scout's honor The charred cabbage at Scout’s, a new fine dining hotspot in Midtown, proves vegetables can be the star of the table.
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JULY 2026 • VOLUME 26, ISSUE 7 OWNER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Lucas Farrell
OWNER & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Kyle Stevens EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lauren Healey DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Kelli Jones CREATIVE DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Haimanti Germain Scott Evers, RJ Hartbeck, Lauren Healey, Reaghan Lesh, Spencer Pernikoff, Charlotte Vieth
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily Bellenbaum, Kiana Fleming, Riley Hansen, Lauren Healey, Madi Lee
Sauce was founded by Allyson Mace in 1999.
STR AWBERRY LEMON POPPYSEED CAKE AT CASA PASTRY BOUTIQ UE. // PHOTO BY RE AGHAN LESH. LE ARN MORE ON P. 15.
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contents editors’ picks 9 EAT THIS
Charred cabbage at Scout's
by Lauren Healey 11 DRINK THIS
The Sparkling White Jasmine Tea from The Republic of Tea
by Lauren Healey 12 HIT LIST
3 new places to try this month
by Lauren Healey
features 18 RIVERTOWN REVIVAL Your guide to historic Alton, Illinois
By Madi Lee
COVER DETAILS
The charred cabbage at Scout's showcases just how far precision and technique can take a vegetable. Learn more on p. 9. // photo by Charlotte Vieth
28 WHERE THE WILD THINGS EAT
5 kid-friendly restaurants in St. Louis
by Emily Bellenbaum 35 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
John Messbarger of Mess Hall at 2nd Shift Brewing
By Kiana Fleming
last bite 36 STUFF TO DO THIS JULY by Riley Hansen PH OTO BY SCOT T E V E R S
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Eat This
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It takes a special vegetable dish to steal the spotlight from everything else on the table, but the charred cabbage at Scout’s does exactly that. Since opening in Midtown late last year, the restaurant has earned a following for treating vegetables with the same attention and technique as its meat and pasta dishes, and nowhere is that more evident than in the charred cabbage. What begins as a whole head of cabbage is slowly roasted until tender, then grilled over applewood and smoked until it develops deep, caramelized char. The result is a vegetable that somehow manages to be both delicate and robust, with sweet, earthy layers hiding beneath its charred exterior. A generous layer of spicy nduja cream brings richness and subtle heat, while ramp oil adds a bright, springy note. Toasted sunflower seeds contribute crunch, and fresh dill keeps everything from feeling too heavy. A final sprinkle of Maldon sea salt sharpens every flavor. It’s a dish that demonstrates just how much flavor can be coaxed from a humble head of cabbage with time, technique and thoughtful seasoning. Even devoted carnivores may find themselves fighting over the last bite. The dish is emblematic of Scout’s as a whole. Opened by the team behind the beloved Dinner at the Loft pop-up series and Midtown breakfast favorite The Biscuit Joint, the restaurant blends refined technique with an unfussy, communal spirit. There are plenty of reasons to visit, but this cabbage is a great place to start.
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2704 Locust St., St. Louis, scouts.toast.site
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DRINK THIS If your fridge door has been feeling a little too predictable lately, consider this your cue to start popping tea bottles instead of prosecco. The Sparkling White Jasmine Tea from The Republic of Tea delivers all the fizzy fun of a celebratory pour with none of the boozeinduced fog machine afterward. Lightly floral, gently fruity and refreshingly restrained on sweetness, it manages to feel elegant without wandering into perfume-counter territory. At just 10 calories per serving and 40 for the whole bottle, it’s the kind of drink that feels indulgent while quietly behaving like a wellness girlie in sneakers. Even better, the brand has deep local roots. While The Republic of Tea is nationally known for its inventive, wellness-forward blends, its production and distribution facility has operated in Nashville, Illinois, for more than 30 years, alongside its St. Louis office. So yes, your new favorite sparkling sip is practically a hometown bottle service moment.
