The staff welcomed us in at 2.50pm even though the restaurant closes at 3pm. Not only were they welcoming, but they didn't hurry us, and they provided excellent service throughout lunch. It is a very nice restaurant upstairs from the Tap Room. It is classy in an almost European manner. We sat by the window in comfortable chairs, beside a good sized table and, as previously stated the service was very good. We ordered shrimp, oysters, fries, jambalaya and Belgian chocolate mousse. The shrimp, oysters and fries were very nice. The jambalaya was quite good and the desert was exceptional. All in all, this is a really good restaurant. The value for money is also very good...I cannot think of a single reason why I would not recommend this restaurant highly...So, that is what I shall do. Go there! read more

Horrible service. I've been coming to this restaurant for years and have never had such a bad experience. After an hour wait, it took us another 30 minutes to get our water. appatizers and dinner came out one hour after we ordered and came out together. The hostesses are rude, lots of people standing around. I will not be going back. The food isn't worth the price and certainly not the service. read more

By far the best restaurant in town. Known for great food and great service. if you have but one restaurant to visit go to the Owl. read more

My husband and I are visiting for our anniversary. We went into this restaurant. Three different employees walked by us with a miserable look on their face and NONE of them even acknowledged us, let alone seat us. We finally left. Don't waste your time. read more

Nice location but the food was off. Shrimp were just ok. Had the fish tacos, a fried fish stick in soft tortilla. Had a little cabbage and such, very bland. Was served with limp fries. Maybe a bad day? Not sure but I won't be back. read more

The family enjoyed their meals. The service was fantastic. They have daily specials and the snapper was amazing. Great sangria. read more

Very impressed. Went to Apalachicola for the day, traveling from Cape San Blas. Looking for something to eat and a few folks told us to try this place out. Was not expecting how fancy it was. Had to order the whole Pompano because... why not. Very delicious. read more

Owl Cafe - Pompano - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

My husband ordered the jambalaya and it was terrible. He has been an avid cook, especially in Southern Dishes, and described the dish as being nothing more than a mouth full of chili powder. Additionally the entree had minimal pieces of seafood, chicken, or sausage all of which were overcooked. Though the wait staff was excellent, focus on this dish needs attention. Additionally, as we left the restaurant, we noted that others who had ordered this same dish left it uneaten. The Owl Cafe has been a landmark for many years, if they continue to serve substandard dishes they will lose their status in the the restaurant community. Jambalaya is not a Mexican dish. Is the chef tasting his product before it leaves the kitchen? read more

Owl Cafe - Fried Red Snapper. Delicious. - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

The steak was amazing, the oysters were amazing, they had a great drink selection with really reasonable prices. So why is it not 5 stars? The waitress was awful. This place is a little more upscale than the rest of the town but by no means do you need to be dressed up. Our waitress had an attitude with us the entire time, almost acting as if we weren't fancy enough for their almost fine dining. Didn't realize I needed to be dressed up for $6 bourbons and $7.50 plates of oysters. They were very accommodating to my wife's gluten free needs and all of the food was really delicious. I hate our waitress ruined the experience for us. I'd go back but I'd 100% sit in a different section. read more

Recently our family ate dinner here and it's unfortunate but the new management has taken our favorite restaurant for over two decades and turned it into a disaster. Food was served cold. The fish was not the species we ordered. Most of the staff were on their phones when they weren't goofing off and cussing loudly. It was a complete disappointment. I think the new owners just expect the tourists to continue to eat here even with the food is lousy. It's time for find a new favorite seafood restaurant. Red Lobster would have been a better choice than the Owl. Very sad. read more

Wonderful restaurant we've eaten in here many many times and it has always been very nice. My husband's favorite dish is the Pork gator sausage over grits cake. They also have an elevator if you can't walk the stairs. They have a chocolate cloud dessert that is to die for.The waitresses have always been very sweet. Denise Andrews read more

It was good Been here before Will will do it again Beware smokers on the upstairs balcony Management should not allow that in my opinion read more

