Chirco’s Kitchen now open inside Public School House venue in Cottleville

A new concept from longtime St. Louis restaurateur Vito Chirco is now open in downtown Cottleville. Located inside the quaint Public School House event venue, Chirco’s Kitchen & Catering offers pop-ups and catering at the venue, along with recurring takeout Tuesdays.

Chirco – known for Krieger’s and Chirco’s Italian Restaurant, which were popular from the ‘80s and ‘90s to the ‘00s – has taken on the role of an in-house chef and caterer at the venue. “I have a passion for cooking and interacting with customers,” Chirco said. 

A series of themed pop-ups, with décor to match, is slated to take place from 5 to 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday starting in September, with a different theme each month. The September series will offer Sicilian cuisine, while October will likely feature a Mexican or seafood theme. Tickets are available online. 

Chirco’s Kitchen also offers curbside pickup every Tuesday from 4 to 8:30 p.m. This week, the menu features authentic Italian family recipes that have been adapted for the restaurant. Starting in September, however, the menu will reflect the former Krieger’s menu, including chicken sandwiches, salads, wings, burgers and seasoned fries. The catering menu will range from classic American burgers to authentic Italian family-style meals. Chirco also plans to offer live cooking demonstrations at the venue by the end of the year.

 “Once I walked into this building, I just knew I had to be a part of it,” Chirco said. “It was a one-room schoolhouse built in 1875, but it’s been built onto to match. It’s a beautiful spot – very charming with a lot of character.”