Having lived in New York City for six years I have frequented many speakeasies and restaurants featuring handcrafted cocktails. I’m not sure I have been to a restaurant and bar that does it as well as Ice Plant in St. Augustine, Florida.
Ice Plant is a former ice manufacturing facility that was built in the 1920’s. The ice was manufactured for St. Augustine’s fishing industry prior to the invention of refrigeration. The facility has 22 foot ceilings and the stark walls are made of extremely dense concrete. Above the bar is a bridge crane which previously moved blocks of ice within the plant. After being vacant for decades, the plant has come alive.
The heritage of the plant appears in the various types of ice which are produced in-house. Each cocktail is pared with the appropriate form of ice: shaved, pebbled, 1 inch cubes, 2 inch cubes, spheres or long rocks. When coupled with your favorite spirit and homemade bitters, fresh pressed juices and specialty syrups, you can’t help but be impressed.
Handcrafted cocktails with uniquely pared ice, in an industrial setting, created by staff in period clothes. Ice Plant works for me!