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Multiple locations, republicoftea.com
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E D I T O R S ' P I C K S
3 new places to try this month
P H OTO S BY L AU R E N H E A L E Y
hit list
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JUJUBE INN
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If you’ve been trying to snag a reservation at Mainlander since we featured it on our Hit List a few months ago, consider this your backup plan. Jujube Inn, the colorful walk-in-only sibling concept next door from owners Blake Askew and Gordon Chen, offers a more casual way to experience the same thoughtful cooking. No reservation alerts, no prix-fixe commitment, just a concise à la carte menu and a seat if you’re lucky.
it’s giving french fry but make it veggie. The slippery wontons, filled with Ozark Forest mushrooms and fermented tofu, deliver a savory, spicy punch thanks to a generous slick of chile oil. For something lighter, the spring salad combines local greens and snow peas with Mainlander dressing and plenty of candied Missouri pecans, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the richer dishes.
Like Mainlander, Jujube Inn excels at balancing bright, fresh flavors with comforting textures. The tempura asparagus is a perfect example. Lightly battered and paired with toasted rice and chile crisp hollandaise,
The menu changes frequently, but when we visited, the monthly Blue Plate Special featured strawberry sweetand-sour Missouri pork loin with spring peas, plus a shiitake and heirloom tomato salad. The meal ended
with a miso-almond blondie that was moist, rich and just a little reminiscent of gooey butter cake. The food is reason enough to visit, but the space deserves equal billing. Lamps hang from nearly every available surface, quirky treasures are tucked into every corner and vintage touches give the room a playful 1970s vibe. Between the Elvis bust behind the bar, whimsical drink garnishes and a soundtrack of oldschool favorites, Jujube Inn is the kind of place where half the fun is simply looking around while you wait for your next plate to arrive. saucemagazine.com I SAUCE MAGAZINE I 13
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CASA PASTRY BOUTIQUE Black Forest Cake
Il Limone
The pastry case at Casa Don Alfonso’s newly opened Casa Boutique looks less like a grab-and-go counter and more like a jewelry display for people who dream in butter, chocolate and pistachio cream. Tucked inside the restaurant’s lounge space at The Ritz-Carlton, the boutique channels the polished elegance of the Amalfi Coast while offering a lineup of incredible pastries.
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The standout might be the Il Limone, a glossy little dome of lemon white chocolate mousse with strawberry confit tucked inside. It’s bright and airy without tipping into overly sweet territory, the citrus carrying just enough sharpness to keep every bite refreshing. The Black Forest cake takes a more dramatic route, layering dark chocolate mousse with cherry for something rich, silky, and deeply balanced instead of heavy. Meanwhile, the pistachio eclair delivers exactly what you want from great choux pastry: delicate structure giving way to smooth pistachio pastry cream with a deeply nutty finish.
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Then there’s the strawberry lemon poppyseed cake, topped with white chocolate glaze and strawberry crunch for a little texture against the soft citrus crumb. One dessert is manageable. Leaving with four suddenly feels extremely reasonable. 100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, casadonalfonsostlouis.com
Cutline tk
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AUBREY Midtown has no shortage of ambitious restaurants, but Aubrey feels like it arrived with a clear sense of purpose. Opened this spring by first-time restaurateurs Spencer Strode and Marcus Johnson in the former Small Batch space, the restaurant aims to deliver polished hospitality without the stuffiness, and after one visit, it’s hard to argue with the results. The room strikes the right balance between upscale and approachable. The former school building’s upper-level dining room, warm lighting and comfortable furnishings create a space that feels equally suited for date night, cocktails with friends or a full-on dinner. Just as impressive is the service, which manages to be attentive without ever feeling overbearing. While the menu is concise, start with the whipped feta. Rich, creamy and topped with charred leeks, pepitas and olive oil, it’s surprisingly reminiscent of a really great French onion dip. The house salad is fresh and light, a pleasant way to begin the meal. For an entrée, the steak showcases an 8-ounce wagyu tenderloin served with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and red wine reduction. It’s a classic fine-dining plate executed with confidence and restraint. The cocktails are where Aubrey really flexes. The Green Room combines cucumber and lime cordial with Prosecco and mint for a refreshing, floralleaning sipper that practically begs to be ordered on a warm evening. The PM Shift arrives with a sparkling wine sidecar, a playful touch that makes an already delicious cocktail feel a little more special. If tropical flavors are more your speed, Delilah Behind the Bar delivers vacation vibes in a glass. Meanwhile, For the Good Times layers gin, butterfly pea, lavender sherbet and chamomile honey into an intensely spirit-forward cocktail. It’s a strong sipper with floral, Negroni-adjacent qualities that will likely appeal most to guests who prefer their drinks on the boozier side. 3001 Locust St., St. Louis, aubreystl.com
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River Tow R
Across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Alton blends locally owned restaurants, independent shops, creative spaces and scenic riverfront views with centuries of history By Madi Lee 18 I SAUCE MAGAZINE I saucemagazine.com
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With a starting point in St. Louis, an approximately 30-minute drive and a crossing of the Clark Bridge over the Mississippi River lead visitors to a hilly city where historic buildings have found new life as restaurants, shops, galleries and gathering places. Today, downtown Alton’s mix of locally owned businesses, creative spaces and riverfront scenery is helping attract visitors looking for an experience that blends history with contemporary culture. All of the businesses that comprise downtown Alton sit atop limestone bluffs along the Mississippi River, creating a setting where river views, walkable streets and locally owned businesses come together.
