The Grove is getting a split-personality Mexican newcomer this summer, as Jordan Goodman prepares to open Chico Bueno and its more refined sibling, Chico Malo, in the former Lucy Quinn/Little Lucy space at 4156 Manchester. The casual side will lean L.A.-style taqueria, while the intimate counterpart will offer a high-end tasting experience, all just a short walk from Goodman's neighborhood bar, Good Company.
Goodman, who debuted Good Company in The Grove in 2024 and co-owns boutique ice maker Good Ice, has quickly become a familiar figure in the neighborhood's food and drink scene. Sauce Magazine previously covered Good Company's soft opening and the team behind that project.
New Home For A Long-Gestating Project
Chico Bueno is now slated to open this summer in the Lucy Quinn/Little Lucy building after earlier plans to put the restaurant in a Cortex warehouse stalled. St. Louis Magazine reported that Goodman picked the dual-room layout to pair an approachable everyday spot with a more elevated dining option.
Two Menus Under One Roof
The larger room will house Chico Bueno, a counter-service, Los Angeles-style taqueria built around street-food favorites made with high-end proteins like carnitas, Texas-style brisket and lamb-belly barbacoa. The smaller room will transform into Chico Malo, a 24-seat tasting-menu venue.
Chef Adrian Maldonado, trained at Sidney Street Café, will lead the Chico Malo tasting program, with an eight to ten course menu expected. Explaining the decision to move on from the Cortex plan, Goodman said, “We just could not wait any longer and started looking for other spaces,” in comments reported by St. Louis Magazine.
Where This Fits In The Grove
The new concept keeps Goodman's projects clustered in The Grove rather than scattered across the city, joining Good Company and Aperi in the neighborhood. Good Ice lists its production address as 3942B Laclede Ave and supplies the handcrafted cocktail ice used across Goodman's spots. Good Ice
There is no firm opening date yet beyond a general “this summer” target. Goodman has said the team is concentrating on finishing the buildout and fine-tuning service before committing to a specific day, with reservation details and counter-service information expected to follow once the schedule is set.
