Sauce Magazine // April 2026

Twisted Tree Steakhouse's buttery filet mignon turns steak night into an occasion, complete with massive salads and superlative sides.

APRIL 2026 • VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4

OWNER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

OWNER & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lucas Farrell

Kyle Stevens

Lauren Healey

Kelli Jones

Haimanti Germain

Aspen Smit

Julia Fallert, Lauren Healey

Riley Hansen, Lauren Healey

Sauce was founded by Allyson Mace in 1999.

TO PLACE ADVERTISEMENTS IN SAUCE MAGAZINE, contact the advertising department at sales@saucemagazine.com.

The entire contents of Sauce Magazine are copyright 2026 by STL Bucket List, LLC. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the expressed written permission of the Publisher, Sauce Magazine, 7302 Piccadilly Ave., Maplewood, MO 63143. The Sauce name and logo are both registered to the publisher, STL Bucket List, LLC. While the information has

4

been compiled carefully to ensure maximum accuracy at the time of publication, it is provided for general guidance only and is subject to change. The publisher cannot guarantee the accuracy of all information or be responsible for omissions or errors.

EDITORIAL POLICIES The Sauce Magazine mission is to provide St. Louis-area residents and visitors with unbiased, complete information on the area’s restaurant, bar and entertainment industry. Our editorial content is not influenced by who advertises with Sauce Magazine or saucemagazine.com.

Our reviewers are never provided with complimentary food or drinks from the restaurants in exchange for favorable reviews, nor are their identities as reviewers made known during their visits.

Sauce is available free of charge. Additional copies of the current issue may be purchased for $1.00 plus postage, payable in advance to the Sauce Magazine office at 7302 Piccadilly Ave., Maplewood, MO 63143. Sauce may be distributed only by Sauce authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of Sauce, take more than one copy of Sauce's monthly issue.

Twisted Tree Steakhouse has long been a beloved spot in the community. The melt-inyour-mouth filet mignon is the undeniable star, and you can add a side of bone marrow butter to make it even juicier. The supporting cast of sides deserves attention too. Every entrée comes with a massive salad – your choice of Caesar or the house (our pick) – served family-style for a build-yourown extravaganza. Expect fresh greens and veggies, feta, the crispiest buttery croutons, and two dressings: Pear Tree Vinaigrette and Madam French. Pro tip: Try each dressing on its own, then mix them together for the ultimate salad fusion. You’ll also get a side with your entrée, and we highly recommend the sweet chile-glazed Brussels sprouts.

10701 Watson Road, St. Louis, 314.394.3366, twistedtreesteakhouse.com

Multiple locations, 4handsbrewery.com/cannabis

3 new places to try this month

Tucked next door to the beloved nightlife den of 17 years The Crack Fox, Odditeas Cafe & Artistic Lounge feels like stepping into a bohemian hideaway that doubles as a café, cocktail bar and creative hub. Opened by the Crack Fox owner Carrie Harris, the downtown spot blends a café menu with tea service, cocktails and THC elixirs, all inside a space that’s part lounge, part mini art market. The vibe lands somewhere between witchy and hippie in the best possible way. Think cozy nooks, colorful art lining the walls and little retail corners stocked with handmade jewelry, clothes and other curiosities that make browsing half the fun.

Come hungry, and start with the Witch Pockets, flaky pastries packed with savory goodness. The spinach version channels spanakopita energy, warm and verdant with a light, airy crust that shatters delicately with each bite. A chicken, tomato and mozzarella version is even more satisfying, proving these little hand pies punch well above their weight. If you’re heading to a show next door at the Crack Fox, they make the perfect snack when you want something quick but delicious.

Sandwiches lean fresh and playful. The Harvest Moon layers turkey and havarti with apples, greens and a house-made blueberry-Pinot jam that adds a subtle sweetness, all served with chips for the crunchy sidekick every sandwich deserves. We also sampled a pot roast sandwich and a piping hot French onion soup from an upcoming menu, both hearty enough to anchor a full meal.

Drinks run the gamut from tea and coffee to cocktails and THC elixirs. The Naked and Famous cocktail balances smoky mezcal with Yellow Chartreuse and Aperol so no single note overwhelms. For something more unconventional, the Blue Haze THC elixir tastes like blueberry lemonade and perfectly complements that Harvest Moon sandwich. Between the creative drinks, comforting bites and dreamy, art-filled atmosphere, Odditeas feels like a tiny portal to a more whimsical corner of downtown.

