"We prepare fresh foods we love and brew coffee we love for the community we love," pledges Terry and Allison Tonsing, owners of Pink Willow Café, an eatery specializing in chef-prepared foods and ethically sourced handcrafted coffee in historic Cottleville at 5523 Oak St.
Terry says they partner with locally owned and operated Grillo Chop & Barrel for fine meats, as well as Messenger Coffee Co., to offer "a superior coffee program for guests."
The Café’s rotating coffee menu features seasonal java in a variety of handcrafted styles. "We always offer our signature Pink Willow Café custom roast, embodying rich flavors of cinnamon, hazelnut and vanilla," Terry explains.
With a menu curated by chef Alicia Henry, the Café is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. All-day menu items include selections such as fried egg sandwiches and breakfast burritos. Breakfast-specific options cover biscuits and gravy, omelets, hash bowls, French toast, pancakes and fresh fruit. Lunch menu items include salads, BLT, grilled cheese, chicken sandwiches and burgers.
Beverages are celebrated at Pink Willow Café, starting with espresso, cortado, cappuccino, Americano, latte and mocha, with syrup additions. Teas include chai, matcha, black tea and premium herbal teas. Additional beverages are orange juice, milk, lemonade, Pellegrino, Fitz's rootbeer, Mexican Coca-Cola and hot cocoa. In addition to wines, choices include Bloody Marys, sangria, a screwdriver twist, beers and perhaps a caramel apple cider Mimosa flight for this fall. Irish Cream liquor can be added to any of the Café's coffee beverages as well as elevated cold brew and espresso martini.
"Diners can join our online waitlist, with the waitlist for parties of seven or less. However, the rooftop is on a first come, first served basis," shares Terry.
Instagrammable 'Love At First Sip' interior is reminiscent of a cozy retreat, adorned with hand-painted willow trees and gradients of pink with warm gold and green accents. Allison says a family friend created their 35-foot custom mural: St. Charles County resident/artist Christina Hummer with Sweet Dream Murals, LLC. She says they worked with St. Louis-based architect firm The Lawrence Group to bring her interior design vision to life and to procure corresponding furniture.
"Willow trees are said to bring good luck, so we hope everyone who walks in is blessed with luck as well," Allison quips.
Pink Willow Café is physically connected directly to Oak Street Inn & Lounge, a boutique hotel with an upscale dining experience, rooftop lounge and speakeasy.
Chelsey and Nick Sweeten co-own the recently opened Oak Street Inn & Lounge in the building at 5521 Oak St., with Chelsey's parents, Chris and Millie Shreves. The family also owns Public School House, an event space in another historic property in Cottleville, an operation that also frequently hosts pop-up bars.
"We saw a need in the community for lodging. All private events now can take advantage of a close place to stay," explains Chelsey.
Since 1862, the historically remarkable Oak Street building played various roles, including a hotel, post office and general store. "By implementing extensive renovations, such as lifting the entire structure, installing a new foundation, expanding the size, and incorporating a third floor, we successfully revitalized Oak Street while infusing a sense of modern luxury," says Chelsey.
Chelsey says leasing space to the Café made an immediate, great fit. Together, the two business teams created and offered the first rooftop patio in Cottleville, which can hold about 50 people. Rooftop dining offers its own menu, including sushi and flatbreads.
She explains that within the building's 12,500 square feet, they have seven/eight hotel rooms, plus a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath penthouse suite on the third floor, open for bookings.
"The restaurant on our main floor is elegant and upscale, modeled after a historic European hotel I visited last year," says Chelsey.
Oak Street Inn & Lounge is open to the public for dining and drinks Wednesdays through Saturdays. On Sundays through Tuesdays, it acts as a private event rental venue for birthdays, bridal showers, rehearsals and other special occasions. The restaurant and lounge has space for about 80 people.
Chelsey confirms their speakeasy is scheduled to open this winter in the building's basement. "The speakeasy will be a classy spot for nightlife, featuring vinyl records, low-lit vibes, cocktails and small bites. Its capacity is 50 guests."
Terry says private events with whimsical flair can be planned at Pink Willow Cafe. "Our dining room seats 35, with an additional 16 on the front patio. And guests can plan overnight stays, happy hours and special events next door at Oak Street Inn."
“Oak Street wholeheartedly welcomes locals for dinner, cocktails or staycations, however we also want to serve as a premier destination for visiting tourists,” says Michelle Branch, general manager for the inn and lodge.
636.720.1901
OakStreetInnAndLounge.com
636.733.6896
PinkWillowCafe.com
"Pink Willow Café is like stepping into the magic of our own local, happy European-style bistro."
"Look forward to the hidden gem of an underground, luxury and comfort-inspired speakeasy coming this winter!" quips Chelsey Sweeten, co-owner, Oak Street Inn & Lounge.