One of the city’s most popular dining destinations, Boathouse at Forest Park (6101 Government Drive), is closing for a year of renovations. The last day of service will be Sunday, September 28, with hours running 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday. (Breakfast service ended last month in anticipation of the shutdown.)
The Closure
Charlie Downs, managing partner of the Sugarfire Restaurant Group and Boathouse operator since 2017, says the restaurant grounds have been cramped for a long time and that the facility needs to be updated. While the building’s footprint won’t change, plans include moving the shoreline 20 feet away, rebuilding the sinking docks farther out, thereby creating more greenspace for guests. The popular dog-friendly patio and lakeside views will remain. “It will just feel much more spacious,” Downs says, “which is desperately needed.”
Other upgrades include replacing the existing event tent with a roofed pavilion that may feature a partial enclosure for three-season use. Downs also hopes to keep boat rentals active and offer limited food service—potentially via a food truck—throughout the renovation.
The Taylor Family Foundation, through its partnership with Forest Park Forever, manages the park. Downs says that the city is indebted to the Taylor family for its contributions to the city and to the park, and that “I have to admire them for that, but as a businessperson, as the operator, it really hurts to close [the Boathouse].”…