In 2011 the three owners purchased the building that is now Cafe Telegraph and began the renovation. The entire space was gutted to the studs and the concrete floor torn out in order to update the plumbing. The majority of the rehab was done by Bill and Matt with the help of family and friends who volunteered their time. Overall,
75% of the materials used for the interior renovation were recycled.

Much pride went into the construction and decor. Cedar used on the interior, exterior and for some of the tables came from a F2 tornado that ripped through Lake Tishomingo in the spring of 2010. The Tiger wood accenting the walls in the bar area is from a submerged shipment that was recovered after flood waters ravaged Nashville, Tennessee in 2010. The beautiful wooden rail which edges the bar top came from a downed Sycamore tree at Matt's grandparent's farm in Perryville, Missouri.

Granite in the restaurant, bar and kitchen came from "The Hill" and was in the process of being sent to a landfill when it was reclaimed. The pieces were mixed and fitted creating the many eclectic countertops throughout.

For our Blues fans, the old St. Louis Arena is still among us. The diamond shaped glass windows hanging in the dining room and waiting area once decorated the two towers at the entrance of the "Old Barn". The Douglas Fir beams that gave the fish scale appearance to the ceiling can be found at the booths along the wall and now serve as part of the tabletop.

The majority of the decor was purchased from antique stores and estate sales. The motorcycle centered above the bar is a 1964 Honda Super Hawk. It is remembered today as Honda's first sports bike and is regarded as one that set the paradigm for modern motorcycles. In addition you will also find antique skis, soda cartons, signs, a wine press, a sled and much more.

Each bathroom boasts art from old local breweries including 1909 Griesedieck and 1850 Christian Staehlins Phoenix advertisements. Near the entrance are photographs of an old log house that once served as a homestead in Hillsboro, Missouri. The abandoned home was to be torn down but fortunately was spared once Matt heard of the demolition. Instead it was disassembled, the logs numbered and moved, and will one day be restored to it's original state.

In 2012 the Lemay Chamber of Commerce awarded Cafe Telegraph with a "Commercial Beautification Award". We are honored and happy to be part of the community and are grateful for the welcome.

Please stop by when you have the opportunity to see the renovation. We look forward to your visit and appreciate the support!

Daily Dinner Specials
Sunday - Brined, Smoked 1/2 Chicken
Monday - Smoked Meatloaf
Tuesday - Smoked Pork Steak
Wednesday - Smoked, Dry Rub Ribs
Thursday - Smoked Meatloaf
Friday - Smoked Pork Steak
Saturday - Smoked, Dry Rub Ribs

Kitchen Hours
Monday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM - Midnight
Sunday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Take out is available if you are unable to dine with us!

Happy Hour
Monday - Friday 3:00 - 6:00