The 7 Shocking Secrets Of Crafted Bar St. Louis: A Bar Rescue Success Story That Sparked Controversy
Step into Crafted Bar St. Louis in late 2025, and you'll find a vibrant, successful neighborhood pub that is a far cry from the failing martini bar it once was. This establishment, located in the heart of the Tower Grove East neighborhood, is not just a local favorite; it’s a living testament to one of the most dramatic turnarounds in reality television history, having been famously rescued and renamed by Jon Taffer on Spike TV’s *Bar Rescue*.
The bar's journey from a struggling concept to a St. Louis staple is defined by its unique "pressed cocktails," a fresh, innovative menu, and a dedicated owner. However, its story isn't without its recent challenges, as the venue has also found itself at the center of a public controversy that has sparked widespread debate across the city and online, making it one of the most talked-about bars in Missouri today.
The Owner and The Infamous Bar Rescue Transformation
Crafted Bar St. Louis is the brainchild of owner Dani Davis, though its current successful iteration was forged under the intense pressure of a television makeover. The bar’s original name was Van Goghz Martini Bar and Bistro, and it was struggling significantly before Taffer’s intervention.
The episode, titled "Dragon Lady," aired during Season 6 of *Bar Rescue*. During the rescue, Taffer famously criticized Davis for her apathetic approach to the business, often seen vaping in a corner rather than engaging with customers or managing staff. This lack of engagement was identified as a major factor in the bar's decline.
Taffer and his expert team, including mixologist Mia Mastroianni, completely overhauled the concept. They stripped away the confusing, unfocused martini bar theme and replaced it with a modern, approachable neighborhood pub concept centered around fresh ingredients and simple, high-quality food.
The new name, Crafted, was chosen to reflect the bar's renewed commitment to meticulously prepared cocktails and cuisine. The transformation was a resounding success, with the bar embracing its new identity and concepts, a rare feat for a *Bar Rescue* establishment.
Dani Davis: Biography and Profile
- Name: Dani Davis
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Original Bar Name: Van Goghz Martini Bar and Bistro
- Current Bar Name: Crafted
- Neighborhood: Tower Grove East, St. Louis, MO
- Bar Rescue Episode: Season 6, Episode "Dragon Lady" (2018)
- Concept Focus: Craft Cocktails, Pressed Cocktails, Modern Pub Cuisine
- Background: Davis moved to St. Louis from Moberly, MO, in 2003 to attend the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She has been at the helm of Crafted for several years, navigating the transition from a struggling establishment to a popular local spot.
The Signature Concept: Why Pressed Cocktails Are a St. Louis Sensation
The cornerstone of Crafted’s successful rebranding is the "pressed cocktail" concept, a brilliant innovation introduced during the *Bar Rescue* episode that continues to define the bar's identity.
This concept centers on utilizing fresh, pressed juices and high-quality ingredients to create simple, yet sophisticated and vibrant mixed drinks. It moves away from overly complicated, sugary cocktails, focusing instead on clean, intense flavors.
The simplicity of the process—juicing fresh ingredients and mixing them with a spirit—allows for quicker service and a consistently high-quality drink, which was a critical factor in the bar’s turnaround.
One of the most notable examples of this commitment to innovation is the offering of espresso martini flights, which provides a unique tasting experience for customers looking for a caffeinated kick with their craft cocktail. The drink menu is constantly updated with fresh new flavors, keeping the experience dynamic and encouraging repeat visits.
A Deep Dive into the Crafted St. Louis Menu and Vibe
Crafted is lauded for its warm ambiance and friendly, casual pub atmosphere in the Compton Heights/Tower Grove East area. It successfully blends the feel of a welcoming neighborhood bar with the quality of a high-end bistro.
The food menu is as meticulously prepared as the drinks, featuring modern pub dishes and customizable options that cater to various tastes.
Key Menu Entities and Signature Dishes
- Craft'd Burgers: A staple of the menu, offering customizable, high-quality takes on the classic pub burger.
- Shared Plates: Perfect for groups, this section includes popular items like Flash Fried Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower Bites, and Chicken Wings (all available as *GF* - Gluten-Free options).
- Unique Appetizers: The "Bacon & Eggs" deviled eggs are a clever twist on a classic, noted for their inventiveness. The Whipped Ricotta is another popular shared plate.
- Brunch Offerings: The bar is also a popular spot for weekend brunch, offering a variety of delicious options alongside their full cocktail menu.
- Entrées and Tacos: Catering to a full dining experience, the menu includes heartier entrées and a selection of tacos.
The combination of inventive, approachable food and the signature pressed cocktails has solidified Crafted’s reputation as a top choice for both dining and drinks in St. Louis.
The 2024 Customer Confrontation Controversy
Despite its successful business model and positive reviews, Crafted found itself in the middle of a significant public relations crisis in recent years, which remains a key part of its recent history and ongoing public discussion.
The controversy stems from an incident where a Black content creator, who was dining at the establishment, reported a stunning confrontation with a server after simply inquiring about her bill.
The customer alleged that the staff member insulted her, an event that was widely publicized and discussed across social media platforms and local news outlets. The incident sparked a massive debate on customer service, racial sensitivity, and the responsibility of restaurant ownership in the St. Louis community.
The backlash was significant, with many online users expressing shock and disappointment, leading to a period of intense scrutiny for the Tower Grove East bar. The way the bar and its owner handled the fallout became a major talking point, highlighting the constant challenges of maintaining a positive public image in the age of viral content.
For St. Louis residents and visitors, this event serves as a reminder of the bar’s complex narrative: a story of a dramatic business success that is constantly tested by real-world operational and public relations challenges.
Crafted St. Louis: A Modern Bar Entity
Crafted Bar St. Louis stands as a unique entity in the city’s diverse drink scene. It’s a successful *Bar Rescue* project—a rarity in the show’s history—that managed to sustain and grow the new concept long after the cameras left. The bar’s focus on the pressed cocktail concept, a testament to the power of a strong, unique selling proposition, has ensured its longevity and popularity.
Its location in the vibrant Tower Grove East neighborhood has also contributed to its success, drawing in a mix of local residents and destination diners. While the bar continues to thrive, as evidenced by positive reviews as recently as August 2024, its history of both dramatic transformation and recent controversy ensures it remains a fascinating and much-discussed spot in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Whether you're visiting for the inventive Bacon and Eggs deviled eggs, a signature Craft'd Burger, or an expertly prepared espresso martini flight, Crafted offers a distinctive experience that is deeply rooted in its dramatic past and its commitment to quality craft.
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