The Scoop: Herbie’s owner to open chess-themed Kingside Diner in Central West End

The team at Herbie’s Vintage ’72  in the Central West End is extending its talents to pancakes and sides of bacon. Herbie’s owner Aaron Teitelbaum has announced plans to open Kingside Diner this April in the former Lester’s at 4651 Maryland Ave., as reported by St. Louis Magazine. Teitlebaum said the daily diner will fill a void in the Central West End restaurant scene since the closure of longtime staples like Herschel’s and The Majestic. “There’s a very big void also for late-night dining,” he said, adding that Kingside will be open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The kitchen will churn out classic diner fare for all-day breakfast and lunch beginning at 6 a.m. Herbie’s chef Chris Vomund, formerly of The Nest, will oversee the menu development and culinary operations at the new diner, which will also feature daily blue-plate specials. Herbie’s beverage director Amanda Wilgus will handle the beverage program, which will focus on breakfast cocktails and bottled beer. Kingside will seat 90 people inside and an additional 90 to 100 when warmer weather allows for patio seating. The diner will also offer a walk-up counter and a grab-and-go section for customers on the move. The diner’s chess-inspired name comes thanks to its neighbor – and landlord – the World Chess Hall of Fame. Teitelbaum said he plans to partner closely with the organization, opening Kingside to beginner’s play Sundays through Thursdays after 3 p.m., when the menu will switch from breakfast and lunch options to small plates and a full bar. “We’re not here to bring in something that’s going to compete with my friends and neighbors,” said Teitelbaum. “We want to be something that adds to the community.”