Element

My husband and I hit up Element as a fancy date night before catching a show at the Fox as part of our Christmas gift to each other. I had been up to the lounge previously for a bartending school event, but the hubs had never been. My lounge experience set the bar really high, and the restaurant certainly met those expectations.
We arrived pretty early for dinner, wanting to be sure to have time for our show, and we had a reservation, so we were greeted and seated promptly, the host checking again on our show time to ensure we got out on time.
We had one of their black bean arrancini with cilantro cream as an amuse bouche. It was to die for. Seriously, I want to put a whole platter of them in my belly. For first course, I had a caesar salad which was everything it should be — crisp and refreshing, salty and savory, yum. My hubby had the Korean steam buns which were good, but we didn’t love the doughy-​ness of the buns themselves. I don’t have a ton of experience with steam buns, but they seemed a little under cooked.
For the main course, I order the hanger steak with fingerling potatoes that were so simple but so perfect — lightly pan fried and salted. Sometime about them though. I don’t know. I think I said it right the first time — so simple but so perfect. The steak was cooked just as ordered and was tender and juicy. My husband ordered the duck breast. It’s not my thing, but he enjoyed it.
For dessert, I had the apple crumble with Serendipity’s salted caramel ice cream and my husband a deconstructed cheesecake, the details of which escape me and isn’t on their website menu to refresh my memory. He ate it and enjoyed it. I guess that summarizes well, ha! My apple crumbles was warm and gooey and homey and wonderful. And it was plentiful. Seriously, it’s a pretty big dessert, so be prepared. Perhaps consider making it a shared dessert. My only thing is that the apples were still with skin which made them a little chewy. My husband didn’t think it was a big deal, and to my chewy comment, he said «I think that’s the point.» so perhaps it’s just a personal preference. The flavors were spot on.

Went on a Wednesday, made a 6:30 reservation, showed up, bar tender said someone would be right with us (15 people there total) when nobody showed up 8 minutes later went up stairs and dined at the bar. Nobody was in the bar. Can this place survive? My pork chop was really good. Bar tender was nice. Fried chicken small plate was good according to my friends. Beer menu was good. Service– get your act together and you might have something in that great space.

Really cool place for dinner and drinks. We ordered several appetizers and shared 2 dinners between 4 of us. I loved the beet salad, scallop appetizer, skirt steak and the bone in pork chop. The pork chop was cooked perfect but a little bland, maybe it just needed more sauce. The lounge was so comfortable and just overall cool place! We will definitely go again! I’m wondering why this place is not busy? It should be packed! Better marketing? Btw, customer service was excellent as well!

Well, I have to say that I am impressed. I posted a less than glowing review about 6 weeks ago after a pretty miserable 3 hour experience for dinner that resulted in food that was OK but less than amazing, and both myself and my girlfriend being more tipsy than we had hoped having polished off most of a bottle of wine before the appetizers even arrived. Still, never let it be said that I am not willing to try again if I feel a place had potential.
My latest experience was a far cry from the last. I was there with a group… 4 of us this time. We had a 6pm reservation this time (interestingly, OpenTable gave me the option of 6pm or 8:30pm, but the restaurant itself wasn’t overly busy). Still, not a problem. 6pm ended up being a good time to get there as dinner service was just getting started. We sat inside this time; the patio was an option but it was a bit chillier tonight than last time so we elected to sit inside.
So this time, I have to say our waiter was phenomenal again. Different waiter, but he was entertaining (and I suspect highly entertained by the banter at the table) during dinner, attentive and on-​the-​ball. Drinks this time were beers and cocktails… wasn’t much feeling in a wine mood to be honest. Still, drinks came up quickly and water was constantly refilled… good start again.
So we decided to do this dinner «family style»… four small plates to start and then two large plates and we could all pick off both.
Starters were two of the steamed buns (one plate), the burrata (beets, cucumber and mozarella) and two servings of the fried chicken. All of these came out very quickly and actually disappeared almost as quickly as they were quite frankly excellent. The fried chicken was drizzled in a maple syrup and served with mashed potato… quite good. The flavours were nicely complimentary and I was very impressed with the burrata. The steamed buns were I think much better than last time also.
An extra appetizer was brought to the table also compliments of the house (did they read my review and recognize me?). I didn’t catch what these were, but they were also great… had sort of a Mexican flavour with black beans in small balls.
The large plates we elected to share were the pork chop with sauteed brussels sprouts on polenta, and the hanger steak with cauliflower. This worked out great and we all sampled a bit of each plate that we had. All of us came away highly impressed on this event; the kitchen was also much more «alive» than last time and I really felt like the head chef had his act together a lot better this time.
This time we actually got the opportunity to retire to the lounge after dinner, where we spent a couple of hours enjoying the cocktails, the great scenery and the conversation. The live music also was better than average, being acoustic… but if I were to be picky I’d say they could’ve turned it down a bit and I think we would’ve been much happier.
Still, overall an excellent experience made better by the ability to move to the lounge afterward… I think this is a place I will be returning to.