Step inside Mainlander’s new spacious home in the Central West End and the atmosphere immediately sets the stage. The dining room is dark and moody, with eclectic kitchen art lining the walls and mismatched lamps casting warm pools of light across the space. Even the bathroom gets the full design treatment with a playful Elvis theme complete with artwork and the King himself on the soundtrack. It’s quirky, intimate and clearly curated, setting the tone for a dinner that’s anything but ordinary.

While the concept itself has been around for a few years, the restaurant’s current location opened just a few months ago, making it feel newly settled and right at home on our monthly Hit List. Chef Blake Askew and partner Gordon Chen first launched Mainlander as a series of pop-ups in 2022, exploring a mid-century Midwest supper club aesthetic paired with a modern, no-tipping model. The project evolved into a tiny 18-seat space in 2023 that quickly gained national attention, including a James Beard Award semifinalist nod for Best New Restaurant. Now in its larger home, the duo has room to fully realize the vision, including an adjoining bar and lounge called Jujube Inn.

The menu changes monthly, giving the kitchen room to constantly experiment within its “no-rules” approach. Askew’s background in French technique and time working under chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Dominique Crenn mingles with Chen’s Taiwanese roots to create dishes that feel both surprising and carefully considered. Highlights during our visit included Crystal Chive Dumplings, delicate tapioca dumplings filled with Taiwanese-style chives and noodles and paired with a basil-laced béarnaise. The Sweet Potato Spaetzle Mac, a comforting dish of Austrian-style dumplings folded into smoky cheddar fondue, was one of our favorite bites of the night, alongside the deeply flavorful

A playful cocktail pairing option adds another layer to the experience, with drinks designed to complement the evolving menu. One cocktail arrived crowned with a flaming lime shell holding a brown sugar cube; once dropped into the glass and gently muddled, the sugar dissolved into the drink while leaving behind little bursts of caramelized sweetness that drifted up through the straw.

Service throughout the evening is warm, attentive and deeply knowledgeable about the dishes. And if you’re not ready for the night to end, keep an eye on the adjoining Jujube Inn bar and café. We’ll be stopping by there to try it for Hit List in the coming months as well.

392 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, mainlanderstl.com

Set inside a glossy dining room dressed in black marble, mirrors, and flashes of gold, Machi Sushi & Hibachi feels a little more polished than you might expect from an all-youcan-eat spot. Oversized light fixtures glow overhead, faux greenery softens the sleek edges, and gold bird statues perch around the room like they’re quietly supervising the sushi rolls. Even at 3 p.m., the place hums with diners, which says something.

The real draw, of course, is the menu. Machi offers an impressively broad lineup that spans sushi, sashimi, chef’s specialty rolls, hibachi entrées, tempura, noodles, appetizers, and dessert, all included in one flat price. During the week, lunch runs about $20, while dinner and weekend service hover around $30. If you’re used to ordering a couple of specialty rolls and calling it a night at a pricier sushi bar, the value here feels borderline generous.

Because everything is part of the deal, it’s easy to bounce around the menu. Rolls like the Spicy Ichiban and the hulking Godzilla arrive well-built and satisfying, while sweeter options such as the Mango Delight keep things balanced. The hibachi steak ends up being a standout, delivering the kind of savory, sizzling flavor you’d expect from a dedicated hibachi house. Elsewhere, dishes like chicken udon or avocado salad skew simpler, but the intentionally small portions make it easy to keep sampling without hitting a wall too quickly. Cocktails are available at the bar, though the list leans toward the familiar rather than the flashy. Come hungry, bring a few friends, and treat it like a choose-your-own-adventure dinner. At this price, Machi makes it easy to explore a little bit of everything.

9527 Gravois Road, Affton, machisushimo.com

Dinner and a show

By Lauren Healey

Anew dining experience at Cafe la Vie inside Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton turns the table itself into a stage. In March, the hotel debuted Le Petit Chef, a globally popular immersive dinner that combines a multi-course meal with 3D projection mapping that brings a 6-centimeter-tall animated chef to life right on the plate.

