Review: Avenue Eat and Drink

REVIEW - Had lunch with a couple of other folks today at Avenue (formerly Urbane). They offer valet parking, which is a nice plus for anything downtown. The decor inside is almost identical to the previous restaurant, perhaps with minor changes here and there from color, to dishes, etc., but the layout is basically the same, like a restaurant in NYC. Tables situated right next to each other alongside long walls, so you're not completely isolated.

Each of us ordered a different lunch but we did share two delicious appetizers-the peppered fleck gulf shrimp and the spinach hummus with chilled vegetables. Both of these were a hit. Especially the shrimp (had a nice 'nawlins taste to them). The spinach hummus we ordered more out of curiosity since it was made with peanut butter (that's right, I said peanut butter) and was served with both pita bread slices and grilled veggies. We were not disappointed here either.

For lunch, I had the grilled cheese and short rib sandwich, again more out of curiosity. This was interesting, I did enjoy it but felt it was just a tad bit bland, a few more spices would've definitely sealed the deal for me but it was still good. For the side, it came with some funky chick pea long tater tot looking contraption (it looked like a fish stick). It had a unique flavor and texture. Not sure it's my favorite but my friend enjoyed them off of my plate, lol.

The others order the grilled ceasar with country ham infused pumpernickle breadsticks (this came out as a wedge salad which was unexpected), the braveheart prime angus steak burger (which was huge) and the home roasted turkey breast sandwich. As you walk in, there's a huge chalk board with a listing of desserts which today included baked Alaska, key lime cake, carrot cake, and many others. If only we hadn't eaten so much damn actual lunch.

Next time, I am saving room for dessert. I will say, they make a fantastic iced tea. All in all, I enjoyed Avenue and can't wait to check it out for dinner.

115 East Park Avenue

Tallahassee, Florida 32303

(850) 224 - 0115

Member Comments:

Re: Review: Avenue Eat and Drink -- meljakefl

Saturday, 04 September 2010 10:58

My pleasure Florida. Always glad to share my experiences. I really like the vide of Avenue. Its not ultra fancy, but I wouldnt recommend someone roll in there in flip flops and a tshirt either. Business casual or a dressed up pair of jeans (ie nice shirt and shoes) would work though. And it's not a cheap place but I truely believe you get what you pay for...if you want quality and nice dining experience, you have to pay for it. You can expect to drop roughly $15+ per person if you get a drink and more if you add an appetizer and/or dessert.

[quote="meljakefl"] My pleasure Florida. Always glad to share my experiences. I really like the vide of Avenue. Its not ultra fancy, but I wouldnt recommend someone roll in there in flip flops and a tshirt either. Business casual or a dressed up pair of jeans (ie nice shirt and shoes) would work though. And it's not a cheap place but I truely believe you get what you pay for...if you want quality and nice dining experience, you have to pay for it. You can expect to drop roughly $15+ per person if you get a drink and more if you add an appetizer and/or dessert. [/quote]

Re: Review: Avenue Eat and Drink -- florida

Thursday, 02 September 2010 22:07

This is a great review meljakefl! I really can't say how much I/we appreciate you taking the initiative on things like this! I look forward to trying this place out.

[quote="florida"] This is a great review meljakefl! I really can't say how much I/we appreciate you taking the initiative on things like this! I look forward to trying this place out. [/quote]

Re: Avenue Eat and Drink -- meljakefl

Thursday, 02 September 2010 20:03

Had lunch with a couple of other folks today at Avenue (formerly Urbane). They offer valet parking, which is a nice plus for anything downtown. The decor inside is almost identical to the previous restaurant, perhaps with minor changes here and there from color, to dishes, etc., but the layout is basically the same, like a restaurant in NYC. Tables situated right next to each other alongside long walls, so you're not completely isolated. Each of us ordered a different lunch but we did share two delicious appetizers-the peppered fleck gulf shrimp and the spinach hummus with chilled vegetables. Both of these were a hit. Especially the shrimp (had a nice 'nawlins taste to them). The spinach hummus we ordered more out of curiosity since it was made with peanut butter (thats right, I said peanut butter) and was served with both pita bread slices and grilled veggies. We were not disppaointed here either. For lunch, I had the grilled cheese and short rib sandwich, again more out of curiosity. This was interesting, I did enjoy it but felt it was just a tad bit bland, a few more spices wouldve definitely sealed the deal for me but it was still good. For the side, it came with some funky chick pea long tater tot looking contraption (it looked like a fish stick). It had a unqique flavor and texture. Not sure it's my favorite but my friend enjoyed them off of my plate, lol. The others order the grilled ceasar with country ham infused pumpernickle breadsticks (this came out as a wedge salad which was unexpected), the braveheart prime angus steak burger (which was huge) and the home roasted turkey breast sandwich. As you walk in, theres a huge chalk board with a listing of desserts which today included baked alaska, key lime cake, carrot cake, and many others. If only we hadn't eaten so much damn actual lunch. Next time, I am saving room for dessert. I will say, they make a fastastic iced tea. All in all, I enjoyed Avenue and can't wait to check it out for dinner.

