There's No Restaurant In the World Like This One In Missouri
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Stephanie Zeilenga
Author
There’s nothing new about recycling, repurposing and bringing the old back to life. But perhaps nothing has been resurrected with such delightful, delicious results as Olio in St. Louis.
Now a swanky-yet-casual wine bar, Olio (1634 Tower Grove Ave.) started its life in the 1930s as a Standard Oil Filling Station.
Before Olio, the corner in the historical Botanical Heights neighborhood was struggling, to say the least. The difference between old and new is impressive, right?
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And the restaurant didn't just tear down and use the same piece of land - it actually repurposed many elements of the building, including the building's garage door and windows.
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The old elements combined with modern light fixtures and of-the-moment decor make for a space that is completely captivating yet utterly comfortable.
Once you take a seat and take a sip of wine from the perfectly curated selection, you won't want to leave.
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Especially once you notice that the music adding to the ambiance is coming from a record player, with records hand-picked by the staff.
But Olio doesn't stand on its own. It's next door to Elaia, an elegant fine dining eatery. This restaurant's setting is special, too - it's in a renovated 1890s house.
The restaurant has caught the eye of major tastemakers, including Bon Appetit, which named it one of the top 50 new restaurants in 2013.
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The wine selection is far from humdrum, and you're just as likely to see varietals you've never even heard of as you are to see the standards.
So, the location and setting are ace, but how's the food? Luckily, it lives up to the ambiance.
The menu is small and focused, with Mediterranean-inspired, expertly executed small plates perfect for sharing.
Want more Missouri dining? Check out these top mom and pop spots and these great outdoor dining establishments!
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