We were dying for fresh and delicious seafood and finally found it. Their brunch is spectacular and the fried oysters and shrimp and grits were yummy. And the Bloody Mary...definitely make reservations just to be safe. Especially on a Sunday. read more

I loved sitting upstairs on the patio it had a beautiful view! The crab dip is a must if you come here! We are still dreaming about it to this day! Also you can get a beer from oyster city brewery here too! read more

Enjoyed a very good Sunday Brunch. Each of us ordered something different and our meals were enjoyed by all. Service was excellent, will be back for sure! My quiche and cheese grits was perfect! read more

Best place in town if you want something more refined then fried food or beer and oysters. Make reservations. Fantastic wine list. We had the pasta special - penne with shrimp, clams, artichoke hearts, bell pepper and kalamata olives in a white wine sauce. It was superb. read more

The food and decor here was great. Good place if you want a nicer meal without breaking the bank. I had linguini and shrimp and my wife had a soft shell crab sandwich. The appetizer was crab dip. All were fantastic and we'd certainly come back when in Apalachicola. read more

I'm currently vacationing off the "Forgotten Coast" (aka the boonies) of Florida, and hunger pains struck me hard and fast yesterday after a morning of tanning and floating around. Having yet to go to the ol' Piggly Wiggly half an hour away to load up on groceries, my mom and I decided to drive in to town. There aren't many Yelp reviews for much in Apalachicola, but Owl Cafe looked good, and it was the first place we saw. I know and love omelets. They're always my brunch choice at a restaurant, and I'm constantly looking for a new twist on the ingredients. The Omelet of the Day at Owl Cafe yesterday consisted of an exotic mushroom blend, scallions, and a flavorful, cream-cheese like cheese that I couldn't put my finger on. The flavors came together perfectly, and I really enjoyed it. Props to the chef for agreeing to my demands for egg-whites only and heavy mushrooms, light cheese. My mom opted for crab cakes benedict: two plump crab cakes on egg muffins, each topped with egg and hollandaise. Very rich, filling, and tasty. The bread brought out before the meal was very good and fresh, as well. The portions of everything we saw were very generous, and we enjoyed our brunch here. The breakfast-y items on the brunch menu are rather limited (maybe 5-6 options), but there is a good deal to choose from when it comes to salads, sandwiches, and apps. Owl Cafe is a two-story restaurant with a classy southern feel, and most of the patrons are well-dressed older locals. I did feel a bit too casual with my frizzy ponytail, damp bathing suit under my t-shirt, and awkward sunglasses-outline facial tan. This ain't your super casual, beachy joint, and the prices accurately match the ambiance: the omelet was around $13, and the crab cakes were $15. Reasonable, but not your cheapie brunch. I have yet to try lunch or dinner, and I think their brunch may only be available on Sundays. Owl Cafe is a nice change from the usual beach hut with happy hour specials, a raw oyster bar, and plastic table cloths, and it's worth giving a shot if you're in the area. read more

We had brunch here today. Everything was delicious. I had a Cuban Mahi with grits. It was outstanding! Good service, nice atmosphere.

Freshest soft shelled crab I've ever had. Delicious! Cute part of town with a lot of history on every corner. Great service and a view of the bay to top it all off. They even let us bring the pup (who was included in the water refills), as long as we sat outside of course. read more

Sigh. I'm such a snob. I so wanted to love The Owl Cafe, and there were bright spots, but mostly it made me a little sad. Service was friendly but painstakingly slow. Raw oysters were not served with citrus and ginger mignonette as indicated -- more of a tomato-cilantro topping -- but they were huge and fresh and meaty. The highlight by far. Salads were fine; the homemade green garlic dressing refreshing and unique. My crab cakes at first appeared overly breaded and over-done, but actually weren't bad once I cut into the crust. They were served with the most bland, pedestrian vegetable medley -- mostly frozen, steamed yellow squash and broccoli -- and an equally boring scoop of mashed potatoes. Why, why couldn't they buy fresh seasonable vegetables from local farmers and simply roast or sauté them? My husband's grouper was fresh but unseasoned, with the same uninspired vegetable medley and plain white rice. We wanted dessert, but nothing stood out from the options -- nothing with fresh fruit, no citrus, nothing with a sense of place. We shared a well-executed but unmemorable chocolate mousse. Earlier in the week we stopped in The Tap Room, The Owl Cafe's more casual sibling next door and enjoyed the more extensive beer and cocktail lists and an array of fried things and yummy dips. Though they were out of duck for the famous fries, we were happy enough to substitute pork. Next time, I think we'll skip the unnecessarily pretentious Owl Cafe and stick with the Tap Room. read more

We always eat here when we come visit our place! We have only had 1 bad experience long ago, but it's just a great place to eat in the historic district. Staff is great and food is delicious. The Strawberry Pound Cake is a must have. I recommend going for lunch as it's pricey for dinner if you have a big family. We usually go for dinner, but lunch is just as good. read more

Black grouper melts in your mouth! I love the Owl and visit at least once every trip to St George. Fried oysters my fav.