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arts, shopping and creative energy Beyond its restaurants, downtown Alton has also become a hub for artists, makers and creative entrepreneurs. Galleries, studios and locally owned businesses contribute to a district that continues to evolve while maintaining the character of the historic downtown. According to the official tourism website, Alton is experiencing a resurgence in the city’s local art scene that’s weaving artists, galleries, classes, and community together. “Alton’s creative scene has erupted into a full‑blown cultural phenomenon, and the shift has been impossible to ignore,” said Charles Mooneyham, owner of Mooneyham Art and Alton Art Expo. “Since Mooneyham Art opened its doors downtown Alton, the city’s downtown strolls have transformed into cultural events drawing hundreds to thousands of people a night.” With an electric momentum, Mooneyham said the city has become an unexpected but undeniable creative magnet as live music pulses throughout. Artists have multiple opportunities to vend with no to low fee, including the weekly Night Market on Broadway where vendor fees range from $5 to $15 depending on setup. The summer series, held every Thursday in June and July, fills streets and sidewalks with artwork, handmade and homegrown products, and vintage and thrift items as visitors shop while enjoying live music. By day, that creative energy extends into the surrounding retail district. The retail scene is equally lively, with many businesses owned and operated by individuals who have deep roots in Alton. The same is true for Jen Farley, owner of Persnickety by Jen Farley, who grew up in Alton and spent a lot of time exploring downtown shops, inspired by her grandmother’s impeccable eye and taste. “I like to say that my pieces find me because they know I’m going to help them find their owners,” Farley said. “I scour up, down, and all around.” Shoppers can find a variety of offerings throughout downtown, from vintage furniture and clothing to artwork, home décor and one‑of‑a‑kind finds. Businesses including Strangelovely, Mooneyham Art Gallery, Honeybee Vintage and Country Meadow Antiques contribute to a shopping district that continues to evolve alongside Alton’s growing arts and cultural scene. As proof of downtown Alton’s interconnectedness, Farley’s shop is next door to Country Meadow Antiques, across the street from Bluff City Grill and soon to be adjacent to a coffee shop. July 2026
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dining in restored landmarks Many of the businesses that define Alton today are housed in buildings that reflect the city’s long history. From My Just Desserts, located in a historic building visited by Abraham Lincoln, to Post Commons in the former downtown post office and Maevas Coffee, Alton’s first coffee shop housed in the former Milton Schoolhouse, many local businesses have transformed historic spaces into destinations of their own. Russ Smith, owner of Bossanova Restaurant and Lounge, drew inspiration for his casual upscale restaurant from places he frequented in St. Louis’ Central West End. The restaurant’s extensive James Bond-themed martini menu began as a last-minute addition to a wine-and-small-plates concept and was inspired by the now-closed Tangerine bar on Washington Avenue in St. Louis. With a bustling restaurant scene, Smith said many local establishments are family-run businesses that have operated for generations, serving specialties passed down through the years and attracting loyal followings. Bossanova, meanwhile, has earned a reputation for its great food and fun martini lounge. “There are many quality restaurants around, from the famous Fast Eddie’s Bon Air, to an exceptional white tablecloth spot on Broadway – Gentelin’s,” Smith said. “Downtown Alton also has a very authentic Irish pub, Morrison’s, where you can sing along to live sea shanties Thursday nights.”
