OLD CITY HOUSE

Outstanding always.

The restaurant had an intimate feeling to it. Fast and attentive service.

My husband and I stayed at Old City House Inn for one night in February 2024 as we were road-tripping home from south Florida. Even though our reservation was last minute, they were very accommodating. We got in late after a long drive so we were too tired to dine in the restaurant, but just went straight to bed. Ours was the Lightner room, and we loved its antique charm, especially the four-poster bed, the wood-beam ceiling, and the sweet little balcony.

Breakfast started at 9:00 am, which felt a little late for us, but we took the extra time beforehand to walk around St. Augustine and enjoy the sights. We also loved seeing the exterior of the Inn and the patio in the early morning light—it was so beautiful and so quaint!

The complimentary breakfast of Belgian waffles, mixed fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes was phenomenal—we kept talking about it even after our trip was over! We were the first guests to eat that morning, so the dining room was quiet and peaceful and our server was warm, friendly, and efficient. That level of hospitality is rare in dining out now, so we truly appreciated it!

The only cons we found related to the room were the thinness of the walls (we heard conversations in other rooms and in the restaurant fairly clearly when we were trying to sleep) and some questionable bathroom features (the counter was too narrow for many toiletries, the fan rattled, and the septic system kept flushing randomly by itself, both during the night and the next morning—a ghost, perhaps? just kidding! :). But for a one-night stay and for the overall value of the bed & breakfast experience, these weren’t dealbreakers for us. Thanks, Old City House, for being a highlight of our road trip!

As someone who typically refrains from online reviews, I feel compelled to share our recent dining experience at the Old City House during our romantic getaway to St. Augustine. While we didn't stay at the inn, I wanted to surprise my wife with a memorable dinner, and I usually invest time in researching unique dining spots with exceptional cuisine.

Initially, the impression upon entering the restaurant was promising—a beautiful setting that hinted at a memorable evening. However, what followed was a series of events unlike any I've encountered before in a dining establishment.

Upon our arrival for an 8:30 pm reservation, we were surprised to find no hostess present. After locating a server to inform them of our reservation, we were instructed to wait without being offered a drink menu or any form of hospitality, despite our arrival half an hour early with hopes of enjoying a pre-dinner drink.

Subsequently, we settled onto some comfortable couches, but the atmosphere felt lacking, with no music playing and an overall negative vibe. Sensing the need for a change, I suggested to my wife that we relocate to the bar area for a drink.

At the bar, we found another couple dining, but unfortunately, there was no bartender in sight. Despite our attempts to inquire, we were met with uncertainty from the other patrons, further exacerbating the situation. After waiting for approximately 10 minutes without any service, we found ourselves growing increasingly frustrated.

As more guests arrived for their reservations, it became apparent that the disorganization extended beyond our experience. Upon informing another server of our reservation for outdoor seating—a key factor in our choice of restaurant—we were met with resistance, citing the outdoor conditions. Despite our persistence, we were directed outside without any guidance, leaving my wife waiting at the bar for her drink.

Upon reaching the outdoor area, we discovered a picturesque setting, albeit marred by remnants of the previous diners' plates, which I took the initiative to clear before my wife joined me. However, our efforts to enjoy our meal were further hampered when we were directed away from our chosen table due to an undisclosed reservation, highlighting the lack of communication among the staff.

Despite these challenges, the culinary offerings were exceptional, and the outdoor ambiance coupled with pleasant music offered a glimpse of the restaurant's potential. However, the overall experience was marred by subpar service, which unfortunately overshadowed the positives.

In conclusion, while the Old City House possesses the potential for a stellar dining experience, it falls short due to critical lapses in customer service. Until significant improvements are made in this regard, I cannot in good conscience recommend this establishment to fellow diners seeking a seamless culinary experience during their visit to St. Augustine.

One of the stops on the food tour, the Meatloaf was some of the best that I ever had. Sitting in the garden outside was very beautiful.