About Ocean Avenue Sports Bar
Ocean Avenue Sports Bar was a laid-back sports pub and music venue located at 123 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine’s Uptown Historic District (www.tripadvisor.com ). The single-story brick building (built 1974) sat on a busy corner near Castillo de San Marcos, making it a neighborhood hub for locals and tourists alike. The bar seated roughly 150 people (www.loopnet.com ) and featured an expansive front porch overlooking San Marco Avenue. Signature offerings included a full bar, pub-style menu, big-screen TVs for game viewing, and regular live music or DJ events. It developed a reputation as a going–to spot for sports fans and music lovers, often described as a “beloved local hangout” where camaraderie over games and concerts ran high (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Note on closure: Ocean Avenue Sports Bar closed permanently in 2023 (www.visitstaugustine.com ). The space later reopened under a new name (Pelican Landing) for a time, but that concept has also since closed. While the bar no longer operates, this guide preserves its legacy by detailing what once made the venue special – useful both for historical context and for visitors seeking nearby alternatives.
Events and Programming
Ocean Avenue Sports Bar offered a wide variety of events throughout the week and year-round. On any given night you might find:
Live sports screenings: Major games like NFL Sunday, NCAA tournaments, March Madness, the World Cup, and local college games were shown on wall-to-wall TVs. Fans would gather to cheer on teams, creating a lively, communal atmosphere (www.ticketfairy.com ).Live music and DJ nights: The venue featured local and regional bands, solo artists and DJ sets several times per week. Bands ranged from rock/heavy to reggae, country or acoustic sets. Patrons often note that both cover bands and up-and-coming local acts “found an eager audience” here (www.ticketfairy.com ). The sound system was highly regarded, and multiple speakers ensured sound quality and visibility of the stage from most spots (www.ticketfairy.com ).Karaoke and themed nights: Weekly events like karaoke nights, 80s retro dance parties, reggae or country nights kept the schedule varied. Themed events (such as Halloween costume contests or Mardi Gras celebrations) happened seasonally, adding a festive twist. Trivia nights or pub quizzes were also known to run during quieter weekdays, bringing in college or game-show fans.Happy hour specials: A daily happy hour (all week, Monday–Friday until 7:00 PM (www.tripadvisor.com )) featured discounted drinks and appetizers. There might be specials like “$2 off draft beer” or half-prices on select appetizers. These attracted an early-evening crowd of locals looking to unwind after work.Holiday and special event parties: Major holidays and local events (Fourth of July block parties on nearby Ocean Avenue, New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, Spring Break weeks, etc.) often brought out extra-themed programming, live music, or DJs. The bar would stay open late (often until 2:00 AM) to celebrate these events.
Overall, the calendar at Ocean Avenue Sports Bar was “brimming with activities, from live sports screenings to DJ nights and live band performances” (www.ticketfairy.com ). Despite now being closed, many patrons still recall it as a venue that catered to nearly every interest – sports, music, and nightlife – and kept the entertainment coming year-round.
Tickets and Booking
Most events at Ocean Avenue Sports Bar were open-entry or required only a nominal cover. Smaller shows (like local bands or karaoke) usually allowed walk-ins at no charge. For bigger headliner concerts or specially ticketed events, tickets could be purchased online or at the bar ahead of time. It was recommended to buy in advance whenever possible: “tickets for events at Ocean Avenue Sports Bar can typically be purchased in advance online or at the venue on the day of the event. For popular events, it’s advisable to buy tickets ahead of time to secure your spot” (www.ticketfairy.com ). On big concert nights, the bar might enforce a capacity limit, so tickets (or a cover charge) were used to control entry. Prices varied by event but tended to be modest compared to larger clubs – typically in the range of $10–$20 for local shows and a bit higher for touring acts.
When the bar was open, ticket sales were usually run through the bar’s own website or posted on its social media. Box office or door sales at the venue were common, but many regulars simply showed up early to reserve their place. There were sometimes advance “presales” or guest-list spots for certain bands or theme nights, so signing up for announcements (e.g. via the bar’s newsletter or mailing list) was a good strategy for popular shows. As a rule, tickets sold out quickly for headliners, so planning and buying early was the safest approach (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Seating and Layout
Ocean Avenue Sports Bar had a simple, open layout with most of the space on one level. Inside you would find the long wooden bar running along one side, surrounded by barstools. The rest of the floor was filled with high-top tables and a few booths along the walls, all facing toward a small raised stage area at the back corner. This stage hosted bands and trivia setups. TVs were mounted everywhere – above the bar and on side walls – so no matter where you sat, you had a sightline to a screen. In fact, reviewers often mentioned that the venue boasted “multiple screens” with a clear view from almost any spot in the bar (www.ticketfairy.com ). The sound system was quite good for a bar of this size, meaning music shows came through clearly without overwhelming conversation.
