Ice Plant Bar - St. Augustine, FL

Attraction: Ice Plant Bar
Location: 110 Riberia St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Industry: Cocktail Bar
Website: https://iceplantbar.com/

Picture stepping into a time machine that transports you back to the Prohibition era, where craft cocktails weren’t just drinks but carefully orchestrated symphonies of flavor. Ice Plant Bar occupies a genuine 1927 ice manufacturing plant, complete with the original bridge crane still suspended overhead from its industrial days.

This isn’t your typical restaurant conversion – every detail from the exposed brick walls to the vintage equipment tells the story of St. Augustine’s shrimping and fishing heritage.

Located in the historic Lincolnville district, this farm-to-table establishment shares its building with the St. Augustine Distillery, creating a perfect pairing of locally-distilled spirits and innovative cuisine.

The bar celebrates the early 20th century period when having a cocktail and bite to eat was both healthful and enjoyable, making it a standout destination in America’s oldest city.

Signature Cocktails & Menu Highlights

The Ice Program: You’ll discover something truly extraordinary here – Ice Plant uses three different types of ice makers and carves custom cubes from 300-pound blocks of slow-frozen filtered water daily. This attention to frozen perfection isn’t just for show; each cocktail receives the ideal ice shape to enhance its flavor profile and presentation.

Craft Cocktail Artistry: Fresh house-pressed juices, wide variety of bitters, and specially developed syrups result in stunning cocktails with perfect and unique flavor profiles. The menu rotates quarterly and features creative concoctions like the “Flagler Billionaire” and “Florida Mule.” Each drink incorporates local elements like heirloom sugar cane, nodding to Florida’s agricultural history.

Blue Crab Beignets: These golden pillows of deliciousness consistently earn rave reviews from visitors. The crispy exterior gives way to tender, seasoned crab filling that perfectly captures the coastal essence of St. Augustine’s seafood tradition.

The Ice Plant Burger: Made from freshly ground beef brisket and short rib, topped with Munster cheese, pickled green tomatoes, and aioli on a brioche bun. Upgrade to the truffle Parmesan fries for an indulgent experience that locals and visitors consistently recommend.

Local Seafood Specialties: St. Augustine shrimp paired with Carolina Gold middlins showcases the restaurant’s commitment to regional ingredients. The menu also features fresh grouper tacos and Frogmore stew that highlight the area’s coastal bounty.

Farm-to-Table Philosophy: The kitchen serves grass-fed beef, local seafood, vegetarian options, and daily specials, ensuring that each dish reflects the season’s best offerings while supporting local producers.

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Atmosphere & Historic Charm

Industrial Elegance: The interior features twin mirrored cocktail bars that are literal duplicates of each other, creating an uncommon and extraordinary layout. You can enjoy drinks at the front bar, then discover the identical setup in the back room – a unique design that maximizes seating while maintaining the venue’s intimate feel.

Original Architectural Elements: The original bridge crane on rails overhead the bar was once used to pick up huge blocks of ice to break down and sell to local customers and shrimp boats. The restoration aimed to preserve the feeling of walking into an old factory, with exposed brick, vintage lighting, and industrial touches throughout.

Historic Significance: Originally built as a power plant in 1905, it became Florida’s first power and ice complex in 1907, later expanding to become the first facility to generate commercial block ice in 1917. The plant served the local shrimping industry and supplied ice for refrigerating Hastings vegetables shipped north by rail.

Intimate Dining Spaces: The restored factory space maintains its industrial grandeur while offering cozy seating areas that encourage conversation. Natural light filters through large windows during lunch service, while evening dining takes on a more romantic, candlelit ambiance.

Other Considerations

Pricing & Value: Most visitors report spending $30-50 per person for lunch and $50-100 for dinner, positioning Ice Plant in the mid-to-upscale range for St. Augustine dining. The quality of ingredients, craft cocktail program, and unique setting justify the investment for special occasions or memorable nights out.

Location Benefits: There’s plenty of parking available, and the old town trolley has a stop nearby, making it easily accessible for visitors exploring historic St. Augustine. The location is about half a mile from downtown St. Augustine, providing a peaceful escape from the busier tourist areas.

Perfect Pairing Opportunity: Located in the same building as St. Augustine Distillery, you can easily combine a distillery tour with lunch or dinner. Many visitors enjoy learning about local spirit production before settling in for craft cocktails made with those same spirits.

Operating Hours: Open Monday through Thursday 11:30 AM to midnight, Friday 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to midnight, offering both lunch and dinner service with extended weekend hours for nightlife.

Best Times to Visit: Happy hour runs from 2:30 to 5:00 PM, making late afternoon an ideal time for cocktails and appetizers. Weekend brunch service adds another dimension to the experience, while dinner service showcases the full menu in the atmospheric evening lighting.

Ice Plant Bar
📍 110 Riberia St, St. Augustine, FL 32084