Beneath the red umbrellas: A love letter

After the long winter freeze, a sunny day seems to steam the chill out of our bones, and you feel an almost magnetic pull to sit on patios and play outside.  As these sunny days usher in the warmth of Spring, a visit to Scarlett’s Wine Bar in the Central West End feels nothing short of essential. Once you have lived in St. Louis for a while, and have explored its vibrant cuisine culture, you will quickly curate a list of the many amazing restaurants you want to try. Scarlett's Wine Bar has been on my list for quite some time, and now that I have been there, I want to take all of my friends!  

Scarlett’s has everything you could want in a wine bar: a dark, moody interior lined with sexy wallpaper and antique lamps, a patio shaded by bright red umbrellas and scattered with wine -stained granite tables, and food that draws you to eat in silence due to a state of euphoria. Our server, Emmett, greeted us with a calm smile as he took our order and presented us with an Aperol Spritz and a Kir Royale to begin our journey. The Aperol Spritz has recently become a Summer staple, but I petition to make the Kir Royale the official beverage of Spring!   Black Currant Liqueur and Champagne mingle to create this delicate, elegant drink that embellishes your table with its rich plum tint while tasting light and delicate. A great segway between Winter and Summer. 

The patio is my favorite place to be when eating in the Central West End, as it allows you to feel connected to the neighborhood. Scarlett’s surrounds you with a wide array of people and stories, that have all led to the same place, at the same time. Our server knew people walking down the street, and there was a light breeze of friendly chatter in the air. It made me feel as though I was on a European side street! There is something so dreamy about talking for hours over lunch, sipping from wine glasses, while enjoying food that you can just rave about. 

Our meal kicked off with the Blue Cheese Salad, a medley of mixed greens, bacon, apple, red onion, and gently tossed in a creamy blue cheese dressing. The balance of every note was like an art form. The bacon was crispy, but not burnt, and the matchstick cut apples were a stunning garnish. It is impossible not to go on about this simple salad which was a stunning start to our meal. Shortly after the salad was cleared, we took in the main event, a Wood Fired Pizza. The ice in my spritz and the bright apple salad prepared my palate perfectly, and I knew there would be no need for a to-go box. I was ready to enjoy the next course. 

I love pizza, it is such a versatile dish, and nearly every culture, or even city, seems to have their own customs and preferences when it comes to this staple. It is also one of the few foods we still eat with our hands, which subconsciously makes us feel more connected to our food. If I could eat one pizza for the rest of my days, it would be Scarlett's Pear and Prosciutto pizza. Though pear and prosciutto may not be a classic pairing, they've gracefully entered the mainstream, and I couldn't be happier. It’s become my go-to choice whenever I spot it on a menu. Scarlett’s took this pairing to another level. Wine poached pears made this pizza distinctive from the other pear and prosciutto pizzas around the city. They lend a sweet, and mysteriously not soggy, addition to this pizza. I am pretty picky when it comes to prosciutto. Having resided in Italy for three months, I have found myself unable to return to a normal prosciutto, but I found that the prosciutto slices on this pie held a great color, had perfect ribbons of fat, and were not too salty. We even asked Emmett for oil to dip the crust in after all the goodies were gone. He brought us their olive oil and a house-made chili oil, creating the perfect crescendo to the performance of our meal. Nothing was left behind. Every element of each dish enhanced each other so well. 

Scarlett's Wine Bar is more than a place to grab a drink—it's an experience that transports you.  From the breezy atmosphere and charming drinks to the unforgettable pear and prosciutto pizza, every detail feels intentional and thoughtfully curated. As the seasons shift and patio weather becomes a daily indulgence, I know I'll find myself returning to this gem, eager to share it with friends and relive the magic of that perfect meal. If you're looking for a spot that blends elegance, community, and wonderful food, Scarlett's is the place to be.