The ambiance was excellent. Old school taproom at its finest. On a hot day it's nice to walk in to a well air conditioned place with some good 70's rock and roll playing. The service was excellently provided by a very nice and friendly server who had superb recommendations for appetizers and entries. The 1/2 order crab dip was a meal in itself, it was more than adequate for three people. The fried shrimp, as always, was excellent. A very light batter, fried to perfection. The blackened redfish, with artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, capers with spinach and crème sauce, over a bed of rice, was one of the best fish entries I've had, anywhere. Just fyi, if you want a nice casual place to go and have a few beers, sandwiches, whatever, this is the place. If you want the fine dining, in a casual atmosphere, this is the place also. You can order anything off the menu from the Owl Cafe, which is upstairs. Their "finer dining" establishment. Go and enjoy. read more

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Great service-- two friendly servers happy to give us some local recommendations. Nice ambiance inside with sports on TV and local brews on tap. We tried the crab dip and it was pretty good (tasted like hummus?) with house-made chips. I got a cup of gumbo that was warm (not hot) and a bit salty, but still enjoyable. My boyf got the fish and chips and reported that the fries were great but the fish was quite deeply fried. Delicious, but needed a tums. Would recommend!!! read more

The Tap Room - Crab dip and house-made chips - Beer Bar Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

No food; No Drinks.... But very sympathetic to someone in my family having a medical concern. Gave them a cool place to rest out of the heat and a cold drink on the house. For what that is worth; they have earned my respect as a business. read more

We were greeted as soon as we stepped through the front door! The two guys behind the bar were very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a couple of the EH Taylor Small Batch bourbons on special for $10. It was very good. We had a cheese burger with fries and a Greek salad. Both were very good and large portions. The service was exceptional! The ambiance was typical bar decor but nice. This was our second time visiting and we will definitely be back. read more

Nice atmosphere in this place. Staff was friendly and prompt. The gumbo was delicious and was not overly thickened or pasty like other places nearby. I do wish I had known the Etoufee was basically the same base as the gumbo. It too was good but I didn't need two roux dishes. The key lime cheesecake was very tasty. I'll come back and try some other things in the future. read more

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We stopped in today! Delicious meal of fried oysters and shrimp. Salad was fresh and beautiful. Sauces were great!! My Moscow Mule was perfect! Restrooms clean, clean. Highly recommend!! read more

What a great place to wander into on a Saturday afternoon! Air conditioning was a great contrast to outside. Large selection of beers and cocktails. My favorite today was the Transfusion! Also our table enjoyed a Rum Runner and Watermelon Sangria. We shared crab stuffed shrimp and large helpings of fried gator tail and onion rings- both with some amazing dipping sauces. Staff were pleasant and Nick was great! read more

The service here is excellent and the quality of the cocktails is great. They have. Nice selection of beers and whiskey. We only ordered one item of food but wow we were blown away. The duck fries are possibly the best thing I've ever put in my mouth and I'm 74 years old, have traveled extensively and eaten in some ver expensive restaurants. Order them, you won't be sorry. read more

Great service and atmosphere! Love the look of the establishment. Great selection on taps and drink selection!

Awesome food and service ! We were downstairs- A must try ! Loved this place and bartenders !! read more

The Tap Room - Duck confit and cheesy gouda sauce ! Amazing and a bloody !! - Beer Bar Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

Had grilled shrimp, salad and rice. This meal was cooked to perfection and seasoned perfectly. Hubby had a cheeseburger well done and fries. He said it was good. We both had lobster bisque that was 'meh' but not horrible. This place only suffers from the presence of an older guy (we think the owner) who is very intrusive and extremely handsy. Overall the food is good just a little too interactive for me. read more

