“Where can you get a drink around here?” is one of those overheard phrases that stops me in my tracks. I immediately convert from a casual conversational lurker to an avid tip stalker, especially when I’m in a location not known for having a robust drinks scene. Case in point, I perked up hearing those magical words while navigating the packed lobby of a mid-level chain hotel in St. George during a public relations professionals’ conference last fall.
An acquaintance in the circle waved me into the conversation with a few journalists-turned-government public information officers. (An increasingly common career path resulting in trusted takes on the best watering holes.) After a couple of evenings of intensive research, here’s our corroborated St. George short list.
Book Club Bistro
Make a reservation and prepare to be charmed by Book Club Bistro, a speakeasy tucked in the back of a strip mall boutique. After checking in at the cash register, the host swings open a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, allowing access to the diminutive and dark dining area beyond. Cocktails here are creative and presented with theatrical whimsy. The dirty martini is served alongside a vintage perfume atomizer for ultimate DIY briny additions. Order the deviled egg flight for a perfect accompanying bite.
250 Red Cliffs Dr., St. George
instagram @book.club.bistro
Wood • Ash • Rye
An established favorite for brunchy beverages or meeting up for drinks and a snack after work, Wood • Ash • Rye hits the spot for elegant sips. Located in the Advenire Hotel, WAR is a known go-to for an excellent global by-the-glass wine list, solid selection of Utah brews and seasonal cocktails. Try the cedar-smoked Old Fashioned variation made with High West rye and Sugarhouse bourbon, or the Dry Spell—a zingy mezcal and citrus-forward refresher.
25 W. St. George Blvd., St. George
theadvenirehotel.com/wood-ash-rye-restaurant
Spiritual Speakeasy
The big sign outside sort of undermines the secrecy of Spiritual Speakeasy’s central location at the intersection of Main Street and St. George Boulevard in Ancestor Square. However, once you’re through the thick velvet curtains, it’s an unexpectedly lush and dramatic space filled with parlour-like seating areas, cozy nooks and an upstairs bar with a DJ or live music on many nights. Known for classic cocktails, I had an excellent off-menu daiquiri, elaborate tiki drinks and a deep selection of top-shelf spirits.
2 W. St. George Blvd., St. George
spiritualspeakeasybar.com
Silver Reef Craft and Kitchen
They’ve got a beverage hat trick at Silver Reef with in-house beer, Chanela Vineyards wine and their own distilled spirits operation all under one brand. Named after the nearby silver mining ghost town near St. George, Silver Reef has been brewing craft beers since 2018. The bar menu at the eponymous restaurant features their seasonal beers on draft, reasonably priced cocktails ($10 for most) made with their spirits, along with a slew of no-ABV craft mocktails. Pick up a bottle or some cans at the on-site package store on your way out the door.
4391 Enterprise Dr., St. George
sgbev.com
Flo at Black Desert Resort
It’s not surprising that with Black Desert Resort’s attention to luxury details, excellent beverage options are carefully considered here. At Flo, the resort’s lobby lounge, enjoy what may arguably be the best bar view in southwestern Utah, made even more delightful when sipping a signature blood orange and charcoal Black Desert Margarita. Head to the top floor steakhouse, Basalt, for a solid selection of globally-sourced whiskies and nicely built cocktails like the Basalt Bliss made with añejo tequila, mezcal, ginger-cardamom syrup and a little orange citrusy zing. For a more casual beers-and-burgers vibe, check out the resort’s 20th Hole sports bar.
1500 E. Black Desert Dr., Ivins
blackdesertresort.com
Get more Southern Utah dining and drinks inspiration with our St. George Restaurant Roundup.
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