Billy Gianino Jr., owner of the beloved Billy G's in Kirkwood, cracks open the stainless-steel double doors to his sophomore spinoff, Billy G's Finer Diner in Chesterfield, we can only hope that staffers named.) Here, “finer diner” (words scribbled on a piece of paper years ago by Gianino's restaurateur father but not discovered until after he passed away) evokes a stylish interpretation of the ’70s/’80s genre, a fever-dream road trip anchored by a wall-length floral mural made of tiny composite tiles. Below it, black leather booths with orange trim cast a Harley Davidson-style vibe. Above, an acoustical drop ceiling (covered in digitally imprinted plaid felt, no less) cuts any ambient rumble and roar. And that's just one Polaroid snapshot of the 260-seat space that also includes a shotgun-style, 90-seat rear patio crisscrossed with string lights. Finer Diner's menu only has recognizable dishes—per Gianino Jr.’s wishes—but with many variations. The signature breakfast item might well become the mile-high, four-egg omelet (which involves two house-secret processes), thoughtfully served with a choice of pancakes, toast, fresh fruit, or hash browns. Popular items from Billy G's weekend brunch (huevos rancheros, jambalaya hash and eggs, croque madame) and lunch (burgers, pizza, wings, steakhouse salad) fill out a menu that's served from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. (As hours are extended into the evening, signature dinner items will be added.) What will be diner-different is the cocktail and alcohol program, Gianino Jr. says. The 62-foot-radius bar transitions from a coffee-and-juice breakfast vibe to “real bar”-and-cocktails feel at the far end. Guests can amp up a hot or cold coffee or milkshake, select from more than a dozen house cocktails, or choose a wine or beer at any hour of the day. “The pandemic changed a lot of people's eating and drinking habits,” Gianino Jr. reflects. “Besides creating a unique environment, Finer Diner gave us an opportunity to embrace all that.”