When in Apalachicola we tried to locate a place to eat but the small town makes it pretty difficult on Sundays. Most places are closed or have early/split hours. I called The Owl Cafe to check their hours and was advised that their separate restaurant was closed until 5:30pm but that their taproom would be open at 4:00pm. Because so many places were closed, there was a line forming already to get into the taproom. We moved quickly to get bar seating with the thought process that being right there would get faster service. We were starving. We played our cards correctly on our thoughts. We placed our drink order as well as a dozen baked Apalachicola Oysters that is topped with butter and parm cheese. We then reviewed the menu a little slower and noticed that they also have happy hour specials for a few food items. We added the Duck Confit Fries that is topped with fried prosciutto and gruyere cheese. Oddly enough when watching Food Network the night before Triple D had an episode that featured basically the same thing out in Cali so we were very curious. The fries came out first and were very good. They do not skimp on the toppings either. The oysters were clean and huge!! Everything hit the spot. read more

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Bartender was super friendly Very knowledgeable In love Could not multi-ask After an hour asked where I food was and unapologetically asked what we ordered. Beer was great Just don't sit at the bar! read more

Hmmm. Not what I expected, but after I was filled in on a few details: everything made sense. So, this place was once the "best" in town for it's food & ambience. Now, it is but a dying "shell" of what it once was. Both services and almost all the food has suffered. Turns out the place went through an ownership change about two years ago. It's sad to see such a gem-of-a-place go downhill. read more

The Tap Room - Crab cakes. They were good, but nothing great. - Beer Bar Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

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This time good fast service. Food was good. The fried shrimp were good but not like the big Butterfly Shrimp they used to have. Will definitely go back. Just a cool place read more

The Tap Room used to be my favorite restaurant in Apalachicola. The duck fries were sublime. The shrimp were perfection. And then... they changed owners, and it has gone woefully downhill. Sadness. We got seated about 9pm, and there was only one other couple in the restaurant. Strangely, the service was slow and somewhat inattentive even though two folks were working the front of the house. After seeing some changes on the menu with the duck fries, we decided to skip them. I'm glad we did because, if the entrees were any indicator, they are lacking the solid cooks they used to have. This is going to sound like the simplest of things, but they used to have a house made ketchup. It was wildly good. Eaten with the duck fries, it was the perfect compliment. I was looking forward to getting some with the fried shrimp entree but was disappointed to find that it was just a commercial brand. Nothing special about it at all. Sometimes the little things make a big difference. Apalachicola has fantastic shrimp. It is entirely likely that they come right out of the Gulf that morning, and that makes it all the more unfortunate when such a great product isn't treated with the respect it deserves. Both my husband and I ordered them, and both of us found the shrimp to be overcooked and rubbery. The breading wasn't the same. It just didn't taste right. Nothing like having your hopes dashed. The cocktail sauce and ketchup must've been portioned out early in the day because when our plates hit the table, there was liquid sitting at the top. Both had to be served. Again, a small detail that seems to be indicative of a greater problem. I understand that some of their staff who had worked there for more than a decade had left. That's never a good sign when multiple loyal workers up and walk out on you. Bottom line: the new ownership has taken a well-oiled machine and started yanking gears for god only knows why. I won't be recommending it to friends anymore, and I won't be back. read more

Great food, service, and atmosphere. Happy hour and deserts are my fav. Highly recommend when visiting Apalachicola!

This review is for the Owl Wine Bar and Restaurant. We missed the entrance to the Tap Room and ended up at the restaurant upstairs. The atmosphere was more formal and the dining room had a nice view. We both started with house salads witb green garlic dressing which was nice and fresh. We then enjoyed fried oyster dinners with mashed potatoes (too many fries on this trip) and steamed zucchini and yellow squash. My husband said the Oyster City beer was a good accompaniment and the chocolate dessert was delicious. read more

The Tap Room - View from the dining room - Beer Bar Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

This place is so cool. The bar is absolutely gorgeous. The bartenders are friendly and serve up the best drinks. Don't forget to get the pecan pie with ice cream. So delicious read more

The Tap Room - Bar - Beer Bar Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

