The vibrant city of St. Augustine offers a culinary experience that blends history, culture, and contemporary flavors, and Bourbon And Boards stands out as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and bourbon lovers alike.
With a menu crafted to delight the senses, this establishment pairs the rich, smoky notes of bourbon with an array of carefully curated dishes served on wooden boards, creating a unique dining aesthetic and experience.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler exploring the oldest city in the United States, Bourbon And Boards offers a welcoming atmosphere where quality ingredients meet expert preparation.
The menu reflects a dedication to bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and innovative pairings that cater to a variety of palates. From savory small plates designed for sharing to hearty mains and decadent desserts, each dish complements the extensive bourbon selection available.
The thoughtful construction of the menu encourages guests to explore different combinations, making every visit a fresh adventure. This post delves into the various facets of the Bourbon And Boards St.
Augustine menu, offering insights into the culinary philosophy, signature dishes, bourbon pairings, and much more.
Starters and Small Plates
The starters and small plates at Bourbon And Boards set the tone for a memorable dining experience. Crafted to be shared and enjoyed alongside a glass of bourbon, these dishes emphasize bold flavors and fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Each plate is designed to awaken the palate and prepare you for the courses ahead.
Popular options include a range of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie boards, and creative finger foods. The variety ensures that whether you’re in the mood for something light or something with a bit more substance, there’s something for everyone.
These starters expertly balance richness and freshness, making them perfect companions to bourbon’s complex profiles.
Highlights of the Starters and Small Plates include:
- Charcuterie Board: A carefully selected assortment of cured meats, paired with house-made pickles, mustard, and fresh bread.
- Smoked Gouda Dip: Creamy, smoky, and served piping hot with an array of flatbreads and vegetables.
- Spicy Bourbon Nuts: Roasted nuts glazed with a bourbon-spiked seasoning blend, offering a perfect balance between heat and sweetness.
Pairing Starters with Bourbon
The starters are thoughtfully designed to pair seamlessly with the bourbon offerings available. The high-fat content in cheeses and cured meats complements bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes, while the smoky elements in dishes like the Smoked Gouda Dip mirror the spirit’s oak barrel aging.
“Great food starts with great ingredients, but great bourbon elevates the entire experience.” – Bourbon And Boards Head Chef
For those new to bourbon, the starters provide an accessible introduction. The Spicy Bourbon Nuts, for example, bring out the warmth and spice in bourbons with higher rye content, making them an excellent choice for first-timers.
Signature Main Courses
The main courses at Bourbon And Boards are a celebration of Southern flavors infused with modern culinary techniques. These dishes emphasize robust ingredients and bold seasoning, designed to satisfy hearty appetites while complementing the rich, complex notes of bourbon.
From expertly grilled meats to innovative vegetarian options, the main menu offers a variety of dishes that cater to diverse tastes. Each entrée is thoughtfully prepared to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients, often incorporating bourbon-infused sauces or glazes for added depth.
Some of the standout main courses include:
- Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chop: A tender, juicy pork chop brushed with a sweet and tangy bourbon glaze, served with roasted root vegetables.
- Blackened Catfish: Fresh, local catfish seasoned with a zesty spice rub and pan-seared to perfection, accompanied by a creamy remoulade.
- Portobello Mushroom Stack: Grilled mushrooms layered with goat cheese, arugula, and balsamic reduction, perfect for vegetarian diners.
Cooking Techniques and Flavor Profiles
The chefs employ a range of cooking techniques including grilling, smoking, and pan-searing to maximize the flavor potential of each dish. Bourbon plays a crucial role not just as a drink pairing but also as a cooking ingredient, adding complexity to sauces and marinades.
| Dish | Primary Cooking Method | Bourbon Influence |
| Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chop | Grilled | Glaze made with bourbon, brown sugar, and spices |
| Blackened Catfish | Pan-seared | Remoulade contains bourbon-infused mayonnaise |
| Portobello Mushroom Stack | Grilled | Balsamic reduction enhanced with a splash of bourbon |
These preparations highlight the versatility of bourbon in both cooking and pairing, ensuring a layered and satisfying dining experience.
Bourbon Selection and Pairings
Bourbon And Boards prides itself on an extensive bourbon menu featuring a diverse range of labels from established distilleries and boutique producers. The selection caters to aficionados and newcomers alike, offering everything from classic favorites to rare finds.
Pairing bourbon with food is an art form at this establishment. Staff members are well-trained and happy to recommend pairings based on your palate preferences and meal choices.
The menu also includes tasting flights that allow guests to sample different bourbons side-by-side.
The bourbon menu features:
- Small Batch Bourbons: Rich, smooth, and often with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
- Single Barrel Selections: Unique, limited releases known for their complexity and bold flavors.
- Flavored Bourbons: Infused with natural flavors like honey, cherry, or cinnamon for those seeking something different.
Expert Pairing Tips
Matching bourbon with the right dish can elevate both components. For example, sweeter bourbons with strong vanilla notes pair excellently with smoky meats, while spicier bourbons complement dishes with a kick of heat.
“The right pairing transforms a meal into a memory—each sip and bite enhancing the other.” – Resident Bourbon Expert
Guests are encouraged to explore pairings such as bourbon with smoked Gouda or a bourbon flight alongside the Charcuterie Board for a well-rounded tasting experience.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Bourbon And Boards embraces inclusivity by offering a selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes that are just as thoughtfully prepared as their meat counterparts. These options ensure that all guests, regardless of dietary preference, can enjoy a satisfying meal.