One of the venue’s unique features was the expansive front porch (now defunct along with the bar) which had a few tables and an outdoor bar. In warmer weather, people would spill outside to enjoy drinks and games on this patio space. However, most seating was indoors. Seating was first-come-first-served, and on busy nights (sports playoffs or sold-out concerts) the place filled up fast. There was no special reserved or VIP seating; regular admission meant you chose your seat from any open table or bar spot upon arrival. If the music was loud or the crowd large, those sensitive to noise might prefer a table near the back or away from the stage to carry on conversation.
Acoustically, the venue was well-tuned for its mix of sports and music. The combination of wood and drywall gave a lively bar feel, but it was still easy to chat in quieter moments. After dark, the lighting was dim and atmospheric (standard for sports bars), with colored spotlights on stage during bands. In short, the bar had an intimate, energetic layout – not a huge arena, but big enough to hold a 150-person crowd comfortably, with every seat getting a good view of the action and screen (www.loopnet.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Getting There and Parking
Location: Ocean Avenue Sports Bar was located at 123 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084 (www.tripadvisor.com ). This corner spot sat one block off the City Gates and Matanzas River on the north end of downtown. Major nearby intersections include the junction of San Marco Avenue & Ocean Avenue. If you’re using GPS or a map app, entering the above address or “Ocean Avenue Sports Bar” will get you there. The area is well-marked with bar signage (when it was open) and is easy to spot on foot from San Marco.
By Car: St. Augustine’s historic area is mostly low-speed, so driving in is straightforward. From I-95/SR-16 or US-1, follow signs for downtown. San Marco Avenue is the main north-south street running into historic downtown (not to be confused with the San Marco Plaza a few blocks south). The bar had its own private parking lot: about 50+ spaces behind and alongside the building (www.loopnet.com ). Parking in this lot was free to bar patrons (www.tripadvisor.com ). Overflow street parking on adjacent avenues (like Augustine, May, or Kings Street) is metered/permit parking after 6 PM, but during evenings there were often spots available on the side streets a block away. Altogether, parking was usually adequate even for popular nights, making car access relatively easy compared to many downtown venues. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or taxis could drop off right in front – simply ask to be let off on San Marco Avenue at Ocean Avenue corner.
Parking fees: None. The bar’s lot was free for customers (www.loopnet.com ). (Do note that later-night city parking rules sometimes kick in at 2:00 AM, but the bar closed at 2:00 AM, so this was usually a non-issue.)Accessibility: A wide, ground-level entry made the bar wheelchair accessible (www.tripadvisor.com ). There were several handicap parking spots in the front lot. The indoor paths were wide enough (no interior steps) and restrooms were on the main floor.
Public Transit: St. Augustine has limited bus service. The local Sunshine Bus System‘s Red Line runs through downtown with stops on King Street and Ponce de León Ave (roughly 5-10 blocks south of the bar) – you could catch it and walk a few blocks north on San Marco. The city also had a free historic-district shuttle (the Star Circulator) stopping near the Visitor’s Center on S. Castillo Dr, but it ran south of St. George St and did not cover San Marco Ave, and in recent years it has been suspended due to maintenance. So practically speaking, public transit access is hit-or-miss; most people drove or took taxi/Uber. Due to its central location, many visitors combined a trip to this bar with walking tours of downtown museums, which start at the City Gates less than a block away.
Inside the Venue
Upon entering Ocean Avenue Sports Bar, patrons were met with an informal, sports-lounge atmosphere. A short hostess stand (or casually, the bartender) would greet you. The bar area featured televisions tuned to the big game or music videos, and the sound of chatter and music filled the air. Metal detectors or bag checks were not part of the routine – the place operated like a friendly local bar.However, staff sometimes checked IDs at the door for late-night events, especially concerts or on weekends to ensure 21+ compliance. The dress code was very casual: think shorts, T-shirts, sports jerseys or jeans. Many locals simply wore athletic gear or beach casual, and team jerseys during big games. (Occasionally, themed nights might encourage costumes or color themes.)