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history, haunts and river views While visitors may first come for the shopping, dining or riverfront scenery, history remains woven into nearly every corner of Alton. Alton was platted in 1818, the same year Illinois became a state, giving the city roots that stretch back to the state’s earliest days. After 14 years of immersing herself in local history, Lacy Spraggins McDonald, Genealogy & Local History Manager at The Hayner Public Library District, said the more she learns, the more she realizes there is still to discover. Alton was incorporated in 1837, one year after the Alton Telegraph began publication in 1836. “We basically have a written history – one version of the history – from before the town was even incorporated,” McDonald said. For visitors interested in exploring that history, McDonald recommends several local
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landmarks, including Hayner Genealogy & Local History Library (with a fun story of how the library was preserved on its historical marker), the Piasa Bird mural, Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument, Lincoln-Douglas Square and even local restaurants. Included in the depths of that history are the stories that have helped shape Alton’s reputation as one of the most haunted small towns in America. “It’s our unique history that has created all of those ghost stories,” said Troy Taylor, owner of American Oddities Museum. “I find that a lot of the stories are really just memories. It’s like an old recording that plays and plays, and eventually fades away.” Taylor offers a variety of tours, from familyfriendly ghost walks to haunted pub crawls through downtown Alton. One of those stops
is Morrison’s, creating another connection between the city’s present-day gathering places and the stories that have been passed down through generations. Beyond its downtown district, Alton is surrounded by miles of trails that can be explored along the riverfront or accessed through one of the area’s sprawling parks, offering a retreat from city life. For those who prefer alternatives to trail exploration, the tourism website riversandroutes.com lists a variety of outdoor and recreational activities, including boating, fishing, visits to botanical gardens and wildlife watching. With its blend of locally owned businesses, arts and culture, dining, outdoor recreation and history, Alton offers visitors a destination where the past continues to shape a vibrant present.
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The Hub at The District outside of 4 Hands Brewing Co.
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Where the Wild Things Eat Whether you’re navigating toddler tantrums or feeding a table of picky eaters, these family-friendly destinations deliver good food, built-in entertainment and room to roam. B Y
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Eating out with little kids can be
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so unpredictable. Will they like their food? What’s the high chair situation? Does the bathroom have a changing table? These five kidfriendly restaurants in St. Louis are sure to guarantee a stress-free experience for you and your kids. saucemagazine.com I SAUCE MAGAZINE I 29
Fordo’s Killer Pizza at City Foundry STL
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9 Mile Garden Missouri’s first food truck garden, 9 Mile Garden, is a goto destination for family-friendly fun in St. Louis. With a rotating lineup of food trucks, there’s something for everyone, making it an easy win for parents and picky eaters alike. Families can relax while kids play lawn games, catch a movie or game on the big screen, and enjoy regular live music on the outdoor stage. With a newly renovated indoor space, the fun continues year-round. From trivia nights to movie nights and every-other-Tuesday game nights, 9 Mile Garden offers a fun night out for the whole family. 9375 Gravois Road, Affton, 9milegarden.com
City Foundry STL Food Hall Looking for a family outing that pleases everyone? The City Foundry Food Hall is it! Inside this historic remodel, a diverse selection of local vendors makes it so you don’t have to compromise with your kids. Whether you’re feeding a picky child who only eats bread or a spice-loving partner who turns their nose up at bland food, the variety is unmatched. From the creamy Cajun-spiced Big Easy fries at 4 Hens Creole Kitchen to the classic wood-fired pizza at Fordo’s Killer Pizza, there really is something for everyone. Beyond the food, City Foundry keeps the energy high. With the Puttshack and Urban Fort Play nearby, kiddos have plenty of room to run around, regardless of their age. And the location? Hard to beat. Whether you’re coming from the city or the county, getting here is easy – and once you arrive, you can expect fast and friendly service across the board. 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, cityfoundrystl.com 9 Mile Garden
Eckert’s Country Restaurant and Cider Shed Eckert’s Country Restaurant serves up farm-fresh food for the whole family to enjoy. Kids can relax over a meal with their grandparents while you kick back and sip on the best peach tea you’ve ever tasted. Plus, kids eat free on Thursdays. For a more modern experience, head next door to the Cider Shed. Order at your own pace, whether that means grabbing a quick bite before naptime or hanging out while your kids burn some energy. The spacious covered patio, convenient QR code ordering, and laid-back events make it a win for families. But the best part about Eckert’s is the unforgettable seasonal experiences. From pumpkin and apple picking in the fall, to Easter egg hunts and vibrant tulip trails in the spring, Eckert's delivers the kind of memories kids will carry with them forever.
