A1a Ale Works Taproom - St. Augustine

We're doing an Alphabet Challenge in St. Augustine and today was our first day, letter A. We originally wanted to try Athena Greek Restaurant, but to our dismay, they were closed due to plumbing issues. So we went across the street at A1A Ale Works. We were underwhelmed to say the least. The highlight of our meal were the pretzels and cheese dip, which I forgot to take a picture of. We also had an order of Buffalo wings which had decent flavor but weren't crispy enough for our tastes. My husband had the Beer Cheese Soup, and I went with the Honey Dijon Chicken Sandwich. Our daughter had the kids fried shrimp and rice with black beans. I believe the cheese dip and soup are the same thing, but my husband said the soup was way too salty. He only ate half. My chicken was overcooked and dry and lacked seasoning, but I ate it all because I was so hungry. Fries were standard. My daughter said the shrimp were fine, but that she wouldn't get them again. And she LOVES shrimp. They forgot the beans and took and eternity to get them out to us once we brought it to their attention. The rice alone is BLAND. It's yellow rice, too, which you'd normally assume would be seasoned well. It tasted like nothing at all. The server was satisfactory. He kept the waters filled but for a moment there was nowhere to be found when we needed something. And I wish I'd spoken to a manager about it, but one server there was coughing up a lung all over the place. Coughed into hands, made drinks. Walking out food, coughed into the air over the food. Wiped snotty nose, grabbed menus. I just...

Excellent Calamari... very different appetizers on their menu. The salmon was wonderful with candied pecans and dill sauce. Two floors for this restaurant. You are more sandwiches and live music, while the upper floor area is more formal menu. Great views of the busy streets and park.

At the corner of a main square overlooking the bridge of the lions. Restaurant upstairs, bar/lounge with live music on the bottom. Delicious food. Really good Moscow Mule (see picture). 2 children and 2 adults with smile and full belly.

We had the beers' flight and some other drinks. They have a wide range of beer, wine and cocktails. The service was good. We sat in the bar that was really busy, but well managed by the 2 barkeepers. The star of the evening was the blue crab artichoke dimmer. This dish was amazing and will lick you the bowl want more!

The second time here. Both times I had a really nice dinner. My husband didn't like his hamburger tonight. He said it didn't have much taste. But her grilled NY Strip Steak, with fresh vegetables and mash was AMAZING. I'm actually the door dashing desert and the pretzels now. We ate a few hours ago and I wanted the hot brownie to sunk in my hotel! Lol. I had the last time I was here a few years ago. Everything's delicious.