above bar | Congrats to Platypus! The bar, which is located in The Grove at 4501 Manchester Ave., was named ‘Best Underrated Bar’ in the country by Liquor.com. … Tabletop game enthusiasts can look forward to the opening of Dirty 20 at 14051 Manchester Road in Ballwin. The self proclaimed “nerd bar” will offer space for visitors to play games while enjoying libations, which include customizable mac and cheese along with standard bar fare. … Local lifestyle brand Golden Gems is bringing back disco with its new dive bar concept Hidden Gems. It’s now open in Midtown at 3118 Locust St. The one-of-a-kind space features nearly 300 disco balls, a ’70s-inspired second-floor seating area and a 60-foot pink resin bar.
pop-up goes permanent
After two summers at Vicia, Taqueria Morita is moving into a permanent home. The Mexican pop-up concept will take over 4239 Duncan Ave., the former home of Wasabi. Take Root Hospitality’s culinary director Aaron Martinez will continue to serve as head chef for the restaurant, which is expected to open in March. The original Taqueria outdoor garden will be used for private events for both Taqueria Morita and Vicia as well as to host new pop-up concepts.
the big six-oh
A big congratulations is due to Imo’s Pizza. The pizzeria responsible for St. Louis-style pizza is turning 60 this year, having been opened by Ed and Margie Imo in south St. Louis in 1964. To celebrate the special anniversary, Imo’s partnered with local artist Dan Zettwoch to create a commemorative pizza box. Throughout the year, the restaurant also will offer a variety of specials. Keep up with Imo’s at imospizza.com.
opens + closes
Looking for plant-based fare and a cozy atmosphere? Then check out Looking Meadow Cafe, which is now open in Maplewood at 2500 Sutton Blvd. … Webster Groves is home to a new destination for sweet treats. Created by two home bakers, Vanilla Sugar Bake Shoppe is now open at 7949 Big Bend Blvd. … If you’re in Florissant, stop in at 392 St. Ferdinand St. where Big Belly Deli is now slinging sandwiches of all kinds. … AAA Fish House has closed up shop on the Delmar Loop. The owners plan to reopen at a new location. … After more than 100 years in the agriculture industry, Geisert Farms in Washington, Missouri, has announced that it will permanently close. … After five years, Gerad Craft’s Cinder House has closed at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. The hotel has plans to open a new dining concept later this year.