The concept feels part dinner theater, part culinary magic trick. Before each course arrives, the tiny chef appears on the tabletop, projected through precise mapping technology that transforms the plate into his kitchen. Guests watch as he chops, sautés and occasionally bungles his way through the preparation. When the short animated sequence ends, the real-life version of the dish arrives moments later from the kitchen.

“It’s what the company calls fun dining rather than fine dining,” said Matt Korsos, general manager of Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton. “It’s definitely an upgraded menu at a fine-dining price point, but the experience is playful and meant for almost anyone.”

For Korsos, bringing the concept to Clayton was a bit of a personal mission. He first encountered the experience in Kansas City after his father-in-law booked a surprise reservation.

“Ten minutes into it, I thought, 'Oh my gosh, we need to figure out how to get this,'” he said. “It took about two years to get it here, but once our new ownership group came on board, they loved the idea. It’s gone off like gangbusters so far.”

Created by Belgian artist collective Skullmapping and produced by Too Spicy Entertainment, Le Petit Chef has become something of a global phenomenon since launching in 2015, appearing in cities from Bangkok and Singapore to Rome and Toronto. St. Louis now joins that list, with the experience staged in Café la Vie’s private dining room at the Clayton hotel.

Dinner unfolds as a fully choreographed event, complete with a master of ceremonies who guides guests through the evening. The same animated storyline plays for every table, following the tiny chef through the inevitable trials and tribulations of kitchen life.

“This poor little chef is having a bad day,” Korsos said with a laugh. “You follow along with his struggles and mishaps, and it keeps everyone engaged. Then the real dish shows up and that’s where the culinary team takes over.”

Guests can choose from several menu tiers, ranging from a top-tier “Le Grand Chef” option to a classic menu and a vegetarian version, with dishes that lean French in spirit. Expect things like bouillabaisse, lobster thermidor and steak served with refined accompaniments. The premium menu upgrades the experience with touches like Japanese rib-eye and oysters, while the vegetarian menu swaps in dishes such as roasted red pepper and tomato bisque and

grilled mushrooms with chimichurri.

The hotel also offers a kid-friendly “Junior Chef” option designed for diners eight and up. The menu keeps the playful spirit intact with tomato soup, grilled cheese elements, cod fish sticks and smiley-face potatoes alongside steak and dessert.

Despite the theatrical presentation, the culinary team still treats the food seriously.

Chef Phil Winchester said the production provides a framework for each dish but allows the kitchen to interpret the recipes.

“They give you a basic dish, but I got to use my own recipes and make it my own,” Winchester explains. “We’re not just following a corporate recipe. We put our own spin on it while staying true to what guests see in the video.”

That balance between spectacle and substance is key. One goal, Korsos noted, is making sure the finished dish mirrors the animated version that played out moments earlier.

“The first time you experience it, you want the video and the plate to match,” he said. “You’re sitting there watching this tiny chef cook, and suddenly the exact dish appears in front of you. It’s a little bit surreal.”

The production currently running in Clayton is the introductory show offered by the company, though Korsos says the hotel can swap in different storylines and menus in the future. For now, the plan is to keep the experience running as long as diners remain captivated by the miniature star of the evening. Which, judging by the reactions so far, may be quite a while.

7730 Bonhomme Ave., St. Louis, cafelaviestlouis.com

Tucked in the heart of Soulard, D’s Place is a recently renovated neighborhood gem with something for everyone. Enjoy an extensive beer list, catch the game on one of 13 TVs, or relax on the dog-friendly patio. Don’t miss the fan-favorite buffalo chicken wontons, and swing by for happy hour (Mon–Fri, 3–7pm) featuring $17 domestic buckets. With yearround events and specials, there’s always something happening at D’s Place.

900 Barton St., Soulard, dsplacestl.com

Stride—a citruskissed blonde ale—is built to move with you, fueling connections with outdoor communities. Drip, a refreshing 7% vodka-based hard lemonade, adds a vibrant twist beyond beer. Rooted in creativity, the brand pushes into cocktails, seltzers, and more. Celebrating 10 years, the City Wide Mission has supported 35+ nonprofits, giving back over $450,000 through impactful local collaborations.

