Little Lager, the Princeton Heights bar that opened in 2023, quickly earning a following for its Czech-style pours and laid-back charm, is preparing for a major step forward. Owner Manny Negron has announced a second location in the space once occupied by the Fortune Teller Bar (2635 Cherokee Street).
The expansion will allow Negron to scale up without losing the intimacy that defined his first venture. “The space is a little larger than our original home on Hampton, which gives us the opportunity to do what we do best — host larger events, provide killer service, and serve great beer all within a bigger space,” said Negron.
The Cherokee location will fuse Little Lager’s Old World beer sensibilities with the experimental cocktail ethos of Keep Quiet, Negron’s speakeasy-style bar inside Urban Chestnut’s Midtown Biergarten. “I’ve always been fascinated with how a room can shape an experience,” Negron said in a previous interview. “For me, it’s about creating a space that feels intentional, whether it’s a 20-seat speakeasy or a larger bar like this one.”
A Perfect Fit for Cherokee Street
Cherokee’s energy was part of the draw. “Honestly, I think Little Lager is a perfect concept for Cherokee. We both have a distinct attitude, and that’s what keeps us charming,” Negron says. “Cherokee is a lively street and the streets become super full at night. It’s an incredible energy.
This Little Lager location will cater to that by being open 7 days per week and closing around midnight. Negron wants to be a bridge between nearby bars like Clements, Whiskey Ring and Tchuss. “I think that will help with walkability and keep people bar crawling on the street,” said Negron.
The larger space — and the addition of a patio — will make new programming possible. “Whether it’s live music and DJs or outdoor food pop-ups, we can make room for it,” Negron explains. “While the two locations will remain unique, we want everyone to leave feeling the same. We do our best to sell a feeling before ever selling a beer.”
If the first Little Lager became a hub for St. Louis beer industry alumni, Negron hopes Cherokee will broaden that circle. With a cocktail program in development at Keep Quiet, he sees the new space as a potential gathering point for the wider hospitality community.
Dream Bigger, Stay Local (for Now)
The decision to expand didn’t come lightly. “Anyone that knows me knows that I struggled deeply with the idea of opening a second Little Lager,” Negron admits. “I spent a year being really stubborn and trying to convince myself that we hadn’t outgrown the original. We travel a lot for collaboration beers, been to cities all over the country, and we always joke about why we could or couldn’t open a location in various cities. So far it’s a joke. But who knows what the future holds?”
Renovations are underway, with an opening projected for early 2026. The original Princeton Heights location will remain in place — smaller, yes, but still the beating heart of Negron’s vision and journey.
