Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen; Hiding in Plain Sight
When someone suggests dinner at a hotel restaurant, you probably picture a place that's there for the convenience of travelers, not somewhere you'd go out of your way to visit. Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen quickly changed that perception.Tucked inside the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel, it has a reputation all its own. After spending an evening there, I completely understood why. People come for the exceptional food, creative craft cocktails, welcoming atmosphere, and one of downtown's best dining experiences. Whether you're seated inside or enjoying the veranda overlooking downtown, there's something uniquely St. Augustine about the experience. The clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages, visitors strolling the historic streets, and the relaxed pace of downtown invite you to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.
Photo by Pips Ink Media
When someone suggests dinner at a hotel restaurant, you probably picture a place that's there for the convenience of travelers, not somewhere you'd go out of your way to visit. Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen quickly changed that perception. Tucked inside the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel, it has a reputation all its own. After spending an evening there, I completely understood why. People come for the exceptional food, creative craft cocktails, welcoming atmosphere, and one of downtown's best dining experiences. Whether you're seated inside or enjoying the veranda overlooking downtown, there's something uniquely St. Augustine about the experience. The clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages, visitors strolling the historic streets, and the relaxed pace of downtown invite you to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.
Setting the Mood
Before dinner, I recommend arriving a little early to enjoy the atmosphere at Castillo's lively bar. And since you all know this Wandering Fork has a soft spot for a well-crafted Old Fashioned, there was no way I was passing up Castillo's signature Smoked Old Fashioned. Prepared tableside, the bourbon cocktail is infused with aromatic wood smoke just before it's served, making the presentation almost as enjoyable as the cocktail itself. The subtle smokiness enhances the bourbon rather than overpowering it, creating an Old Fashioned that's memorable from the first sip to the last.
One of my favorite touches is the open kitchen, where diners can catch a glimpse of the culinary team in action. If the weather cooperates, request a table on the veranda. It's the perfect place to slow down, enjoy a great meal, and take in the charm of historic downtown St. Augustine. And in a city where parking can sometimes be part of the adventure, convenient valet service makes the entire evening that much easier.
Made with Heart
During my visit, I had the opportunity to spend time with Executive Chef Bobby Parlon, whose philosophy is refreshingly simple: "Food should be made with heart." That philosophy is reflected throughout the menu. Rather than relying on complicated techniques or overpowering ingredients, Chef Bobby believes in starting with great ingredients and letting them do what they do best. Southern comfort meets subtle Spanish influences, creating dishes that feel familiar while introducing diners to something unexpected.
At Castillo, locally sourced seafood, quality meats, and seasonal ingredients find their way into many of the restaurant's signature dishes. The result is food that's full of flavor and prepared with the kind of care that guests can taste in every bite.
photos by pips ink media
Southern comfort meets subtle Spanish influences, creating dishes that feel familiar while introducing diners to something unexpected.
Award-Winning Flavor
One of Castillo’s newest offerings is Thursday’s Prime Rib Night, and it’s easy to see why they’re excited about it. The generous serving of slow-roasted prime rib is paired with your choice of creamy mashed potatoes or sweet mashed potatoes, sautéed Brussels sprouts, house-made horseradish sauce, and a warm corn muffin served with compound butter. It’s a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy. The prime rib was tender, flavorful, and beautifully prepared, a dinner that’s likely to become a favorite for anyone looking for a classic steakhouse-style meal in downtown St. Augustine.
But if there was one dish that completely stole the show, it was Castillo’s award-winning Citrus Braised Short Ribs. Winner of the People’s Choice Award at the 29th Annual Taste of St. Augustine, this signature dish showcases exactly what Castillo does so well. Slow-braised until fork tender and served over creamy elote-style corn polenta, every bite delivers rich, comforting flavors balanced by just a hint of sweetness from the corn.
After my first bite, I understood exactly why this dish earned the People’s Choice Award. It’s rich without being heavy, comforting without feeling ordinary, and one of those dishes I’d happily order again on my next visit.
Photo by Pips Ink Media
The Dish That Made Me Do a Double Take
As I looked over the menu, one item immediately made me do a double take: Beef Tartare Tacos. Now, I’ll admit, that’s not something you see every day. Chef Bobby’s creative take on the classic French dish pairs finely prepared beef tartare with crisp taco shells, house-made salsa, and cilantro crema. It’s fresh, flavorful, and just adventurous enough to encourage diners to step outside their comfort zone without feeling intimidated. It’s another example of how Castillo introduces diners to new flavors while never losing sight of what makes great food memorable. And if you’re tempted to skip dessert, don’t. Seasonal creations, including the restaurant’s rotating bread pudding and specialty desserts, provide the perfect sweet ending to an already memorable meal.
Some places are worth seeking out. If you’ve never ventured inside for dinner, consider this your invitation. Castillo is proof that some of St. Augustine’s best dining experiences really are hiding in plain sight.
Until the next time!
~ MyWanderingFork
Chef Bobby Parlon
Executive Chef Bobby Parlon's menu reflects both his culinary roots and his deep appreciation for the city he has long considered home. “My aunt and uncle moved down here in the early ‘60s, and my mother and I would vacation here every Christmas and summer for several weeks at a time. I spent a good bit of my life visiting family in St. Augustine. I finally moved here on July 5, 2012, met my wife, had a couple of kids, and I’ve never left.”