Walk into Sasha's on Shaw on a Tuesday evening, and you'll find a vibe that's hard to pin down. It’s part Parisian bistro, part South City hangout, and entirely dedicated to the art of the pour. But let’s be real: most people come for the wine and end up staring at the Sasha's on Shaw menu wondering if they should go for the full meal or just stick to the snacks. Honestly, the answer depends on how much you like crepes.
The place has this dimly lit, slightly chaotic energy that makes it perfect for a first date or a "we don't want to cook" night. It’s nestled right on Shaw Blvd, a stone's throw from the Botanical Garden. If the weather is even remotely nice, the patio is the only place you want to be. It’s dog-friendly, too, so expect to see a few golden retrievers lounging under the tables while their owners work through a bottle of Malbec.
The Boards and Small Plates: Where to Start
You can’t really go to a wine bar and not get a board. It feels wrong. The Dorchester is a classic pick here—you get two hard cheeses and two Volpi cured sausages. Volpi is a local St. Louis legend, so you know the quality is there. They serve it with crostinis and a mustard-mayo that hits the spot.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, the Pate Plate is surprisingly legit. It’s a creamy goose liver pate with truffles, made just down the road in Washington, Missouri. They pair it with dried cranberries, apricots, and cornichons. It’s rich. Very rich.
For something lighter, the Goat Cheese Dip is a crowd favorite. It’s warm, tangy, and basically disappears in five minutes. If you’re trying to be "healthy" (or as healthy as you can be at a wine bar), the Smoked Trout Salad is a sleeper hit. It’s got Idaho trout, pine nuts, and a dollop of crème fraîche. It feels fancy but tastes like real food.
Crepes and Flatbreads: The Main Event
This is where the Sasha's on Shaw menu gets interesting. Most people don't think "crepes" when they think of a South City bar, but here we are.
The Savory Side
The Prosciutto and Italian Fontina Crepe is their best seller for a reason. It’s simple. It’s salty. It’s gooey. They don’t skimp on the meat, either. If you want something that feels more like a "dinner" portion, the Smoked Salmon and Trout Crepe is a massive meal. It’s stuffed with fish, capers, and red onions, then topped with more crème fraîche.
Flatbreads for the Table
The flatbreads (or pizzas, depending on who you ask) are 9-inch rounds of thin, crispy goodness.
- The Garden Flatbread: This is basically a salad on a cracker. It’s got cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, pistachios, and a balsamic reduction. It sounds like a lot, but it works.
- Prosciutto and Apple: This one uses a roasted garlic infused oil instead of red sauce. The tartness of the green apple against the salty ham is... well, it’s addictive.
- The Classic Margherita: You can’t mess this up. Fresh basil, vine-ripe tomatoes, and plenty of mozzarella.
They also offer 10-inch gluten-free versions of all their flatbreads, which is a nice touch. Just keep in mind the GF crust usually costs about $4 or $5 more.
The Drinks: It's a Wine Bar, After All
Look, the food is great, but the wine list is the backbone of this place. They have a "Cellar Bar" selection that can get pretty pricey—think $400 for a 2018 Maybach Family Vineyards Cabernet. But you don't have to spend a car payment to have a good time.
They have plenty of glasses in the $9 to $15 range. If you're there for Happy Hour, look for the "Day HH" deals. You can get a glass of white, rose, or red for about $7 if you're ordering food.
If wine isn't your thing, the Sasha’s Martini (vanilla vodka, espresso, Irish cream) is a dessert in a glass. Or just grab a $6 Busch tallboy if you want to keep it old-school St. Louis. They even have some solid N/A options like the Martini Rossi Floreale, so you don't have to just drink soda water if you're the designated driver.
What You Should Know Before You Go
Sasha's doesn't really do "fast." If you’re in a rush to catch a movie at the Hi-Pointe, this might not be your spot. The service can be a bit laid back, especially when the patio is full. It's meant for lingering.
The pricing is fair, but it adds up. Expect to spend about $25–$40 per person if you’re doing a couple of glasses of wine and a shared flatbread.
Pro-tip: Sunday brunch starts at 10 am. While everyone else is fighting for a spot at the trendy breakfast joints in the Central West End, you can usually snag a table here and enjoy a Nutella and Strawberry Crepe in peace.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the weather: If it's above 60 degrees, aim for the patio, but get there early (before 6 pm) to beat the rush.
- Try the local stuff: Stick to the Volpi meats and the Missouri-made pate for the most authentic experience.
- Ask for recommendations: The staff usually knows which "by the glass" bottles were just opened, ensuring you get the freshest pour.
- Plan for parking: Shaw Blvd can get tight; don't be afraid to park a block or two away in the residential area and walk.