The only play to eat Good food and have a good atmosphere is this one. Thank you and all your staff for making me Welcome and So Kind. Loved it, A real review by a Cuban American. GRACIAS!!!!!!!1
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jessica Keller
No regular queso, only beer queso even tho the trio dip (the very first app) just says queso, no indication that its beer queso other than another seperate appetizer being beer queso. Server kinda ignored us after we explained the issue that we wanted Regular queso not beer queso. No refund, not great service, kinda suck cause it looks like a cute lil place to eat. :/
Hey im not twisting anything Back 40 staff, yall just dont know how to properly word your menu so here's an edit so there's no misunderstanding!
Edit: yes i was offered alternative dips all which I dislike, and it was my friend who decided to keep the dish as they didnt wanna waste it. Also no!!! I was not told BEFORE ordering the queso that it was beer queso, hence why I specifically asked for REGULAR queso after(which you dont have), seeing as this restuarant is supposedly tex mex. Dont try to spin it like I'm wrong, when you're menu clearly says just Queso, not beer queso like the appetizer several choices below, just queso under the very first app. And because I was so frustrated I didnt want anything else I may not have liked especially when the server tried to agrue about a miscommunication on YOUR MENU!!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
nishant narula
When we arrived in St. Augustine, we were looking for a spot to have lunch. Based on good reviews, we decided to try Back 40 Urban Cafe.
The cafe specializes in urban fresh food, and we were immediately impressed by its cozy and inviting ambiance. After taking a seat in a booth, our server promptly brought us menus.
To start, we ordered the Trio Appetizers with Chips, followed by the Island Bowl with Grilled Chicken and the Jerk Chicken Avocado Sandwich for our main courses.
The Trio Appetizers came with salsa, guacamole, and onion cream sauce, paired with freshly made chips. The dips were flavorful and fresh.
For the main dishes, the Island Bowl featured grilled chicken, tomatoes, beans, and a flavorful sauce. While the ingredients were fresh, the grilled chicken was unfortunately dry and lacked juiciness, which left us slightly disappointed.
However, the Jerk Chicken Avocado Sandwich more than made up for it! The jerk chicken was juicy and well-seasoned. It was the standout dish of our meal and Jerk Chicken became my favorite.
Despite the grilled chicken in the bowl being underwhelming, the rest of the dishes were fresh, delicious, and satisfying.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken, Chips and Salsa
Jess Lewis
We had such a lovely time here. The food was delicious; I had the vegetarian chili salad with homemade ranch, and my girlfriend had the grouper tacos. We shared the trip of dips- every one was absolutely delicious. We had the hummus, guacamole and fried onion dip. Everything was fresh, bright, flavorful and satisfying. I’m taking home the salad and dips, and I just ordered key lime pie. Totally recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hummus
macready lives
Had the chips and salsa as appetizer. Might be my favorite salsa ever. Couldn't get enough. SO GOOD! Chips were awesome too - great texture. Ordered the Cuban sandwich and it was amazing. My wife had Poke Bowl and WOW! Tuna was delicious! Server was excellent, by the way - great service. Place is cute and quaint - nice, simple, unpretentious atmosphere. Felt like I was eating at a friend's house. Lots of cool art on the walls. Will definitely be back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cuban, Chips and Salsa
Ivan A
Pleasant surprise find. Last day in Florida and wanted to have “local” flavors. This place delivers.
We got here at 2:45pm on a Monday. Coincidentally they have happy hour between 2:30-5:30. We took advantage of the $4/taco deal (happy hour special) and ordered the Caribbean jerk chicken nachos.
Tacos were of a good size. My wife and I were able to share everything and feel satisfied. Staff is friendly and food generally came out quick.
Personal preference or ranking of the tacos, (all are good, so if you order #4, go for it!)
If I could give zero stars, I would. Placed an order at 6:40 and never received it. Tried calling the cafe, only for it to ring perpetually or be sent directly to voicemail. Who runs a business like this? I understand if orders were backed up, that it might take some more time, which would be fine. But to completely disregard the order and subsequently NOT CONTACT THE CUSTOMER? What in the world. This is not a business that I will ever come back to. Absolutely ridiculous. Zero stars. Never again. We were willing to drop almost $80 on this order, but good luck trying to get any money from us going forward. Do better or don’t do business.
