As we enter the month of September, we may first be thinking about Labor Day – a long weekend many spend at the beach or perhaps grilling in their backyard. But soon after comes a somber day of remembrance, as Americans reflect on the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. For some, this day takes on a very personal meaning, including the men nicknamed “Horse Soldiers”. These green berets were the first to enter Afghanistan following the attacks on 9/11, and due to the difficult terrain, they utilized wild Afghan horses to help them engage with enemy forces. Ultimately, they were able to aid the Northern Alliance in overthrowing a Taliban stronghold.
Today, the America’s Response Monument located at Ground Zero honors the contributions of the Horse Soldiers. After coming home, a group of these men founded a bourbon whiskey brand, which took on the name that they had once worn during service. Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey produces three straight bourbons: Premium, Signature, and Reserve. All are non-chill filtered, meaning they have a full-bodied and decadent finish. Although you can purchase the bottled bourbon nationwide, the only tasting room is located right here in St. Pete!
The Urban Stillhouse is located in the Grand Central district, near Tropicana field. Open Thursday through Sunday by reservation only, The Urban Stillhouse boasts two bars and a large dining area, as well as private dining rooms. They also offer tasting experiences led by an educated whiskey steward, to provide a deeper understanding of the tastes and notes involved in Horse Soldier’s unique whiskey. The extensive dining menu features craft cocktails, wine, beer, and of course a variety of dishes. From Beer-Battered Chatham Cod to Butternut Farroto, there’s an option available for every palate. I visited The Urban Stillhouse for a Sunday brunch, which features some different plates from the dinner menu served Thursday through Saturday. The Crispy Fried Chicken Breast, Biscuits and Gravy and Fresh Fruit were fantastic! I had made a reservation to sit at the bar, and the bartender was wonderful as well. The friendly and welcoming spirit of St. Petersburg was definitely present in this unique restaurant.
If all of this piques your interest, and you’d like to give The Urban Stillhouse a visit, there’s a great opportunity coming up on September 11th this year. The American Freedom Distillery (AFD) and Warehouse Arts District (WADA) will be joining Remember Honor Support, Inc. (RHS) in honoring the first Patriot Day Memorial event. This event will be held at the RISE Memorial in the Warehouse Arts District, and will include an observation of the memorial as well as a panel discussion. The reception for this event will be held nearby at The Urban Stillhouse, where hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. The proceeds from the event will benefit RHS Heroes, as well as the RISE Memorial. More information and a link to purchase tickets can be found on the Warehouse Arts District website.
Overall, whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur, looking for a venue to host your next event, or just in the market for a new dinner spot, The Urban Stillhouse is a local gem worth looking into! Reservations for dining or whiskey tastings can be made online through Opentable. •
