Get a taste of the restaurants that opened in the metro-east so far in 2023. Here’s a list
Well, the year is little more than half over, and I have to say, it’s been a busy one.
And as challenging as it can be to keep up with all of the business-related activities in our communities, I imagine it can also be difficult for you, awesome readers, to keep up as well.
I mean, as much as I appreciate it (I really do), I’m sure you all have better things to do than to read my stuff.
So, the powers that be (aka my editor) and I thought now would be a great time to share a list of the new restaurants-bars-cafés I covered so far this year.
I even included brief updates on a few of them.
Restaurateurs, bakers and barkeeps, I want to know how your businesses are doing. Menu changes, remodels, new locations, anything at all … please let me know because the readers want to know.
Drop me a line at jgreen@bnd.com.
Azúcar, Old City Bakery
Jeanetta Mitchem and her daughters, Brooke Romero and Morgan Hurtado, opened Azúcar, Old City Bakery in April.
Housed at the former Yummy Donut Palace at 410 Beltline Road in Collinsville, baked goods on offer included cakes, cookies, banana pudding, donuts, cinnamon rolls and Mexican sweet breads.
At the end of June, Hurtado, Mitchem and Romero announced on the Facebook page that they officially “handed over the reins of Azúcar” to new owners.
The bakery reopened under new ownership Friday, July 14, and hours are now 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Stay tuned. I will soon have a more detailed update about Azúcar, Old World Bakery.
Down Home Cookin
Originally located in Wood River, Tori and Brandon Raines moved their restaurant, Down Home Cookin, to Granite City in the former Ravanelli’s at #3 American Village.
Open in the new digs since late March, Down Home Cookin serves up a menu of hearty meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
And if one meal isn’t enough to fill your bellies, there’s dessert. Lots of dessert. (If you are full, you can take something home for later.)
The Rainses announced on Facebook that Down Home Cookin has a new name: Steel Town Burgers.
The change reflects the success of their best-selling item, their burgers.
As of July 16, Down Home Cookin is closed and will soon reopen as Steel Town Burgers.
I am in touch with the Rainses and hope to have more details soon.
Lexi’s BFF
Lexi’s Bar, Food & Fun in Belleville appeared practically overnight.
Owner Brandon McGraw sold the concept of The Quarter Restaurant and closed on a Saturday in April.
A week later, The Quarter was gone and Lexi’s BFF was in its place at 126 E. Main St.
The family-friendly restaurant is currently running Christmas in July drink specials and holds regular trivia and karaoke nights.
Swing by for some food and drinks, throw some darts and shoot some pool.
For info and updates, call 618-416-1000 or find them on Facebook.
Grüv Bistro & Wine Bar
Located at the former Wine Tap site in downtown Belleville, Grüv opened in late December with a new look and good vibes.
The casual wine bar specializes in a vast variety of wines and plenty of cocktails, including a house-made sangria.
Initially, the food options were appetizer-style vittles, salads, pizzas and desserts. Recent menu additions include sandwiches and wraps and more salad options.
Grüv Bistro & Wine Bar is located at 223 E. Main St. in Belleville. Hours are 4-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 4 p.m. to midnight Friday-Saturday.
Call 618-416-2471 or check out facebook.com/gruvwine for more info.
Other openings this year
Alibi Cookies: 200 S. Buchanan St., Edwardsville. 618-307-5294 or alibicookies.com
Chick-fil-A: 2319 Troy Road, Glen Carbon (in the Orchard Town Center development). 618-391-0563 or chick-fil-a.com
Clara B’s Kitchen Table: New location: 732 S. Illinois St., Belleville (inside LongStory Coffee). 618-416-1812 or facebook.com/ClaraBsKitchenTable
Clean Eatz: 2525 Green Mount Commons Drive, Suite 280, Belleville. 618-416-5300 or cleaneatz.com
Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery: 9185 Bennett Drive, Edwardsville. 618-685-1234 or clementinescreamery.com
Crumbl Cookies: 3760 Green Mount Crossing Drive, Shiloh. crumblcookies.com
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: 5570 Belleville Crossing St., Belleville. 618-746-2856 or freddys.com
Fusion Bar & Restaurant: 200 Lincoln Highway, Fairview Heights. 618-206-8868
Holy Crepes!: 1718 Helen St., Swansea. 618-416-1622 or soulcialkitchen.com
Jersey Mike’s Subs: 6570 B N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights. 618-744-1439 or jerseymikes.com
Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant: 950 Talon Drive, O’Fallon. 618-726-7000 or losamigosofallon.com
Marco’s Express: New location: 127 North Belt East, Swansea. 618-235-5500 or marcosexpress.net
Matt’s Café: 2300 W. Main St., Belleville. 618-641-5780
Oh So Sweet Bakery: 625 12th St., Carlyle. 618-594-6048 or facebook.com/ohsosweetcreations
Reine: 921 Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville. 618-692-5033 or visit the Facebook page
Scooter’s Coffee: New locations at 5709 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights, and 2700 N. Illinois St., Swansea. scooterscoffee.com
Shoehorn Brewing: 225 E. Main St., Belleville. 618-416-0204 or facebook.com/ShoehornBrewing
Sneaky’s Bar & Burgers: 307 N. Main St., Edwardsville. 618-307-5201 or facebook.com/SneakysBurgers
Sweet Little Things: 611 E. Airline Drive, East Alton. 618-215-6259 or facebook.com/SweetLittleThingsLLC
