I’m simultaneously delighted that our friends at Water Witch have been named one of five “outstanding” bars in the country and sad that our other five semi-finalists from the Beehive state did not advance to the next round. We DID have more chefs and restaurants nominated from Utah in the semi-finalists round than any other year, which is a win.
Located in the Central 9th District, Water Witch is an anchor to the up-and-coming area.
Water Witch has long been my neighborhood watering hole. Dangerously within walking distance of my office, it is my favorite place to pop into for an early drink. The founders, Sean Neves, Scott Gardner, and Matt Pfohl, have trained their team as extensions of themselves and allowed them to take independent flight. We love their quirky, small, warm, and welcoming niche bar. It is intimate without feeling too swanky, with great cocktails that don’t feel pretentious. You can tell the bartender, “I’m feeling like something bourbon-y and booze-forward with a splash of old library,” and you will get a fantastic beverage out of it.
We say kudos and go get it, Water Witch!
If you go: Water Witch | 163 W 900 S | waterwitchbar.com
The other finalists are:
- Kumiko, Chicago, IL
- Scotch Lodge, Portland, OR
- The Lovers Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday, Philadelphia, PA
- Wolf Tree, White River Junction, VT
The James Beard finalists for the Mountain Region are:
- Joshua Adams, Campione, Livingston, MT
- Salvador Alamilla, Amano, Caldwell, ID
- Brandon Cunningham, The Social Haus, Greenough, MT
- David Wells, The Tasting Room at Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa, Pray, MT
- Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton, Denver, CO
Read about ALL the 2025 James Beard Nominees from Utah
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