Bravo to Element for earning five stars. Off the beaten path on Carroll Street behind the old City Hospital, Element shares its building with a rock climbing experience. There is a large sign out in front, but up at the top of the building. Follow the fork signs to the elevator. The restaurant is on the second floor and the lounge is on the third floor. The full menu is also served in the lounge. There is also a wonderful outdoor space in the lounge with fire pits. Not sure what the parking situation is since we took a cab so we could drink.
Danielle and Steve took care of us at the bar. They were excellent. Small plates and a few large plates are offered. We started small sharing the duck confit and the fried chicken. These are two of their larger small plates. The duck was delightful served with a bread pudding and an arugula balsamic salad. Very good and quite tasty. The fried chicken was also delicious and was served with a potato pancake and coleslaw. The potato pancake is a regular pancake with potatoes baked into it. I could have made a meal of those.
For our next course, Mike chose the special of the night — beef brisket sandwich with fries. I chose a Cesear salad. Mike said his sandwich and fries with very good and I loved my salad. A previous Unilocal review said that the salad tasted funny. Well, if you don’t know what a true Cesaer salad is, you might think it tastes funny. Made with anchovies in the dressing, it has a salty taste and was the best Cesear salad I have had in a long time.
For dessert, an apple crumble and a deconstructed pumpkin cheesecake. I did not try the crumble and Mike ate all of it which means it was good. The pumpkin cheesecake was to die for — and I don’t really care for pumpkin! If they are offering this when you go, get it. You won’t be disappointed.
Of course I would go back. Time and time again.

Th Element Lounge is one of my favorite bars in St. Louis and that’s mainly because of the atmosphere. It’s on the rooftop of a building near Lafayette Square. The interior is filled with big leather couches, massive wing backed chairs that look like they’re from Alice in Wonderland, and a very long bar. On top of this, it has an outdoor patio complete with stringed lights.
After my most recent visit there were 3 other guests in the room plus my group of 4. All the cocktails were delicious but the bar service was very very slow. The bartender was really nice and only making drinks for us at the time but it probably took 15+ minutes to get 4 drinks.
I’ve never been in the restaurant but hope to stop by for visit in the near future.

My fiancé and I had dinner at the restaurant and then drinks at the lounge upstairs. We loved both. We went on a Friday night and it was not busy at all. Food and service in the restaurant were great, but we LOVED the lounge upstairs. They have a very cozy indoor lounge with lots of plush, private seating and also a patio with fire pits. Bartenders were all very friendly, attentive and made some damn good drinks! I’m not sure what all the bad reviews lately are about, but our waitress did tell us they recently got a new chef and hence new menu.

Had dinner here last night. It was an early Friday dinner at 6:30 for which we had reservations. We were seated quickly and the wait staff was quick and nice. Waitress provided her recommendations when asked and water was refilled timely throughout the meal.
As for the food, we were just impressed. We got a Caesar salad and fried risotto balls to split and then the chicken and steak main courses. I’m not a Caesar salad fan but thought it tasted like a normal Caesar salad. My friend thought it tasted odd and didn’t really like it. The fried risotto balls looked very appetizing but were little dry and really just didn’t have much flavor. Honestly, I’ve had better from the prepared food section at Dierbergs. But that may be just because those are pretty cheesy. My friend’s chicken was good but nothing special according to her. My steak on the other hand wasn’t very good. I’ve had more than my share of steaks over the years and always order medium rare. This steak was definitely under cooked. I’m not one to send food back unless it’s not edible so I decided to keep going. I ate about ¾ of it and threw in the towel. It just wasn’t very good.
We wound up going to Chocolate Bar to get dessert since we were both still a little hungry. Never had a bad dessert there.
I don’t think the food was terrible by any means. Just expect more from a place where you’re spending $ 30-​$ 40 a person.

This is only a review for the lounge. I have not tried the restaurant.
I am a big fan of the lounge and the bar up on the 3^rd floor indoors. Outdoors is nice when there’s music playing and you have a good group of friends. The bartenders make great drinks and you don’t have to order from their drink menu since they know their stuff. Being a cocktail enthusiast, I have to say these guys have good mixology going. The atmosphere of the lounge is typical of a bar of this style; a bit hipster-​ish and prohibition-​era styling. I enjoy that vibe so I give that a big thumbs up.
The one star knock comes from the small bites menu that they have for the lounge. The items are pricey for one and they aren’t the most appetizing. I would expect a bit less fancy foods for the lounge and something more along the lines of finger foods, but then again I don’t run the place.
If you like your cocktails, this is a great place to hit up and relax.

