Korean barbecue fans now have a fast-casual option in The Loop at 571 Melville Ave. BoB.Q, from the team behind Wudon in Creve Coeur, offers rice bowls with four protein options and sides like cabbage kimchi, dumplings and miso soup. … Chateau Maplewood, located at 7326 Manchester Road, is the perfect destination for aspiring sommeliers. The wine shop includes a bar that serves drinks and a small menu of cheese, charcuterie and light salads. … The owners of El Burro Loco have opened another colorful Mexican spot. La Bamba is located downtown at 1010 Lucas Ave. … After a long wait, Up-Down arcade bar is open in the Central West End at 405 N. Euclid Ave. Guests can enjoy one of the 90 craft brews on tap, grab a slice of pizza, and play vintage arcade games, pinball, Skee-Ball and more. … Wellspent Brewing Company in Midtown has closed. It opened in March 2018.
bbq in the lou
Baileys’ Restaurants is continuing to grow with its eighth venture. Knockout BBQ opens this month in the same space as Rooster on South Grand Boulevard. Executive chef AJ Benga created a menu of traditional offerings like Texas brisket and Carolina pulled pork mixed with unique vegetarian options and globally inspired specials. … From Italian to Latin American, restaurant power couple Mike and Liz Randolph have tackled a variety of cuisines. Their newest eatery is barbecue. Slated to open later this year at 7359 Forsyth Blvd., Original J’s Tex-Mex Barbecue will focus on Texas-style meat, specifically beef, served on its own or as the base for tacos, bowls and other dishes. The menu also will include healthier, nontraditional sides.
a place at the table
Another local culinary couple is cooking up something new. Michael and Tara Gallina, co-owners of the acclaimed Vicia, have purchased Winslow’s Home in University City. The Gallinas plan to embrace the neighborhood farm-to-table focus, but will bring their own unique touch, starting with a name change. Winslow’s Home will operate until October, when it will close before reopening in November as Winslow’s Table.
Grab a cup of coffee and visit feline friends at The Cheshire Grin Cat Cafe. Located in Benton Park at 1926 Cherokee St., the cafe gives guests the opportunity to visit with adoptable pets from local animal rescue organizations like Stray Rescue and the APA. The animals are kept separate from the main cafe area, and time with them can be booked online for $5 an hour. For hands-off time with the cats, large windows allow for observation while enjoying coffee drinks and baked goods.