This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Cousin Hugo's- Celebrating 75 years in Maplewood

Cousin Hugo's has been in Maplewood since 1938 and is still going strong. Their story starts at the end of prohibition...

If the walls of Cousin Hugo's Bar and Grill could talk, they'd have plenty of tales to tell. Arguably one of Maplewood's most well-known and beloved establishments, Cousin Hugos has survived decades of change: within its historic walls, and through the many transformations of the City. The 75 year story of Cousin Hugo's is almost as juicy as their world class burgers!

The bar and grill was a vision of entrepreneur, Hugo Westen, who acquired the property at 3233 Laclede Station Rd. in 1938. With Maplewood being one of the few municipalities where selling alcohol was permitted, the location was prime for a bar establishment. Around this time, the word about his nephew, a clerk at Katz's Drugstore, located just down the street, was spreading quickly. His nephew was creatively selling libations dubbed as "Special Medicine" to those in the know.  As the demand for "Special Medicine" grew, Westen decided to hire him away from Katz Drugstore to work for him. When his nephew met his previous "patients" at the bar he would introduce Westen as "My Cousin Hugo" and the rest, including the bar's namesake, is history.  

Find out what's happening in Maplewood-Brentwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Like any establishment that has been around for 75 years Cousin Hugo's has its share of ups and downs which has made it the historic gathering place that it is today.Owner, Tommy Bahn, who grew up coming to Cousin Hugo's, bought the business 25 years ago in 1988. Bahn says he is "just lucky to be part of it" and credits his customers for the enduring success, "The memories of customers, first dates, proposals, reunions, etc., have made Hugo's what it is today." Bahn went on to say that the most rewarding moments come when serving folks who have been coming in for generations. Fellow business owner, Jerry Gibbs of J & E Office City, says his family has been patronizing Cousin Hugo's for years,"I started going to Cousin Hugo's in the mid 70's with my Dad. Fast forward 30 years and you'll find me with my son Matt, enjoying a burger with grilled onions, the best chili in town, and a cold beer."

Bahn says his goal for Cousin Hugo's is simple, "to continue with that same focus, on making an establishment for good times and good memories." On behalf of the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce, we raise our glass to Tommy and his crew, and those who came before, for keeping Maplewood on the map for over 75 years!

Find out what's happening in Maplewood-Brentwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Cousin Hugo's is located at 3233 Laclede Station Rd. You can also find them online at www.cousinhugos.com and on Facebook.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Maplewood-Brentwood