I give the one star for the ambiance.
We were planning to use the 3^rd floor lounge to throw my friend’s 40^th birthday in November. I have to say that I can’t remember the last time I have received such horrible customer service. I just had a feeling that this was going to be a sour experience from the beginning when the event planner did not respond to an email, a text message, and two phone calls from me. I eventually received a reply with the catering menu after a phone call to the event planner’s manager. I was not happy with our correspondence back and forth over email and his last email to me more than rubbed me the wrong way. It was rude and condescending. His availability to meet in person was limited, so after a week of waiting for him to confirm our appointment, I cancelled. We have secured a space that will probably cost a bit more, but we have been very happy with the event planner at this facility from the beginning. She has been helpful, courteous, and most importantly, very responsive.
Honestly, the only reason we even considered element in the first place is the ambiance. The last time we ate at this restaurant, the food was mediocre at best. We will not be returning to the restaurant and I have let all my friends know about our negative experience with this establishment. Good luck with your new chef, element!

This place could really be a great spot– the patio is wonderful on the rooftop! However, we received the most pathetic service and eventually closed our tab and went elsewhere for dinner because of it. Disappointed, because I’d love to hang out here. The place was also pretty empty for a Saturday night. Wish the view was to the east rather than over the dental school parking lot, but make sure not to miss the view out of the windows behind the bar.

Celebrated our 9 year anniversary at Element. Everything was delicious! The Elk was fabulous and Hubbie enjoyed the Wagyu beef. The Chefs Choice charcuterie plate is a must and we ended with the gooey butter cake. Thanks!

Dear the «let me start by saying I’m not usually a complainer» people,
You’re all liars and we know this.
As my friend Jill said, so glad I ignored any negative reviews. Made reservations for a Saturday night at 7:30, was seated right away upon arrival and was surprised at the lack of people. (Especially considering the dining experience we had that evening.) The dining room was awesome, but we opted to sit out on the patio which was even more amazing. A beautiful view of the city, and especially incredible at sunset.
The service: Very good. Our waiter was awesome about making recommendations, and answering questions. The only one gripe you’ll read in this review is that I felt like speed was a bit lacking on drink orders. (Mind you we drink beer, not cocktails). Our food however came out quickly, and at perfect timing in between courses.
The food: Amazeballs. Both delicious and beautiful. We started with an order of the tar tar style scallops which were absolutely delicious. Highly recommend. For dinner I had the lamb, and my date the beef dish which was a sumac encrusted wagyu tender. While the lamb was stellar, I wish I’d ordered the beef as it was even more so. Highly recommend that as well. Really looking forward to going back and trying other dishes. Despite being stuffed, of course we had to try the dessert… and I’m glad we did. We took our servers recommendation for the fruit with chocolate mousse… I’m running out of overly positive adjectives, somebody get me a thesaurus… This was amazing as well.
When the sun set some live music started in the lounge/​bar area above us. Could definitely see myself just coming up for drinks, and to sit on the patio and enjoy.
110% will be back. Although my wallet will make me wait a bit longer than I’d like. Maybe the negative reviewers were just picked on too much as children… and thus feel the need to assert themselves on Unilocal.It’s the only thing I can think of…

I was here with Dan for a Unilocal event so this unfortunately will be mostly about drinks as we did not eat.
We went for the Unilocal Event on a Tuesday which was all about making cocktails. We had two great teachers (two bartenders from Element but I don’t know if it is ok to use their names so I will leave them out) who taught us the art of the base of the drink and sculpting a cocktail that is what we like, not «what is right». The first hour of the «class» was about different signature cocktails and what makes a good from a bad. Next we got to make our own. The bummer was the first part of the «class» took so long that when it came to making our own, the bartenders had to make them somewhat for us with our own twist to them. Both were so nice and helpful and it was truly an educational experience.
The atmosphere at Element is truly amazing. The upper lounge area where we were was not only relaxing but romantic feeling as well. They have an amazing roof deck which I was so disappointed we could not go out there as it was raining.
As far as the food, what I saw come out looked delicious. I am so glad I was able to attend this Unilocal event as I not only met some amazing people but learned about a new place that we will definitely go back and experience fully. I would highly recommend checking out this great establishment.

For a large group experience this place worked well for us. Hanging out in the bar area before dinner the appetizers passed around around were really quite good — especially the pork belly that everyone was raving about.
Sitting down for dinner we had a choice of three entrees and I chose the Teres major, leek potato purée, blistered cherry tomatoes, and leek medallions. I found it to be really quite enjoyable and with a group of over 50 people everything seemed to flow pretty smoothly which is a challenge for any restaurant to handle.

