ST. LOUIS — Another local restaurant is setting an age restriction on who can come in.
Whisky on Washington just reopened this month downtown with a new business model. Instead of a bar, it's now also a restaurant. And after 9 p.m., only customers ages 30 and up are welcome in.
"We did it and we’re open for business,” owner David Shanks said.
The new restaurant is located across from its former location, inside the former Lucas Park Grille, which closed during the pandemic. The business expanded from a 1,500-square-foot space to 8,500 square feet.
"Our Cajun Pasta sells very well. That's probably our top entrée,” said Chef Latashia Jackson. "(We have) Cajun salmon. We’ve got our zesty lemon chicken. We've got steak options."
"It was a 6-figure investment to just get the doors open," Shanks said. "A lot of things were damaged. A lot of things were broken and a lot of things had to be replaced."
He was committed to see his vision become reality.
The change in venue comes with a change in policy: a new age requirement after 9 p.m. That's when the restaurant will only welcome customers who are 30 and up.
"When I think of 30 and up, I think of that working class individual that really wants to get away from their kids…I have a 21-year-old son. I love him to death but I do not want to see him everywhere that I go…I want to be able to mingle with the people in my age bracket and have a good time,” Shanks explained.
While businesses have come and gone in downtown St. Louis, the former principal turned business owner is invested in his city.
"I just love supporting my community… We can do this in Frontenac. We can do this in Clayton, but why not downtown?" he asked.
Development group Greater STL, Inc. is praising Whisky on Washington's decision to stay downtown.
“It’s great to see Whisky on Washington grow and expand their commitment to downtown. Their new home is another sign of the growing momentum in the heart of our metro and adds to the vibrancy and excitement along Washington Avenue and throughout downtown,” a spokesperson said.
The restaurant is open at 5 p.m., every day except Sunday.