I loved that place it was the best food and there is a guy named luke that surved our food!! Was so kind, and they allow dogs on the porch just bring your own bowl!!!stepnie is the best Person and everyone seems cool there!! Love the owls in that place that my favorite anaimal read more

Owl Cafe - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

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We stopped into the Taproom around noon and it wasn't very busy yet. We got seats up at the bar and liked they all the Oyster City brews were on tap. Our server was very kind and helped us decide on food. Everything was going great but we just kept waiting....and waiting....it was a good 50 minutes for a chicken salad sandwich on a croissant and the fish n grits special. The server kept us updated on how she was checking with the kitchen but agreed it was taking way too long. Sigh. Food came out and was okay. The jalapeño chicken salad tasted more like cilantro which I don't like, so that was a let down and should be described on the menu. My hubby said the spwas decent but kinda pricey for the portion. We agreed that the AC was the best in Apalachicola and we'd give it a try again but not order the special. read more

Owl Cafe - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

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So my party was the 8th group to walk in right at opening. After being told we would have to wait 45 minutes to seat a party of 12 (*We stated were willing to be seated separately in groups of 4) the hostess proceed to seat 4 more tables after us. When she was asked if she really just seated more groups after us she retorted "Yes I did". I never got to try the food so I can't review that but the customer service was horrible. Im only giving a 1 star because I have to. Ultimately I would rate as ZERO STARS. After going to a different local spot it was confirmed by locals that The Owl Cafe owners and management just don't care anymore. I will NEVER return there!!! read more

The only thing good, I can say was our waiter. He was very nice and attentive. But when you have no manager in the restaurant. Asked to see the manager, and he could not be found. He might have been the gentleman, laying by the piano, when we came in. And the reason, we bumped into him, is because we could not figure where the front door was at. Before, we got to the elevator, because I am handicapped. It was disgusting. Dirty as hell! There was a ceramic graveyard of insects hovering above us. Walls and floor had not been cleaned in awhile. Now, to our lunch. Ordered the jambalaya w/salad. Wish we would have taken a picture of it. But, the salad had been prepped and sitting in a refrigerator for easy and fast service. But, it also needs to be checked for rotting greens. Was going to warn the table next to us. But, a few minutes, waiter came back and cleared full plates of salad. 5 out of 5 guests agree! Jambalaya was ok, but not anything to write on here about. I had the gumbo was ok too. Tasted good, but had a weird look to it. Drive the extra miles to somewhere better! read more

Final pitstop of the night, sat at the bar, it was late and it was crowded. We had a cocktail and a chocolate cake dessert that was amazing and exceeded expectations. Good value and fun vibe. read more

Line outside the building before they opened, food was tasty, service was polite and prompt. Must try for the area.

First time to visit the Owl Cafe. The crab dip appetizer was incredible. We had blackened grouper, triple tail, and linguini. They were all great! Fresh warm bread to get you started was just right. read more

Prices are outrageous for the quality of the food. I used to like the horseradish salad dressing. Tonight it was bitter and vinegary. The new owner of this restaurant is derelict in providing good food. The owner needs to go. The staff was perfect however! read more

Good food and service. Portions were plentiful and sides were great. Lots of food for a great price. read more

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Tried to have lunch there today but was told they were not seating guests due to "kitchen equipment issues". Later we walked back by it and a sign was posted that it was closed by the health department. read more

Service and atmosphere are always great here at Owl Cafe and Michael (from Buffalo NY), our server for our recent visit on 10/27/23 was amazing. The food however was not good. The duck confit fries we had as an app would have been good but the fries were limp, lukewarm and a bit soggy. The stuffed shrimp was horribly overcooked and served over a tomato puree base that was just plain not good. The fish strips were flavorless. The grilled catch of the day was way overcooked. The gator sausage creole was tasty and the only thing ordered by our table that was actually ok. Overall it was a disappointing meal at best. The only reason for the 2 stars (rather than zero stars) was our fabulous waiter and our table on the porch. read more

Food and atmosphere was fantastic. Staff was top notch. i strongly suggest this wonderful place.

