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Welcome to Historic Saint Charles, Missouri!
1818 Bistro formerly Braddens Restaurant is a beloved casual eatery in the South Main Historic District. Steve and Venetia have purchased the building and restaurant. The building was built in 1818. Originally on this site, Eckerts Tavern also known as Sign of the Buffalo, served travelers, settlers and pioneers as they traversed the country during the Great Migration.
In St. Charles, “For two bits of Spanish silver coin (a common currency in the area, thanks to the Santa Fe trade), a weary traveler could get a hot meal and a place to sleep at a Tavern like Sign of the Buffalo.”
These settlers and pioneers viewed The Boon’s Lick as the premier route to the West.
During the first, second, and third years of my residence here, the whole current of immigration set towards this country, Boon’s Lick…. Boon’s Lick was the common centre of hopes, and the common point of union for the people. Ask one of them whither he was moving, and the answer was, ‘To Boon’s Lick, to be sure.‘ ~ Timothy Flint, 1826
Additionally the building served as the hosting place for the crafting of the Santa Fe Trail documents. Saint Charles played an integral part in Westward expansion.
While we have so much more history to share we want to offer the finest meals, spirits, wine and craft beer to our guests. There are many area favorite menu items with new entrees including outstanding beef from a local farm in Northeast Missouri. During Spring and Summer months the patio season is in full swing (pet friendly of course). Locals and repeat visitors to South Main Street know it is the best. In fall and winter months enjoy gas lights and fire pits while you enjoy the finest French and Spanish wines. Or a comfortable retreat inside with the original fireplace room, new bistro bar and dining seating and furnishings including freshly painted interior and all new inviting lighting.
Steve and I have been in the hospitality and tourism business for almost 40 years. Venetia’s family business, Boone’s Lick Trail Inn at the Southeast corner of South Main and Boone’s Lick Road offers visitors refreshing accommodations. Boone’s Colonial Inn, a premier lodging suite property is our most passionate preservation project to date. Four luxury suites allow our guests to immerse themselves in a truly historic pristinely restored building complete with Missouri River views. We are excited for this next adventure in our collection of historic buildings on South Main Street. We hope you will stop by for a refresh or a relaxing evening while you dine with us. We are excited to have you along on our journey.
Thank you for visiting 1818 Bistro!
-Steve, Venetia and Wyatt Powell, Proprietors