Large group of old school bar staffers have a meal at Element…
Lounge–
Group meet up at the 3^rd level lounge & order drinks before dinner. Lounge is very comfortable with a rooftop patio. The bartenders are «cocktail artist” — different sizes & shapes of ice plus style glasses filled with many fresh & layered ingredients. My bartender friends were impressed (but made fun of them) while I just wanted a beer. The ales offered were all dark, but good. The lounge is a slow down & enjoy the presentation, drink & moment type of place.
Restaurant–
The dining area is open kitchen/​converted warehouse trendy loft type.
We ordered a few appetizers & the one I would definitely reorder is the meat and cheese platter. Good strong flavors to start off the meal. All the appetizers were actually really good in flavor & presentation. The «pork steak» was the most talked about interpretation, however.
I had the salmon & thought it was cooked great with a generous proportion. The rice was cooked well, but I wanted more flavor (the tables consensus also).
Taste testing across the table seemed to confirm the pork tenderloin & special of the night dish was the overall winner.
(Most of our group wanted more seasoning overall in the main courses compared to the more interesting appetizers)
We had a overly rich delicious dessert that name escapes me. (Sorry, not my thing)
Overall, I really liked it as a special occasion lounge & restaurant.

We loved it! Best cocktails! Super friendly staff. Open kitchen. Nice modern décor.
Got the duck and the lamb from the new seasonal menu. Both were incredibly delicious! Especially the duck!
Nice patios at the restaurant level and upstairs at the lounge. The lounge is beautiful. They serve food there as well.

We don’t come to these places very often. It pretty much has to be an occasion. I’m talking about restaurants that are striving to be something special. My MIL, who is from a very small town, would call them artsy-​fartsy or foo-​foo. I’ve also heard the term fru-​fru. I’m not sure which is correct, if such a thing can be determined. But I digress.
We felt comfy here, though. With the subway tiles and concrete floors and open kitchen, Element’s dining room is kind of like an upscale Steak N Shake. I don’t mean this as an insult, but I do have to agree with a couple of opinions that the dining room isn’t really what you’d call elegant.
We came for an anniversary celebration. Element wasn’t on our list originally, but then they came up with a Living Social coupon and became a player. It was a really good choice.
The servers in the lounge and restaurant were both friendly and helpful. The crowd was quite small on a Thursday, which helps, I’m sure. We had the meat and cheese tray as an appetizer. Both cheeses were really strong, along the lines of blue cheese, and my wife didn’t like either one. I thought they were great. The meats were a liver pâté and smoke salmon. We both loved both of them as well as the ultra-​thin crostini.
For entrees, we had the salmon and strip steak. Both were excellent. If I’m going to quibble, the risotto tasted a bit like canned Spanish rice. Not that that’s bad… All the flavors together made a great dish.
For dessert, we tried the Irish car bomb. It had a layer of guiness stout cake, Bailey’s cheesecake and Jameson sauce with chocolate crumbles on top that separately were not really even sweet, but all together, the dessert was amazing and more than enough for two. This is the first time I ever remember the two of us not finishing a dessert we shared.
So to recap: service great, food great, ambiance very nice but comfortable, prices reasonable, us happy.

We went for an alive magazine party, so they had a preset buffet lined up with various other restaurants food. So unfortunately I can’t comment on the food, but am giving 4 stars just for the setup and atmosphere. The location is kind if different in this old building, and the layout of the restaurant was really cool, with the kitchen in full view from the dining area. Really nice place and staff very friendly. Am looking forward to going back on a regular night to try out the food.

I was a bit concerned about coming here due to some negative reviews, many regarding service, but I’m glad to say that my dinner visit at Element went off without a hitch. It was pretty fantastic, actually.
The atmosphere was a big part of that. It was a really nice evening and we sat on their lovely rooftop. Indie-​folk music provided a good vibe.
The food really took it over the top. The grilled figs appetizer ($ 11 w/​bacon & goat cheese n greens) was really good, though perhaps a bit skimpy for the price. Things got better w/​the entrees. The pork chop ($ 23) was delicious w/​a slight char, and came served on a plank of wood w/​applesauce, potatoes n goat cheese, and broccoli. Everything was just great, but the surprise hit was the broccoli… I believe it was roasted w/​garlic… and the texture was perfect.
The strip steak ($ 25) was also superb, cooked perfectly medium-​rare as suggested by our server. This dish had a Mediterranean vibe and was served with harissa and sumac. This went perfectly with the steak, and each bite was a flavor explosion. I believe there were also some greens.
Everything was really executed perfectly and attractively plated. Thankfully our service was good and they took a groupon without any hassle. The menu is pretty interesting so I’m definitely looking forward to coming back for more.