Vegetarian dishes often utilize local produce, seasonal vegetables, and creative ingredient combinations to deliver bold, satisfying flavors. Vegan options focus on plant-based proteins and dairy-free preparations without sacrificing taste or presentation.
Popular vegetarian and vegan offerings include:
- Roasted Cauliflower Steak: Thick-cut cauliflower, seasoned and roasted, served with a bourbon-infused chimichurri sauce.
- Vegan Bourbon BBQ Jackfruit: Pulled jackfruit cooked in a smoky bourbon barbecue sauce, served with a fresh slaw.
- Grilled Vegetable Board: A colorful assortment of seasonal grilled vegetables paired with hummus and flatbreads.
Enhancing Plant-Based Flavors with Bourbon
Incorporating bourbon into plant-based dishes adds a layer of depth and complexity. The caramel and smoky notes of bourbon can enhance the umami flavors in roasted vegetables and vegan sauces, creating a rich dining experience.
These dishes demonstrate that vegetarian and vegan cuisine at Bourbon And Boards is not an afterthought but a celebrated part of the menu.
Desserts and Sweet Endings
The dessert offerings at Bourbon And Boards perfectly conclude the meal with indulgent flavors and creative twists on classic sweets. Many desserts incorporate bourbon either in the recipe or as an accompaniment, tying the dining experience together.
From rich chocolate to spiced fruit, the dessert menu caters to a range of sweet cravings. The use of bourbon in desserts adds warmth and complexity, balancing sweetness with a hint of oak and spice.
Featured desserts include:
- Bourbon Pecan Pie: A southern classic with a rich, gooey filling and toasted pecans, enhanced by bourbon-infused caramel.
- Chocolate Bourbon Truffles: Handmade truffles with a smooth ganache center infused with bourbon.
- Spiced Apple Crisp: Warm apples baked with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a crunchy oat topping and a bourbon caramel drizzle.
Complementary Bourbon Dessert Pairings
| Dessert | Recommended Bourbon | Tasting Notes |
| Bourbon Pecan Pie | Vanilla-forward bourbon | Sweet vanilla and caramel pair with toasted nuts |
| Chocolate Bourbon Truffles | Rich, full-bodied bourbon | Deep oak and dark fruit complement chocolate |
| Spiced Apple Crisp | Spicy rye bourbon | Spice notes enhance cinnamon and apple flavors |
“Dessert is where bourbon’s true magic shines—transforming sweetness into sophistication.” – Pastry Chef
Craft Cocktails Beyond Bourbon
While bourbon is the star of the show, Bourbon And Boards also offers a diverse cocktail menu featuring creative concoctions that incorporate other spirits, fresh ingredients, and house-made infusions.
These cocktails complement the food and provide options for guests seeking variety.
Mixologists at Bourbon And Boards focus on balance and originality, ensuring each drink is a work of art. Seasonal ingredients and local flavors often find their way into the cocktails, enhancing the connection to the region.
Signature cocktails include:
- St. Augustine Mule: A refreshing blend of vodka, ginger beer, lime, and a hint of mint.
- Smoky Mezcal Paloma: Combining mezcal, grapefruit juice, and a touch of agave syrup for a smoky, citrusy sip.
- House-Made Sangria: Seasonal fruits soaked in red or white wine with a splash of brandy and spices.
Pairing Cocktails with the Menu
Though bourbon is the focus, some dishes pair wonderfully with these cocktails. For instance, the St.
Augustine Mule’s citrus and ginger notes cut through richer dishes, while the smoky mezcal cocktail complements grilled meats.
Offering a broad cocktail selection ensures every guest finds a drink that enhances their meal and mood.
Bourbon And Boards Experience: Ambiance and Service
The dining experience at Bourbon And Boards extends beyond the food and drink. The ambiance blends rustic charm with modern elegance, creating a comfortable yet sophisticated setting.
Wooden boards, exposed brick, and warm lighting contribute to an inviting atmosphere that encourages relaxation and enjoyment.
Service is attentive and knowledgeable, with staff trained to provide detailed bourbon recommendations and menu guidance. This personalized approach ensures guests feel welcomed and educated about their choices.
Notable features of the experience include:
- Interactive Bourbon Tastings: Scheduled events where guests can learn about bourbon history and tasting techniques.
- Seasonal Menu Updates: Frequent menu changes to incorporate fresh, local ingredients and new bourbon releases.
- Community Engagement: Partnerships with local producers and participation in St. Augustine’s culinary events.
“The true essence of Bourbon And Boards is in its ability to bring people together over shared flavors and stories.” – General Manager
Conclusion
Bourbon And Boards in St. Augustine presents a harmonious blend of culinary craftsmanship and bourbon expertise, creating a dining experience that is both memorable and enriching.
The menu showcases an impressive array of dishes thoughtfully designed to complement the diverse bourbon selection, from small plates and main courses to decadent desserts. Every element—from cooking techniques and ingredient choices to cocktail offerings and service—works in concert to elevate the guest experience.
Whether you are a bourbon enthusiast or simply seeking a unique and flavorful meal in a warm, inviting setting, Bourbon And Boards delivers on every level. The commitment to quality, creativity, and community shines through in every bite and sip.
This destination is not just about eating and drinking but about embracing the culture and stories behind bourbon and Southern cuisine. It’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and innovation that invites guests to savor each moment fully.
In essence, Bourbon And Boards is a testament to how thoughtful pairings and expert preparation can transform a meal into an experience, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the culinary landscape of St.
Augustine.