9 Mile Garden
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Donut tower at Eckert's Cider Shed
Eckert's Cider Shed
Fitz’s Root Beer With locations in the Delmar Loop near the St. Louis Zoo and in South County near Grant’s Farm, Fitz’s is a go-to spot for a family-friendly meal. Take a break, treat yourself, and make some memories with your crew. What’s not to love about a massive, overly indulgent root beer float built for sharing? At Fitz’s, it’s practically a rite of passage to snap a photo of your kiddo peeking over a frosty mug piled high with ice cream. Is your kiddo not quite ready for root beer? No worries! The extensive kids’ menu and mesmerizing vintage bottling line will keep even the littlest visitors happily fed and fully entertained. 6605 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis; 5244 S. Lindbergh Blvd., Sappington, fitzsrootbeer.com
The District of St. Louis The District in Chesterfield might just be the most kid-friendly dining destination in St. Louis. From the coal-fired pizza at Napoli Bros. to the legendary hot dogs at Steve’s Hot Dogs, the food options are great for kids and adults alike. At the core of The District is 4 Hands Brewing Co., where parents can grab a refreshing draft beer or cocktail to wash away the stress of the day as their kids play. And who doesn’t love a good discount? Every Friday, the District offers Family Friday deals, like a free shake with any entrée and kids meal purchase at Hi-Pointe Drive-In or $5 smoothies at Narwhal’s Crafted. With an outdoor stage, a giant TV, and plenty of turf to run around on, it’s the kind of place where kids can be kids – and parents can actually relax. 17057 N. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, thedistrictstl.com July 2026
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Chef Spotlight: er g r a b s es M n h o J
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M e s s H a l l at 2 n d S h i f t B r e w i n g
BY K I A N A F L E M I N G ood has always been the story for Mess Hall’s John Messbarger.
Growing up across the Mississippi River in Belleville, Illinois, some of Messbarger’s earliest memories revolve around food. His grandmother taught him how to make miniature pies, his dad spent weekends barbecuing for St. Louis Rams tailgates, afternoons were often spent in restaurant booths for girls nights with his mom and her friends, and family vacations to places like Sarasota, Florida, introduced him to fresh oysters and lobster as early as 6 and 7 years old. “Food was always a big part of everything,” he said. As he got older, he began cooking more, grilling with friends, and eventually working for a catering company. Despite his love of cooking, pursuing it as a career was not originally part of the plan. Messbarger bounced between majors at Saint Louis University and the University of Missouri–St. Louis, studying everything from biology and pre-med to psychology, history and secondary education. He even made it to student teaching before realizing the traditional classroom wasn’t where he belonged. “Nothing really stuck,” he said. “Everything kept circling back to cooking. Finally, I thought, ‘Let’s just do it.’” He enrolled at L’École Culinaire-St. Louis, where he learned the foundations of classic French cooking, from mother sauces
to restaurant operations. This training launched a career that would take him through some of St. Louis’ most respected kitchens, including Truffles, Elaia, Olio and Little Country Gentleman. At the all-tasting-menu restaurant Little Country Gentleman with Mike Randolph, experimentation became part of his identity. “It was like a playground,” he said. “You could do whatever you wanted.” He eventually landed at Chef Kevin Nashan’s acclaimed Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co., where he spent the next decade as the chef de cuisine and executive chef. At Peacemaker, he refined his understanding of fish, shellfish and coastal cuisine while helping establish one of the region’s most respected seafood programs. After 10 years, however, he was ready for something different. In fall 2024, an opportunity opened at the food stall inside 2nd Shift Brewing tucked away in the Hill neighborhood next to Fazio’s Bakery. By then, Messbarger had become fascinated with the British and Scottish pub scene after spending time traveling through Scotland and Ireland. He channels that inspiration through Mess Hall, which opened in early 2025, a concept he describes as a “gastro window” with the goal of bringing a truly authentic fish and chips experience to St. Louis.
“People love breaded fish,” he said. “But that’s not fish and chips.”
creative, with enough room for fun and a little whimsy.
Getting fish and chips right relies on several key factors. The fish must be cooked through while the beer batter stays crisp. Achieving that balance required roughly 30 attempts, and after adjusting the dry-to-wet mixture by 12 grams, his recipe was perfect.