Delicious I had the swordfish. It was moist and full of flavor. It came with " The Best " garlic mashed potatoes! Waitress was Brianna and service couldn't have been better. Another had black grouper and loved it. read more

I am giving The Owl five stars because they are so cooperative regarding issues of the past. They seated us in a back (bar) room which was much quieter than the front. That is appreciated as I have a hearing disability and loud surrounding conversations at other tables distract from my experience. We were there for a late lunch and enjoyed well-made beverages, excellent food, and very fine deserts. It now seems to be the best option for adult dining in Apalachicola since some of the other fine restaurants have deteriorated after the storm. Service is attentive and friendly. Four of us had a fine experience. read more

Terrible experience. My wife and I out visiting Apalachicola, and The Owl Cafe was recommended as a place many others have visited. We went early to avoid crowds and were told we had a 15 minute wait. Only about 5 or 6 tables were being served so we expected to be seated quickly. Half an hour later we were still waiting and I watched as they began to seat two ladies who had come in after us. I asked the young woman who seemed to be managing why we hadn't been seated. She muttered something we didn't understand and walked off. Very rude! I've never been treated so disdainfully in a restaurant. We left and we'll find somewhere else to vacation in the future. read more

Oysters are a joke !!!!! Fried hard crumbs for $$$$ Slow service be prepared to wait .... Everything is overpriced ... Quantity is Super Small and Quality is not there by no means. I read negative reviews and still decided to eat here, my mistake... Be Smart save $$$$$ and pass... will not return ! read more

Seated immediately and has a beautiful interior. Ordered Mediterranean salad that was fantastic and crab dip with pita. I did not care for the dip. The chipotle over powered the crab and I couldn't taste anything else. Grace was my server and a nice young lady. I'll try other spots in the area. read more

So glad we decided to go here tonight. Oysters were great! Baked/Fried!! The OCBC beers...well awesome. Our waitress was satisfactory, she could have been a bit more attentive. I'll swing in again! read more

We live in Apalachicola. We occasionally go downtown for drinks but we seldom dine out. Today, Aug 5th, I took my visiting grandsons downtown to the Owl Cafe, wanting to provide them with a pleasurable dining experience. Today's experience at the Owl only confirmed why we don't go downtown to dine. We were seated right away but it took at least 10 minutes for wait staff to arrive. We ordered drinks...Shirley Temples for the boys and something a bit stronger for me. Drinks took at least 10 minutes to arrive. The Temples arrived in plastic cups with a lid. It took another 5 minutes plus for my drink to arrive. My 8 year-old made the observation about the incongruity of presentation in a restaurant with white table clothes yet plastic cups with lids. To boot, no cherries in the Temples. When asked, the waitress responded that she could find none. When I informed her that I wanted cherries for the Temples off she went to find some. Evidently cherries were not that difficult to find as she was back in about two minutes with cherries. Just a sidebar about Temples...usually the bar staff creates the Temples and go so far as to impress both parents and the kids. Not here. We had placed our food order simultaneously with our drink order. I had inquired as to the duck confit. The waitress was as prepared to describe the confit as she was to initially find cherries and glassware . In a near screaming voice the waitress stumbled her way through a five year-old's description of a duck dish. Consequently, I settled for a bowl of the Owl's gumbo. The presentation was good. The gumbo was reasonably tasty. The bread, however, was cold even though it was served with cafeteria-style pats of butter. I was prepared to spend over $100 entertaining my grandsons for lunch. I fled with a $36 bill and two hungry boys. We will never again darken their door. read more

