By Sarah B. Smith
Their promotional postcard promises something special: "Nelly, Larry Hughes, Marshall Faulk and Darius Miles invite you to experience downtown St. Louis' premiere sports bar and grill."
Just what have these entertainment and sports icons cooked up?
The Sky Box Sports Bar and Grill is located in the building formerly occupied by Planet Hollywood, and has undergone quite a transformation to create a home for the new restaurant and entertainment venue. General manager Elizabeth Barnhart credits Nelly with the vision behind the place. "Nelly wanted to build a really cool sports bar, where he and others in St. Louis could hang out and enjoy sporting events. He is an extremely creative guy. So, when he does something, he brings it to a whole new level."
"With the reemergence of downtown St. Louis and the Landing, I wanted to be at the forefront of bringing quality businesses to our area," says Nelly of his new venture. "My partners and I have traveled the world and experienced some of the finest restaurants and venues created. Sky Box is a collaboration of our experiences and our vision of what the best sports bar anywhere would look and feel like."
The most prominent features are the 80 high-definition TVs throughout the restaurant and bar areas—even including the restrooms. A sports fan's dream—nine different sports shows to choose from at any one time. And for those wanting a little more interaction, try one of their several Xboxes. These have been a hit with youngsters, as well as adults.
The décor is sports, sports, and sports. From the decorative yard lines marked on the floor, to the sports memorabilia lining the walls, one is surrounded by the sports theme. In addition to the main dining room and bar area, the restaurant also includes a cigar room and private boxes to accommodate small groups. A new upper deck recently opened and work is well underway on their new garden patio, which will open this summer. Both promise to have plenty of sports and people watching opportunities.
Located virtually next door to Pinnacle's new Lumiére Place Casino complex, the Sky Box Sports Bar and Grill, which opened this past February, has been a hit with tourists and locals alike. Parking has been made easier by the addition of City Park—just 200 feet away. And the restaurant is conveniently located in walking distance of two MetroLink stations—Convention Center and Laclede's Landing/Arch.
Sky Box offers America cuisine, with a flair for Cajun Creole—a nod to Marshall Faulk's New Orleans roots, notes Barnhart. Their "Warm-Ups" include an extensive selection of appetizers, including catfish crisps ($7.95) that are dipped in their homemade cornbread batter, fried crisp and served with Creole mustard sauce. Another selection with southern routes is the sugar caned skewered shrimp glazed with a Creole jalapeno mustard at $11.95.
Their chicken wings ($8.95) offered are one of the restaurant's most popular items, served with a choice of five sauces (Thai chili, roasted garlic buffalo sauce, hot sauce, hella hot sauce and of course, Nelly's spiced BBQ sauce).
Lunch offerings include many traditional burger and salad options. For a change, you may want to try Marshall's cornbread battered shrimp "rich" boy—their Bourbon street inspired "po boy" sandwich, or tuna tacos, each at $11.95.
Chef Michael Fortner has added his touch to some other specialties worth noting. The Creole shrimp and grits ($18.95) features sautéed shrimp in a stew of sweet onions, green peppers and diced tomatoes, served over creamy white cheddar cheese grits. Another Creole favorite is the chicken and andouille gumbo at $12.95.
Sky Box's dinner entrees ($15.95 to $24.95) round out the wide ranging menu, and include hearty favorites such as heartland style pot roast, pork chops and marinated rib eye and seared steak medallions.
So, looking to catch a game and a bite to eat in a high-tech setting? Why not venture down to the Landing to find out just how "premiere" this sports bar is, nestled amidst LacledeÕs Landing regulars, and the adjacent new Lumiére complex and the new Four Seasons Hotel.
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TalkingPOINTS
Sky Box Bar & Grill
800 North Third Street, St. Louis, Mo. 63102
(314) 241-5100
www.skyboxstl.com
Hours:
Monday - Friday: Lunch Ð Beginning at 11 a.m.
Dinner Ð Beginning at 4 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: Opens at 4 p.m. |
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