Nathan Mercado
Rustic home feeling. Our waitress she was awesome.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott Asselin
Dont let the outside looks deceive you. The food is great. A hidden gem. Island bowl.with grilled shrimp and the jerk chicken and pineapple quesadilla
Parking: Limited parking
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jillian Ayers
Even though it was clearly stated that I cannot eat gluten, and I ordered the 100% corn tacos, I was given flour tacos. No one checked to see how things were going and the one woman I did see waved me off. It was maybe 30 minutes after I was given the wrong order our waitress checked on our table. There was no apology or attempt to make things right. The other friends that are with me were also not very impressed. I strongly recommend you go elsewhere. They don’t care about their customers.
Dietary restrictions: Warning, was told the tacos were gluten free but they gave me the wrong ones!
A true hidden gem!! GO, for sure! We were undecided, and I finally said no, we have gotta try Back 40 Urban Cafe while visiting St. Augustine. Peaceful atmosphere, we had one room all to ourselves. (like it was a charming old house turned into a restaurant) And we both left so glad, full, happy… absolutely scrumptious food, superb portions, fresh, clean, AND how can I not mention: super affordable too!! A huge cut of blackened grouper added to my bowl was only $5! This is food made right!
Kid-friendliness: Kids would enjoy the kitschy quirkiness of all the art and colorful plates!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken
Dale Tompkins
Back 40 is a locals favorite tucked away in a historic old house in the middle of a neighborhood. You are not likely to just stumble upon this place. But if you find yourself fortunate enough to find you are in for a treat! My personal favorite is the wet burrito covered in either queso or red chili sauce. I like to add the spicy shrimp for the coastal taste. Their Cubans are also delicious as well as their black beans and rice. The portions are great sized and can often be shared between two people or take home lunch for the next day.
Absolutely subpar. This "restaurant" was not good. We choose this place to meet with my adult children. It was awful. The food had no flavor. It was expensive. I am a St. Augustine native. I will never go back here. Try again.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
Jillian Ayers
Even though it was clearly stated that I cannot eat gluten, and I ordered the 100% corn tacos, I was given flour tacos. No one checked to see how things were going and the one woman I did see waved me off. It was maybe 30 minutes after I was given the wrong order our waitress checked on our table. There was no apology or attempt to make things right. I strongly recommend you go elsewhere. They don’t care about their customers.
Dallas Shumaker
We did not stay to eat due to the sewer smell inside the restaurant. Probably shouldn't have opened.
The only play to eat Good food and have a good atmosphere is this one. Thank you and all your staff for making me Welcome and So Kind. Loved it, A real review by a Cuban American. GRACIAS!!!!!!!1
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
No regular queso, only beer queso even tho the trio dip (the very first app) just says queso, no indication that its beer queso other than another seperate appetizer being beer queso. Server kinda ignored us after we explained the issue that we wanted Regular queso not beer queso. No refund, not great service, kinda suck cause it looks like a cute lil place to eat. :/
Hey im not twisting anything Back 40 staff, yall just dont know how to properly word your menu so here's an edit so there's no misunderstanding!
Edit: yes i was offered alternative dips all which I dislike, and it was my friend who decided to keep the dish as they didnt wanna waste it. Also no!!! I was not told BEFORE ordering the queso that it was beer queso, hence why I specifically asked for REGULAR queso after(which you dont have), seeing as this restuarant is supposedly tex mex. Dont try to spin it like I'm wrong, when you're menu clearly says just Queso, not beer queso like the appetizer several choices below, just queso under the very first app. And because I was so frustrated I didnt want anything else I may not have liked especially when the server tried to agrue about a miscommunication on YOUR MENU!!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
When we arrived in St. Augustine, we were looking for a spot to have lunch. Based on good reviews, we decided to try Back 40 Urban Cafe.
The cafe specializes in urban fresh food, and we were immediately impressed by its cozy and inviting ambiance. After taking a seat in a booth, our server promptly brought us menus.
To start, we ordered the Trio Appetizers with Chips, followed by the Island Bowl with Grilled Chicken and the Jerk Chicken Avocado Sandwich for our main courses.
The Trio Appetizers came with salsa, guacamole, and onion cream sauce, paired with freshly made chips. The dips were flavorful and fresh.
For the main dishes, the Island Bowl featured grilled chicken, tomatoes, beans, and a flavorful sauce. While the ingredients were fresh, the grilled chicken was unfortunately dry and lacked juiciness, which left us slightly disappointed.
However, the Jerk Chicken Avocado Sandwich more than made up for it! The jerk chicken was juicy and well-seasoned. It was the standout dish of our meal and Jerk Chicken became my favorite.