It has been a while since I have been able to return to Apalachicola but as always I am happy to be here. Last night, I went once again to the Owl Cafe. It was an honor to connect with an old manager of the Owl and dine with her at her old establishment. The previous manager, Jay, had informed me the Owl Cafe had changed ownership and I was slightly skeptical but she ensured me it was still top notch quality. It was busy as usual and we waited at the bar for a table. Lauren, the bar tender made an excellent Bees Knees. Once seated we had our server Mike take good care of us. We were able to quickly order but our food took a while to come out to us. My date's filet was most certainly not medium and was practically mooing at us at the table! I had the chicken Marsala pasta which was wonderful. Overall, the owl has gone slightly downhill since the ownership change but perhaps I will give it another try. The true highlight was being able to dine with our local entrepreneur Jay. She really adds a special something to every meal we have with her. She should run the whole town. read more

Tourism based town businesses and yet you close during the summer holidays... Got it. Smh

We always visit this restaurant when we come to town- it NEVER DISAPPOINTS! Tonight it was the 13mile Oysters, the Black Grouper and the special tonight was absolutely incredible- it was a Pompano with a white wine Sauce- read more

Owl Cafe - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

"The Owl," as it's locally known, features daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full bar. Bread, made on site, is brought to your table while you await your appetizer or entree. I believe their salad dressings are homemade as well. You can dine downstairs, upstairs, or outside overlooking the Apalachicola River. read more

Owl Cafe - Owl Café - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

The food was delicious, I had the grouper, rice and veggies and everything was wonderful, great service as well, we had to wear masks until we got to our table. We are inside but they also have outdoor seating, always love coming here when we're in town! read more

The tap room surely deserves the 10 review 5 star rating it has currently! What an awesome spot in the middle of nowhere on the forgotten coast of Florida! If you're on St. George Island for a bit, I HIGHLY recommend you make the drive over to Apalach to have dinner and drinks at the Tap Room. The cocktails were spot on, and the beer list was crazy impressive for a Florida establishment. But the food...OOHHHH THE FOOOOD! The gator sausage was great, the fried oysters were great, tacos were great, the duck fries were GREAT! Everything was great, except the crab dip which really was okay but didn't belong in the same restaurant as the other food items on the menu. If anyone at the tap room reads this, I told my server you should 86 that dip from the menu. It's a small outlying blemish on what is a fantastic culinary experience and overall awesome place to have dinner and drinks! Well done Owl! Well done! read more

Owl Cafe - Tap List. Pretty decent for Florida. - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

Outstanding find on the forgotten coast! The Owl Cafe would be a hit anywhere, but the fact it's located in a historic building in quaint downtown Apalachicola, makes it that much more special. The lower level of the building is an upscale kitchen shop, with the restaurant, wine room and balconies upstairs. Everything from the food to the service to the ambiance is sure to impress. The menu changes with the seasonal availability of fresh seafood, so be sure to check the daily special board or your server before making your selection. After hearing about the pan fried flounder filet topped with lump crab and bay shrimp over cheese grits, I knew what I was having! We started with a bottle of wine and bruschetta, both of which were very good. The dinner included a house salad, with a great selection of house-made dressings and fresh bread with olive oil for dipping. Bottom-line, if you're looking for a casual, but upscale fine dining experience along the forgotten coast, you can't do better than the Owl Cafe! read more

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I really wanted to like this place, and based on the ratings I thought I would. The waitress worked hard and did a good job of explaining everything. My wife ordered the Stuffed Sea Bass and I had the Penne Pasta with sausage and chicken, as did our son. My wife enjoyed hers, mine was a different story as was my sons. Our pasta come to the table barely warm. I immediately sent mine back but the son said he was just going to eat his. The waitress apologized and took the pasta back. She brought it back out to me was hardly any hotter at all. I told her again and she told me something about getting it out of the pan herself, which meant nothing to me. I had my other son taste it to verify I wasn't insane and he said it was barely hot. Now, at this point, a GOOD restaurant would immediately send out the manager. Never saw one. I took a few bites, gave it to my son to put in his to go box. We had a party of nine total and when I received my tab, it included a gratuity for 20 %. What a joke. Needless to say, we won't be back read more

We ate here and got some drinks because Oyster City was closed, but this place has all of OC's beers on tap. The food was really good as well. read more