Arch Eats

This year’s look ahead at the St. Louis restaurant scene is filled with anticipation, optimism—and some really big breaking news. In this episode, George and Cheryl look ahead to 2026’s most anticipated restaurants, including two concepts from the Central West End’s most prominent proprietor that are sure to light up the neighborhood, a high-end hookah lounge and restaurant with elevated hospitality, a sophomore effort from one of St. Louis’ brightest culinary stars, a new concept from an acclaimed restaurateur, and the reemergence of a beloved South Grand institution. Check out the inside scoop from George and Cheryl to see why there’s so much to get excited about in 2026.

→ Editors’ Note: After this podcast episode was recorded, Natasha and Hamishe Bahrami informed SLM that the new restaurant will not be called Cafe Natasha; instead, it will operate under The Gin Room, the existing cocktail bar at the same address.

This episode is sponsored by Herbie’s and Kingside Diner. Are you planning a holiday party, company happy hour, or special celebration? Make it unforgettable with help from Herbie’s & Kingside Diner. With customizable menus, beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, and a dedicated events coordinator, they make planning and celebrating effortless and enjoyable. They even offer catering delivery in select areas! Book your private event at Herbie’s or Kingside Diner today.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts.

Have an idea for a future Arch Eats episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Dining newsletters for the freshest coverage on the local restaurant and culinary scene. And follow George (@georgemahe) and SLM on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

You may also enjoy these SLM articles:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s mid-December, which means that it’s time for George and Cheryl to take a look at the year in restaurants. In this episode, the co-hosts chat about their favorite new dining spots for 2025. They’ll cover all the fun additions to the St. Louis food and beverage scene, including a new Italian-inflected amaro bar, an Instagram pizza business-turned brick and mortar, a hotly anticipated restaurant from two pop-up pros and more. Plus, they’ll rank their Top 5 best new restaurants, which was done by consensus, but not without controversy. Listen and follow Arch Eats on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever podcasts are available.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Want more? Check out all of St. Louis Magazine’s podcasts.

Have an idea for a future Arch Eats episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Dining newsletters for the freshest coverage on the local restaurant and culinary scene. And follow George (@georgemahe) and SLM on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

KoKuu Ramen & Sushi Bar: 343 S. Kirkwood, Kirkwood, 314-698-2231 
Madrina: 101 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves, 314-963-1976 
Citizen Kane’s: 133 W. Clinton, Kirkwood 314-965-9005
O’Connell’s Pub: 4652 Shaw, The Hill, 314-773-6600
The Piccadilly at Manhattan: 7201 Piccadilly, Ellendale, 314-646-0016
Sam’s Steakhouse: 10205 Gravois, Affton, 314-849-3033 
Brasas: 6138 Delmar Blvd, Delmar Loop 314-256-1937 
Lucy Quinn (Lucy Q) /Little Lucy: 4156 Manchester, The Grove 314-932-5829
Aperi: 4317 Manchester, The Grove, 314-405-8333
No Ordinary Rabbit: 1621 Tower Grove, Botanical Heights, 314-696-2010  
Robin: 7268 Manchester, Maplewood, 314-712-6124
Expat BBQ: 3730 Foundry Way #132, Midtown, 314-924-9728
Cottle Village Farmstead & Distillery: 6470 State Route N, Cottleville, 636-268-2123
Sauci Pasta: 1990 1st Capitol, St Charles, 636-757-3307
Great Heart Brewing: 9514 Olive, Olivette, 314-557-7188
Mestiza Tacos & Cantaritos: 3279 Hampton, Clifton Heights, 314-645-7676
Pavilion (inside Sado): 5201 Shaw, The Hill, 314-390-2883
Mainlander: 392 N Euclid, CWE, no listed phone
Nicky Slice: 2240 Edwards, The Hill, no listed phone
The Mexican STL: 9615 Watson, Crestwood, 314-525-5025
Nettie’s Pizza Den: 33 N. Central, Clayton, 314-571-9305 
Extra Wavy: 2017 Chouteau, Downtown West, 314-346-1165
Scout’s: 2704 Locust, Midtown, 314-394-8650

You may also enjoy these SLM articles:

• The best new restaurants in St. Louis
• More episodes of Arch Eats
• Robin named one of America’s best restaurants by ‘The New York Times’

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Move over, Mariah! St. Louis has its own Queen of Christmas. George and Cheryl are thrilled to be joined by Julie “Fa La La” Lally, the city’s resident expert on holiday pop-ups, who shares everything you need to know to enjoy these festive fetes. From the first-ever holiday pop-up, Miracle, in 2016 to the brand-new Cocktails and Claws, Julie has been to them all and shares the inside scoop on what makes each one unique, as well as tips and tricks on how to get in, which ones are great for families and what, in her opinion, makes the perfect one. With 30 different choices this year, it’s essential listening to guarantee a season filled with holiday cheer. Listen and follow Arch Eats on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by The Key Burger Bar & Boogie and supported by the Delmar Loop. The Key Burger Bar & Boogie is a pitch-perfect place where the music plays, the game is always on, and the dance floor is open—your new neighborhood hang in Grand Center. Stop in for a smashburger and stay for the drinks. Visit thekeystl.com for more info.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future Arch Eats episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Dining newsletters for the freshest coverage on the local restaurant and culinary scene. And follow George (@georgemahe) and SLM on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

Downtown/Midtown:
Cozy at The Garage: 750 S. 4th, 314-532-2012 – New in 2025.
The Floating Sleigh on the Tom Sawyer riverboat: 50 S. Leonor K. Sullivan, 877-982-1410. – New in 2025.
Santa’s Speakeasy at Hidden Gems: 3118 Locust, 314-925-8931
Sleigh Shed at Union Station: 201 S. 18th, 314-923-3949
Tinsel Tavern at Ballpark Village: 601 Clark, 314-797-7530
Up on the Rooftop at 360d: One South Broadway, 314-241-8439
Weirdly Wonderful Holidays at City Museum: 750 N. 16th, 314-231-2489
Winterfest at Kiener Plaza: 500 Chestnut, 314-289-5300

Soulard:
Bevo Fox Den Speakeasy Pop-Up at A-B Brewery Lights – 1200 Lynch, 314-577-2626 – New in 2025.
Lit at Molly’s: 816 Geyer, 314-241-6200
Rum & Mistletoe at Calypso: 1026 Geyer,  314-448-1516

Grand Center/CWE:
Merry Moves at St. Louis Chess Club: 4652 Maryland, 314-361-2437
Moose Mug Lounge at The Art Bar at Angad Arts Hotel: 3550 Samuel Shepard, 314-561-0033
Wrapped at Cocina Latina in CWE: 508 N. Euclid, – New in 2025!

Delmar Maker District:
CANE at Steve’s Hot Dogs Delmar: 3145 S. Grand – New in 2025.
The Ice Fountain at Fountain on Delmar: 5242 Delmar, 314-226-9269 – New in 2025.

Clayton/Maplewood:
The Chalet at Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton: 7730 Bonhomme, 314-863-0400
*Polar Patio Pop-Up at Side Project Brewing: 2657 Lyle, 

South City:
Frosted at Tower Grove Park: 4257 Northeast, 314-771-2679
Miracle at Small Change: 2800 Indiana
Sippin’ Santa at Planter’s House: 1000 Mississippi, 314-696-2603

Webster/Kirkwood/Frontenac:
Cocktails & Claws at 4 Hands + Peacemaker Kirkwood: 150 W. Argonne – New in 2025!
Shack the Halls: 731 S. Lindbergh (Shack), 314-736-5900
Winter WINEderland at Robust Wine Bar: 227 W. Lockwood, 314-963-0033

West County/St. Charles County:
Bling at The Wolf Cafe: 15480 Clayton, Ballwin, 636-527-7027
Bormio at Noto: 5105 Westwood, Suite A, Saint Peters, 636-244-0874 
Dasher’s Dive Bar in New Town: 3544 Galt House, Saint Charles, 314-575-2240
Toasted Chestnut in Cottleville: 5546 Chestnut, Cottleville, 636-720-1905
Up on the Rooftop 360 Westport: 111 West Port Plaza, Suite 1200, 314-683-2337