Vacationing in apalachicola. This restaurant was recommended by a local. Went for lunch looking forward to local oysters. Apparently, the only oysters were not on the half shell. They offered fries oysters. I ordered the local grouper with artichoke and capers sauce, accompanied by rice. The grouper came out in a watering sauce, soaking the rice, without flavor. Very disappointed! I would not recommend this restaurant. read more

Staying in St George Island for the week and asked a local for a restaurant recommendation. The Owl Cafe did not disappoint. Had the soft shell crab. Could be the best I have ever had. read more

Owl Cafe - Soft Shell Crab Special - Bars Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

I ate the most delicious lunch at the Owl Cafe last Friday. Our waitress was knowledgeable about the menu and gave unbelievable service. Her name was Meyl. I'm not a real fish lover but my triple tail fish was delicious. We also had the pleasure of meeting the chef emeritus and the owner. It is off season but the restaurant had a good lunch crowd. Can't wait to go back! read more

Food is ok service is slow and the food is over priced. Located in a great area. Outside sitting.

Everything ordered was thoughtfully prepared, truly done right, even enjoyed the nice glassware the wine was served in..extra touch

When you are tired of the usual fried everything, this is the place to go. A bit pricey, but worth the cost. Quality ingredients, well-stocked bar, excellent wine list. No complaints whatsoever. read more

We chose to have dinner here on a first trip to Apalachicola maybe expecting a bit too much. Arrived to find the published 4:00 opening time was 5:30 on this particular day. Since no reservations are taken, guests gather and wait at the door. There is no system whatsoever for this - just sort of show up and work the honor code of who was there first. When we first walked up, we were told by an employee who was smoking by the back door that we could go on up, but the door was locked. Felt very disorganized. We asked to sit outside which was very pleasant. Our waiter was terrific and obviously working so hard, but food was coming out wrong at other tables and one table had two different waiters attempting to take their orders - again felt chaotic for an upscale restaurant. Bruschetta also seemed confused with a mountain of grated Parmesan just dumped on top, olive oil over the veggies, and lots of balsamic in a side cup. Bread was good though! My husband's redfish was good but my mahi mahi honestly had nothing going for it. The side veggies were like Normandy blend with no seasoning. I ordered the crab stuffed option for the blackened fish which didn't appear blackened and the stuffing was actually just a little crab cake thrown on top. At least the mashed potatoes were tasty. I took everything else home and doctored it myself. read more

The food was good but the waitress kept forgetting everyone's orders, silverware, and drinks. We had to keep calling her back to remind her. The hostess was really nice though! We waited a little for food which was okay because we had a large party but there was bread, appetizers, and side salads. And the desserts were fantastic! Overall a good experience read more

This is my favorite restaurant in the area. The daily catch is excellently prepared and the service is the best we've had. I had the daily special and the lump crab sauce could be eaten on a shoe. Nothing bad to say. read more

This restaurant is by far the best restaurant we have eaten at while we have been in the area for a month. The food and the service are wonderful. Their menu is extensive. I had the jambalaya and this Cajun deems it the real deal. My wife had the vegan jambalaya which she really enjoyed. Our server was one of the very best ever. read more

Had lunch with a party of 6 on 2/14/14. It was crowded but no wait & waitress was very prompt. This place is somewhat "upscale" for the area so menu choices were fancy & prices a bit high. The food, however, was served hot and was quite good except for my wife's grilled salmon, one of the day's specials, which was deemed to be oily with no flavor. My pork & aligator sausage was excellent and favorable comments were made about the linguini with added chicken breast and the cheeseburger. The shrimp tacos, while good, were bland. OUTSTANDING home-made salad dressings! I bought a jar of the horseradish dressing to take with me. I have no qualms about recommending The Owl and plan to eat there again on our next visit to Apalach. read more

Wow! Awesome beer. Awesome appetizers. We had the edamame--twice. And the duck tacos just about brought tears to my eyes. We landed here to watch a basketball game (we lost) and ended up staying long after, enjoying the atmosphere, drinks, and food. read more

Stopped by for early dinner. Only made it through appetizers and one round of drinks before asking for our check because of the incredible number of flies. Not just a few... I'm talking 10 plus constantly swarming. I will say the food we did eat was tasty and the beer was good. If they could get the bug situation under control it would probably be a good spot. read more

