Another well-deserved 5 star review. These walls are special and Stews Food & Liquor is taking advantage. Previously the Woodshack which was well loved and grew to a bigger spot, Stew's took over. Very creative menu, no literally, it looks hand written, with an exotic fusion of Asian-inspired food. Stews gets real with easy shareables like crab rangoon, shrimp skewers and edamame hummus. #stlouispescatarianapproved @stlouispescatarians on instagram. And you think fried rice is typical and classic... not here. This spot is small embracing an intimate concept with 25 seats indoors and an additional 25 on the patio. Behind this spot is bartender Nate Burrows and Chef Brent Petty both from Cinder House, and namesake Kristen "Stew" Leahy. Love the name.
Finn Temrutrynit
When a menu speaks to you, you order the whole thing. And that's what we did at Stew's (or at least 70% of it).Stew's is a new Asian-inspired restaurant in Soulard that inhabits the old Wood Shack location (next to Chava's). Since the area was in desperate need of Asian food, my friends and I were intrigued to visit. Upon entry, you are welcomed by the friendliest owner and his staff. The place is small and dimly lit with neon signs, providing an intimate, vibrant vibe - very good for a date or small group. With a group of 5 on a Friday night, it proved challenging to fit us in immediately, but the owner and his staff assured us they would make space and eventually got us all seated.Once seated, the menu called to us - EVERYTHING sounded delicious. Where else in STL can you be at a restaurant/bar that serves Khao Soi (Thai Curry Noodle Soup) while pounding a Hamm's beer or Lychee Gimlet? So as one does, we ordered almost everything: The T-Pockets, Brussels, Edamame "Hummus", Pork & Shrimp Shumai, Fried Rice, Pork Burger, all three Popcorn Chicken dishes, and the Khao Soi. The food did take a while as the kitchen was slammed. But once the food came out, the flavors were presented at full force. The most notable apps/entrees were the Brussels, the Popcorn Chicken paired with the fried rice, and the T-Pockets. Each playing the salty, sweet, and umami flavors by intertwining them well. The only misses (which is truly being knit picky) I could say were that the Shumai sauce was a little under seasoned, as was the Khao Soi broth. But to have two complex dishes like those to serve still left me impressed.All I can say is, Stew's with its intricate, diverse Asian-inspired dishes, warm staff, and unique cocktails makes it a welcome addition to Soulard.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork & Shrimp Siu Mai, Crab Rangoon T-Pockets, Edamame Hummus, Pork Burger and Fries, General Tsao Popcorn Chicken, Lychee Gimlet Mocktail, Brussels, Fried Rice
Michele F.
Incredible vibe. Small intimate space. The best friendliest staff and a bartender that makes you feel like besties. The drinks. Phenomenal. The food - shumai were to die for.
Lucas Batson
If I was on death row. My last mealWould be that orange chicken.
Pash W.
Service: 5 Food: 3 (I was really torn between giving this review a three star or a four star, because this restaurant is new and it's local, but I decided on a 4 because the service was pretty good. It was just the food that was lackluster.) Came here on a late Friday night, ever so so grateful that they were still serving food! I believe this used to be The Wood Shack restaurant. The server said they had been open about 7 weeks! We were greeted as soon as we walked in by the bartender, so we could sit anywhere. This space is very small not good for crowds, maybe good for a group of three or four, max. Our server came over and gave us menus and was super helpful with any questions we had about any of the dishes. I love when the server is knowledgeable about the menu!! The menu is super small, not extensive at all which can be a good thing, it gets straight to the point lol My husband decided on fried rice and General Tso chicken and I ordered the curry chicken. The fried rice was OK. It was hot & greasy, STL style and the chicken bites hot and fresh, and the sauce was really good. They had that great, "fresh out the grease" crisp to them! Sadly, my curry was a total letdown. It was so soupy it reminded me exactly of pho. It was so watered down, which in turn watered down the flavor. It tasted like they STARTED with the thick curry paste, and then added water to it to stretch it. I was so disappointed. And the chicken in the curry gave freezer bag chicken.
Jennifer Z.
You feel like you stepped out of an alley into a fun and funky-quaint but chic dinner club no one knows about. They keep the food and cocktails coming quickly and each plate was as delicious, if not more so, than the last. Service was impeccable. We will return!
