5003 Gravois
Fortune Teller Bar: 2635 Chippewa, Gravois Park, 314-776-2337
Marconi Bakery: 1913 Marconi, The Hill, 314-773-8728
Gioia’s Deli: Multiple locations
Europa Market: 5005 Chippewa, 314-631-7288
Terror Tacos: 3191 S. Grand, Tower Grove South, 314-260-9996
Frida’s: 622 North & South, University City, 314-727-6500

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About The Hosts

George Mahe

George Mahe has spent most of his life immersed in the restaurant industry, owning and operating establishments before delving into food journalism. He began reviewing restaurants for St. Louis Magazine 35 years ago under the pseudonym “Arnie Boye” (a tribute to his dog) and became the magazine’s first dining editor in 1992. His fair and balanced approach spawned a local restaurant consulting company, and further ventures in ownership. In 2006, he returned to SLM. George spearheads the magazine’s dining coverage, curates the weekly Dining Out newsletter, and co-hosts the Arch Eats podcast. George lives in University City with his wife, Suzi. Send your dining questions to [email protected].

Cheryl Baehr

Cheryl Baehr has been telling the story of the St. Louis dining scene since 2013, drawing upon her decades-plus experience in the industry and her passion for food and the people who make our city so delicious. A graduate of the University of Missouri St. Louis and the University of Denver, Cheryl left a career in government in Washington, DC to return to her hometown to write about food, first as longtime dining critic for the Riverfront Times and now as a staff writer, co-host of the Arch Eats podcast, and editor of the Dining In newsletter at St. Louis Magazine. When she’s not celebrating the St. Louis food scene, you can find this proud Florissantonian and recent University City expat sipping on coffee at her home in Wildwood with her daughter, Coretta, her partner, Nick, her step-dog, Van, and her beloved Great Pyrenees, Chloe.