1220 S. 8th St., St. Louis, 4handsbrewery.com

draft beers with a strong focus on local craft brews. By working closely with vendors, the restaurant has a selection that often includes exclusive, limited-release options. Beer lovers can take advantage of happy hour specials on weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m., featuring $2 off any draft pour and $5 domestic bottles.

8100 Maryland Ave., Clayton, 314.769.9595, herbies.com

favorites include Urban Chestnut’s Zwickle and Modern Brewery’s Citrapolis. Whether you’re chasing bold flavor or something smooth and refreshing, each pour pairs effortlessly with skyline views.

One South Broadway, St. Louis, 360-stl.com/downtown

As a local favorite 4 Hands strives for innovation, community and versatility. Bold flavor meets bigger purpose in this dynamic lineup. OctoHaze bursts with juicy Galaxy, Mosaic, and Nectaron hops, while Tropical OctoHaze cranks things up with higher ABV and lush mango-guava infusion. Bright Vibes brings a crisp, hop-forward spark, and

The Gramophone started in March 2008 as an intimate concert club in The Grove, hosting over 1,500 incredible shows before shifting gears in 2015 to become a sandwich pub. Now, the tocus is on crafting great sandwiches, serving up an impressive selection of 20 beers on tap, plus rotating bottles and cans, from local craft brews to national lagers. Live music and DJs still bring energy to the space, along with a pool table and pinball. The dog-friendly patio showcases local art, and the full sandwich and soup menu is available till 1 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11:30 p.m. Sunday.

4243 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314.531.5700, gramophonestl.com

Westport Social’s draft beer lineup is built for every kind of hang—from light, crushable lagers and classic ambers to hop-forward IPAs, tart sours, and rich stouts. Featuring local favorites alongside well-known craft standouts, the list balances easy-drinking staples with bold, flavor-packed pours. Some favorites include the Maplewood Fat Pug Chocolate Milk Stout and Mother’s Social Brew. Whether you’re into citrusy hops, fruity refreshers, or smooth, malty finishes, there’s a tap pouring exactly what your vibe calls for.

910 W. Port Plaza Dr., Maryland Heights, westportsocial-stl.com

This hotspot on The Hill blends neighborhood charm with a thoughtfully curated drink program. Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 2–6 p.m. and Friday from 2–4 p.m., featuring drink specials and a rotating selection of local and international draft beers. The always-popular Wagyu sliders are a must-order appetizer. For those choosing not to imbibe, a solid lineup of non-alcoholic beers and creative mocktails ensures everyone has something to enjoy.

2030 Marconi Ave., St. Louis, marconimercato.com

Herbie's offers seven seasonally rotating

The draft beer lineup at 360 Rooftop offers an easy-drinking mix of local St. Louis favorites and nationally loved classics, perfect for sipping above the city. From hop-forward IPAs and crisp Bavarian lagers to refreshing wheat ales, ciders, and light lagers, the list is curated for every rooftop mood. Some

Broadway Oyster Bar offers a fantastic selection of local beers on tap, featuring favorites from 4 Hands, Urban Chestnut, Civil Life, Modern Brewery and Logboat.

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with $1 off drafts. Alongside local craft options, the bottled and canned selection includes classics from AB/InBev like Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and Busch. With a variety of pale ales, IPAs and stouts, there's something for every beer lover. Convenient off-street parking is available in the lot west of Broadway and Gratiot, except during Cardinals home games.

736 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314.621.8811, broadwayoysterbar.com

selection of craft cocktails, spirits, wine and local beers from 4 Hands, Heavy Riff, Urban Chestnut and Modern Brewery. Happy hour runs Wednesday through Thursday from 5 to 7pm and Friday from 5 to 6 p.m., featuring $2 off all appetizers and $4 draft beers, available for dine-in only.

This restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere ideal for any occasion.

