Augustines 1812 House

[Hank N Judy]

Ate at Augustine' 1812 House last night (Valentines Day). I called for reservations about a week and a half ago and ask for a nice romantic table. When we arrived we were offered a tiny table in the middle of the room. I ask to be seated in one of the many empty booths and was told they were reserved. ( why wasn't one reserved for me I called a week and a half ago) We were than seated at a tine table in the back next to a door every time the door was opened a cold burst of air would blow napkins off the table not to mention make the food cold. My date ordered ravioli and was told they were out of ravioli and chef was replacing with tortellini. ( How can you be out of ravioli at 6:30 on Valentines Day) She said the tortellini was okay. I ask what soups were available, was told lentil and pasta fazool, they were out of pasta fazool. I ordered chicken marsala. The chicken was tender but floating on top of a bed of spaghetti and oil. The restaurant is to bright and noisy. I understand this restaurant is owned by the same people that own The Light House in Sumter Landing ( which I eat in often and think is a well run restaurant with good food) I can't believe this is the same owner. Horrible, will never eat there again.

[REDCART]

Original post in late January 2021 Dinner tonight at Augustines was excellent. BTW, they have a web site with a menu

Attention Required! | Cloudflare (https://www.augustines1812.com/menu)

We wish them every success.

2/13/21 Update. After an outstanding show at The Sharon, we went to dinner at Augustine’s. We had a reservation and were seated immediately. Unfortunately two of the four ordered Grouper. The Mkt Price $21.99 was fine. However the Grouper for both of us was disappointing. It was too “fishy” for our taste and we’re guessing was undercooked. The veal Parmigiana dinner was also described as just ok. The ribeye steak was fine. Hopefully this was just an anomaly. We’ll likely try them again but what a disappointment from our first experience at Augustine’s just two weeks earlier.

I reposted my earlier experience from 2/13 because we agree that Augustine’s 1812 appears to have lost their way. If so what a shame because it’s a very pretty restaurant. On a Saturday afternoon at 5 pm Augustine’s had no bottles of either Yuengling or Sam Adams.

[Stu from NYC]

Either the person in charge of ordering food and beverages has no clue how to do their job or they are in financial difficulty.

[village dreamer]

my wife and i ate there last week, service and food not to good. im done with this place.

[charmed59]

I understand this restaurant is owned by the same people that own The Light House in Sumter Landing ( which I eat in often and think is a well run restaurant with good food) I can't believe this is the same owner. Horrible, will never eat there again.

For me, the description of food and service sounds exactly like the Lighthouse in Sumter Landing. It’s awesome location and view keeps drawing me back, and yet every time I’m let down.

[Jima64]

Agree. Best to post the like or dislike and vote with the wallet.

[mlmarr1]

Perfect..stay home.. holidays are always a rush.. so how was the food
.excellent I bet..

[Cobullymom]

Ate at Augustine' 1812 House last night (Valentines Day). I called for reservations about a week and a half ago and ask for a nice romantic table. When we arrived we were offered a tiny table in the middle of the room. I ask to be seated in one of the many empty booths and was told they were reserved. ( why wasn't one reserved for me I called a week and a half ago) We were than seated at a tine table in the back next to a door every time the door was opened a cold burst of air would blow napkins off the table not to mention make the food cold. My date ordered ravioli and was told they were out of ravioli and chef was replacing with tortellini. ( How can you be out of ravioli at 6:30 on Valentines Day) She said the tortellini was okay. I ask what soups were available, was told lentil and pasta fazool, they were out of pasta fazool. I ordered chicken marsala. The chicken was tender but floating on top of a bed of spaghetti and oil. The restaurant is to bright and noisy. I understand this restaurant is owned by the same people that own The Light House in Sumter Landing ( which I eat in often and think is a well run restaurant with good food) I can't believe this is the same owner. Horrible, will never eat there again.
I miss Demshar’s, loved their fried chicken... was never much of a fan of the Lighthouse, so we haven’t gone there yet...

[ABGinVA]

We ate at this restaurant on Valentine's Day too and found it to have a lot of problems. We would not go there again.

[jojo]

We have had a good experience at Augustine 1812. The menu was somewhat limited when they first started. Our food was good and service was excellent. Don't you think restaurants are particularly challenged on holidays such as Valentine's Day?

[billyb1950]

We have had a good experience at Augustine 1812. The menu was somewhat limited when they first started. Our food was good and service was excellent. Don't you think restaurants are particularly challenged on holidays such as Valentine's Day?

