Unlike traditional bars and restaurants, each of KAF’s venues, including The Key Burger Bar & Boogie, The Dark Room and Sophie’s Artist Lounge are part of a greater ecosystem that provides the support and infrastructure for the arts to thrive in St. Louis. Whenever you enjoy a craft cocktail or delicious bite at these spots, your hard-earned money is flowing back into that ecosystem to directly support local artists.
This week, guests will see the debut of signature MATI-inspired cocktail offerings at our venues, along with the introduction of the “MATI Melt” at The Key. A specialty menu item designed to celebrate the festival’s spirit, creativity, and community, the MATI Melt consists of two beef patties, American cheese, Swiss cheese, garlic mayo, bacon and onion jam. Add fries and a fountain drink for just $5!
Sip on a signature “MATI-licious” cocktail consisting of vodka, peach Schnapps, strawberry syrup lemon juice, and simple syrup, or opt for our alcohol-free MATI-licious mocktail with peach Redbull, strawberry syrup, lemon juice, and simple syrup. These additions are intended to extend the MATI experience beyond the festival grounds and into our everyday venue programming.
As part of the rollout, KAF is also expanding partnerships and sponsorship collaborations with brands including Luxco, Bacardi, and Urban Chestnut to enhance the guest experience and strengthen support for arts programming across Midtown. Every food and beverage purchase made at our venues helps fund artists, programming, and the continued growth of KAF’s creative community.
Sophie’s Artist Lounge continues to expand its music and hospitality programming with a growing lineup of both Happy Hour and late night experiences curated by a mix of established residents and emerging voices within the St. Louis creative community. While longtime favorites remain at the core of the venue’s identity, guests can also expect new collaborations, rotating selectors, and genre driven concepts that continue to push the atmosphere forward while staying rooted in community and culture.
The recent rollout of Double Down Wednesdays marks a deeper investment into all night programming, pairing early evening cocktail and dining experiences with thoughtfully curated DJ sets that transition seamlessly into late night energy. Through partnerships with collectives like A Turn At The Table and collaborations with local artists, organizations, and creatives, Sophie’s continues to build a platform that highlights individuality, connection, and the evolution of St. Louis music culture.
Alongside the programming expansion, guests can also expect updated seasonal cocktail offerings, curated food partnerships, and additional collaborations designed to enhance the overall experience. Every night at Sophie’s is intended to feel immersive, intentional, and community driven, where music, art, food, and hospitality all work together to support the broader creative ecosystem surrounding the venue.
