Cocktails & Camaraderie

by

Savor

Above the back door leading in from the deck of Uptown Tap & Cigar, you’ll see a F3 Nation flag. That’s where it all began for Greg Walbridge and Scott Risi: a journey rooted in fitness, fellowship, and faith—and a favorite hangout. 

If you aren’t familiar with F3, this group of local men gathers for early morning workouts and other regular meetups which have grown into deep friendships and a sense of family over the years. They used to frequent a local taphouse to grab beer together and enjoy the occasional cigar while they discussed the state of the world, community happenings, sports, family, and favorite brews. When the taphouse that had become the group’s unofficial “HQ” closed its doors, Greg and Scott saw the opportunity to create a space to expand that connection beyond the F3 group to the entire island community. Thus, Uptown Tap & Cigar was born. 

First, they secured the ultimate spot, situated in the back of popular Redfern Village, boasting a deck with a spectacular view. Then they elevated the beverage program, building Uptown around 22 rotating taps, a full bar with curated whiskey list, fine wines, and a cigar humidor offering premium smokes (to be enjoyed only outdoors, of course!). They also brought on board the very knowledgeable Nate Smith from F3’s favorite former gathering spot. Whether you have a favorite brew or want to try the latest unique offerings on tap with a beer flight, this is the place to be! Greg says of their craft beer selections, “If it’s widely available at other places around the island, you probably won’t find it here.”  With a draft list that’s regularly updated on their website, you’ll find selections from breweries that span from NY to Colorado, and more regional choices from Athens to Ashville. Hard ciders, seltzers, and non-alcoholic beers are also available. 

Behind the bar, staff like Dalton Graf and Josh Brown mix up your favorite cocktails. Want a bourbon flight? Their selection is excellent! Be on the lookout for specialty cocktails, like the recent Sapelo Sour made with Sapelo Aperitivo, a Sapelo orange liqueur from Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Of course, you need light bites to enjoy while you sip! In the kitchen, Chef Andrew whips up charcuterie boards, homemade hummus and pimento cheese, and fabulous flatbreads. And when he’s making specials like empanadas and shrimp toast, you don’t want to miss them! As Greg says, “The food isn’t meant to distract from the drinks and conversation, but to enhance them.”

Scott and Greg have described Uptown Tap as “blending the spirit of an English-style pub with the laid-back charm of coastal Georgia.” That captures the vibe perfectly. 

Greg’s wife, Nikki, says, “Uptown is about community. We wanted to build a space that people want to visit.” She cites the popular “Two Priests Walk into a Bar” events as an excellent example of drawing people from all walks of life into a spot where conversation is welcome and everyone feels comfortable.

With cozy seating both indoors and out and big screen TVs, Greg calls Uptown “the perfect sports bar that isn’t a sports bar.” Nikki and Scott’s wife, Madelynne, extoll the virtues of the wraparound deck that overlooks the marsh. “There’s always a breeze here. Always! When there’s live music, it’s fun to see the families here. It’s nice to have somewhere where it’s okay for the kids can play while the parents sit and enjoy themselves too.” Whether you want to listen to acoustic tunes on a Wednesday evening or catch a full band show on a weekend night, Uptown is a welcome addition to the island’s’ live music scene. It’s a far cry from the “smoky cigar bar atmosphere” that some people might imagine! 

What began as a replacement HQ for a group of friends has evolved into something much larger that embraces community. Locals stop in to unwind after work or enjoy a casual date night. Island visitors stumble upon it and deem it a hidden gem. Sports fans flock to watch parties in a spot that’s not too loud and crowded. New friendships are formed and old friendships are strengthened where both beer and conversations flow freely. Groups are invited to use the space for gatherings, birthday parties (but no balloons!), planning sessions, and team meetups, whether a garden club or a guys’ poker night. Nikki is even talking about starting a Uptown book club! 

Like its fellowship origins, Uptown Tap is about a sense of belonging. Every guest is welcomed like an old friend, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth. Casual comfort is married with connection in this place where the marsh view is the backdrop, but the real focus is the people who are there sharing it with you. As Greg and the crew are fond of saying here, “Sip. Savor. Stay awhile.”

Uptown Tap & Cigar • 253 Redfern Village • St. Simons Island • 912.527.5576

uptowntapandcigar.com 

Photos by Lauren Roberts McCoy, The Darkroom Photography