EDWARDSVILLE — A new spot of “royalty” may offer a solution for people tired of local restaurants and nightspots closing by late evening when they still wanna drink or dance the night away.
Reine, which is French for “queen,” is also the name of the area’s new gay-friendly martini and bourbon club. It will offer an alternative to local residents who enjoy entertainment into the night that is not a distance away in St. Louis.
Called a Bleu Chic bar by owner John Deppen, he said he plans to open in mid-April.
Located at 921 Arbor Vitae, in the former Peel Wood Fired Pizza location, the establishment’s operating hours will be noon to 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, noon to 1 a.m. Thursday, noon to 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Deppen said he plans to hire about 10 employees.
While there will not be any Edwardsville-specific or -themed offerings at Reine, Deppen said there will be a small dance area, a disco ball and lighting system. He said by day, Reine will exude a medium-level of energy but at night, it will be a high-energy place.
He said he retained Peel’s floor plan and exposed wood flooring, painted the interior walls black and changed out any remaining furniture.
“I like the place,” Deppen said about Edwardsville. He previously owned other properties in town, a couple of hair salons and recently sold Manhattan’s Coffee and Social House in Granite City.
“While we’re not trying to push food, it’s here,” Deppen said.
He described New York-deli style sandwiches — chicken, chicken salad, tuna and tuna salad. Additionally, on Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 1230 a.m., there will be a to-go menu — big bratwursts, chili-cheese fries, sandwiches and more.
On the adult beverage side of the menu, there will be 24 kinds of draft beers — domestics, imports and IPAs. There will be 12-ounce specialty martinis — chocolate, espresso and pineapple upside-down, among other flavors. There will be two bars: one for the patio and a main bar.
Event-wise, there will be karaoke, open mic nights (but not stand-up comedians, Deppen said) and other performers.
Deppen loves the location.
“There’s tons of parking, there’ll be no huge wait; it’s private and there’s woods and wildlife. I’ve seen deer and an owl so far.”