Witching Hour In the City of Salt: Water Witch
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| The unassuming exterior hides the goodness within. |
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| The Wizard lifts his lamp, beckoning all for a drink. |
In the heart of Salt Lake City's reemerging Central Ninth neighborhood, there is a small, unassuming cocktail bar, founded by some of Salt City's Favorite sons, Scott Gardner, Sean Neves, and Matt Pfohl. One may even pass by on the street and not even notice, but behind the doors of Water Witch, extraordinary cocktail alchemy happens daily, and that's something that we should all take notice of. For those even slightly familiar with Salt Lake City's burgeoning cocktail scene, the Water Witch name comes up often, and for good reason. The skilled crew at The Witch, have been at the forefront of Utah's cocktail revolution since they threw open their doors and (according to local legend) shouted: "Give me your tired, your thirsty. Your huddled masses yearning for a drink. The hearty heathens of your teeming, salty shores. Send these, the parched, tempest-fueled to me, I lift my lamp, and shaker beside the golden door!"... or something very close. So, let us guide you to this temple of spirits and cocktails , so you too, may find your way to that golden (really more of a charcoal gray/black) door.
The first thing that most future converts notice when stepping into Water Witch, is that it's not a big bar by any stretch of the word, and that's a good thing. This is a space for friends, and believe me, you're all friends at The Witch. A butcher-block style bar top and brightly colored bar-back invite you to pull up a stool and stay awhile. A massive painting dominates the western wall, a recreation of the late Utah painter Alfred Lambourne's "Cliffs of Promontory", standing in contrast to the old school menu board found on the east wall, where you'll find weekly specials and more. As a whole, the space is an amalgam of styles, and design elements that just seem to work. It's a place that feels wholly local, and that's by design. Every element of the space has a connection to Utah, all produced and placed by artisans home grown here in the Beehive State. It's a place that somehow manages to be equal parts neighborhood tavern, cocktail bar, and community gathering place.
The next thing you'll likely notice is the array of spirits here is as staggering as it is varied, from the usual suspects, to the strange and rare, it's all here. A good selection of beers, both local and not are also available. Make no mistake, there really is something for everyone here. Want to sip on some 20 year old single malt? No problem. Wine in a can, or a PBR perhaps? Yup. Complicated cocktails? Most definitely. Somehow, The Witch does it all, and does it well. Its a place where one can worship at the altar of their spirit of their choosing without judgement, and who doesn't love that? The menu (or lack thereof) is only limited by your imagination, and although this can be daunting to those who are still developing their tastes, or perhaps unfamiliar with cocktails; The Witch is full of amazing and friendly bartenders who stand ready and eager to help you discover and learn about your true spirit (animal). In fact, interaction with your bartender is at the heart of the Water Witch experience. It's a bar, built by bartenders, and they want nothing more than to help you discover that new cocktail or spirit that you didn't know you were missing.
To sum things up, even though it lies outside of the usual downtown bar blocks; it's very much worth the short trip to have a drink or three (please imbibe responsibly). Whether you're looking for a weekend party (Friday and Saturday nights can be very lively indeed), a movie and drinks (yes this really happens, and often.), or a quiet cocktail and conversation (weekdays and Sundays really shine here), you've come to the right place. So find yourself a dowsing rod, and follow the pull, you'll be glad you did.
Water Witch can be found at 163 West 900 South in Salt Lake City. Open most days from noon until 2am.
P.S.
Do yourself a favor and start with a Wray Daq.
As always, keep the spirit.
-Steve E.
Spirit Guides Resident Rum Guy and Keeper of Tiki
** This review is strictly our opinion, and not a paid post or article. All drinks paid for by Spirit Guides**
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| The bar is the heart of the Water Witch experience. |
The next thing you'll likely notice is the array of spirits here is as staggering as it is varied, from the usual suspects, to the strange and rare, it's all here. A good selection of beers, both local and not are also available. Make no mistake, there really is something for everyone here. Want to sip on some 20 year old single malt? No problem. Wine in a can, or a PBR perhaps? Yup. Complicated cocktails? Most definitely. Somehow, The Witch does it all, and does it well. Its a place where one can worship at the altar of their spirit of their choosing without judgement, and who doesn't love that? The menu (or lack thereof) is only limited by your imagination, and although this can be daunting to those who are still developing their tastes, or perhaps unfamiliar with cocktails; The Witch is full of amazing and friendly bartenders who stand ready and eager to help you discover and learn about your true spirit (animal). In fact, interaction with your bartender is at the heart of the Water Witch experience. It's a bar, built by bartenders, and they want nothing more than to help you discover that new cocktail or spirit that you didn't know you were missing.
To sum things up, even though it lies outside of the usual downtown bar blocks; it's very much worth the short trip to have a drink or three (please imbibe responsibly). Whether you're looking for a weekend party (Friday and Saturday nights can be very lively indeed), a movie and drinks (yes this really happens, and often.), or a quiet cocktail and conversation (weekdays and Sundays really shine here), you've come to the right place. So find yourself a dowsing rod, and follow the pull, you'll be glad you did.
Water Witch can be found at 163 West 900 South in Salt Lake City. Open most days from noon until 2am.
P.S.
Do yourself a favor and start with a Wray Daq.
As always, keep the spirit.
-Steve E.
Spirit Guides Resident Rum Guy and Keeper of Tiki
** This review is strictly our opinion, and not a paid post or article. All drinks paid for by Spirit Guides**
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