Despite the grilled chicken in the bowl being underwhelming, the rest of the dishes were fresh, delicious, and satisfying.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken, Chips and Salsa
We had such a lovely time here. The food was delicious; I had the vegetarian chili salad with homemade ranch, and my girlfriend had the grouper tacos. We shared the trip of dips- every one was absolutely delicious. We had the hummus, guacamole and fried onion dip. Everything was fresh, bright, flavorful and satisfying. I’m taking home the salad and dips, and I just ordered key lime pie. Totally recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hummus
Had the chips and salsa as appetizer. Might be my favorite salsa ever. Couldn't get enough. SO GOOD! Chips were awesome too - great texture. Ordered the Cuban sandwich and it was amazing. My wife had Poke Bowl and WOW! Tuna was delicious! Server was excellent, by the way - great service. Place is cute and quaint - nice, simple, unpretentious atmosphere. Felt like I was eating at a friend's house. Lots of cool art on the walls. Will definitely be back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cuban, Chips and Salsa
Pleasant surprise find. Last day in Florida and wanted to have “local” flavors. This place delivers.
We got here at 2:45pm on a Monday. Coincidentally they have happy hour between 2:30-5:30. We took advantage of the $4/taco deal (happy hour special) and ordered the Caribbean jerk chicken nachos.
Tacos were of a good size. My wife and I were able to share everything and feel satisfied. Staff is friendly and food generally came out quick.
Personal preference or ranking of the tacos, (all are good, so if you order #4, go for it!)
#1 mojo pork
#2 shrimp
#3 marinated tuna
#4 grouper
Parking: Free parking lot next to business
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken Nachos, Shrimp Tacos, Jerk Chicken
If I could give zero stars, I would. Placed an order at 6:40 and never received it. Tried calling the cafe, only for it to ring perpetually or be sent directly to voicemail. Who runs a business like this? I understand if orders were backed up, that it might take some more time, which would be fine. But to completely disregard the order and subsequently NOT CONTACT THE CUSTOMER? What in the world. This is not a business that I will ever come back to. Absolutely ridiculous. Zero stars. Never again. We were willing to drop almost $80 on this order, but good luck trying to get any money from us going forward. Do better or don’t do business.
Rustic home feeling. Our waitress she was awesome.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dont let the outside looks deceive you. The food is great. A hidden gem. Island bowl.with grilled shrimp and the jerk chicken and pineapple quesadilla
Parking: Limited parking
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Even though it was clearly stated that I cannot eat gluten, and I ordered the 100% corn tacos, I was given flour tacos. No one checked to see how things were going and the one woman I did see waved me off. It was maybe 30 minutes after I was given the wrong order our waitress checked on our table. There was no apology or attempt to make things right. The other friends that are with me were also not very impressed. I strongly recommend you go elsewhere. They don’t care about their customers.
Dietary restrictions: Warning, was told the tacos were gluten free but they gave me the wrong ones!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken Tacos
Restaurantji Recommends
A true hidden gem!! GO, for sure! We were undecided, and I finally said no, we have gotta try Back 40 Urban Cafe while visiting St. Augustine. Peaceful atmosphere, we had one room all to ourselves. (like it was a charming old house turned into a restaurant) And we both left so glad, full, happy… absolutely scrumptious food, superb portions, fresh, clean, AND how can I not mention: super affordable too!! A huge cut of blackened grouper added to my bowl was only $5! This is food made right!
Kid-friendliness: Kids would enjoy the kitschy quirkiness of all the art and colorful plates!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken
Back 40 is a locals favorite tucked away in a historic old house in the middle of a neighborhood. You are not likely to just stumble upon this place. But if you find yourself fortunate enough to find you are in for a treat! My personal favorite is the wet burrito covered in either queso or red chili sauce. I like to add the spicy shrimp for the coastal taste. Their Cubans are also delicious as well as their black beans and rice. The portions are great sized and can often be shared between two people or take home lunch for the next day.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wet Burrito with Jerk Chicken, Hummus, Shrimp Tacos, Chili, Chips And, Steak Tacos, Cuban
Absolutely subpar.
This "restaurant" was not good.
We choose this place to meet with my adult children.
It was awful. The food had no flavor. It was expensive.
I am a St. Augustine native. I will never go back here.
Try again.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
Even though it was clearly stated that I cannot eat gluten, and I ordered the 100% corn tacos, I was given flour tacos. No one checked to see how things were going and the one woman I did see waved me off. It was maybe 30 minutes after I was given the wrong order our waitress checked on our table. There was no apology or attempt to make things right. I strongly recommend you go elsewhere. They don’t care about their customers.
We did not stay to eat due to the sewer smell inside the restaurant. Probably shouldn't have opened.
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