Picture a scene with island residents and visitors enjoying lunch or dinner and creative cocktails in a lush tropical garden — not a care in the world. Happily, at Whiskey Business Bar & Grill, that image comes to life each day of the week.

Would you like to join them? Head to the main entrance of iconic Tillett Gardens and you’re there. 

The choice of seating includes the bar area where you can meet with friends — or make new ones. If you prefer, there’s al fresco patio dining available as well as umbrella-topped tables in the center of the garden.

As the name implies, this authentic whiskey bar — a first on St. Thomas — features house-made sour mix as a notable specialty. The all-day menu features “feel-good food” such as Panko chicken tenders and fries, classic Ahi tuna board, conch fritters with mango and Jamaican curry aioli, and an array of green salads including Caesar and Greek. Don’t miss the “build your own” burger or chicken sandwich with a choice of cheese, toppings, and sauces.

After 5 p.m., entree options expand to include blackened Mahi Creole, Montreal seasoned New York strip steak, chicken ’n waffles, build your own pasta, Shepherd’s pie, and other creative favorites — plus daily specials.

Above: Plated on a signature wooden plank, the Whiskey Burger features an 8-ounce beef patty with barbecue sauce, provolone, bacon onion chutney, lettuce, tomato and topped with three crispy onion rings on a toasted brioche bun.

Above: Welcome to Whiskey Business, located at the main entrance to Tillett Gardens in Annas Retreat.

Above: Bartender Lee Truex signals “thumbs up” while serving a build-your-own burger and custom chicken sandwich at the bar.

Whiskey Business has multiple TVs for watching your favorite sports. Upbeat on-premise events include bingo games — and live music, too. 

When it comes to specialty drinks,  check out the Whiskey Business Signature Sour made with Jameson, house-made sour mix and topped with Malbec. Delicious.

You’ll see other creative cocktails on the drink menu including a Sapphire Sunset with Cruzan blueberry lemonade as well as the Nutty Russian made with Screwball peanut butte whiskey. If you get the feeling the complete list of libations is a “fun read,” how right you are!

You can also “take flight” … whiskey flights, that is. Multiple servings in small measure are a popular way to experience whiskey’s complex attributes. 

Spirits also play a part in several menu items such as the Signature Whiskey Burger. 

Truly a one-of-a- kind outpost, Whiskey Business is owned and operated by Brandon Lutzy. Raised in Saranac, New York, Brandon attended and graduated from the University of the Virgin Islands and remained in the territory after earning a degree in business. 

While bartending at local establishments, he started participating in bar contests. Today, his trophy collection includes a first-place win at the St. John Iron Bartender Mixology Competition. Today, his energy and creativity is reflected in every corner of this popular one-of-a-kind enterprise.

In preparation for the 2019 grand opening — and in the spirit of giving back to the community — Whiskey Business commissioned My Brother’s Workshop, a local non-profit organization, to build custom tabletops emblazoned with the restaurant’s logo. What a great look!