From Presidents to Putters: The Legend of Peggy Conley

If you’ve spent any time in the St. Louis culinary scene over the last few decades, the name Peggy Conley likely rings a bell. She is, quite simply, an institution. And while she’s been behind the pine at CatDaddy’s Tavern for just over a year now, she brought with her a lifetime of craft, charisma, and a resume that most bartenders only dream of.

A Career Built on the Waterfront

Peggy’s journey started back in 1979 under the chandeliers of the old Lt. Robert E. Lee steamboat restaurant. She learned the ropes in an era of true service, eventually becoming the heartbeat of the renowned Sidney Street Café.

How high does her pedigree go? Just look at the photos on our wall. When President Barack Obama visited St. Louis in 2011, it was Peggy and her team tasked with the honors. She’s seen it all, served them all, and done it all with a collection of over 100 signature bow ties and a smile that makes every guest feel like the only person in the room.

How She Landed at Cat Daddy’s

You might wonder how a craft cocktail veteran ended up in Alton. It was a bit of "destiny meets persistence." Our owners, Angel and Miles, found Peggy at her previous post and knew immediately that she was the missing piece of the CatDaddy’s puzzle.

They didn't just ask her to join; they essentially begged. They offered her any shift she wanted. Peggy, ever the pro, had one specific question:

"When do the golfers come in?"

That was that. Peggy took the Tuesday shift to look after our local golfers, and it didn't take long for Angel to realize that Peggy needed to be a permanent part of the family.

The Art of the Classic

In an era of "gimmick" drinks, Peggy is a purist. She has more experience in her pinky than most have in a lifetime, and it shows in her technique. Whether she’s expertly muddling fruit for a Classic Old Fashioned, stirring up a

Barrel-Aged Boulevardier (a recipe she helped make famous), or shaking a French Martini to icy perfection, watching her work is a masterclass in the craft.

Her Cosmopolitans? Legendary. She sticks to the quality stuff, like Ketel One Citroen, ensuring every pour is balanced, bright, and exactly what a "proper" cocktail should be.

"Give Nice, Get Nice"

Peggy often says her secret to success is a simple proverb: “Kill them with kindness. Give nice, get nice.” It’s a philosophy that has earned her a fiercely loyal following. Many of her "regulars" at Cat Daddy’s are the children, and even grandchildren, of the customers she served 25 years ago.

She isn't anywhere close to slowing down. You can catch Peggy behind the bar every Tuesday (tending to our golf crowd) and Sundays.

Come in, pull up a stool, and ask her for a classic. You aren’t just getting a drink; you’re getting a piece of history.