The RFT recently gave Small Batch a bad review, so we had to check it out for ourselves to see if they got it right. We were very pleased to see they must have had a bad day or a grumpy reviewer as we were absolutely delighted with Small Batch. The decor, the music, the food, and the drink were all wonderful.
Warm Cocktail
The Bailey’s restaurants are some of the most trendy in the St. Louis area, and Small Batch is no exception. The space is large and open and has a “Victorian grunge” look that went well with the down-tempo electronica they had playing when we visited.
Amuse Bouche
The menu is mostly a list of different types of whiskey with the cocktails and food listed far in the back. We went straight to their cocktail list which is made with their own house whiskey. We loved each one we tried and imagine most everyone else will as well. The cocktails were so simple but absolutely perfectly mixed.
Special Cocktail
We started off with the special of the day which was a stuffed pepper dish that was a piping hot dish of melty goodness. It was my personal favorite of the evening.
Stuffed Peppers
The Bread and Jam dish was a definite favorite as well. The bread was very hearty and flavorful and the dipping sauces on the side were all very different but all very good. I really liked the cherry chutney.
Bread and Jam
The only disappointment was the frito misto, which wasn’t terribly flavorful and was a little undercooked in my opinion, except for the cauliflower which was the best on the plate. I could have eaten a whole plateful of those.
Frito Misto
Small Batch definitely has its place in Bailey’s family of restaurants and has, in our opinion, a place in St. Louis cuisine. I admit the pairing of whiskey with vegetarian fare might seem strange, but somehow it works. Even if you are a meat eater you will find something here you will like.
- Pros: Amazing whiskey cocktails and even better vegetarian fare. Very hip interior.
- Cons: Some dishes are not as good as others, but most are spot on.
- Charlie’ Favorites: Bread and Jam, Pomodoro, Warm Cocktail
- Christine’s Favorites: Bread and Jam, Pomodoro, Smokeysweet