With all due respect, we pay for results - not excuses. The entire staff is culpable.

[riga618]

I find the restaurants in the villages are over rated, over priced and poor service. They must think us seniors will eat anything that is placed in front of us. The only one that is pretty good is Blue Fin(my opinion).

[wsachs]

Stopped at Blue Fin a couple of weeks ago just for a drink after taking a cart ride from the Chitty Chatty bridge all around the southern part and then to Brownwood. Very interesting ride. Sat at a high top outside and ordered a Pino Grigio and Chardonnay. When they came, we each took a drink and our first thought was we had the wrong wine. We switched glasses and didn't like that either. It was there house wine I guess, waitress didn't ask our preference. It was not good in our opinion. People at next table sat with two dogs and guy smoking cigar. Not impressed.

[camaguey48]

Ate at Augustine' 1812 House last night (Valentines Day). I called for reservations about a week and a half ago and ask for a nice romantic table. When we arrived we were offered a tiny table in the middle of the room. I ask to be seated in one of the many empty booths and was told they were reserved. ( why wasn't one reserved for me I called a week and a half ago) We were than seated at a tine table in the back next to a door every time the door was opened a cold burst of air would blow napkins off the table not to mention make the food cold. My date ordered ravioli and was told they were out of ravioli and chef was replacing with tortellini. ( How can you be out of ravioli at 6:30 on Valentines Day) She said the tortellini was okay. I ask what soups were available, was told lentil and pasta fazool, they were out of pasta fazool. I ordered chicken marsala. The chicken was tender but floating on top of a bed of spaghetti and oil. The restaurant is to bright and noisy. I understand this restaurant is owned by the same people that own The Light House in Sumter Landing ( which I eat in often and think is a well run restaurant with good food) I can't believe this is the same owner. Horrible, will never eat there again.
What is a romantic table?

[Pdesensi]

We went there last Friday. I thought it was supposed to be an upscale restaurant. Upscale means tablecloths to me. We were seated in the bar area, which is fine, but I expected table cloths on all tables just not the few on the reservation side. Food was just ok, and the music was way too loud. Probably won’t be back. Oh and the insides looked like the previous owners furniture. Also not upscale.

[jbrown132]

Original post in late January 2021

I reposted my earlier experience from 2/13 because we agree that Augustine’s 1812 appears to have lost their way. If so what a shame because it’s a very pretty restaurant. On a Saturday afternoon at 5 pm Augustine’s had no bottles of either Yuengling or Sam Adams.

This to me sounds more like a Managment problem. The owners may not be involved on a daily basis. If the people who own the Lighthouse restaurant own this, I would go to the the Lighthouse and ask to speak to one of the owners or one of the two daughters. They are all nice people and I am sure they would listen. These people come from Massachusetts and know what good Italian and seafood is. Go talk to them, I’m sure they would listen and correct these things.

[Niferlou06]

Pasta Fagioli

[michellevanhaste]

That’s the deal on a holiday.....not fair, but the way it is...sadly enough...overpriced, overcrowded, not enough help...

[Rosebud1949]

For me, the description of food and service sounds exactly like the Lighthouse in Sumter Landing. It’s awesome location and view keeps drawing me back, and yet every time I’m let down.

The lighthouse is terrible and expensive only the the view is good, so if you want the view.. take a walk on the boardwalk ITS FREE.

[DDgolfer54]

Couldn’t agree with you more. Nothing about the place was good. Poor service, rude hostess and lousy food. It all goes back to the Management. Place won’t last.

[jbrown132]

The lighthouse is terrible and expensive only the the view is good, so if you want the view.. take a walk on the boardwalk ITS FREE.

I have eaten there many times and the food is not bad but you to have understand what kind of restaurant you are going to. If you are looking for a quite upscale restaurant this is not your place. The Lighthouse is loud and is a place people go to have drinks, have fun and get something to eat. For many people this is exactly what they are looking for. If you want quite, peaceful, and upscale go to some place like Lopez.

[nanabird]

Demshar’s is now at Stonecrest with the same excellent food and menu.

[nick demis]

We love Bonefish Grill. Not a high end restaurant but have always had good food and good service. Also a great place for a small group of people to get together and share a bunch of appetizers. Sorry it's not in one of the town squares but still in the Villages just off 466.

[Bill1701]

If you're looking for good restaurants, you pretty much have to leave the bubble. The Chop House and Blue Fin are OK most of the time, but everything else is average or worse.

