First Look: Brennan's new location in the Central West End

Late last year, Central West End staple Brennan’s announced it would close at 4695 Maryland Ave. in order to relocate; the St. Louis Chess Club had announced an expansion and would take over the space. Luckily, for fans of the bar and its location, owner Kevin Brennan decided to move around the corner to 316 N. Euclid Ave. The new spot opens Wednesday, Nov. 11.  

Though it’s an entirely new space, complete with new floors, banquettes, lighting, bars and barstools, art and more, Brennan is confident that it’s a seamless continuation of the vibe he created for 17 years at the old location. “We kind of feel like this is the newly updated version, with some little twists,” he explained. “I like everything about it.”  

Customers enter to a long bar with about 12 suede barstools; a ton of spirits can be found on tap, with a similar quote-slinging board hanging just above. Through two different sets of doors can be found a lounge full of leather seats, art, books, and a long banquette with sleek tables. In all, each side can hold 49 people, though Brennan said they’ll allow half of that during the pandemic. 

Continuing its tradition of offering a vast array of spirits, cocktails, spirits and wines, Brennan’s new spot will have about 125 spirits, 40 beers and a rotating list of around 50 wines. A list of “old and familiar” cocktails has classics like an old fashioned, a Manhattan and a Last Word. “New and original” cocktails include the Steve Harvey Wallbanger with vodka, cognac, galliano, orange, lemon and bitters; the Smoky the Bear has mezcal, tequila, pear, lime, ginger, agave and Tajin. The Yaaasssss - we counted to make sure we had the right number of letters there - contains gin, lavender honey syrup, lemon and sparkling rose. In all, there are 10 “new and original” cocktails on the list.  

Many of Brennan’s cocktails will be available pre-bottled (around 18, according to Brennan), and customers have the option to take them to go. Those cocktails can be ordered online or in the bar.  

A menu of elevated bar snacks contains dishes like a BLT flatbread, a grilled cheese with triple cream and English cotswold, and steamed pork dumplings with ponzu sauce. Smoked trout toast comes with horseradish creme fraiche, green apple and dill, and customers can add a spoonful of roe for an additional $3. Three boards include the salumi and cheese, the Mediterrannean Mezze, and a seafood spread. Diners wanting to do more low-key snacking can order sides like chips and dip, bread and butter, Marcona almonds and a side of hummus.  

Brennan’s will eventually open an upstairs cigar bar and offer an expanded, curated whisky selection for that space. The bar is also open for private events and parties.  

Learn more about Brennan’s new hours, food, drinks and space in the slideshow below.