Once inside, you could seat yourself at the bar or any open table. The bartenders and servers were known to be friendly and helpful from numerous reviews and responses. There was free Wi-Fi for patrons as well (www.tripadvisor.com ), and menu and drink lists were usually available at each table or on a chalkboard. A flat screen TV was visible from nearly every corner – each seat anywhere in the bar could see at least one big screen clearly (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Food and Drink: The full bar served domestic beers, craft local brews, wines and cocktails. Live music nights often featured drink specials like pitchers of beer or themed cocktails. The kitchen menu offered pub classics from an open galley. Bar snacks and entrees included things like chicken wings, burgers, Cuban sandwiches, nachos, fried seafood, and the like. Reviews and menu notes praise items such as house-roasted Cuban sandwiches, hand-battered shrimp and grouper fish tacos, ½-pound angus beef burgers and wraps (www.tripadvisor.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com ). On Tuesdays or Wednesdays you might find special food deals (wing night, queso night, etc.) to draw in the midweek crowd. According to the bar’s profile, Happy Hour ran Monday through Friday until 7 PM (with discounts on beers and appetizers) (www.tripadvisor.com ). Customers often posted that the fried cousins (fried shrimp, Cuban, nachos) were house favorites.
Restrooms were located at the back of the bar; genders were separated and they were free to use. (There was no coat check or locker; you just keep coats/bags at your table or coat rack.) Security cameras were on the premises, but no strict rules or prohibitions were posted beyond the usual “no fighting, no outside food/drinks.” The venue even allowed well-behaved pets on the outdoor patio during the day (typical for many local bars), though of course only service animals were permitted indoors by law.
Nearby Amenities
The area around 123 San Marco Avenue is densely packed with restaurants, nightlife and hotels, making pre- or post-bar plans very convenient. Among the nearby spots:
Dining: Within a block or two, you have a range of eateries. For casual bites, there was A.J.’s Downtown Deluxe (famous for gourmet hot dogs and fries) and Casa Allende Cuban Café (for coffee and Cuban sandwiches). Seafood lovers could head to O’Steen’s Restaurant on downtown Bayfront (about 4 blocks southwest) or The Reef Restaurant on Charlotte Street (seafood and steaks, ~3 blocks south). For quick eats, a Subway and a Mexican taco shop were a short walk away. A very popular local spot, a few doors down, was Original Spanish Bakery on St. George Street (just two blocks south), perfect for pre-evening pastries and coffee.Bars and nightlife: Several fellow bars are in easy walking distance. The Pelican Landing tavern (which later replaced Ocean Ave Sports Bar) sits at the same address. Two blocks south on San Marco was Mango Mango’s Tropical Café (a multi-level club/pub known for live music and Caribbean cuisine). Three blocks north is A1A Ale Works on Bayfront (an open-air brewpub popular with tourists). On Ocean Ave (just a block west), there’s a brewery taproom and a pub. Essentially, you could bar-hop: after a show here, migrate one block north to Ponies Pub or even combine with downtown centers along San George Street.Hotels: The Uptown Historic District has many lodging options. Within a 5–10 minute walk: the historic Casa Monica Hotel (a luxury boutique hotel with Spanish architecture), the Hilton Bayfront Resort overlooking the Matanzas River, and Flagler Inn at Bayfront Place are all close by. Budget and midrange stays include places like The Inn on St. George and St. George Motor Lodge just blocks away. If you’re coming from farther afield, Jacksonville International Airport is about 45 miles north; MAGLEV not available, so most travelers rent cars or drive.Transportation: As noted, Uber/Lyft and local taxi cabs operate throughout the city. The downtown area (including San Marco Ave) is very walkable, so many visitors park once and explore on foot. For late nights, rideshare stand near the intersection at drop-off/pick-up zone. The city’s free downtown trolley (when running) stops a few blocks west on Bayfront Drive, providing a shuttle circle linking to St. George Street attractions.
Given its location just north of the city gates, Ocean Avenue Sports Bar was a common stop on bar tours of historic St. Augustine. It was typical to arrive around dinner time for a late meal and drink, and then move on to smaller clubs further south on San Marco or St. George Street after closing (2:00 AM). Fans coming from nearby concerts or sports games would often grab a drink and watch highlights here. Because of the variety of nearby lodging and attractions, patrons could plan an entire night out in the immediate area.
