A new kind of sports bar is taking over the old Coffee Cartel space at 2 Maryland Plaza in the Central West End, and it is betting on darts, ping pong and bar dice instead of craft cocktails. Kevin Brennan is the entrepreneur behind the project, called The Marvel S. Fox, which he describes as a spot built for people who just want to catch a game without the usual bar-scene trappings.
Brennan told KSDK that the neighborhood lacks casual bars where people can catch a game, a gap he is aiming to fill with Marvel S. Fox. Per that report, Brennan aims to open the sports bar at 2 Maryland Plaza in about a month, positioning it as a dedicated hangout for the Central West End. The concept is designed around what KSDK describes as recliner and bleacher classics adapted for the neighborhood, with a menu expected to include deviled eggs, white chicken chili, sandwiches, tacos and salads, plus a featured monthly walking taco in development.
Other coverage fills in more of the picture. According to St. Louis Magazine, the venue is billed as a “sports tavern and fun house,” built around classic, low-tech entertainment: steel-tip darts, bar dice, ping pong, and plenty of TV screens. The 1,850-square-foot space previously housed Coffee Cartel, the outlet reports, and the food side of the operation is expected to lean on snacks, salads and items such as tacos.
Lockers, Amateur Gear And a Trophy Trade-In
Marvel S. Fox is also leaning into a clubhouse feel for regulars. Personal lockers will be available to store ping pong paddles and darts, according to Nicki's Central West End Guide, which also reports plans for an amateur shop selling branded apparel. The same report notes Brennan is planning casual fare such as salads, snacks, and tacos to go alongside the games.
The project is also pairing its launch with a bit of neighborhood nostalgia. St. Louis Magazine reports a Trophy Drive that offers guests a $5 credit for each trophy at Marvel S. Fox, inviting people to swap old high school hardware for bar credit. The same outlet reports the project will offer a six-tier crowdfunding membership, with annual contribution levels ranging from $100 to $5,000.
A Bar Built Around Not Drinking
One notable wrinkle is what won't be flowing as heavily as beer: alcohol itself. The bar is planning the largest selection of non-alcoholic drinks in the city, following the nationwide trend toward less alcohol consumption, per the Central West End guide's reporting, a nod to younger drinkers and anyone looking to watch a game without ordering a pint.
When The Doors Actually Open
Exactly when Marvel S. Fox will start serving remains murky across the available reporting. St. Louis Magazine has reported the bar is expected to open in June, in time for the World Cup, and stay open until midnight seven days a week. Nicki's Central West End Guide has separately reported the bar was slated to open June 26, with hours from 3 p.m. until late Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. until late Friday through Sunday. A blog post from Warner Hall Group states the business opened June 26, 2026, while the business's own website, themarylandhouse.com, states it is opening late summer 2026 and will be open to the public seven days a week. KSDK's Wednesday report describes Marvel S. Fox as still slated to open as a bar and restaurant in the Central West End later this year, with Brennan aiming to open at 2 Maryland Plaza in about a month.
The business's website also details one of its membership perks: an all-inclusive birthday party for 12 valued at $900, part of the broader crowdfunding structure built around the sports tavern concept.
