5 new metro-east restaurants and bars, 1 closing and a Belleville shop gets ‘new’ home
Holy cow, what a busy month August was. And I can’t believe it’s already September.
While I’ve been out covering some of the local restaurant scene and a few other businesses, there’s a lot I still haven’t told you about.
So this is where I start to make up for that.
Here’s a list of the places that opened, some that closed and others that are coming soon.
Closed: Chic N. Pig, Godfrey
After three years in business, Chic N. Pig, located at 3200 Godfrey Road in Godfrey, closed as of Monday, Aug. 7.
The closing was announced by the restaurant with a note on the door and a post on its Facebook page.
Both messages thanked staff, the City of Godfrey and the customers.
Anyone who still has gift cards for Chic N. Pig can use them at Ravanelli’s in Collinsville.
Open: Drunken Fish, Edwardsville
Edwardsville’s Trace on the Parkway saw the opening of Drunken Fish in early August at 6151 Trace Parkway Drive, Suite A.
This is the third location for the restaurant and the first in Illinois.
The other locations are in St. Louis and Maryland Heights, Missouri.
Hours for Drunken Fish Edwardsville are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.
To check out the menu and for other info, visit drunkenfish.com or call 618-270-5006.
Moved: I Had That/Collector’s Corner, Belleville
In case you missed it, a mecca of memorabilia for collectors and those who relish pop culture nostalgia (like me) moved again.
I Had That/Collector’s Corner moved back to its former location at 116 E. Main St. in downtown Belleville in early July.
In August 2022, the shop closed suddenly due to an issue with the building and moved next door to 120 E. Main St. until the issue was resolved.
With the business back in its bigger space at 116, more of the merch is on display for all to appreciate and acquire.
I Had That/Collector’s Corner is open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
For more info, call 618-825-9075, visit heyihadthat.net, collectorscornersports.com or follow the Facebook pages.
Open: Kimchi Guys, Edwardsville
The restaurant scene in Edwardsville’s Trace on the Parkway is really booming and shows no signs of slowing down.
Next door to Drunken Fish folks will find Kimchi Guys, which also opened in early August.
The restaurant offers up a fusion of tasty Korean fare with a touch of Mexican flavor.
Go for some appetizers or a full meal. There are dishes with beef, chicken and options for my fellow plant-based peeps.
Kimchi Guys is located at 6151 Trace Parkway Drive, Suite B, in Edwardsville.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.
Visit kimchiguys.com for more information.
Open: Night Fox, Waterloo
Waterloo has a great new watering hole for the 21+ crowd.
Night Fox opened in mid-August and offers beer, wine, cocktails, coffee drinks, and other beverages … all in cans.
They have non-alcoholic options too. (I’m a fan of Liquid Death myself. Yeah, it’s water, but I love the name.)
Yeah, I guess adult beverages have changed a lot. The norm used to be kegs, bottles, rocks glasses and even boxes.
As you enjoy the refreshing beverages, you can play some table games and video games. Go with friends and enjoy each other’s company.
And if you’re a fan of Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” this place is definitely for you.
Photos and video on the Night Fox Facebook page show the (haunted?) men’s restroom with wallpaper matching the hallway carpet pattern from “The Shining.” There are red lights and a familiar photo that many will recognize from the 1980 horror flick.
Oh, and there’s a “REDRUM” neon light over the sink’s mirror.
That’s enough reason for me to check it out.
Night Fox is located at 101 S. Main St. in Waterloo. Hours are 5-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Learn more at nightfoxwaterloo.com and facebook.com/nightfoxcocktails.
Coming Soon: Sauce on the Side, Edwardsville
A new Sauce on the Side location is set to open late this year at Trace on the Parkway (like I said, no signs of slowing down).
The St. Louis-based eatery specializes in calzones. Because, who doesn’t love a good calzone?
Edwardsville is the restaurant’s first Illinois location and already has multiple locations throughout the St. Louis and Indianapolis, Indiana, areas.
Sauce on the Side - Edwardsville will be located at 6150 Trace Parkway Drive.
In the meantime, check out the menu and where you can find other locations at sauceontheside.com.
Open: Speakeasy Parlor, Maryville
We all know that time machines aren’t real (or are they?), but Speakeasy Parlor in Maryville will make you feel like you went back in time about 100 years.
The décor, with its stunning black bar with fancy green barstools, really sets the scene.
However, it’s the fancy cocktails that make the place.
The cocktail menu has a “Swanky Favorites” list that includes libations like the Negroni Sbagliato, Bee’s Knees, The Password and the Old Fashioned.
Drinks in those fancy coupe glasses are always fun.
As for the eats, flappers and gents can enjoy the Neopolitan-ish Pizza or the Jalapeño Popper Burger, some Small Bites that include a house salad, Burrata Toast, Truffle Pomme Frittes and Loaded Hummus.
And Liquid Dessert: Awaiting Grace Martini, Lemon Meringue, Chocolate Raspberry Martini or Irish Coffee.
Speakeasy Parlor is located at 2713 N. Center St. in Maryville. Hours are 5:30-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
For drink descriptions, reservations and other info, visit planshoplive.com/speakeasyparlor.
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Now I realize that a lot of these places aren’t exactly in the usual areas (Belleville, Fairview Heights, Collinsville, etc.). It’ll likely be a bit of a drive for some of you.
However, it’s getting nice out. And who doesn’t enjoy a nice little drive now and then? These places are in communities that have plenty of other things to do. Make a day of it.
I’ll have more to share soon.
Know of any other businesses or restaurants? Share them with us at newsroom@bnd.com.
