St. Louis Wing Week Returns April 8-15, 2024

Inside Robust on Washington Avenue

The downtown Robust, located on the ground floor of the Laurel building as part of the new Mercantile Exchange development along Washington Avenue, certainly doesn't look much like the original in Webster Groves. It is an airy space filled with natural light. Tall windows overlook Wash. Ave., though the streetscape must compete for attention with a dramatic arrangement of very thin metal rods suspended above the bar.

Continue reading Ian Froeb's review of Robust on Washington Avenue.

Photos by Corey Woodruff for the Riverfront Times.

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Lamb: Braised lamb shank pappardelle.

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Sea Scallops: Jumbo sea scallops on parmesan grit with oven-dried tomatoes, country ham and truffle butter.

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Porcini Salmon: Salmon over soba noodles in a mushroom Dashi with pea shoots.

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Walking in to Robust, 635 Washington Avenue (Between North 6th and North 7th streets.)

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Sea Scallops: Jumbo sea scallops on parmesan grit with oven-dried tomatoes, country ham and truffle butter.

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"For those who have never visited the original Robust, owner and certified sommelier Stanley Browne emphasizes pairing wine and food." -- Ian Froeb

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Porcini Salmon: Salmon over soba noodles in a mushroom Dashi with pea shoots.

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"Robust's wine list offers a good balance of value wines and more sophisticated bottles, while the selection of glass pours (three or six ounces) provides a range of styles rather than the usual afterthought of a few token examples of cheap plonk." -- Ian Froeb

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Lamb: Braised lamb shank pappardelle.

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"It is an airy space filled with natural light. Tall windows overlook Wash. Ave., though the streetscape must compete for attention with a dramatic arrangement of very thin metal rods suspended above the bar." -- Ian Froeb

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