What Makes This Venue Special
Several aspects set Ocean Avenue Sports Bar apart in St. Augustine’s scene. First, its historic setting : tucked in the charming Uptown District, it felt like a neighborhood joint rather than a glitzy downtown club. The bar cultivated a community vibe – it was a place “that cares about its patrons” and hosted events that brought folks together (www.ticketfairy.com ). Regulars often became friends there, whether bonding over a football win or discovering a new band. Visitors described the crowd as welcoming and “energetic,” and the repeated patronage (“repeat customers”) was common thanks to the friendly staff and lively spirit (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Second, the versatility of the space. It seamlessly transitioned from sports bar to music venue; one moment it was a stadium-like roar for a touchdown, the next it was people dancing to a live band in the same room. Reviewers noted it offered everything in one spot: “smooth transition from a sports-centric afternoon to a music-filled night… all within the same welcoming space” (www.ticketfairy.com ). This multi-club feel in a single locale – screens and pool tables during the game, then live stage and dance area after – made it uniquely lively. It became known as “the place to be” for both game-days and concerts (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Third, there were some quirky local touches . The bar had a porch that became an unofficial people–watching deck on game days. It hosted plenty of free giveaways (like T–shirts or darts nights) and house traditions (buffet on big games, or a 30-second keg race every now and then). Staff nicknames and inside jokes were part of its character. Though it embraced sports, it was equally proud of its local music support – booking up-and-coming Florida bands as readily as national tribute acts. Those who played there often remarked on the intimate crowd and good sound – in fact, “high-quality sound” and multiple TVs meant every attendee felt involved (www.ticketfairy.com ).
All these factors in one spot gave Ocean Avenue Sports Bar a special role in the historic city’s culture. It wasn’t a riverfront tourist trap or a hotel lounge – it was a down-to-earth bar that locals loved. In its time, it hosted community events like charity fundraisers and locals’ meet-ups (for example, sports-watch brunches or music fund nights). Its popularity even led to leaving a mark after closing; many local nightlife guides still cite it as a major chapter in St. Augustine’s bar history. In summary, it mattered because it blended sports, music, and friendly community spirit under one roof – something not every venue achieves (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue was wheelchair accessible, with a flat entrance and roomy interior (www.tripadvisor.com ). There were no additional fees for disabled access. Service animals were welcome by law. Restrooms on the main floor accommodated all patrons.
What to bring: Always bring a valid photo ID (Florida or out-of-state driver’s license, passport, etc.) for beverages and 21+ events. If you plan on dining or splitting a tab, cash can be handy (although all major credit cards were accepted). For concert nights, earplugs are a good idea if you’re sensitive to volume. Wear casual attire, especially on sports nights (think team jerseys and shorts). On themed nights (like 80s or college colors), locals often dressed up in costume or team gear, which added to the party atmosphere.
What’s allowed: You could take photos (no flash on the dance floor). Most patrons brought their smartphones to capture memories or post to social media. Small personal bags and purses were fine; giant backpacks were discouraged. Outside food/drinks were not permitted (stellar nachos and finger foods were available on-site instead). Pets were not allowed inside (only outside patio when it was open, and only service animals inside). No formal coat check was available – you’d typically drape coats over chairs or hang them near your table.
Avoid: As with most bars, avoid bringing anything that could cause trouble (no weapons, etc.). Rowdy behavior would get a warning. As a tip – avoid leaving valuables in plain view (the bar had cameras). On very busy nights, if you reserved a seat, keep drink tabs or personal items on your table to hold it; seats could fill up quickly otherwise. Also, since this was a covered porch area, it could get slippery in rain, so watch your step coming in if it was wet outside.
Age & Crowd: All-ages were welcome during daytime and early evening sports hours. However, many evening music shows or special events were 21+ (partly because of the liquor license). Always check the event flyer or call ahead if you have teens. The crowd shifted with the program: weeknights and afternoons tended to draw older sports fans and locals, while weekend nights packed in younger adults here for music and dancing. Despite the barstool-heavy vibe, you’d see families for early games and college crowds for late gigs.