Other mentions:
12 Bars of Charity: Together Credit Union Plaza, Ballpark Village
Salume Beddu: 7118 Oakland, 314-645-2050
Steve’s Hot Dogs
O+O Pizza: 102 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves, 314-721-5422
Public School House: 5546 Chestnut. Cottleville, 636-720-1905

You may also enjoy these articles:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dubai chocolate and dirty sodas. Truffle fries and tomahawk steaks. It seems like every day there is another food trend coming across our feeds—but are they worth the hype? In this episode, George and Cheryl give their unapologetic thumbs up or thumbs down on some of the biggest food trends over the last few years. And in a rare detour from the way things typically operate at Arch Eats, there’s quite a bit of disagreement. Listen and follow Arch Eats on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Saint Louis Art Museum and supported by Proper Cannabis. Don’t miss Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea, a monumental exhibition at the Saint Louis Art Museum. As the artist’s first American retrospective in more than 20 years, the exhibit features iconic pieces from Kiefer’s storied career alongside new, massive, site-specific installations. The exhibition is free and on display through January 25. Learn more.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future Arch Eats episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Dining newsletters for the freshest coverage on the local restaurant and culinary scene. And follow George (@georgemahe) and SLM on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

Mainlander, 392. N. Euclid, Central West End, no listed phone
Sasha’s on DeMun, 706 De Mun, Clayton, 314-863-7274.
Swig, 587 Mid Rivers Mall, St. Peters, no listed phone
Seven Brew Coffee (multiple locations)
El Milagro Azteca, 4940 Southwest, Southwest Garden, 314-664-9955.
Rock Star Tacos, 4916 Shaw, The Hill, 314-571-9016.
Sabroso Cocina Mexicana (two locations)
Pint Size Bakery, 3133 Watson, Lindenwood Park, 314-645-7142.
O+O Pizza, 102 W. Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, 314-942-1216.
Scout’s, 2704 Locust, Midtown, no phone as yet 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Arch Eats, George and Cheryl have some breaking news about one of St. Louis’ most anticipated restaurants. Ever since he first announced his revolving sushi restaurant and ramen bar, Sakatanoya, owner Anthony Wang has been the talk of the town—and for good reason. The forthcoming restaurant, which will soon open in the Delmar Loop, is the most novel place to open in St. Louis in recent memory, and the hosts get the inside scoop on everything from its double-tier, all-you-can-eat sushi conveyor belt, robot waiters, wild cocktail concept and its official opening date. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss about what’s sure to be the hottest spot in town. Listen and follow Arch Eats on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever podcasts are available.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future Arch Eats episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Dining newsletters for the freshest coverage on the local restaurant and culinary scene. And follow George (@georgemahe) and SLM on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

Pali Grill, 10612 Page, Overland, 314-222-9631.
Sakatanoya Revolving Sushi & Ramen Bar, 6683 Delmar, Delmar Loop

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is craft beer dead? If you listen to local beer lovers’ chatter, read recent articles in the national press, or watch with sadness as some of the area’s most beloved craft breweries either close or struggle, you might think the answer is yes. However, SLM’s resident beer expert Jordan Palmer is here to set the record straight. In this episode, Jordan, an Emmy award-winning producer and writer of SLM’s craft beer newsletter, joins George and Cheryl to share his thoughts on why craft beer is very much alive—and quite possibly better than ever. And non-beer drinkers, do not fret! Jordan also dishes on some unexpected suggestions that prove there truly is a craft beer for everyone. Listen and follow Arch Eats on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever podcasts are available. And Be sure to subscribe to SLM’s Craft Beer newsletter written by Jordan Palmer below.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future Arch Eats episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Dining newsletters for the freshest coverage on the local restaurant and culinary scene. And follow George (@georgemahe) and SLM on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