2130 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, 314.696.2999, collinaeatery.com

Carnivore on the Hill offers a top-tier selection of cold craft beers, decadent wines and handcrafted cocktails in a welcoming atmosphere. Happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. with $3 domestic beers, $6 house wine, $5 wells and $7 signature martinis. The rotating draft beer selection features local breweries, along with non-alcoholic options from WellBeing, Mighty Kind and more. For a perfect weekend treat, check out brunch every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

5257 Shaw Ave., Suite 100, St. Louis, 314.449.6328

El Milagro Azteca serves up an unbeatable selection of Mexican beers, including Modelo, Sol, Pacifico, Corona, Dos Equis, Tecate and Modelo Michelada. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m., offering free chips and salsa with any purchase. The cocktail menu features everything from classic margaritas to original creations and icecold frozen cocktails. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing beer, a perfectly crafted margarita, or a lively happy hour, El Milagro Azteca is the perfect place to relax and enjoy great flavors.

4940 Southwest Ave., St. Louis, 314.664.9955, elmilagroazteca.com

Side Project is a standout in Maplewood’s beer scene, offering an exceptional range of its own renowned brews alongside a global selection on draft, by the bottle or can, and even on cask. With three destinations—the Cellar, the Brewery Tasting Room, and Side Project Pizza—there’s an experience for every kind of beer lover. The Cellar and Pizza spots both feature inviting outdoor patios, while Side Project Pizza also offers easy online ordering with a convenient drive-thru pickup for beer and pizza alike.

7458 Manchester Rd., Maplewood, sideprojectbrewing.com

Located in the heart of the Grand Center Arts District, The Key Burger Bar and Boogie opened in October and blends a fast-casual burger bar with a music-driven nightlife space, offering smashburgers, specialty bites, and a full drink menu. Guests can enjoy everything from dirty sodas and N/A options to draft beer and local canned favorites from 4 Hands and Civil Life, all alongside live music, sports, and a high-energy, art-forward atmosphere.

3225 Olive St., St Louis, www.thekeystl.com

stuff to do APRIL

BY RILEY HANSEN

Hot Air Balloons in the Tulip Fields

April 11 – Eckert’s Farm, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville, 800.745.0513, eckerts.com

For the first time ever, tulips are coming to Eckert’s Farm. The blooms are Eckert’s newest you-pick option, and to make the scene even more beautiful, they’ll be inflating hot air balloons. The event runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is included in the price of admission. A food truck will be on-site, along with photo opportunities and a baby calf for cuddling. Price for admission to the Tulip Trail depends on the day, but a 10-stem picking bundle is $20. Check out eckerts.com for all the details.

The Green Light District 420 Celebration

April 17-20 – multiple locations

Since 2019 the founder of St. Louis Cannabis Club, Brennan England, has been betting on cannabis tourism being the answer to empty storefronts and hollowed-out blocks in St. Louis. This year, the Cannabis Club’s Green Light District 420 Celebration is back for a whole weekend, with something new to experience each day. The connective thread is the Puff Puff Passport, a free loyalty program active all weekend. Check in at participating businesses, earn TOKE’ns, unlock

deals, and access The Cola Lounge the entire weekend. England wants visitors to embark on a cannabis crawl, every day – not just on 420. April 17 kicks off with a comedy show and dinner (use code SECRETSAUCE for $10 off), and April 18 brings a paint class, plus trivia and game night. On the 19th, the Cola Lounge will be offering yoga and a sound bath, plus a shuttle to the South Grand 420 Fest. High Notes karaoke closes out the event on April 20 at the Cola Lounge. Grab tickets for select events at colalounge.com.

STL Pot Chef’s Ultimate Infused Showdown

April 19 – Handlebar, 4127 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, stlpotchefs.com

St. Louis’ own infused food competition is back for the third year in a row. STL Pot Chef is hosting the event filled with cannabis-infused food and mocktails, plus raffles, samples and live voting on the infused competition. Exclusive vendors will be offering both infused and non-infused options and samples. The Showdown will also feature giveaways, a scavenger hunt and a 420 Outfit Contest. They’re at Handlebar this year, meaning lots of space indoors and outdoors, plus a 420 rooftop and heated patio. Tickets are available now – just visit stlpotchefs.com/events for all the details on pricing.

Pizza for Pups

April 15 – Felix’s Pizza Pub, 6401 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, needypaws.org

Needy Paws Rescue is bringing back its annual fundraiser, Pizza for Pups, for its eleventh year. On Wednesday, April 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Needy Paws Young Professional Board will be hosting happy hour at Felix’s Pizza Pub (in Dogtown, of course). Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door and include an all-youcan-eat pizza buffet, unlimited domestic beers, wine and well drinks, plus a chance to win prizes. Vegetarian and gluten-free pizza options will be available to accommodate dietary preferences. While the proceeds go to benefit animals in need, this event is human-only.