My friend and I went out for an early dinner today. The first place we stopped at, which shall remain nameless, I asked for a virgin daiquiri and the bartender said, that's just lemonade. So I asked for another virgin drink and the lady couldn't make that either. (I don't drink so it's either water or sprite, but I got friends in 'Low Places'.) Sprite was my only drink there, and we didn't eat there either. My friend and I walked around and stopped at the Tap Room for some Duck Fries and drinks. Mike G was our server so I explained to him what I wanted and he said, I got you, give me a minute. He came back with some kind of non alcoholic drink mixed with all kinds of Citrus, sugar, ice and water, (according to Mike G, water) to break down the sugar. It was so pretty, it had all the decorations except for an umbrella, he hooked me up and made it look so pretty. (see attached photo). It was delicious! I asked him what was the name of it? He asked me what was my name and I said, Carol. He said this drink is going on the menu today and it's called the C.C. Cocktail. I asked what is that, my friend Bonny laughed and said, its your name. I looked to the server and he said, "it is called the C.C. Cocktail, Carol's Citrus Cocktail". Wow, I got a drink named after me. So if you are ever at the Tap Room don't forget to order my special mixed drink, and remember the name, C.C. Cocktail, (Carol's Citrus Cocktail) you are going to love it. I told Mike G, the Server, he made our evening, and I'll be back Tuesday with more friends so that they can be impressed with his service and of course my non-alcoholic special named drink. That's my friend Bonnie's hand in the attached photo. read more

The Tap Room - A non alcoholic drink named in my honor. - Beer Bar Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

Beautiful building the food however was awful. Crab dip cold mashed cream cheese with Cajun seasoning The crab cakes tiny burnt with no favor, and why ask what kind of dressing I want with my salad when you bought the meal with French fries. And how can you run out of Diet Coke!! I never write reviews but I'm now starving after not eating lunch read more

We went in for dinner. The server brought our drinks to the table and then never returned. We waited 15 minutes and left. We will never be back read more

Great location, not so great service, horrible food. We gave the Owl Cafe Taproom a chance over the Labor Day weekend, with high hopes. The ambiance we pretty cool, exposed brick behind the bar, wood floors and high ceilings. That's where the pretty cool ends. We were met with a frenzied staff that didn't have a smile for anyone. The place was about half full and it took a bit to be served, no biggie, we get it. The beer was cold, that's nice, the food was terrible. We had the fish taco's, and they were atrocious. We couldn't get past a bite or two and the $17 price tag made us shake our heads after we tasted the very plain plate of food. We weren't asked how it was, I think they knew. Anyhow, avoid this place if your looking for something to eat. Drink away, just say no to the food. read more

Kody was exemplary! The drinks were fantastic as was the attentive service! Really cool bar and great staff!

I really like this place AND they have delicious Gumbo !!!!! Good cold beer and a cool atmosphere !!!

The Tap Room is amazing. Great look incorporating the brick. Food was great and Forgotten Coast beer was really good. The staff were a wealth of knowledge on the area and really friendly. read more

Overpriced. $7 for one overcooked, cheap, crab cake. It was barely larger than a quarter. You want a good crab cake ... Do yourself a favor, go to Mullender's fish shop and get their premade ones. $5 each and they are Big and Delicious. You'll thank me... My dad got crispy Duck over fries. We couldn't find the duck. read more

Came back to this beautiful town once again in hopes of seeing our favorite server Jay at the Owl Cafe. Much to our surprise (and excitement) we saw her as soon as we entered the Tap room. We wanted a more casual feel this evening. Her warm smile was so welcoming. We had incredible drinks (the rum runner was a table fav) and ate wonderful food. They had Ace Cider Guava on tap which I had never seen before but was to die for. Another great rec from Jay. We had the burger (cooked to perfection) and the fish tacos (that were a little too fishy if you ask me) We also splurged and got the pound cake for dessert and the chocolate mousse cake. Overall incredible. Once again Jay, our favorite server, our did herself. Kristina was also so helpful! Cannot wait to only eat here for the rest of the week. read more