[merrymini]

Ate at the lighthouse years ago. So unimpressed that we never went back. Ate at Augustine’s recently and the food not up to snuff, so will not return. Most restaurants are pretty ordinary and you have to look far and wide to find a special one. Blue Fin has been good and so has Chop house. Otherwise you got to leave to get good food. Turner’s in Leesburg is terrific.

[rjcola63]

Demshar owns Cheers at Stonecrest. The fried chicken is amazing.

[bilcon]

Try the new Prima Italian Steak House if you want good food and service. Old Ricciardi's in Brownwood. We liked it. Sorry to hear about Augustine.

[REDCART]

I can’t believe with 25 replies that no one suggested speaking to the manager about the disappointing experience. I was not looking for a comp, an excuse, or an apology. So after a disappointing experience I’d rather just leave without causing a scene. As others have opined, I vote with my feet. If management cares they can tune into TOTV to learn what the average joe thinks about dining at their restaurant both good and bad. I will not suggest that Carrabbas is an upscale restaurant but they seem to get it right. We’ve been eating there since 2005 and have never been disappointed.

[wdst1]

I agree. Ate there years ago and I see the food and service has not improved. Never go there again.

[stebooo]

I am sorry for your experience. I guess I don't think that as a romantic restuarant to begin with. Please realize that articles like this are not good for the restuarant. We have eaten there and had exactly the opposite. Fantastic food and service.

[Stu from NYC]

This to me sounds more like a Managment problem. The owners may not be involved on a daily basis. If the people who own the Lighthouse restaurant own this, I would go to the the Lighthouse and ask to speak to one of the owners or one of the two daughters. They are all nice people and I am sure they would listen. These people come from Massachusetts and know what good Italian and seafood is. Go talk to them, I’m sure they would listen and correct these things.

I would tend to agree this is a management issue but where has the management been up to now?

Do they not walk around and see what is going on and ask their customers how their experience has been. If they know what good Italian cooking is all they have to do is taste the food being prepared.

[conman5652@aol.com]

Could it be that they are serving less costumers and under estimated amount of commissary needed or influx of people off street.

[Stu from NYC]

Could it be that they are serving less costumers and under estimated amount of commissary needed or influx of people off street.

Early in the evening they are out of several very popular beers and pastas.

Can see it happening later on but seems as if the person doing the ordering needs to lean how to do their job.

[Spalumbos62]

I am sorry for your experience. I guess I don't think that as a romantic restuarant to begin with. Please realize that articles like this are not good for the restuarant. We have eaten there and had exactly the opposite. Fantastic food and service.

I dont understand your comment about articles not being good for the restaurant???? What should these extremely disappointed people write?...it was marvelous, had a great meal, service is outstanding???
Maybe you have a horse in this race...which is fine....I suggest you gallop over there and tell them before they are just another statistic.

[rmd2]

Couldn’t agree with you more. Nothing about the place was good. Poor service, rude hostess and lousy food. It all goes back to the Management. Place won’t last.

I disagree. I have eaten at Augustino's 3 times recently. The salmon was excellent and loved the light sauce on it. The green beans were perfectly cooked (not like the non-cooked, crunchy green beans at Bonefish). I like Bonefish but not their green beans - they have always been raw even when they are asked to cook it more.
I had grouper at Augustino's and there was nothing wrong with it. It was not fishy as someone else here had written. The waitress could not have been better. Very attentive. The manager came by to see how we liked our dinner. I have never been disappointed there.

[stadalberts]

Ate at Augustine' 1812 House last night (Valentines Day). I called for reservations about a week and a half ago and ask for a nice romantic table. When we arrived we were offered a tiny table in the middle of the room. I ask to be seated in one of the many empty booths and was told they were reserved. ( why wasn't one reserved for me I called a week and a half ago) We were than seated at a tine table in the back next to a door every time the door was opened a cold burst of air would blow napkins off the table not to mention make the food cold. My date ordered ravioli and was told they were out of ravioli and chef was replacing with tortellini. ( How can you be out of ravioli at 6:30 on Valentines Day) She said the tortellini was okay. I ask what soups were available, was told lentil and pasta fazool, they were out of pasta fazool. I ordered chicken marsala. The chicken was tender but floating on top of a bed of spaghetti and oil. The restaurant is to bright and noisy. I understand this restaurant is owned by the same people that own The Light House in Sumter Landing ( which I eat in often and think is a well run restaurant with good food) I can't believe this is the same owner. Horrible, will never eat there again.
OK, now that REALLY sucked!!