Nicole Nicholson
I loved everything about Stews! I visited on a Saturday with a group of friends, and we were there for a bit so we ended up trying most of the menu. The lychee gimlet is a must and the brussels sprouts were the best I’ve ever had. I also loved the edamame hummus, something I haven’t seen before. To top it off, everyone who works there was so welcoming and attentive. When you visit, be sure to check out the bathroom with its safari wallpaper and cute minis. I’ll def be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork & Shrimp Siu Mai, Edamame Hummus, Pork Burger and Fries, Lychee Gimlet Mocktail, Brussels, Spicy Miso Ramen
Charlie Barks
Been to STL a handful of times; this is my favorite place now. Happy Hour (aka the Morale Corral) is fun to begin with…rest of the night only gets better. What they did with that amount of space is impressive. Also they spontaneously gave a standing ovation to some big redheaded biker. Thanks for having us!!!!!Parking: There is usually free parking on 10th or in the surrounding areas—just check the street signs to make sure it’s not a day where it’s prohibited.
Cocktails were amazing. Food was fantastic. Service was on par with food and cocktails. High praise for this local spot. It’s small, so come early or be lucky. Great! Great! GREAT! Thanks Nate! You obviously married up. But, your passion makes me understand why Stew married you. Perfect night. I loved the Khao Soi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork & Shrimp Siu Mai, Crab Rangoon T-Pockets, General Tsao Popcorn Chicken, Fried Rice
Kerry Pitt-Hart
I brought the love of my life here for his birthday. We live in Soulard and didn’t want to leave the Island though we could have. Ha. We were there for quite a while, because we just couldn’t leave, and I kept drinking the gimlets and not because I loved the glassware. The entire bar ended up singing happy birthday to him. We’ve had a lot of birthdays together, but this was one for the books. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
nicholas Ives
Amazing hidden gem in Soulard. Great food, excellent cocktails and quick, friendly service. Can't wait to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: General Tsao Popcorn Chicken, Brussels, Fried Rice
Patrick Kennelly
This place rocks! Amazing bartenders and even better food.
robert obermoeller
Drinks were great (only places to get a Lychee martini we’ve found in stl so far), vibes were fun and the food was out of this world. The hummus and the pork burger were one of the best meals we’ve had in Soulard by far. 10/10 can’t recommend enough.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Edamame Hummus, Pork Burger and Fries, General Tsao Popcorn Chicken, Lychee Gimlet Mocktail
Another well-deserved 5 star review. These walls are special and Stews Food & Liquor is taking advantage. Previously the Woodshack which was well loved and grew to a bigger spot, Stew's took over. Very creative menu, no literally, it looks hand written, with an exotic fusion of Asian-inspired food. Stews gets real with easy shareables like crab rangoon, shrimp skewers and edamame hummus. #stlouispescatarianapproved @stlouispescatarians on instagram. And you think fried rice is typical and classic... not here. This spot is small embracing an intimate concept with 25 seats indoors and an additional 25 on the patio. Behind this spot is bartender Nate Burrows and Chef Brent Petty both from Cinder House, and namesake Kristen "Stew" Leahy. Love the name.
When a menu speaks to you, you order the whole thing. And that's what we did at Stew's (or at least 70% of it).Stew's is a new Asian-inspired restaurant in Soulard that inhabits the old Wood Shack location (next to Chava's). Since the area was in desperate need of Asian food, my friends and I were intrigued to visit. Upon entry, you are welcomed by the friendliest owner and his staff. The place is small and dimly lit with neon signs, providing an intimate, vibrant vibe - very good for a date or small group. With a group of 5 on a Friday night, it proved challenging to fit us in immediately, but the owner and his staff assured us they would make space and eventually got us all seated.Once seated, the menu called to us - EVERYTHING sounded delicious. Where else in STL can you be at a restaurant/bar that serves Khao Soi (Thai Curry Noodle Soup) while pounding a Hamm's beer or Lychee Gimlet? So as one does, we ordered almost everything: The T-Pockets, Brussels, Edamame "Hummus", Pork & Shrimp Shumai, Fried Rice, Pork Burger, all three Popcorn Chicken dishes, and the Khao Soi. The food did take a while as the kitchen was slammed. But once the food came out, the flavors were presented at full force. The most notable apps/entrees were the Brussels, the Popcorn Chicken paired with the fried rice, and the T-Pockets. Each playing the salty, sweet, and umami flavors by intertwining them well. The only misses (which is truly being knit picky) I could say were that the Shumai sauce was a little under seasoned, as was the Khao Soi broth. But to have two complex dishes like those to serve still left me impressed.All I can say is, Stew's with its intricate, diverse Asian-inspired dishes, warm staff, and unique cocktails makes it a welcome addition to Soulard.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork & Shrimp Siu Mai, Crab Rangoon T-Pockets, Edamame Hummus, Pork Burger and Fries, General Tsao Popcorn Chicken, Lychee Gimlet Mocktail, Brussels, Fried Rice
Incredible vibe. Small intimate space. The best friendliest staff and a bartender that makes you feel like besties. The drinks. Phenomenal. The food - shumai were to die for.
