Anchor Point Bistro dishing up fun menu at War Water Brewery

It seems fitting that two Navy veterans are the owners of one of St. Clair's hottest new eateries in town, and even more fitting that it is called The Anchor Point (T.A.P.) Bistro.

Kimberly and Mark Stevens are originally from Michigan who moved around often, eventually anchoring in St. Clair after Mark and Kimberly Stevens are eager to watch their business, Anchor Point Bistro grow.completing their time in the military.

"We fell in love with the town of St. Clair, so we decided to set roots and make it our home,"says Kimberly. "The community is one of those that give you that ‘very welcoming feeling.'"

Open since Jan. 5, the bistro is located inside of the War Water Brewery in Riverview Plaza, owned by the Stevens' friends Kris and Andrea Paul.

"They serve a great selection of craft beer and we match it with a great variety of food options,"says Kimberly.

Those food options include soups, sandwiches, subs, and much more.

There is also a specialty menu catering to the late night crowd in need of snacks on the weekends.

From 9-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, the bistro offers up pretzels with beer cheese, taquitos, sliders, eggrolls and other assorted appetizers.

Nachos are a crowd favorite at The Anchor Point BistroOn "Sunday Fundays,"noshes include specials on full sized appetizers like nachos, hot dogs, and bacon-wrapped southwest eggrolls. Prices are either $5, $6, $7, or $8.

"The quality of food is superior to anything I have had at a brewery," says customer Chad Coatney. "Overall the quality and diversity of choices is refreshing. I have been in the area for two years and while I enjoy many of the restaurants in the area, they all seem to serve the same menu.”

When the War Water Brewery opened in the Riverview Plaza in St. Clair there was no in-house kitchen. But the Pauls would let customers bring in their own snacks and meals, something a lot of breweries without kitchens like to offer.

Patrons would often ask the brewery when they were going to open a restaurant in house, and around Christmas 2017, the Stevens' were approached to open a food establishment.

"We opened the bistro to support the brewery and the community and our friends, Kris and Andrea Paul,"says Kimberly.

The bistro also aims to provide fresher, healthier food options for all patrons. Many customers have had a hard time deciding what their favorite is. The Philly Cheese Steak has sold the most in the first month, but everyone has a different favorite.

"The bacon wrapped southwest egg rolls are delicious. And the turkey pesto sandwich is awesome! War Water beer is good also,"says Coatney.

The Stevens are excited to be a part of the St. Clair community and think the area offers someone for everyone.

"The continuous special events/festivals throughout the year and the unique businesses on every corner make it a destination Chili is sure to warm customers up on a cold winter day.spot for everyone. The views of the St. Clair River and the historical buildings and businesses on and around the boardwalk are known throughout the state."

Their goal is to add something special to that feeling by offering fresh and unique food. Part of the mission statement says:
"Our philosophy at the Bistro is to strive to be a universally respected heartier/healthier food alternative to an overly saturated fast food environment.”

The Stevens look forward to being a part of the community events that the Thumb Coast and specifically St. Clair takes part in, including the Relays for Life, Fast Boat Races, Special Olympics fundraisers, and more.

They have already expanded the bistro's hours, which at first matched those of the Brewery, and they want the community to know that not only do they have weekly specials, but they will also be bringing in their spring/summer menu options like tacos, lobster rolls, crab cakes, and more.

Anchor Point Bistro is open inside of War Water Brewery"We both love the food business and the bistro just seemed to make sense,"the Stevens say in a joint statement. "We work extremely well together in whatever we do and the bistro is another example of our working together to create a unique and special place for the community and the patrons of the brewery."

The T.A.P. Bistro is located at 201 Riverside, C12 in St. Clair.
Visit their webpage at www.theanchorpointbistro.com or Facebook at The Anchor Point Bistro@TAPB1STRO.