I got an email this morning saying that Erato wine bar at, basically, arsenal and Grand may be going out of business unless things pick up quickly. I guess they got their asses handed to them during the really cold period in January and February. I think this place is really nice, though a bit pricey, but a classy addition to the South Grand Business District. I would hate to see it go under. I guess they think that if they can make some money in the next few weeks the spring and summer will keep them alive. Anyone so inclined should cruise down there this weekend and get boozy, help em out.
- 1,000
i haven't been doing my share of patronizing erato lately. i like the place, my girlfriend, no.
i really hope they survive on s grand.
i really hope they survive on s grand.
I was there a couple of week's (friday night) back with some friends. There were not many people there. Bought a wine bottle and some beer. Was a bit pricey for all that, but it is a nice little wine bar.
- 11K
FWIW - it seems a little out of place, surrounded my affordable eateries. For a wine bar I'd rather head to Lafayette Square, CWE or downtown aftern eating on Grand. I've always felt safe on S Grand, but I've heard a couple stories lately of people being held up just a block from Pho Grand in the past year.
I'm with Grover. This place just seems out of place. South Grand is about beer and cheap food, not wine bars.
JCity wrote:so, it can't be both?
I think we're just seeing the expected phase of rationalization at a business (allegedly) failing in the City.
See the Wendy's and Tanner B's threads as examples. That's all I'm going to say on the matter 
Bar and restaurant closings are difficult to decipher - especially when all the fundamentals seem to be in place and operating.
I like Erato on S. Grand but have only been there twice. Aren't the neighborhoods surrounding the location rather upscale? I wonder if they are marketing themselves to all the new residents who are paying $400K and up for their homes?
I like Erato on S. Grand but have only been there twice. Aren't the neighborhoods surrounding the location rather upscale? I wonder if they are marketing themselves to all the new residents who are paying $400K and up for their homes?
I went to try to help them out on Friday.......couldn't get in it was so packed. Some of the neighborhoods are very upscale, some increasingly upscale, others.....not so much. They were hoping to market themselves to the yuppies, they have really good wine, beer, cheese, and no smoking. I don't know if the neighborhood came to the rescue on Friday (they sent out a plea through the neighborhood association), or if they just had a good night. I actually think they do well on the weekends and then go dead all week. I think it is a nice upscale niche in the barscape and adds welcom diversity to the boozing opportunities on South Grand.
TGE-ATW wrote:I went to try to help them out on Friday.......couldn't get in it was so packed. Some of the neighborhoods are very upscale, some increasingly upscale, others.....not so much. They were hoping to market themselves to the yuppies, they have really good wine, beer, cheese, and no smoking. I don't know if the neighborhood came to the rescue on Friday (they sent out a plea through the neighborhood association), or if they just had a good night. I actually think they do well on the weekends and then go dead all week. I think it is a nice upscale niche in the barscape and adds welcom diversity to the boozing opportunities on South Grand.
I wonder if the non-smoking rule is hurting them? There seems to be some heavy smoking in bars along South Grand. There have been times where I've been drinking in places like CBGB, Mangia and Upstairs Lounge where I've been one of the few people not smoking.
I specifically remember two times where I've gone to Mangia, gone home and the smoke smell is so thick I have to take a shower (at something like 1, 2 or 3am in the morning) and leave the clothes in the hallway.
I've been there several times recently, and it looks like the business has been pretty good.
I hope they manage to stay open, it's one of my favorite places to kick off the evening.
I hope they manage to stay open, it's one of my favorite places to kick off the evening.
- 10K
Here's their official announcement. I'll be stopping in to help out!
This past holiday season was great for Eratos Wine Bar, but January and February, with the cold winter weather were terrible. Receipts were so bad Adam Pashea the owner may have to close for good.
If we could increase neighborhood patronage at this wonderful, smokeless, wine bar, where you can dine on small plates of light cuisine, in the next two weeks they may stay open.
The best days to stop by are Tuesday through Thursday.
They can accommodate large and small groups and it is a great place for a small committee meeting if you are looking for a fun place to discuss a neighborhood project and still be fed and watered well.
Go to http://eratowines.com/ for more information on hours, menu and the array of wines and spirits the full
bar offers.
If they make it they will still need our neighborhood patronage to keep going as all our local shops and eateries do. So think Eratos when thinking of catching a drink and lite dinner in the future.
Maybe I can stop by on Thursday. Anyone else up for a SAVE Erato party on thursday? 
- 5,433
I'd like to stop by Thursday, but I'll be out of town, and my wife has a work-related event that night.
We have reservations at Mangia on Friday night, so we may stop by Erato while we're in the area.
We have reservations at Mangia on Friday night, so we may stop by Erato while we're in the area.
Another reason to go to Erato: Take St. Louis off the "Most Dangerous" list.
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Source
More wine leads to less violent crime? I'll drink to that!
Source
More wine leads to less violent crime? I'll drink to that!
Well, that's nice to know. I'll start drinking more wine. I'd like to see the comparison of cheap beer drinking rates to crime as well.
- 5,433
Jax, I love the graph! I would think that Saint Louis would fare well in wine consumption, though, since there's no dearth of restaurants with plentiful wine offerings, not to mention the proximity of countless vineyards in places like Hermann, Augusta, Sainte Genevieve, etc. 
Been there 3 times this month. They seem to attract a "decent" crowd, but not overflowing. I like the place and hope they make it......
They seemed to be doing "decent" business, but there is no way to lknow if they are in trouble, and I kinda felt odd in asking. I like their HH (they have good appetizer's and their drinks at HH are cheap).
- 10K
Update from Sauce:
Erato Wine Bar on South Grand Boulevard is up for sale – with a possible deal pending. The popular bar remains open, and reports say the new owners want to continue with the current concept after the deal goes through in two or three months, if all goes well.