During Lent, he created his own take on Rally’s Deep-Sea Double, featuring fresh flounder, house-made American cheese, and a seasoned panko crust. He also developed a mushroom au jus sandwich made with a blend of cremini, lion’s mane, oyster, and cinnabar mushrooms.
His explanation sounds like a chemistry lecture, and cooking is scientific for him. Different flours, starches and liquids each serve a purpose, affecting evaporation rates, crispness and texture. Trying something new and making adjustments along the way is Messbarger’s favorite part of cooking. He enjoys the process of analyzing a dish, figuring out what works, and experiencing the satisfaction that comes when everything comes together. Analytical, calm and relentlessly curious, he travels down rabbit holes and becomes laser-focused on understanding every aspect of a topic. “I want to know why something works,” he said. “Not just the way and how it has always been done.” His willingness to question convention also shows up on the menu. Rather than following rigid rules, Messbarger enjoys learning techniques and then putting his own spin on them. For him, food should be
Messbarger is more Season 1 of The Bear than Season 2. While he enjoys Michelinstarred restaurants, he has found joy in the slower paced, lower stress atmosphere of the Mess Hall. Yet traces of fine dining remain. It’s evident in the way the napkins are folded, the interactions between customers and staff, a roast beef sandwich on a Kemmelweck roll that takes a week to prepare, and the commitment to quality ingredients. Local farmers and suppliers provide the freshest produce, and fish is flown in from the Louisiana bayou. For him, cooking remains at its best when experimentation and enjoyment coexist. “When you’re experimenting with food and creating a dish, and then people enjoy it, that’s why I cook,” he said. “That’s the part I love.”
1601 Sublette Ave #2, St. Louis, 2ndshiftbrewing.com/mess-hall
FOODSERVICE
2204 N. Broadway • St. Louis, MO 63102 • 314.231.8400 • 800.472.3673
Visit Our Showroom or checkout our website FORDSTL.COM July 2026
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C O U R T ES Y O F M I S S O U R I B OTA N I C A L GA R D E N
stuff to do JULY
BY RILEY HANSEN
Riverfest July 3-4 – Frontier Park, 500 S. Riverside Drive, St. Charles, stcharlescitymo.gov/1037/Riverfest Celebrate the Fourth of July with two days of festivities in St. Charles. The annual Riverfest celebrates the history of St. Charles with live music, food and drink, kids’ activities and a carnival. New this year is a drone show on July 3 with hundreds of synchronized drones forming patriotic designs above the Missouri River starting at 9:20 p.m. On July 4, the Riverfest Parade kicks off at 10 a.m., and the fireworks show begins at 9:20 p.m.
Summer Nights July 3-5, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31 – 5-10 p.m. Grant’s Farm, 7385 Grant Road, St. Louis, 314.843.1700, grantsfarm.com Now through Labor Day, Grant’s Farm is hosting Summer Nights and the Drone Light Show. At 6 p.m., local bands take the stage, and at 9 p.m., catch the new and extended
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drone light show, Grant’s Farm in the Sky. Tickets are $14, with great food and drink options available for purchase. Guests 21 or older can also enjoy two complimentary beer samples at the Anheuser-Busch Hospitality Bar. Check out the Grant’s Farm website for a full lineup of music acts, and save big when you purchase parking in advance.
Munchie Market
July 5 – 1-6 p.m. HandleBar, 4127 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, stlpotchefs.com STL’s Pot Chef’s Munchie Market – Summer Edition returns July 5 at HandleBar, featuring some of St. Louis’ favorite infused and non-infused food vendors, chefs, artists and small businesses. Enjoy exclusive food and drinks, hourly raffles (including Cardinals and Lil Wayne tickets), a 420 photo booth, interactive games, giveaways and more. The first 150 guests receive free Old Vienna chips, while VIP guests enjoy exclusive samples and goodies. This 21+ event is the perfect way to cap off the holiday weekend. Passes range from $25 to $80 and are available at stlpotchefs.com. July 2026
Workshop Wednesdays
National Hot Dog Day
Slow down this summer by working with your hands. Eckert’s Belleville Farm is offering two Workshop Wednesdays in July. The Pickling Class is on July 8. Guests will learn how to preserve fresh produce in their own brine for maximum flavor. On July 22, check out the Peach Jam Workshop to learn how to create the perfect consistency out of just-picked peaches. Both classes send attendees home with their own creation, plus a recipe card. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased on the Eckert’s website.
