Jan, the owner of the Red Coyote Café in Virgin, Utah greeted me yesterday by asking how chilly it was on the other side of the park.  I met her just a few times and although she didn’t remember my name, she remembered where I cruised in from for a cuppa.  This impressed me because often I slide into coffee shops with my laptop, sit quietly, and simply observe the world around me unnoticed by anyone.

Something I like about the Red Coyote is that I can do either – slide in unnoticed or I can participate in conversations with the locals while having a cup of coffee, playing on the computer, and eating my breakfast.  The best of both of my coffee shop cruising worlds.

The breakfast menu includes a basic breakfast plate, burritos, and some items that are more creative, like her southwestern version of Eggs Benedict.  The sauce is homemade and I’ve been told by her guests that it’s delicious.  I have yet to try it because I like the basic plate of two eggs, potatoes, and toast.  As someone who ran a bed & breakfast/inn and dislikes making eggs, I can appreciate the perfect over easy eggs.  Neither too runny nor too hard, it’s always made perfect for dipping my buttered toast in it.  By the way, I love the bread – if not artisan, it tastes like it.

Red Coyote Cafe in Virgin, Utah.

The ambiance is perfect for me – couches, tables and chairs inside, and a beautiful set up on the outdoor patio with a view of Utah’s red rocks.  It has a Utah desert with a touch of country flavor to it.  One of my favorite places to hide this past summer on Sunday mornings.

Southwest mural by Patti Lewis

The outside of the Red Coyote displays the gorgeous artwork of Patti Lewis, a local mural artist.  The mural depicts a scene id Utah desert and wildlife.  Patti’s work can be seen on quite a few buildings inside and out around the Zion National Park area, as well as in Las Vegas.  A sample of her portfolio and her husband, Jeff’s photography can be seen at  www.lewisartservices.com.

What sold me on The Red Coyote was an experience I had this past summer.  After camping at Coral Pink Sand Dunes, I took the back roads towards Colorado City, then headed to Zion National Park by way of Hurricane, Utah.  Once I got to The Red Coyote, I planted myself on a cozy chair, turned on my computer, and got lost in the world of Facebook and email writing.  After an hour or so I realized that the café filled up with people – singles, couples, and families.  The chatter in the room reflected the clientele – international visitors heading to and from Zion National Park as well as a mix of locals who came for the Sunday afternoon music.  That was inside the cafe.  Outside there was a spectacular lightning display as a thunderstorm rolled through.  Although the storm brought many of the weary and not-so-weary travelers into the café, I’m sure the ambiance, service, and music kept them there.

I was loving the experience – lost within a sea of people – something I often desire, especially when coffee shop cruising.

During the winter there is music on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons to keep the locals and off-season travelers entertained.  The summer brings many tourists through the area, so the live music schedule extends into the week.  With the later sunsets in the summer, it’s one of the best places in southern Utah to end the day after hiking in Zion National Park.  I can’t wait to return next year!