How Steve Ewing infuses St. Louis with comfort of all kinds
The Urge frontman is also an accomplished restauranteur and bodybuilder, rocking under the Arch on the Fourth of July.
Under the hot light of the city landmark, the Arch, Steve Ewing commanded one of the largest crowds one can imagine on the Fourth of July. With an opening band called fireworks, Ewing and his band, the Urge, entertained a crowd that trusts the man to do one thing: bring comfort and joy to their life.
Ever since he jumped on a stage and played that motherfucking Urge shit, Ewing has gifted St. Louis with all forms of entertainment. Once upon a time, way back when there was no good food to find after a concert, Ewing invented a place to eat. After all, he was the musician who just played a long show, burning almost as many calories on stage as Dave Matthews, and that’s saying something.
The aptly named Steve’s Hot Dogs started on the Hill, moved to Tower Grove, and now exists all over town. A new spot in the recently rebuilt Delmar Maker District houses his latest Dogs location. The menu expanded a while ago to include hamburgers, but those are now smashed burgers with a unique mix of meat. Steve’s Meltdown introduced signature grilled cheese sandwiches into the culinary arsenal.
Look, if Steve’s Ultimate Nachos (only available when the S.U.N. is out, if you know what I mean) pops up anywhere, I will come running. No bullshit, Tom Cruise-type sprinting. Knees clapping up as high as my chest and arms bent at 90 degrees; people may think I’m possessed--and it’s completely fine. It’s good eating, wrapping the body up like that vintage, filled-with-holes t-shirt that your wife wants you to throw away yet you wear defiantly.
This town is known for their eclectic mix of foodie allure, and Steve knows exactly what he wants to deliver. While some chefs or restaurant owners constantly shuffle the identity of their menu, Ewing and company simply aim to make you feel good and full. It’s old school eating with new school thinking. There aren’t a lot of places around here that grow so quickly, and do it with such purpose.
Along with business partners Danni and Marcus Eickenhorst, two people who give more of a shit about this town than most politicians ever could, Ewing has invested this town with a unique sense of comfort and joy. When the chips were down during the pandemic and some places needed a lift, Ewing brought the food. When a broken part of the city needed some infusion, he brought the food.
Along with outstanding Eddie Murphy references, Ewing puts his heart into everything he does. Every bone in his body is humble, enough to let this former radio rookie ask him for an interview at the top of the steps in a gym. He gives his time to the people who need it, finding a street that blends all of his loves: music, movies, food, family, and that authentic comfort.
I’m so glad no one else thought about opening a late night eating spot before he did. That lightning in a bottle thought process spurred a movement that will continue to grow. It’s easy to admire, support, and pull for a guy like Ewing, who almost lost Steve’s Hot Dogs years ago when the Tower Grove location had to close. It was Eickenhorst that swooped in and helped turn on the light.
What followed has been quite the journey to witness. When he’s not providing the comfort food to STL hangry parties, Ewing trains and competes in bodybuilding competitions. While he may enjoy all of the food he cooks and sells, Ewing looks like he lives on Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine diet. He’s a specimen in person, and also a pure gent.
Consider this a thank you note for caring so much about St. Louis to do so many amazing things. Thanks, Steve. A man under the Arch who is all about this town.