Miscellaneous: Toward closing time (2:00 AM) or on game days, plan extra time for parking. If you’re staying downtown, you can easily walk home from most downtown hotels. If you needed an ATM, note the bar charged no fees, but US currency was needed for certain drink refills or tips.
Finally, insider tip: If the bar were still open today, most locals agree the best time to arrive is at least 30 minutes before a big game or headliner – lines could form early. Also, following the bar’s social accounts in advance was a smart move to catch last-minute specials (they occasionally did unadvertised deals on beers or gave out free shot coupons on birthdays).
Is Ocean Avenue Sports Bar still open?
No. Ocean Avenue Sports Bar closed permanently in 2023 (www.visitstaugustine.com ). The building later reopened under a different name (Pelican Landing) for a short time, but that concept also closed. Therefore the venue is not currently in operation, and visitors seeking a similar experience should check for other bars on San Marco Avenue (like Mango Mango’s or A1A Ale Works).
Where was Ocean Avenue Sports Bar located?
The bar’s address was 123 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084 (www.tripadvisor.com ). This is in downtown St. Augustine’s Uptown (just north of the historic city gates). It sat at the corner of San Marco Avenue and Ocean Avenue, one block from Matanzas River. If you search this address on GPS or Google Maps, it will point to the right spot.
What is the capacity and seating like?
The venue was medium-sized with about 150 seats (www.loopnet.com ). Seating included barstools, high-top tables, and a few booths. There was also an outdoor porch area with additional seating (covered by a roof). For big events, much of the crowd would stand around the bar or dance floor, but most guests could find a seat if they arrived early. Note that the layout was single-story and very open, so you could see the stage and TVs from nearly anywhere.
Is there parking available, and is it free?
Yes. Ocean Avenue Sports Bar had its own private parking lot with about 50+ spaces (www.loopnet.com ). Parking in the lot was free for patrons (www.tripadvisor.com ). This was a big convenience in this area. If the lot filled up (on extremely busy nights), there was metered street parking nearby or additional city lots a short walk away. But in most cases, the free lot was sufficient for customers’ cars.
How can I get there by public transportation?
St. Augustine’s public transit is limited. The Sunshine Bus Company’s downtown loop (Red Line) runs a few blocks away on King Street, and stops near the St. Augustine Visitor Center and the steps of downtown. From there it’s about a 7–10 minute walk north on San Marco to reach the bar’s location. The free STAR Circulator bus (when it was running) did cover central downtown, but it stopped several blocks away at sites like Bayfront Drive or St. George Street (not directly on San Marco). In practice, most visitors drive, walk or use rideshares. Taxis and Uber/Lyft operate citywide. If taking an Uber, type in the bar’s street address and ask to be dropped off on San Marco Ave at Ocean Ave.
How do I buy tickets or reserve spots for events?
When the bar was open, tickets (if required) could be bought in advance online or at the door (www.ticketfairy.com ). For popular concerts or special events, advance sale was highly recommended, as the small venue would often sell out. Otherwise, most weekly events and game nights didn’t require tickets at all – you could just walk in. There was no formal box office; sales were handled through the bar’s own website, phone, or on-site by staff. In short, for big shows get your tickets early to ensure entry (www.ticketfairy.com ), while casual nights were first-come first-served.
What are the venue’s operating hours?
At the time it was open, Ocean Avenue Sports Bar operated seven days a week, typically 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM (www.visitstaugustine.com ). (The bar stayed open late for concerts and weekend nights, in line with many downtown clubs.) During daytime hours, you could grab lunch or watch daytime sports; at night the atmosphere became more club-like. Keep in mind that as of now the bar has closed.
What is covered in the menu?
They served classic pub and bar food. The menu included appetizers (wings, mozzarella sticks, etc.), burgers (½ lb. Angus), sandwiches (notably a Cuban sandwich), fish and chips, tacos (fish, shrimp, chicken, veggie) and nachos (www.tripadvisor.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com ). Seafood items featured local fish like fried grouper or hand-battered shrimp. Portions were hearty. Wraps and salads were available for lighter fare. Publishes noted the food was made from scratch, and many reviews praised items like wings, burgers, and the house-made Cuban. Overall it was typical “sports bar” food – ideal for sharing during a game.
Does the bar have live music or entertainment?
