First Look: Olive + Oak in Webster Groves

Not everything about the eagerly anticipated – OK, extremely hyped – new Olive + Oak is new. If fans of the original restaurant’s dynamic menu are worried about missing their favorite dishes or drinks, they shouldn’t be. “Not at all,” said owner Mark Hinkle. According to him, the philosophy here is simple: new digs, same approach. But that doesn’t mean that patrons of the original Olive + Oak shouldn’t expect some major updates at its new home at 216 W. Lockwood Ave., a block down the street from the former spot.

For one, Olive + Oak has new neighbors: Also inhabiting the 20,000-square-foot former auto body shop will be the second location of Perennial Artisan Ales, Perennial on Lockwood. A third room in the building will be an Olive + Oak event space with a separate menu headed up by chef Michael Petres.  

An expanded bar was one of the focuses of the new space. The new bar seats 24 – double the amount at the restaurant’s former location – and will have over 20 taps, which will be heavily populated by Perennial beers. Bar manager Morgaine Segura said that they’ll maintain a strong offering of IPAs and sour beers. Original cocktails will still be a highlight, as will a robust wine selection.  

Executive chef Jesse Mendica’s menu will be largely similar, with dishes like blue crab gratin, baked clams, beef tenderloin and the prime cowboy ribeye. The O+O burger is still in the game, as is the oyster menu.  

If a walkthrough of Olive + Oak’s new 2,500-square-foot dining room yields any big observations, it’s that there’s significantly more space, the bar is gorgeous and, most importantly, the vibe feels similar. Olive + Oak is open for patio dining and curbside service starting Wednesday, July 1, and will be open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday with plans to expand days of operation in the coming weeks. 

Here’s a closer look at the new and improved Olive + Oak and its event space.