This was by far the worst dining experience I've had on Amelia Island in my 10+ years of visiting. Overall, two stars.Let's start with why the rating is not lower.First, we were seated promptly in the 'outdoor' area up front, and our table was bussed/clean when we sat down.Second, our waitress Jackie (I think, sorry if that's incorrect) was fantastic. It was quite obvious that she knows what she's doing, and loves her job. She was prompt, attentive, professional, knowledgeable, and very accommodating. She was everything you'd want a waitress to be. In hindsight, we should have tipped her more, that's our fault.Third, the food was delicious. My wife and I ordered a side of truffle fries to share for an appetizer. For our entrees, I had the Brewer's Salad with a Canary Cross Amber beer, while my wife ordered a medium House Burger with their house-made chips and a Raspberry Summer Shandy. The only feedback for any of the food was that it seemed the burger/chips sat in the back a bit too long before it was brought out to us, because the food temperatures were not as high as you'd expect (we were given a 10% discount for this even though we didn't mention it to our waitress). Sorry, we forgot to take pictures.Now for why the rating is not higher.First, it was clear from the start that the staff was overwhelmed and had insufficient management support. Prior to our arrival, we tried to call multiple times but no one answered the phone. Except for our waitress, the staff we observed were teenagers whose inexperience and lack of professionalism were on full display. They were rude to one another, one kid openly mocked customers, and only one (besides Jackie) was really working while the rest seemed to just shuffle around. The host stand was left unattended multiple times, and there were three conversations held within easy earshot of customers about staff frustrations with their working environment/conditions.Second, we counted four tables that were sat and not provided with silverware until the customer got up and asked the host for some (in two cases after their appetizer/food has been delivered). We also counted three tables that customers had finished/left, but were not bussed/cleaned until the host needed to sit another customer at that table.Third, the family seated next to us was served a still-frozen corn dog for their child, which was taken back to the kitchen but a replacement was never served. My wife's review covers that, but what she didn't mention is that no manager ever spoke with the family to apologize or compensate them for their horrible service. The restaurant didn't seem to really take ownership of their mistake here.So, while our specific waitress and food were great, the quality of the overall dining experience and restaurant management were severely underwhelming. Considering the plethora of other superior dining options on the island, I cannot recommend The Tavern by AIBC, and will not be returning.
Great atmosphere, many choices of crafted brews. Menu has very good options. Ordered the Ruben and it was fantastic.
Great food and atmosphere. Stopped in for a quick lunch and sat at the bar. The wings were crispy and hot, some of the best wings that I have had in a while!
Great food and atmosphere. Stopped in for a quick lunch and sat at the bar. The wings were crispy and hot, some of the best wings that I have had in a while!
Nice little brewpub with a good selection of beers. Very good food. Big bar area. Clean restaurant and helpful staff.
Great experience! Food quality was good and the cocktails were even better! Wait staff was friendly. Restaurant was spotless.
Great beer, cocktails, food and service. Our first time at the Tavern will not be our last. GREAT beer selection. We sat at the bar and had their signature burger, shrimp po boy, and pastrami sandwiches. All were very good. The service was also very good.
I had the fish and chips which was good, as an appetizer I had the pretzel which with cheese dip which was room temperature at best. My wife and our friend had the wings which was very good. The beer was cool vs. being cold
We’ve like our past visits, which have numbered 5 or 6. The Patty Melt has been my favorite. That’s what I ordered this time, too, and it just didn’t seem as good or as tasty. Not wanting fries, I opted for the “Premium Side,” of Caesar Salad for $3.50. It was a disaster salad-not a Caesar at all: mostly bitter kale and a tasteless glob of green dressing that was not Caesar dressing either. My wife thought her chicken salad sandwich was Meh, and the same with her free side of house salad. We enjoyed our beers. We sat at the bar. Unfortunately the very nice female bartender was SO LOUD and constantly laughing and shouting out that the whole experience was a disappointment to say the least. I’m hoping this was just a bad day.
This restaurant is attached to the Amelia Island Brewing Company (AIBC), which is a nice little brewery on Centre Street. It’s about 3 blocks from the Amelia River. The restaurant has indoor/outdoor dining. Tasty beer and really good Po Boy… and don’t miss out on the fries.