Yes – live music was a staple. Local bands and solo acts frequently played guitar or rock sets on the small stage (www.ticketfairy.com ). On most weekends and select weeknights, the venue featured local/regional bands or DJs. Karaoke was another common event, usually on a weekday evening. The bar also tuned into sports with TVs and hosted theme nights on occasion. Schedule announcements were usually updated on the bar’s social media when it was open, but the pattern was consistent: sports by day (with free viewing) and live entertainment at night.
Is the bar wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The establishment was wheelchair accessible (www.tripadvisor.com ). It had a flat, step-free entrance and wide main aisles. All seating (and restrooms) was on one level. Service animals were permitted inside. If you have mobility needs, you should find parking in one of the front row spots in the free lot and enter through the main door.
Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code was enforced. Guests typically wore casual clothing – shorts, t-shirts, jeans, athletic wear or team jerseys for sports events. On specialty nights (like 80s or Block parties) some coordinated outfits were common. Footwear was generally casual; you wouldn’t need anything more formal than sneakers or sandals. Management only asked that guests be appropriately clothed (no swimwear indoors, etc). In essence, dress like you would for a friendly neighborhood bar or pub.
Are minors allowed?
Minors (under 21) were allowed in during daytime and early-evening hours (when it functioned primarily as a sports bar). If an event was open to all ages, families could attend. However, most late-night events or concerts were 21+ only (due to liquor license requirements). The bar staff would check IDs around closing time or on event nights. So, if you plan to bring anyone under 21, it’s best to show up before 8 or 9 PM or confirm ahead if a specific event admits minors.
What forms of payment are accepted?
The bar accepted major credit cards and cash. It was typical to pay tabs with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. The TripAdvisor listing indicated AmEx and Discover were accepted (www.tripadvisor.com ). That said, having some cash on hand is useful for tipping or if the card machine is busy. There was no extra fee for card use (and an in-house ATM was available if you needed cash). During Happy Hour or deals, some specials might be cash-only, so check the signage.
What are the safety and security measures?
Ocean Avenue Sports Bar maintained standard bar safety. Security cameras covered the interior and parking lot. There was no permanent metal detector, but door staff or bartenders might search large bags on busy nights (though it was rare). For concerts they used ticket scanning to control entry. Staff were trained to handle incidents: they would remove unruly patrons or call police if needed. Guests never reported feeling unsafe; the venue cultivated a friendly atmosphere. In short, just use normal caution (don’t leave drinks unattended, watch your belongings) and you should have a safe visit.
What are some nearby alternatives or related venues?
Since Ocean Avenue Sports Bar is closed, visitors interested in a similar vibe might try Ponce de Leon’s or Ponies Pub up the road, or A1A Ale Works on Bayfront (a brewpub/bar). Mango Mango’s Tropical Cafe (2 blocks south on San Marco) also hosts live music and DJ nights. For dining and dancing, Jacksonville Avenue (a block south) has popular spots like Casa Allende for food and Flagship for live music. In general, downtown St. Augustine’s San Marco/S. Castillo area has many watering holes – you can walk a few blocks and find new bars and clubs that absorbed the crowd after Ocean Avenue closed.
Does the bar provide Wi-Fi?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi was offered to patrons (www.tripadvisor.com ). Guests could connect during the night to check scores, share photos or look up info. (Password was typically posted at the bar or on receipts.) The signal covered the whole bar and patio area.
Is the establishment air-conditioned/heated?
Yes. The indoor space was fully air-conditioned in summer (important in hot St. Augustine evenings) and heated in cooler months. There were no weather-related issues inside the bar. The outdoor porch seating naturally did not have climate control, but the West Wall of the bar opened up for fresh air on nice nights.
Is there an admission fee on regular nights or only for events?
On most nights, no entry fee was charged – you simply bought drinks or food like at any restaurant. Admission was only charged for certain large events or concerts. For example, a national tribute band or a big-name DJ night might require a ticket purchase or cover charge. However, standard bookings (local bands, karaoke, game nights) were usually free to attend. As a rule, only announce events or note mention of “tickets” implied a cover; otherwise the bar was open for cover-free pub-going.
Are outside food or drinks allowed?
No. Outside food and beverages were not allowed inside. The kitchen offered bar snacks and full meal items, so you were expected to buy from the bar. Bringing in pizza, liquor or any outside drink was against the rules (and Florida law on underage alcohol, etc.). This is standard in bars – instead of outside grub, you could enjoy their menu offerings during your visit.
