Big Sky Cafe, a Webster Groves favorite
Some restaurants have a vibe you recognize upon walking through the door—the decor, wait staff, and menu all work together to embrace you. Big Sky is such a place.
Recently, my group of Dining Women (distant kin to Designing Women of the 80s 🙂 ) enjoyed an early meal at the cafe. We were on our way to the nearby Repertory Theater for a performance of Born Yesterday. Those of a “certain age” may remember the film comedy from the ’50s featuring Judy Holliday as Billie, the ditzy blonde, Broderick Crawford and Robert Holden. The storyline of political corruption in Washington makes the play seem amazingly relevant even today.
The cozy, comfy bar at Big Sky Cafe
The $5 Rush Hour Menu in the bar
We intentionally arrived at Big Sky between 4:30 and 6 p.m. because of the showtime. But equally enticing was the $5 Rush Hour menu. During those hours, the bar offers $5 wine, cocktails and small plates along with quick service.
The Rush Hour Menu comes with attractive snacks at attractive prices. Shown here is the Pan-seared Crab Cakes with dill and shallot tartar sauce. Not photographed, but also delish, was the Roasted Cauliflower and Prairie Breeze Cheddar Grilled Cheese with baby spinach and red chili mayo on brioche.
House-cured Salmon Toast Points
Warm Caramel Apple-Pecan Pie with cinnamon ice cream
We were celebrating two birthdays, so the desserts came with candles. This is Bread Pudding from Remy’s menu, the longtime restaurant in Clayton that’s now shuttered, but the dessert lives on at Big Sky.
Lots of Good Reasons to Return for Lunch or Dinner
The rotating entrees and side dishes are based on seasonal, local ingredients, that add freshness and pizzazz to the menu. The restaurant website claims that 99.44% of their meat, eggs, bread (and even staff) are locally sourced.
It’s worth noting, too, that Big Sky makes the effort to recycle (even the wine corks), composts all organic waste, and supports local arts through Artists First—all signs of being a good community citizen.
What About the Show?
Oh, yes, the play was splendid, made all the more enjoyable by our pre-show snack. Like peanut butter and jelly or Abbott and Costello, Big Sky and The Rep make a perfect pair.
Big Sky Cafe. 47 S. Old Orchard, Webster Groves. Open: Lunch Tue-Fri 11:30a-2p; Dinner Sun 4:30p-8:30p; Tue-Thu 5p-9p; Fri-Sat 5p-10p; Brunch Sun 10a-2p. “Rush Hour” Tue-Sun 4:30p-6p.