[quote="meljakefl"] Had lunch with a couple of other folks today at Avenue (formerly Urbane). They offer valet parking, which is a nice plus for anything downtown. The decor inside is almost identical to the previous restaurant, perhaps with minor changes here and there from color, to dishes, etc., but the layout is basically the same, like a restaurant in NYC. Tables situated right next to each other alongside long walls, so you're not completely isolated. Each of us ordered a different lunch but we did share two delicious appetizers-the peppered fleck gulf shrimp and the spinach hummus with chilled vegetables. Both of these were a hit. Especially the shrimp (had a nice 'nawlins taste to them). The spinach hummus we ordered more out of curiosity since it was made with peanut butter (thats right, I said peanut butter) and was served with both pita bread slices and grilled veggies. We were not disppaointed here either. For lunch, I had the grilled cheese and short rib sandwich, again more out of curiosity. This was interesting, I did enjoy it but felt it was just a tad bit bland, a few more spices wouldve definitely sealed the deal for me but it was still good. For the side, it came with some funky chick pea long tater tot looking contraption (it looked like a fish stick). It had a unqique flavor and texture. Not sure it's my favorite but my friend enjoyed them off of my plate, lol. The others order the grilled ceasar with country ham infused pumpernickle breadsticks (this came out as a wedge salad which was unexpected), the braveheart prime angus steak burger (which was huge) and the home roasted turkey breast sandwich. As you walk in, theres a huge chalk board with a listing of desserts which today included baked alaska, key lime cake, carrot cake, and many others. If only we hadn't eaten so much damn actual lunch. Next time, I am saving room for dessert. I will say, they make a fastastic iced tea. All in all, I enjoyed Avenue and can't wait to check it out for dinner. [/quote]

Re: Avenue Eat and Drink -- td*

Saturday, 21 August 2010 17:31

Heck yes, Avenue looks awesome! im gonna go there!

[quote="td*"] Heck yes, Avenue looks awesome! im gonna go there! [/quote]

Re: Avenue Eat and Drink -- meljakefl

Saturday, 21 August 2010 16:33

Avenue's website if finally up and running in total. And its making my mouth water just reading the menu. Loving their wine lists as well. Looks like they didn't change too much of the inside. Can't wait to try it out!!!!

[quote="meljakefl"] Avenue's website if finally up and running in total. And its making my mouth water just reading the menu. Loving their wine lists as well. Looks like they didn't change too much of the inside. Can't wait to try it out!!!! [/quote]

Re: Avenue Eat and Drink -- florida

Friday, 20 August 2010 17:20

"nolegirl87" wrote:

Yay for a new downtown eatery! I know my office is very excited that they will be serving lunch! Glad to have some variety, besides Goodies, Subway, Metro, and Andrew's.

Don't forget HARRYS!!!

[quote="florida"] [quote="nolegirl87":3olfhxco]Yay for a new downtown eatery! I know my office is very excited that they will be serving lunch! Glad to have some variety, besides Goodies, Subway, Metro, and Andrew's.[/quote:3olfhxco] Don't forget HARRYS!!! [/quote]

Re: Avenue Eat and Drink -- td*

Friday, 20 August 2010 16:46

Tally always is on fire during Fall- Spring. I love this time of year. Tons of people back in town! lots of events!

[quote="td*"] Tally always is on fire during Fall- Spring. I love this time of year. Tons of people back in town! lots of events! [/quote]

Re: Avenue Eat and Drink -- nolegirl87

Friday, 20 August 2010 16:24

Yay for a new downtown eatery! I know my office is very excited that they will be serving lunch! Glad to have some variety, besides Goodies, Subway, Metro, and Andrew's.

[quote="nolegirl87"] Yay for a new downtown eatery! I know my office is very excited that they will be serving lunch! Glad to have some variety, besides Goodies, Subway, Metro, and Andrew's. [/quote]

Avenue Eat and Drink -- meljakefl

Thursday, 19 August 2010 17:39

As mentioned previously, the location that was once Urbane is soon to open as Avenue Eat and Drink. Their website (well a basic intro page http://www.avenueeatanddrink.com ) is up but no detail yet, it posts a "coming soon" message. As reported in the Democrat, they will begin serving lunch next week (I have heard from folks in the know that they will open Tuesday, the 24th but their website says Monday the 23rd which is even better). They are really keeping the inside hidden as all we could see was the reception desk. A young lady working inside propped open the door just enough to confirm they would be serving lunch next week. Very exciting!

And on a personal note, I have to say I am really grateful for them taking a chance on downtown. Yes we got a Subway recently, but we have lost 2 actual dine-in lunchtime restaurants (Paradigm and 101). Sadly both of these venues are still around but they would rather cater to the evening/bar crowds and cease serving lunch. So there are alot of folks downtown very excited to have a new lunchtime venue to try out.

[quote="meljakefl"] As mentioned previously, the location that was once Urbane is soon to open as Avenue Eat and Drink. Their website (well a basic intro page http://www.avenueeatanddrink.com ) is up but no detail yet, it posts a "coming soon" message. As reported in the Democrat, they will begin serving lunch next week (I have heard from folks in the know that they will open Tuesday, the 24th but their website says Monday the 23rd which is even better). They are really keeping the inside hidden as all we could see was the reception desk. A young lady working inside propped open the door just enough to confirm they would be serving lunch next week. Very exciting! And on a personal note, I have to say I am really grateful for them taking a chance on downtown. Yes we got a Subway recently, but we have lost 2 actual dine-in lunchtime restaurants (Paradigm and 101). Sadly both of these venues are still around but they would rather cater to the evening/bar crowds and cease serving lunch. So there are alot of folks downtown very excited to have a new lunchtime venue to try out. [/quote]