Schatze’s is back: Belleville bar & grill blends classic menu with modern makeover
Final preparations are underway at Schatze’s Bar & Grill in Belleville as the owner and operators gear up welcome their first customers Friday, Nov. 14.
The doors will open at 6 p.m., according to entertainment manager Scott Boren.
Friday’s reopening marks phase one of the new Schatze’s, he said.
Folks will get to see the changes at the longtime bar, partake of the food and drinks, and enjoy some entertainment.
The soft reopening will also allow Schatze’s some time to settle in before a grand reopening, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, which will feature live music by The Saloonatics
Interior improvements provide more light and space
The building at 2301 E. Main St. has sat vacant since its closing in early 2021. After sitting unused for nearly five years, it needed substantial work, Boren said.
The roof, which had developed a leak and caused interior damage, was replaced.
“That was huge,” said Boren.
Otherwise, the exterior was in good shape. Inside, the drop ceiling was removed, adding about four feet of overhead space and making the room feel larger. Lighter paint replaced the previously black walls, further contributing to a brighter, more open feel.
The original bar remains, but overhead cabinets were removed to open up the space. The drop ceiling removal also increased ceiling height by a couple of feet in the gaming area, which formerly housed the kitchen prep space, now relocated to the other side of the building.
The elevated gaming area—open to the main space—allows patrons to remain part of the overall scene. Upgrades include new kitchen equipment, a walk-in refrigerator and freezer at the back of the building, and a more open front counter for improved staff movement. One end of the counter now features a display case for desserts, salads and other items.
The menu features familiar favorites and new offerings
The kitchen (grill, cooktop, ovens and assembly counter) is visible to guests, who will order, pay for and pick up food at the counter.
"Probably one of the most important things,” Boren said, is the menu, much of which will be “a throwback to the original Schatze’s menu.”
This includes the bar’s famous Schatze burger, a half-pound, charbroiled burger served with lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion. The menu will again offer wings, kabobs (beef, pork and chicken), brats, hot dogs, chili and pizza.
“Our cheesecake was popular back in the day,” Boren said, adding it may also make a comeback.
At the time of the interview, the menu had not been finalized. In addition to longtime favorites, breakfast also will be offered.
Owner Sri Anne said the restaurant will be open for breakfast daily at 6 a.m. Anne, who also owns Frank’s Restaurant in Fairview Heights, said the positive response to breakfast there encouraged him to bring it to Schatze’s, especially to appeal to early risers and “offer a little something for everyone.”
Menu options will include full breakfast plates, skillets, omelets, pancakes and more. Beginning Saturday, Nov. 15, the breakfast menu will be available until 2 p.m. daily, while the full menu will be offered all day. Ronnoco coffee and adult beverages, such as Bloody Marys, will be available with breakfast, Anne said.
Other beverage options will include domestic and imported beers—including Heineken and Corona—wines and spirits, according to Boren. Draft beer selections will include Blue Moon and Mango Cart. Boren noted that some newer beer and liquor brands have replaced older ones, and Schatze’s will feature a more modern beer and wine list.
Bringing the fun back to Belleville
Having worked at Schatze’s for a total of 18 years, Boren recalled that karaoke used to run six nights a week.
For Friday’s reopening, karaoke will begin with DJ Large at 6 p.m., followed by DJ Tim from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Moving forward, karaoke will start with one night a week, Thursdays from 5 to 10 p.m., with possible expansion to Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Live music is also set to return, with The Saloonatics booked for the Jan. 10 grand reopening. Other forms of entertainment will include flatscreen TVs for karaoke nights and sporting events, a pool table with possible future leagues, and video gaming.
The gaming area also offers additional table and booth seating. Although elevated above the main space, it remains open to the rest of the bar. The video gaming area will house six machines, separated by netting for privacy. Additional games such as darts or Golden Tee may be added in the future.
With a new look and a new owner, why keep the Schatze’s name?
Schatze’s is well-known to everybody, said operator Ravi Yedla, who will run the business with Sandhya Barla.
After seeing another local business lose customers after a name change, Yedla decided retaining the Schatze’s brand was an easy decision.
Returning to the original name and menu gives customers a throwback to pre-COVID times, Boren said, offering a chance to “bring that fun to people again.”
“This is Belleville’s Cheers—only a little rowdier,” he said.
About Schatze’s Bar & Grill
Schatze’s originally opened in March 1992 under the ownership of Bobby Menard Sr. His son, Brad Menard, took over the business in 2001.
The popular bar closed in January 2021.
Schatze’s is located at 2301 E. Main St. in Belleville. Planned hours of operation will be 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
For more information and updates, call 618-641-9198 or visit the business’ Facebook page.