Wright’s Tavern, 7624 Wydown, Clayton, 314-390-1466.
Louie, 706 DeMun, Clayton, 314-300-8188
Scarlett’s Wine Bar, 4253 Laclede, CWE, 314-797-8223.
Jordan Palmers’s Drink 314 blog
White Claw Hard Seltzer
Anheuser-Busch, One Busch Place, Soulard, 314-342-5283.
Great Heart Brewing, 9514 Olive, Olivette, 314-557-7188.
Little Lager, 5848 Hampton, Princeton Heights, 314-760-9481.
Narrow Gauge Brewing Co. , 1545 N. Hiway 67, Florissant, 314-501-6108.
WellBeing Brewing Co.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bad lighting and too-loud music. Servers on cellphones and wobbly tables. We all have our restaurant pet peeves—just as restaurants have their gripes about customers. This week, Arch Eats hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr are devoting the entire episode to its most popular segment, the microrant. They’ll good-naturedly dish on restaurants’ biggest offenses and, to keep things even, share what restaurants wish their guests would stop doing, all in the spirit of making the experience of dining out more pleasant for everyone involved. Listen and follow Arch Eats on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever podcasts are available.

This episode is sponsored by Butler’s Pantry. With the holidays around the corner, Butler’s Pantry is ready to make St. Louis celebrations delicious. From corporate parties to family gatherings, every event is a chef-driven culinary experience. Get a taste of the season.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future Arch Eats episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Dining newsletters for the freshest coverage on the local restaurant and culinary scene. And follow George (@georgemahe) and SLM on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

The following establishments were mentioned favorably in this episode and were not part of the microrants.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the best burger in St. Louis? It’s a question that co-hosts George and Cheryl get asked all the time, and one that is nearly impossible to answer if you consider the number of outstanding choices throughout the metro area. In this episode, they’ll come one step closer to tackling this question by exploring the city’s thick burgers, sharing their love of tried and true classics while uncovering some unexpected gems in unlikely places. Tune in to see their number one picks and whether or not your favorite makes the cut.

This episode is sponsored by The Magic House and supported by St. Louis Supper Club. Opening September 20, discover Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit, based on the hit PBS KIDS® series. Also opening September 20—Hero Quest!—a scavenger hunt where kids discover diverse historical heroes and the hero within themselves. Learn more at magichouse.org.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future Arch Eats episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Dining newsletters for the freshest coverage on the local restaurant and culinary scene. And follow George (@georgemahe) and SLM on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

Songbird, 4476 Chouteau, The Grove, 314-781-4344.
Sugarwitch, 7726 Virginia, Patch, 314-234-0042.
Basso, Two Locations
Singers Ice Cream, 2478 Taylor, Wildwood, 636-422-1030.
5 Star Burgers, 8125 Maryland, Clayton, 314-720-4350.
O’Connell’s Pub, 4652 Shaw, Shaw, 314-773-6600.
Blueberry Hill, 6504 Delmar, Delmar Loop, 314-727-4444.
Truffles, 9202 Clayton, Ladue, 314-567-9100.
Tucker’s Place, Multiple Locations
Twisted Tree Steakhouse, 10701 Watson, Sunset Hills, 314-394-3366.
Stacked Burger Bar, 7637 Ivory, Carondelet, 314-544-4900.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Two locations
The Country Club Bar & Grill, 288 Lamp & Lantern Vlg, Chesterfield, 636-256-7201.
Marcella’s Mia Sorella, 14426 Clayton, Ballwin, MO, 636-333-1015.
Wright’s Tavern, 7624 Wydown, Clayton, 314-390-1466.
Annie Gunn’s, 16806 Chesterfield Airport, Chesterfield, 636-532-7684.

You may also enjoy these SLM articles:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cannabis-friendly restaurants. Ozempic menus. Dirty sodas and focaccia sandwiches. These are just a few of the trends George and Cheryl picked up on in St. Louis Magazine’s annual A-List, a celebration of the best of all that the region has to offer. Using this year’s A-List as a jumping off point, the co-hosts shine a light on what they anticipate will come to define eating and drinking in St. Louis in the coming year. Tune in for their insights and see what’s in store for the area’s food scene.