The Tap Room - Beer Bar Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

I am so sorry to write this. This has been a favorite of ours for years, but we won't be back. We own a house in the area, so not locals, but almost. We always enjoyed the atmosphere as well as the casual food. Tonight was very different, only 2 waitresses, ours was so nice but not equipped to handle the service. Our drinks and food came out extremely slow and haphazardly. Some were finished with dinner before others were served, one in our party went to the bar and asked if he could pick up our drinks. To end it all our bill was not correct. I ask you to do better you are missing a wonderful opportunity in Appalachicola, a place we love. read more

Sat at the bar and got served a drink right away but when we said we wanted to have dinner we were given a menu and then ignored for a good 20+ minutes. We almost just paid the tab and left, but the hubs is a gumbo loving machine and wanted to try it so we hung in there. Because the service was so slow we just went with the duck fat fries and gumbo. Both were delicious but we were tired of being ignored so we left and went to Dockside for dinner, which BTW, was great service and food. read more

The servers were great. Friendly, responsive but the food was slow to get to the table and warm at best. Everyone got fish and "everyone's" plate was cold. I heard a customer at another table complain about cold food and had them take it back. The manager came over and chewed him out for talking harsh to the server. We've been going there for years and after that experience will not come back. Save your money and go to a local seafood restaurant. read more

The crab dip appetizer was delicious and drinks were great. Entrées were good but they could use a more diverse menu. read more

The Tap Room - Shrimp Linguini - Beer Bar Near Me - Apalachicola, Florida

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Five stars for the Belgian Chocolate Mousse Cake with english toffee and mocha fudge because that's all we ever eat. This is our last stop for dessert and a nightcap after dinner somewhere else. Likely they have other great food but this is our sweet spot. read more

One of the better restaurants in Apalachicola. The menu is different than the usual places to eat. The fried shrimp is delicious. The duck fries are always a hit and the gator sausage with polenta is very good. They have a variety of beers and a good stock of liquors for mixed drinks. Good place to watch the games or to take friends for a fun dinner. read more

bartenders terrible service, both from the blonde and the brunette... the cleaner the guy in the kitchen served me better than they did. I waited 20 minutes for a menu and they didn't return, then they ignored me to order the same thing. I asked for the bill twice within 40 minutes and nothing.... I finally spotted the guy in the kitchen and he brought the bartender with the bill. In short, I tend to be VERY generous with my tips, but this time I wasn't. And I even shared the bartenders' tip with the guy in the kitchen who served me a thousand times better than they did. This one deserved a $30 tip on a $48 bill. DEPRESSING EXPERIENCE!!!! read more

The Cafe & Taproom are both always on our stops when we visit Apalachicola. This trip we were celebrating a friend's milestone birthday. While the ladies shopped I stopped at the Taproom for a beer and watch a specific game. Bartender (wearing T-Shirt: Bourbon Breath) was on the rude side to start with, acting as though he was mad to be there that day.. But when the ladies returned to order wine and appetizers this same guy went from rude to an immature jack--s...A simple question of what vineyard did their wines come from seemed to completely baffle him, so he responded as if we were just a bother and taking up his precious time. As he became more and more rude my wife said they were going to leave and forget their order...at that point BBB (Bourbon Breath Boy) went totally immature, attempting to mock my wife with a fake accent, by continually saying "fuhgettaboutit".....who runs business off and makes fun of them as they then leave?? While i am finishing my beer and waiting to settle my tab BBB then proceeded to being petty by turning off the game i was watching....wow....our next stop was going to be dinner at the cafe, which needless to say we went elsewhere...looking at other reviews on here and elsewhere obviously this was not a 'one-off'....service and food has become terrible at both places...as a solid recommendation we went down to the High Five Dive Bar, met the owners, had great drinks and service (and yes, they actually knew where their wines came from...lol) Then had a great meal at Up The Creek, and yes, again great service....last time we visit the Cafe or Taproom, but we'll definitely visit these other places on next trip to Apalachicola.. read more

We are on vacation near port st Joe and have had dinner at 3 different restaurants. This is by far the best in the area.

had a great quick dinner gumbo was very good and the shrimp and crab cakes were excellent. service and atmosphere were wonderful