Yellowbelly, New CWE Restaurant, Planned by Retreat Gastropub Owners

Shake Shack's grand opening isn't the only good food news to hit the Central West End today.

This morning Travis Howard and Tim Wiggins of Retreat Gastropub (2 N. Sarah Street) announced plans to open a second concept in the neighborhood in mid-2018. Known as Yellowbelly, the restaurant and bar will be "a sea and spirits concept," with a seafood-centric menu and a beverage program focused on rum, craft beer, wines by the glass, cocktails and more.

Yellowbelly will be situated at 4659 Lindell Boulevard, located in the Citizen Park building that sits at the corner of Euclid and Lindell.

“Our location is right in the heart of the exciting development in the Central West End from Whole Foods to Shake Shack," Howard said in a prepared statement. "With residents located right above us, Yellowbelly will be a place for the neighborhood — an everyday hangout where anyone can come relax and enjoy a new experience.”

According to the press release, Yellowbelly will offer "serious, but fun" cocktails and food, evoking "a sense of play" with a "bright, clean design."

As for the food, the menu will focus on West Coast cuisine and feature the freshest seafood available along with seasonal fruits and vegetables. You'll find raw seafood options, including crudo and ceviche, in addition to seafood entrees such as whole fish. If those flavors aren't up your alley, you'll also find small plates, entrees and more with "approachable American fare" — including a burger, if that's more your speed.

Per the press release, the vibe at Yellowbelly will be lively and fun. Architect Nick Adams of Mademan Design will handle the decor, which will have a California coastal feel. The 3,000-square foot space will accommodate 90 to 95 people, along with 40 more seats outside. Expect 16-foot ceilings, a complete glass exterior, bamboo-inspired wood and custom artwork on two main walls. There will also be a a geometric installation over the 15-seat quartz bar, along with a glass tile backsplash.

So, you may be wondering — why call the restaurant "Yellowbelly"? The name is inspired by "yellow-bellied" tropical fish and birds. It also pokes at the term "yellow-belly," meaning coward. The name stands as a playful dare to try new things, and throughout the restaurant you'll see calls to "be brave" — something that Wiggins, Yellowbelly's bar manager, is personally looking to do with to the beverage program.

“We want to evoke a sense of adventure at Yellowbelly and offer a new, energetic dining and drinking experience," Wiggins said in the release. "Rum is a passion of mine, and no one in St. Louis is focusing so intently on the spirit. It allows me to not only challenge myself, but also have an open, fun conversation with our guests.”

As you can imagine, these won't be just any old rum cocktails. These signature drinks will be offered in cheeky custom glassware and have names inspired by tropical fish traits and names, including the "Green Terror," "Cherry Barb Punch" and "Rummy Nose Torpedo." Despite the playful, bold drink selections, though, Wiggins stresses, "It won't be a tiki bar."

For more about Yellowbelly, visit yellowbellystl.com and follow Yellowbelly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Editor's Note: This post was edited after publication to clarify the restaurant's location. The building is called the Citizen Park building, not Citizen One. We regret the error.