8 Shocking Realities Of Crafted St. Louis MO: The Bar Rescue Success Story That Faces New Controversy
Opened over a decade ago, Crafted. in St. Louis, Missouri, remains one of the most talked-about establishments in the city’s vibrant Tower Grove East neighborhood, not just for its food, but for its dramatic origin story. As of December 2025, the bar—famous for its meticulous cocktails and comfort food—continues to operate successfully, a rare feat for any business featured on the reality television show Bar Rescue. However, recent customer feedback reveals a complex reality behind the success, with reports of high staff turnover and inconsistent service creating a fresh layer of controversy for the business and its owner, Dani Davis.
The transformation of the former Van Goghz Martini Bar and Bistro into the modern, successful "Crafted." is a classic tale of a business saved from the brink. The establishment, located at 3200 Shenandoah Ave, has become a key part of the South Grand dining district’s culture, yet its journey is a constant reminder that the spotlight of reality TV never truly fades, especially when the current customer experience doesn't always match the initial hype. This deep dive explores the full profile, the dramatic rescue, the signature menu, and the ongoing challenges facing the St. Louis staple today.
The Full Profile: Crafted. St. Louis (Formerly Van Goghz)
Crafted. is more than just a bar; it is a neighborhood anchor in the historic Tower Grove East area of St. Louis, MO, known for its warm ambiance and focus on both high-quality food and meticulously prepared drinks. The establishment's history is inextricably linked to its appearance on national television, which fundamentally changed its identity.
- Current Name: Crafted. (Often referred to as Crafted STL)
- Original Name: Van Goghz Martini Bar and Bistro
- Location: 3200 Shenandoah Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104
- Neighborhood: Tower Grove East (part of the larger South Grand dining district)
- Owner: Dani Davis
- Concept: A neighborhood bar specializing in "crafted" cocktails and American comfort food.
- Bar Rescue Episode: Season 4, Episode 42/44, "Dragon Lady" (Aired March 2016)
- Survival Status: Open (One of the successful rescues in the St. Louis area)
- Key Staff (Bar Rescue): Dani Davis (Owner), Tracy (Bartender), and Jon Taffer (Host/Consultant).
The Taffer Effect: From Van Goghz to the "Pressed Cocktail" Concept
The bar's initial concept, Van Goghz Martini Bar and Bistro, was struggling significantly before the intervention of Bar Rescue host Jon Taffer. Dani Davis, the owner, was portrayed as apathetic, often seen vaping in the corner while the business suffered from poor management, a confusing menu, and an identity crisis. The business was reportedly losing thousands of dollars a month, a classic Taffer "shut it down" scenario.
Taffer's transformation was radical. He aimed to move the bar away from the outdated martini concept and reposition it as a modern, high-end cocktail and food venue. The new name, Crafted., was chosen to emphasize the attention to detail in both the kitchen and the bar program.
The Birth of the "Pressed Cocktail"
The most significant change was the introduction of the "pressed cocktail" concept. This involved using fresh, muddled, or "pressed" ingredients to create vibrant, high-quality drinks, appealing to the growing demand for craft beverages. This concept was a major success, and when expert mixologist Mia Mastroianni returned for a check-in episode, she found the bar thriving and fully embracing the new direction. The episode is often cited as a prime example of a successful Bar Rescue turnaround, establishing Crafted. as a staple in the St. Louis nightlife scene.
The Crafted. Menu: St. Louis Comfort Food with a Twist
The menu at Crafted. is designed to complement its high-quality cocktail program, offering elevated American comfort food with a focus on shared plates and hearty entrees. The food is frequently praised by patrons, often being cited as the reason for repeat visits despite other reported issues.
Signature Dishes and Menu Entities
The menu is structured around shareable items and substantial main courses, catering to a diverse local clientele. Key entities and popular dishes that define the Crafted. dining experience include:
- Shared Plates: The menu features several popular appetizers, including the Flash Fried Brussels Sprouts, the Cauliflower Bites (*GF options available), and the classic Chicken Wings. A unique offering is the Whipped Ricotta.
- Burgers & Sandwiches: The Crafted Burger and the Crafted Buffalo Sandwich are staples in this section, offering elevated takes on bar classics.
- Entrees: For a full dining experience, patrons often turn to the Smoked Meatloaf, the Orange Salmon, or the indulgent Chicken and Waffles. Other notable entrees include Bourbon Chicken, Vodka Pasta, and the rich Craft'd Mac N' Cheese.
- Beverage Program: Beyond the pressed cocktails, the bar offers a wide selection of craft beer, fine wines, and a full range of spirits, reinforcing the "crafted" theme across the board.
The Current Reality: Success, Service Issues, and Staff Turnover
While Crafted. is celebrated as a Bar Rescue success story—it has remained open for nearly a decade since the episode aired—the current reality is more nuanced. Recent reviews and local discussions on platforms like Reddit paint a picture of a popular spot grappling with internal challenges.
The primary concern raised by customers in 2024 and 2025 is the inconsistent service and high employee turnover. Many long-time guests report that while the food and atmosphere remain excellent, the quality of service is spotty, with new staff members frequently replacing familiar faces.
This situation has led to mixed reviews, where the "really good food" and "trendy atmosphere" are often balanced by complaints about slow or unfriendly service. Some of the most critical feedback has targeted the management style of the owner, Dani Davis, suggesting that the high turnover is a result of internal issues rather than external market factors.
This dynamic creates a fascinating case study: a business that successfully implemented Jon Taffer's concept and survived the critical post-rescue period, but now faces the long-term challenge of maintaining operational consistency and a positive employee culture. For visitors to St. Louis, Crafted. remains a must-visit for its historical significance and culinary offerings, but with the caveat that the service experience may vary.
Topical Entities and St. Louis Connections
The story of Crafted. is deeply embedded in the St. Louis dining landscape, connecting it to several other entities and local landmarks:
- Jon Taffer: The host of Bar Rescue, whose intervention saved the establishment.
- Van Goghz Martini Bar: The original, failing concept.
- Tower Grove Park: A major St. Louis landmark near the restaurant.
- South Grand Boulevard: The vibrant dining and shopping district where the neighborhood is located.
- The Shaved Duck: Another popular, nearby restaurant in the Tower Grove East neighborhood.
- Narwhal's Crafted: A separate St. Louis frozen cocktail emporium, also using the "crafted" theme, which sometimes causes confusion for tourists.
- Mia Mastroianni: The mixology expert who returned to check on the bar's success.
- St. Louis Culture: The bar contributes to the city's unique culinary identity, blending reality TV fame with local comfort food.
Ultimately, Crafted. St. Louis remains a testament to the power of a successful rebranding, even if the daily operations continue to present a real-world challenge that no TV show can permanently fix. Its status as a beloved, yet occasionally controversial, neighborhood bar ensures it will remain a talking point in the St. Louis dining scene for years to come.
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