[prettyw102@aol.com]

A friend and I went to Augustine's about a month after it opened. They put us in a table in the middle of the room (no biggie).The restaurant was very busy and noisy. The Italian entrees both came out slightly burnt but it was late and we didn't bother complaining. The server came by every five minutes to check on us. Would never eat there again.P>S> I am a big customer of The Lighthouse, mainly for the atmosphere, but their food is decent.

[xlhig]

I miss Demshar’s, loved their fried chicken... was never much of a fan of the Lighthouse, so we haven’t gone there yet...

Demshars are now running Cheers, located in Stonecrest. It is open to the public. Same great food and service. cheersatstonecrest.com/

[dwhite5773]

perfect..stay home.. Holidays are always a rush.. So how was the food
.excellent i bet..
wtf??

[dwhite5773]

We have had a good experience at Augustine 1812. The menu was somewhat limited when they first started. Our food was good and service was excellent. Don't you think restaurants are particularly challenged on holidays such as Valentine's Day?
So that means the food sucks and calling in a reservation a week and a half out gets you stuck by the bathroom door?

[Northwoods]

I had dinner on a Wednesday night. It was OK but nothing special. I'll take Lopez, Chop House, Blue Fin, and Wolfgang over this. Just my opinion.

[Sage327]

Original post in late January 2021

I reposted my earlier experience from 2/13 because we agree that Augustine’s 1812 appears to have lost their way. If so what a shame because it’s a very pretty restaurant. On a Saturday afternoon at 5 pm Augustine’s had no bottles of either Yuengling or Sam Adams.

On our last visit they ran out of the red house wine and our only choice was the more expensive glass of wine which they only filled a 1/4 of the way. How can you not have house wine at 4 pm?

[Stu from NYC]

On our last visit they ran out of the red house wine and our only choice was the more expensive glass of wine which they only filled a 1/4 of the way. How can you not have house wine at 4 pm?

They do not have a living breathing employee looking at the inventory and ordering as required.

[chet2020]

To me it's simply a shame that Augustine's has been in business since 1812, and still have not figured some of this stuff out after 209 years in business. Granted, 1812 was a tough year in which to start, but still.

[wrestle1]

To me it's simply a shame that Augustine's has been in business since 1812, and still have not figured some of this stuff out after 209 years in business. Granted, 1812 was a tough year in which to start, but still.

Now that’s funny!

[wrestle1]

I’m a big fan of the Lighthouse for their atmosphere, food quality, portion size and price. Haven’t tried Augustines yet but plan to soon. Hopefully management works on improvement.

[tophcfa]

Despite the negative reviews I decided to give the place a try. Never again! Got the veal parmigiana, it should have been named bread crumb parmigiana. After digging through the garbage on the plate to try to find the veal I found a sliver of veal, about enough to fill a shot glass, buried in enough bread crumbs to fill a 16 ounce beer mug. Absolutely the worst Italian food in my entire life. Very sad : (

[Villages Kahuna]

As far as restaurants in The Villages are concerned for good ones, the good news travels fast. For those that are not so good or bad, news also travels fast.

From the sounds of things in this thread, Augustine 1812 won’t last long. News is traveling fast.

There hasn’t been a decent restaurant in that location since the Italian one at least ten years ago—can’t remember the name. That was before Lake Sumter Landing was completely built. Lighthouse Seafood at LSL was open, but it was owned and operated by the Developer. Needless to say, it was exceedingly well-run.

[Stu from NYC]

I wonder if the owner is even aware that he has a major problem here?

Sad if he does not.

[Neils]

///

[Whatever]

We had a great meal there with great company, and a whirl wind great operatic tenor (Oscar Felieu). But then again, that was a long time past.

[rustyp]

We had a great meal there with great company, and a whirl wind great operatic tenor (Oscar Felieu). But then again, that was a long time past.

Just for clarification of all readers Augustine's 1812 has recently opened by the owners of the Lighthouse Restaurant in Sumter Landing. Having a great meal in the time period you are referring to has no reflection on today's quality. FYI Oscar passed away in 2015 RIP.

[Hank N Judy]

A romantic table is located in a dark quiet area preferably with a candle and table cloth. Obviously you have never romanced a women.

[Stu from NYC]

A romantic table is located in a dark quiet area preferably with a candle and table cloth. Obviously you have never romanced a women.

After womens lib thought they were supposed to romance us:)