Maryland House by Brennan’s is a welcome addition to the CWE

By Kiana Fleming – Sauce Magazine – June 21, 2023

With temperatures rising and the days getting longer, the newly opened Maryland House by Brennan’s in the Central West End is the perfect place to be.

Take advantage of the summer nights in one of their four distinct spaces: the Library Room (designed to represent the former Maryland House at 4659 Maryland Ave.), the Gallery Space (home to rotating digital art pieces representing the new Maryland House), the bar or groove under the stars on their Rooftop Garden Terrace. The swanky cocktail lounge will feature a top-notch selection of rotating local DJs that will keep the sounds going from 9 p.m. until midnight every Thursday night. “Thursday nights might be a little more interesting for music lovers and enthusiasts,” said owner Kevin Brennan. “I think we’ve designed a sound to feel like you could be anywhere in the world at any time of the day. It’s about creating a mood.”

While you’re there, grab a drink from bar manager Eric Weis’ curated cocktail menu, which is divided by What’s Old Is New Again (classic cocktails with a slight twist) and What’s New Never Gets Old (modern, signature cocktails). Among the highlights is the hilariously named and deliciously tasting Stay At Bar Mom with Empress gin, lavender-honey syrup, concord-hibiscus shrub, lemon juice and egg white garnished with dehydrated hibiscus. “After drinking this one, you may never go back to your kids,” joked Brennan. A series of brands under their cocktail label BUZZ’D by Brennan’s is currently in the works that will feature off-menu drinks you can only get at the bar.

Both the cocktail and small plate menu offer seasonal options. The summer menu offers lighter, fruity and citrus-forward selections while fuller-bodied, savory offerings will be available in the coming fall and winter. Happy Hour is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Specials include ordering any two small plates and getting a third off-menu plate at no additional cost.

On June 25, Maryland House by Brennan’s will host its first bartender competition in partnership with brand Pernod Ricard (Jameson Irish Whiskey) and several other sponsors from 3 to 10 p.m. Mixologists from the best bars in St. Louis will compete head-to-head in three different rounds for the crown.

“It will be like a big house party as we’ll have different types of food and drinks at stations throughout the space,” said Brennan. Guest judges include Netflix’s Drink Masters contestant Meredith Barry of Platypus and New Society, as well as Ginworld founder Natasha Bahrami of Salve Osteria and the Gin Room. Tickets will be available for purchase online and include food. There is an after-party at Platypus after the competition.

Maryland House by Brennan’s operating hours are 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday with Sunday hours beginning this summer. Reservations are encouraged and available on Toast.

First posted in Uncategorized | Wednesday, June 3, 2023