An Evening at River and Fort in St. Augustine
Where can you find an atmosphere reminiscent of a chic LA restaurant paired with sea breezes of your favorite Floridian beach? You can have it all and more at the refreshingly stylish River and Fort restaurant and rooftop bar in St. Augustine. The sister restaurant to River and Post in Jacksonville, this new outpost is perfectly located right across from Castillo de San Marcos on the energetic Avenida Menendez, with bustling foot traffic and other popular cafes and bars.
The color palette of nautical blues and whites permeates the Spanish archways on both the interior and exterior decor. Dining rooms are spacious and comfortable for small and large parties. The east dining room on the first floor has covered patio seating with a beautiful Spanish tile mural; this section provides an eclectic view of pedestrians and the iconic horse-drawn carriages you will occasionally see on the street. You can enjoy a drink at the bar which connects to the outside dining area near the entrance. Or head for the inner courtyard garden space, a hit with guests.
Is there a rooftop? Yes, there are two rooftop experiences. The second floor has another dining room and bar. However, the rooftop seating area overlooking the inner court dining area on the second floor is going to draw the rooftop lovers. If you have been to the rooftop of River and Post, you know there is a separate menu and it’s the same approach here.
My friend Teddy, a St. Augustine local, and I tried the Wood Charred Wings since we were told by patrons and staff that they’re great. They were right! You won't forget that smoky sweet with a little heat flavor as you try not to embarrass yourself or your friends by licking your fingers like a madman. The rooftop menu also has delicious flatbreads to try as well. We shared the Smoked Salmon Flat Bread – just be ready for a little spiciness!
To wash it all down, we tried 3 cocktails from the newly crafted Cocktail Menu. Bourbon lovers are sure to enjoy the Conquistador. This will remind you of an Old Fashioned but with more depth; it incorporates a hint of tropical flavors but is very balanced in its booziness with the bourbon barrel-aged bitters. If you prefer lighter and more crisp cocktails, then definitely try the Augustinian. I also noticed quite a few people were enjoying the Gun Powder and Guava for its slightly acidic but perfectly semi-sweet flavors. (Hint: there is the mega-popular Bourbon and Berries also listed that is a nod to the River and Post menu just in case you don’t know what to pick!)
The Dinner Menu offers the restaurant’s signature elegant approach to Surf and Turf with plenty of options. The Broiled Oysters taste so good with its creamy and slightly cheesy Chorizo Rockefeller. From the Market, save room for the Grilled Stuffed ½ Lobster. Your tastebuds won’t be ready for the juicy lobster meat, the hidden shrimp and chorizo inside the lobster. It's plated over a hefty side of mac and cheese with veggies. You are welcome, thank me later! The Butcher side is great if you don’t want seafood. It leans on the heartier side of southern comfort. Rustic Chicken Thigh & Dumplings is a hearty plate, crusted buttermilk chicken served alongside collard greens with a very mild sweetness while balanced with savory pepper jelly and doughy dumplings that melt in your mouth.
Gentlemen, if all this sounds fancy, you may be wondering what to wear. I always take cues from the locals. River and Fort offers a fine dining experience but it’s not pretentious. The restaurant is inviting and, as we enter Spring and Summer you will see a mix of dressy casual to something a little more formal. If you prefer the basics, the weather is perfect for wearing a nice clean tee-shirt, stretchy shorts for comfort and your favorite pair of casual sneakers or slip-on shoes. Just don't wear dirty boat shoes! It stands out in the wrong way against the clean aesthetics of River and Fort. (Better yet, part ways with them; your significant other or group of friends will high-five you.) Feeling a bit fancy for a chic affair on the very top floor overlooking the fort and downtown scene or the rooftop lounge area? A clean white Oxford shirt, dress pants, statement socks and dress shoes are effortlessly classy. Another dressy casual approach is opting for a zip polo shirt, drawstring linen pants for the hotter days and loafers with no-show socks. Of course, your best jeans or chinos will also work as well.
With these style suggestions, you will never feel under or overdressed as you dine out with friends and loved ones enjoying the scenic views of the beautiful ancient city of St. Augustine. Be sure to stick around on the third level as the Floridian sunset creates the perfect backdrop for a beautiful evening. It is breathtaking!
