Colonial Oak Music Park — Attraction in Saint Augustine

There’s a secret spot in this town, and if you don’t pause and peek in to the little opening you might very well miss it as you walk down Saint George St.

There are no neon lights to flash you into its entrance, and if you are lucky enough to find it, you feel as though not everyone was meant to discover it. Once past the unassuming entrance, it all opens up into a beautiful seemingly private courtyard that you are secretly not sure if you should be in. But rest assured, you are.

If you’re a sucker, as I am, for the protective shield of the canopy of a large old oak, this may be the spot for you. Colonial Oak Music Park, so named for the large 300 year old oak tree with its furrowed bark and gnarled branches that hang in a shielding umbrella over the benches  and tables that bear witness to the humble music stage along the back wall.

The stage Is always filled with different musical acts which, while good, are always secondary to the atmosphere of the place.

Ancient trees inspire wonder, especially in coastal towns like Saint Augustine. How many hurricanes, celebrations, funerals, auctions, executions, town meetings or secret rendezvous were held beneath these branches?  Whether they were pirates or paramours , conquistadors or courtesans, titans or townsfolk, big old shady trees hold secrets. Their endurance assures us that chaos is only temporary. That the world will go on and, while not perfect, many good things will endure.

At night, as the sun sets, the string lights which hang just under the bows give the place a festive glow; one that mixes well with the libations and the general good spirit of the crowd. You’ll see everything here from the seasoned citizen to bikers, families to sorority girls,  right on down to the 2 year old little dude in miniature Crocs playing in the dirt as his mother tries to keep him from getting too grubby. You’ll see the smiling and the dancing… all under the branches of a big old oak. This place is all atmosphere and you'd be doing yourself a disservice to not visit it for a while when in town. But once you duck in you’ll realize this is a place you can relax for a while, listen to music, smile, have a drink or five, and enjoy the ones you're with, even if...

REAL TALK: They have a basic beer and spirits selection mildy above "dive bar" - BUT the live music and venue ambiance makes up for it. Oh yes!

Caught "Living the Dream". Honestly, they had l few sound issues (mic feedback) but the band legit had the crowd going. The Thursday night crowd was great.

This is a very low key scene. No lies, this a must chill at outdoor spot and I'm "spot bougie".

The Colonial Oak Music Park is on George St. by the gate. It 100% worth a stop by or regular patronage. The venue & live music junkie recommends grabbing a beer here on music night (Wed-Sun).

Hungry? No worries you can get food here too. #facts

I will be real, the food here is very expensive. And not for a large portions. We're talking 25.00 for a small piece of fish, some rice, shredded cabbage, and sunflower seeds. Yup!

The fish was good, but not $25 good!

REASON TO VISIT: Ample Seating Ambiance Live Music Reasonable Beer Prices Semi-Good Food Portions Family Friendly Tourist...

Well I figured it out. There is a male bartender late 40 unkempt grayish beard. I've been supporting the venue for more that a year attending special events even. He always looked like someone pissed in his Wheaties. I was always getting negative vibes from him. I thought maybe he hated his job or personal issues. I had never said anything to him or vise versa. I found out that his issue was with me and my need for a service dog. They don't understand what a "Task" is I guess. She is always under control by whistles, hand signals or voice commands. They are pet friendly which in reality puts my Service Dog in danger of attack by a pet. They haven't read Federal and State ADA Laws or they would know a service animal can be off leash as long as I have control of her. I'm not going back until I receive an apology. From staff/management for not inquiring about service animal and what task she was performing. This also raised my anxiety and blood pressure putting me at risk of heart...