St. George Foodie Ryanne Day gives her top picks for date nights, visitors and families.
Note to readers: Lexy Borgogno, editor-in-chief of the Sun News Daily, wrote this story for The Southern Utah Tribune. You can read more stories about southern Utah for free at southernutahtribune.org.
Ryanne Day has been exploring Washington County’s restaurant scene for over two years as the foodie behind the Instagram account STG Eats. She knows her way around the best bites and vibes. While she does get paid for some posts, she said these picks are truly her favorites. From scenic overlooks and lively hangouts, she said these are Washington County gems you won’t want to miss.
Best place to take visitors
For beautiful scenery, Day said to go to any of the five restaurants at Ivins’ Black Desert Resort, 1500 E. Black Desert Drive. The views include the resort’s spacious golf course and Southern Utah’s iconic red cliffs and volcanic rock.
For a fun vibe, Day said to try either Sandtown Pizza, 195 S. Bluff Street, St. George, or Street Eats, 446 N. 1680 E., St. George, known for its burgers and Pacific Northwest fish dishes.
Sandtown owner Chris Tamplin and his crew transformed the restaurant into a skater-style pizzeria.
“The walls are layered with nostalgia, photos from childhood, skateboards, and posters of grunge bands and underground bands, logos from brands they grew up with,” Day explained. “It’s a space that feels alive with their history and passion.”
Street Eats’ painted murals on the walls capture the owners Cory and Ashley LaFranchi’s Seattle roots and their journey to St. George. Cory’s mom created some of the artwork herself.
“Everywhere you look there’s something electric and fun, quirky furniture, vibrant details,” Day said. “It’s a place where you can feast on the food and on the design.”
Favorite dessert
Day said the best birthday cake she’s ever had is the pavlova cake from American Grinders. American Grinders is a deli and coffee shop, located at 4058 S. River Rd. #1. The owners moved to St. George from Florida, and are originally from Argentina.
“I’ve never seen anything like that cake” Day raves. “The bottom layer of this cake is that fluffy part on [macarons]. Then she’s got this cream on it, and then she’s got these, strawberries with some strawberry decadent, and then dulce de leche. You have to special order. It’s not like you can just go pick them up. I’d pay $100 for it.”
You can call in ahead of time to order pavlova, and prices vary from $58 for eight cakes and $75 for 12.
Best date night spot
If you’re looking for something romantic, Day insisted you can’t beat the city overlook at Cliffside Restaurant, 511 S. Tech Ridge Drive, St. George.
If you’re wanting something livelier to kick back and hang out with friends, Strap Tank Restaurant and Brewery is the way to go, she said. Strap Tank, 1872 Crosby Way, St. George, is unique because of its antique motorcycles and an industrial design, with one bike costing around $80,000, Day said.
Ultimately, Day said you can’t beat the experience of relaxing in the adult pool and watching a live band at Pecan Valley Resort — a waterpark with activities for adults and children, accompanied with vacation rentals. Located at 2431 S. 5210 W. in Hurricane, Pecan Valley offers pizza, burger, smoothies and drinks.
Best place for families
Day recommends Paletas Gourmet Creamsicles, a locally owned shop known for its customizable treats. Guests can dip their creamsicles in chocolate and pile on toppings ranging from sliced almonds to Oreos. Located at 73 N. Main Street, St. George, Day said she’s taken children there before, and they loved it.
Best kept secret
“It shocks me how much I talk about them, and people still don’t know — The Biscuit Bus,” Day said.
Day made one of her first videos about the mobile catering food truck, which travels in St. George, Hurricane and Cedar City. At the grand opening, owner Brian Powell asked Day if she liked the taste of the biscuits. Day, being gluten intolerant, told him she couldn’t eat any.
Powell “figured out in just a few days how to make a gluten free biscuit,” Day said. “So if you go and ask for a gluten free biscuit, it’s a Ryanne, and it’s shaped into a heart.”
If you order the Ryanne, you’ll get the gluten-free biscuit along with your choice of sweet or savory toppings. Day said that while most of the sweet pairings work well with the gluten-free option, only a few of the savory choices do.
Best cocktail
Positano Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, 1501 S. River Rd., St. George, is owned by brothers Cameron and Royce Payne, and Day said they know cocktails. At Positano’s she had a lemon drop cocktail that tasted like lemon meringue.
Day explained, “They took the little torch on the top, but I mean, drinking it was like, ‘Oh, this could be trouble.’”