St. Louis has an official hot dog, and you can get it at Steve’s Hot Dogs on South Grand. To celebrate National Hot Dog Day, they’re planning a special menu of dogs created in partnership with some local celebrities. Their Classic Hot Dog menu will also be available at Throwback Retro pricing. Steve’s is also hosting a reading challenge all summer long. It’s simple: read 20 books, get a hot dog. Find out more on their website.
July 8 & 22 – 6:30-8:30 p.m. Eckert’s Farm, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville, 800.745.0513, eckerts.com
July 15 – Steve’s Hot Dogs, 3145 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314.932.5953, steveshotdogsstl.com
Music at the Intersection
Green Living Festival
July 16-19 – Grand Center Arts District, matistl.org
The Green Living Festival is celebrating 25 years this July. This event is included with general garden admission and includes a full day of family-friendly activities. They’ll have educational workshops, yoga, a tree canopy climb, DIY projects for home, plus music and prizes. Get there early: St. Louis city and county residents get free garden admission until noon.
MATI is back in the Grand Center Arts District for its sixth year. The weekend-long music festival and conference features more than 100 performances by artists like Wyclef Jean, Killer Mike and Big Freedia. A kick-off concert on July 16 will be at the Fabulous Fox Theatre with none other than 8-time Grammy winner Jon Batiste. The rest of the weekend’s performances will take place across five main Grand Center Arts District stages including the Fabulous Fox, The Sovereign, The Big Top, Jazz St. Louis and Sophie’s Artist Lounge. Everyone can enjoy DJs, vendors, food trucks, art activations, roller
July 11 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, 314.577.5100, missouribotanicalgarden.org
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skating and more as part of a free Washington Avenue community block party on Friday and Saturday. MATI tickets start at $45 for day passes or $109 for weekend passes. Jon Batiste’s concert at the Fox is a separate ticket; all can be purchased at metrotix.com.
National Ice Cream Weekend
July 18-19 – The Fountain on Locust, 3037 Locust St., St. Louis, 314.535.7800, fountainonlocust.com National Ice Cream Day is July 19, but the home of the ice cream martini celebrates all weekend long. A special menu will be available the whole weekend. On Sunday, July 19, guests can hear live-action radio serials in the restaurant. Local actors will perform the “The Great Locust Street Sundae Scheme” throughout the day on Sunday. Tentative times are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., but keep an eye on The Fountain’s socials more for all the details. The restaurant will also have a special menu July 1-19 promoting Music at the Intersection, including a raspberry lemon drop ice cream martini with lemon sorbet, housemade raspberry sauce, limoncello and vodka for a tart treat with a boozy backbone.
Route 66 Experience
Throughout July – Live! by Loews, 799 Clark Ave., St. Louis, 314.597.9701, loewshotels.com 2026 is the centennial of Route 66, the Mother Road that took travelers through St. Louis on their way to Los Angeles from Chicago. To celebrate, Live! by Loews is offering a Route 66 Experience now through November. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar, The Bullock, will have a Route 66-inspired menu with elevated, nostalgic favorites. Guests can opt for themed guestroom packages and grab a custom map created with Rand McNally Publishing that features notable stops between Chicago and St. Louis. Those traveling with kids receive complimentary STEAM Explorer Kits as part of the Loews Little Legends program,
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designed to turn curiosity into adventure and perfect for discovery along the open road. Live! also has some exclusives, like the Bacon & Waffles popcorn created with Nuts on Clark and Bourbon and Brown Butter and Bourbon Caramel ice cream created with Bold Spoon Creamery.
Cool Off with Clementine’s
Throughout July – Multiple locations, clementinesicecream.com The heat advisories have already begun, but Clementine’s
Ice Cream is ready to keep you cool. Now through August, check out their International Travel collection with flavors like Creme Brulee from Paris and Mango Lassi from Mumbai. The Brigadeiro from Rio is a sweet combination of chocolate, sprinkles and fudge, while the Om Ali from Cairo is a dairy-free take on bread pudding. On National Ice Cream Day, July 19, the parlors will have exclusive oneday-only flavors, and the first 50 guests at each location will receive a free T-shirt (one shirt per transaction). Denotes a Sauce-sponsored event.
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