SLAM Cinema: Fellini Satyricon

April 17 – Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, 314.721.0072, slam.org

The Saint Louis Art Museum is hosting movie night at their place as part of the SLAM Cinema Free Fridays series. On April 17 in the Farrell Auditorium, the museum is screening Fellini Satyricon, an Italian film set during Nero’s reign. The movie is described as “lavish and bizarre,” and it’s also an award-winner several times over. Clare Kobasa, the associate curator of prints, drawings, and photographs for the museum,

will deliver an introduction for the film. Fellini Satyricon is in Italian and Latin (with English subtitles) and is rated R, ideal for a unique night out for the adults. This event is free, but to reserve a spot, visit metrotix.com/events/venue/ saint-louis-art-museum or the museum’s welcome desks.

South Grand 420 Fest

April 19 – 3147 S. Grand Blvd. and 3500 Hartford St., St. Louis, bit.ly/southgrand420

Steve’s Hot Dogs and the South Grand Business District are partnering with We Cann to provide a safe, fun way to celebrate 420, for both cannabis enthusiasts and the “canna-curious.” The event will take place in Ritz Park, directly next to Steve’s Hot Dogs on South Grand, as well as the public parking lot at 3500 Hartford St. The Playadors will be performing live, and Steve’s will have a special 420 menu, plus giveaways. The Forest Dispensary is sponsoring a designated consumption area, and the event will feature a local vendor marketplace. For a community-focused way to indulge – or simply to learn more – check out the event from noon to 6 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to register on Eventbrite for updates, schedules and giveaways: bit.ly/southgrand420.

King of Beers Tour at Anheuser-Busch

April 25 – Anheuser-Busch, 1200 Lynch St., St. Louis, 314.577.2626, budweisertours.com

Anheuser-Busch offers all tours for all tastes, but they describe their King of Beers tour as the ultimate AnheuserBusch experience. The $165 ticket includes a four-hour tour that takes guests to the fermentation cellar, the Bevo packaging plant, Clydesdale stables and more, wrapped up with lunch in the Biergarten. This 21+ tour is for those who want to walk in the steps of Anheuser-Busch

brewmaster, which means it’s got three miles of walking and includes different temperatures throughout the journey.

Earth Day Festival

April 25-26 – 1 Theatre Drive, St. Louis, earthday-365.org/festival

The largest Earth Day festival in the Midwest is back at the Muny Grounds in Forest Park, and this year, the theme is Planet vs. Plastic. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 25 and 26, visitors will be able to experience a space that is totally devoid of single-use plastic as a commitment to Earthday365’s zero waste principles. The two day event is full of different programs, including live music, a Sustainable Fashion Show, a wild bird show and more. Visitors can check out the Climate Education Tent to learn more about climate change and how to counteract environmental injustice, while the Earth Day Cafe will have lots of food vendors, including an “All Vegan Zone.” A silent auction rounds out the festival and helps raise funds for future events.

Taco King

Taco Fest

April 25-26 – 1050 S. Riverside Dr., St. Charles, tacokingtacofest.com

Come hungry to the Taco King Taco Fest, taking place in St. Charles. The Taco King crew is serving up a taco eating contest, a Hot Sauce Showdown, live

music and more. Dozens of local food vendors are expected at the event, showcasing a variety of flavors and talents from the area. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Tacos R Us, the community-focused arm of Taco King that provides food assistance and household support for those in need, with a focus on the Latino community. Learn more about this free festival and the mission on their website.

Route 66 Centennial Festival

April 30 to May 3 – Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, 314.746.4599, mohistory.org

St. Louis’ celebration of the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary starts on April 30. This four-day event, hosted by the Missouri History Museum, kicks off on April 30 with a free concert from Sweetie and the Toothaches, plus food trucks in Forest Park. Throughout the rest of the weekend, enjoy more food, plus lots of programming at the museum. Highlights include a Route 66 neon display, discussions with local authors, and a classic car show. Beloved Pixar film Cars has its own movie night, and the festival has lots of activities lined up for kids. The museum will have a hallway exhibit, “Route 66: Main Street through St. Louis,” that highlights St. Louis’ own stretch along the road. For a full schedule of events, visit mohistory.org/festival.