If I was on death row. My last mealWould be that orange chicken.
Service: 5 Food: 3 (I was really torn between giving this review a three star or a four star, because this restaurant is new and it's local, but I decided on a 4 because the service was pretty good. It was just the food that was lackluster.) Came here on a late Friday night, ever so so grateful that they were still serving food! I believe this used to be The Wood Shack restaurant. The server said they had been open about 7 weeks! We were greeted as soon as we walked in by the bartender, so we could sit anywhere. This space is very small not good for crowds, maybe good for a group of three or four, max. Our server came over and gave us menus and was super helpful with any questions we had about any of the dishes. I love when the server is knowledgeable about the menu!! The menu is super small, not extensive at all which can be a good thing, it gets straight to the point lol My husband decided on fried rice and General Tso chicken and I ordered the curry chicken. The fried rice was OK. It was hot & greasy, STL style and the chicken bites hot and fresh, and the sauce was really good. They had that great, "fresh out the grease" crisp to them! Sadly, my curry was a total letdown. It was so soupy it reminded me exactly of pho. It was so watered down, which in turn watered down the flavor. It tasted like they STARTED with the thick curry paste, and then added water to it to stretch it. I was so disappointed. And the chicken in the curry gave freezer bag chicken.
You feel like you stepped out of an alley into a fun and funky-quaint but chic dinner club no one knows about. They keep the food and cocktails coming quickly and each plate was as delicious, if not more so, than the last. Service was impeccable. We will return!
I loved everything about Stews! I visited on a Saturday with a group of friends, and we were there for a bit so we ended up trying most of the menu. The lychee gimlet is a must and the brussels sprouts were the best I’ve ever had. I also loved the edamame hummus, something I haven’t seen before. To top it off, everyone who works there was so welcoming and attentive. When you visit, be sure to check out the bathroom with its safari wallpaper and cute minis. I’ll def be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork & Shrimp Siu Mai, Edamame Hummus, Pork Burger and Fries, Lychee Gimlet Mocktail, Brussels, Spicy Miso Ramen
Been to STL a handful of times; this is my favorite place now. Happy Hour (aka the Morale Corral) is fun to begin with…rest of the night only gets better. What they did with that amount of space is impressive. Also they spontaneously gave a standing ovation to some big redheaded biker. Thanks for having us!!!!!Parking: There is usually free parking on 10th or in the surrounding areas—just check the street signs to make sure it’s not a day where it’s prohibited.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork & Shrimp Siu Mai, Crab Rangoon T-Pockets, Edamame Hummus, Lychee Gimlet Mocktail, Brussels, Spicy Miso Ramen
Omg! Absolutely delicious!! A Vibe for sure!! Can’t wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crab Rangoon T-Pockets, Fried Rice, Beef Skewer
Food is excellent and the place has a great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Cocktails were amazing. Food was fantastic. Service was on par with food and cocktails. High praise for this local spot. It’s small, so come early or be lucky. Great! Great! GREAT! Thanks Nate! You obviously married up. But, your passion makes me understand why Stew married you. Perfect night. I loved the Khao Soi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork & Shrimp Siu Mai, Crab Rangoon T-Pockets, General Tsao Popcorn Chicken, Fried Rice
I brought the love of my life here for his birthday. We live in Soulard and didn’t want to leave the Island though we could have. Ha. We were there for quite a while, because we just couldn’t leave, and I kept drinking the gimlets and not because I loved the glassware. The entire bar ended up singing happy birthday to him. We’ve had a lot of birthdays together, but this was one for the books. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing hidden gem in Soulard. Great food, excellent cocktails and quick, friendly service. Can't wait to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: General Tsao Popcorn Chicken, Brussels, Fried Rice
This place rocks! Amazing bartenders and even better food.
Drinks were great (only places to get a Lychee martini we’ve found in stl so far), vibes were fun and the food was out of this world. The hummus and the pork burger were one of the best meals we’ve had in Soulard by far. 10/10 can’t recommend enough.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Edamame Hummus, Pork Burger and Fries, General Tsao Popcorn Chicken, Lychee Gimlet Mocktail