This episode is sponsored by St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. The new season kicks off its first Young Friends Night with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert. Friday, October 3 at Powell Hall. Get tickets.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future Arch Eats episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Dining newsletters for the freshest coverage on the local restaurant and culinary scene. And follow George (@georgemahe) and SLM on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:

Made. By Lia, 610 Rue St. Francois, Florissant, 314-551-2383.
dohmo, 9538 Olive, Olivette, 314-222-3518.
Vampire Penguin, 12 S. Euclid, CWE, 706-294-5600.
Twisted Rolls Chimney Cakes, 14640 Manchester, Ballwin, 636-386-5025.
Melt ‘n’ Dip, 11575 Manchester, Ballwin, 636-220-1168.
Café Ganadara, 6413 Hampton, Saint Louis Hills. 314-802-7044.
Spoonful Dessert Cafe, 12943 Olive, Creve Coeur, 314-485-1757.
The Moniker, 1000 Washington, Downtown, 314-932-5602.
Aperi, 4317 Manchester, The Grove, 314-405-8333.
Big Chief Roadhouse, 17352 Manchester, Wildwood, 636-458-3200.
Off Elm, 8709 Big Bend, Webster Groves, 314-502-9272.
Dirty Pop, Mobile pop-up
Crispy Sips, Mobile pop-up
Sodie, Mobile pop-up, 573-450-7162.
Pop n Sons, Mobile pop-up
Chicken n Pickle, 1500 S. Main, St. Charles, 636-229-9700.
Puttshack – St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way, Midtown; 314-887-7888.
Topgolf – St. Louis (Chesterfield & Midtown), Multiple locations
Five Iron Golf, 8015 Forsyth, Clayton, 314-608-9089.
Flight Club, 7710 Forsyth, Clayton, 314-887-7020.
The Hub at the District, 17057 N. Outer 40, Chesterfield, 636-812-0580.
Cottle Village Farmstead + Distillery, 6470 State Rte N, Cottleville, 636-268-2123.
Katie’s (Crestwood location), 9635 Watson, Crestwood (opens late fall 2025)
The Mexican STL, 9615 Watson, Crestwood, 314-525-5025. (opens September 2025)
4 Hands + Peacemaker – Kirkwood, 150 W. Argonne, Kirkwood, 314-287-6688.
Noto/Bormio, 5105 Westwood, St. Peters, 636-317-1743.
Cibo, 7489 Delmar, U City
Marconi Mercato, 2030 Marconi, The Hill, 314-380-9003.
Neon Greens, 4176 Manchester, The Grove, 314-899-0400.
Expat BBQ, 3730 Foundry Way, Midtown, 314-924-9728.
Union Loafers, 1629 Tower Grove, Botanical Heights, 314-833-6111.
Sakatanoya Revolving Sushi Bar & Ramen Bar, 6683 Delmar. U City.
Big Mouth Sandwich Co. (inside Perennial Artisan Ales and The Mack), Multiple locations
Garden Variety Deli, 3131 Morganford, Tower Grove South, no phone
Euphoria Kitchen + Kocktails, 5916 Delmar, East Loop, 314-256-1045.

You may also enjoy these SLM articles:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s peak peach season in St. Louis, and who better to talk about this most glorious of summertime fruits than our area’s very own peach expert, Chris Eckert? Hot on the heels of Eckert’s Farm’s record peach crop, the seventh-generation southern Illinois farmer dishes about all things peach, including his favorite ways to enjoy the fruit, fun facts, and why some of the old wive’s tales you’ve heard about ripening are actually myths. Tune in for a taste of summer.

This episode is sponsored by Proper Cannabis. This August is Honeybee Month, and the search for the golden ticket is on. Five golden tickets have been hidden inside Honeybee chocolate bars. Find one, and you’ll score free edibles for a whole year—plus an exclusive tour of Honeybee Headquarters. Learn more.

New to podcasts? Follow these instructions to start listening to our shows, and hear what you’ve been missing!

Have an idea for a future Arch Eats episode? Send your thoughts or feedback by emailing [email protected].

Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Dining newsletters for the freshest coverage on the local restaurant and culinary scene. And follow George (@georgemahe) and SLM on Instagram (@stlouismag).

Interested in being a podcast sponsor? Contact Lauren Leppert at [email protected].

Mentioned in this episode:
Melt n Dip: 15575 Manchester, Ballwin, 636-220-1168
Clover and the Bee: 1000 W. Lockwood, Webster Groves, 314-942-1216
Eckert’s: Multiple locations in Illinois

You may also enjoy these SLM stories:
Eckert’s record peach crop is powering its Chicago expansion
St. Louis farmers’ market hidden gems to try this summer
Eckert’s announces new Jack’s Lighted Trail experience
More episodes of Arch Eats

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.