A DECADE ON TAP

4 HANDS BREWING CO.’S PHILANTHROPIC CITY WIDE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF SERVING ST. LOUIS

BY LAUREN HEALEY

When 4 Hands Brewing Co. launched City Wide on Cardinals opening day in 2016, it felt like planting a flag.

In St. Louis, the start of a new St. Louis Cardinals season signals more than just baseball, and debuting a hometown beer that day staked a claim in the city’s cultural calendar. A decade later, that flag is still flying.

City Wide has grown into the top-selling craft beer in St. Louis and the No. 1 pale ale in Missouri. Founder and CEO Kevin Lemp said the milestone still feels surreal. “It’s amazing. It feels hard to believe that the brand has been in

CITY WIDE COLLABS

SAUCE ON THE SIDE

City Wide Strike Zone Calzone with a collaboration box

BLUES CITY DELI

City Wide-inspired sandwich

HI-POINTE DRIVE-IN

Burg Box featuring burger, fries and a 12-ounce City Wide with a koozie

existence for 10 years and has become the No. 1 pale ale in Missouri and No. 1 craft brand in St. Louis,” he said.

From the start, City Wide was brewed with a bigger purpose. For every case sold, $1 is donated to local nonprofit partners, an effort that has generated close to half a million dollars over the past decade and left an indelible mark on St. Louis. “We always wanted to be a pillar of our community. We didn’t know exactly what it would look like, but City Wide has become that pillar for us,” Lemp said. “We want to give back to St. Louis and be part of the

STL TOASTED

Toasted ravioli stuffed with pork braised in

City Wide with collaborative box

CLEMENTINE’S ICE CREAM

City Wide ice cream with collaborative cup

GUS’S PRETZELS

City Wide Inspired mustard

FITZ’S ROOT BEER

City Wide non-alcoholic soda

fabric of St. Louis, and City Wide has allowed that.”

The first recipient was Love Bank Park on Cherokee Street, where 4 Hands helped the grassroots group secure nonprofit status. Today, the once vacant lot is a well-loved neighborhood gathering space.

This year’s City Wide recipients include Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas, International Institute of St. Louis, Promo Missouri, LaSalle Park and Pedal the Cause. Over the years, beneficiaries have also included organizations such as Forest Park Forever, Mission: STL, Kids Vision for Life, Hope for young adults with Cancer, Great Rivers Greenway and Tower Grove Park, among many others spanning arts, health care and youth services.

“It’s way more than just a check,” Lemp said. “It’s so rewarding. It’s an opportunity for us to roll up our sleeves and work hand in hand, and hopefully use our brand to shine a light on the amazing things they’re doing, so they’re getting more attention for the courageous work they do every day.”

Lemp credited customers for making the impact possible. “This is a St. Louis thing,” he explained. Our passionate customers are responsible for the money we’ve donated.”

What began as a single American Pale Ale has expanded into a robust portfolio that now includes City Wide Light Lager, City Wide Stout and a non alcoholic City Wide Hoppy Pale, along with a recently introduced 19.2-ounce City Wide American Pale Ale can. The brand’s birthday has become a local ritual, celebrated each March around 314 Day and Cardinals opening day.

To mark the 10-year milestone, Chief Marketing Officer Liz Swyers has orchestrated over 10 local collaborations, listed below. The limited-edition mashups celebrate the same idea that sparked the beer itself: brewed here, built here and poured back into the place that raised it.

Looking ahead, Lemp said the next decade will focus on continuing to grow City Wide as a civically minded brand. “One day we will reach a million dollars,” he said. “We want to stay true to what it is and continue to be creative and innovative in the ways we market it.”

Multiple locations, 4handsbrewery.com

RALLY HOUSE

Collaborative City Wide t-shirt

STRANGE DONUTS

City Wide Inspired donut

SUGARFIRE SMOKE HOUSE

City Wide BBQ sauce & featured City Wide special every Wednesday at all locations

4HANDS X KIRKWOOD PEACEMAKER

City Wide Cracker with a seasonal special dish