I had heard great things about this place and was a little disappointed. The salad was clearly bagged lettuce and getting near its expiration date. I could only eat one bite. For the price, I expected better. The service was excellent however and the decor was very nice. After my first initial impression though, I won't be in a hurry to be back. read more

Dining at the Owl Cafe was the best meal of the 6 meals we had while on our vacation to St. George Island. It is well worth the 20 minute drive in to Apalachicola. It is so pleasant to have a waiter, Christopher, whose demeanor is a little dry, be so knowledgeable about the menu, able to make recommendations, make great wine suggestions, and be attentive without hovering. All of this for a dining party of six and one infant. From the raw oysters and salad to the entrée everything was delicious. I had the Cobia special, my wife had the Soft-shell Crab, and others had the Snapper Special, fried Oysters and fried Shrimp. To a serving all were outstanding. This is a must if you are looking for a great meal in the Apalachicola area. What an unexpected find I only wish I could find more restaurants in my metro area that make the extra effort to make your meal so enjoyable. A do over! read more

We have dined here once a year ever since they opened. Consistently good! Has to be the best in town, or perhaps the panhandle

It was absolutely terrible. The service was great but the food was terrible. I ordered the penne pasta with Alfredo and got some weird dish with sausage. Do not go read more

Excellent choice for dining out with friends. I had the Black Grouper with artichokes, garlic and capers. It was delightful, and the entire supper meal was well prepared, fresh, and served by attentive and friendly staff. I'd definitely go back. They also have an extensive wine list. read more

Solid 3.5. If u r looking to be wow'd, u most likely wont be. This is not Cochon or Jacque Imo in New Orleans. What u r likely to get is a serviceable meal that will neither leave u feeling upset or craving an immediate return visit. Starter salads get a 3. Jambalaya gets a 2.5/3. Red fish special on 8/11/18 gets a 4. Very good mini pecan pie for dessert. read more

Had a great light dinner here. Service was friendly and efficient. We had a full order of oysters...very yummy, then a starter of edamame seasoned to perfection . For our dinner we did a cup of tomatoe basil soup and salad. The soup was hunks of delicious tomatoes , very filling and very healthy. I would definitely go back. read more

The hostess here was fabulous, she got us seated right away and she was very personable. She also got us our drinks and told us our waiter would be out soon. That's when things went south. Our waiter took forever on everything. From taking our order to getting us the bill, he was in slow motion. Pretty interesting as we were the only two people outside. It took over 30 minutes to get our check from the time we finished eating. Now, I will say, the food was very good. My filet was cooked perfectly and wife's fish was delicious. The view from the patio is also rather nice. You can watch the fishing boats coming back into port as you eat. Would have given this 4 stars if the waiter had actually waited on us...... read more

Love this place. Really crowded because they stay busy. Oysters are good and the beer menu is great! The duck fries are really good, too. One of my favorite places to hang out. read more

Delicious brunch - portions are large which is good because you won't want to stop eating . Nice atmosphere. We have also photographed several wedding receptions here and they're always great! I would absolutely consider them for my event . read more

Great oyster salad. Service had a lot to be desired. It started with a rude hostess and went from there.

Had a wonderful dinner last night. Black grouper was one of the best dinners I've had in a while. Service was spectacular and prices not bad. Highly recommend. read more

The duck fried were phenomenal! A pretty big plate too! And the duck tacos rocked! Alligator sausage was good, but we order too much food and couldn't finish. Definitely a great place to stop if you are in the area!! read more

After a few cold ones at Bowery Station, four of us had a choice - Solid comfort food at Up The Creek, or something a notch or two up. We opted for the Owl Cafe, of course, and now wish we'd had the Po Boys on the water. Owl Cafe: Nice location, nice decor, above average food - but the wait staff! Ouch! Maybe we caught them on a bad night, maybe not, but no one was happy, pleasant, or cordial. Hey, fake it at least folks, if we're dropping $150! read more

This has been the best meal so far on our 8 day road trip. First, we were welcomed by a top of the line server who met our every need. Jessi educated us on the menu and was flawless in presenting each course. We had black grouper and a Mediterranean salad with shrimp. Excellent entries, homemade bread and triple chocolate mouse (made by a chef who knows exquisite chocolate!). Hats off to the Owl Restaurant: a 5+ star rating. read more

Amazing dining experience! Make sure to make reservations and prepare to pay quite a bit, but for my family it was worth it. They are very accommodating for people with food allergies. Keep in mind, though, this is a fancy establishment and we were under-dressed in our casual beach clothes. read more