Coastal Tavern ‘The CITIZEN’ Now Open at Alys Beach

30A’s newest restaurant, The CITIZEN, a coastal tavern and restaurant located within the luxury seaside community of Alys Beach, is now open.

Situated on the street level of The May in Alys Beach’s Town Center, The CITIZEN presents innovative cuisine featuring locally and regionally sourced fare inspired by coastal communities around the globe.

As a celebration of community and a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, The CITIZEN boasts a dynamic food and beverage program paired with elegant and modern interior design.

Overseeing The CITIZEN’S conception and operations is long-time industry veteran Jeremy Walton. Having worked with the Alys Beach community since 2014, Walton brings more than 25 years of experience in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry, including stints at luxury hotel and restaurant groups, including Auberge Resorts, Montage International, and Sea Island. He has also served as a consulting partner for James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Chris Hastings.

“My close working relationship with Alys Beach over the last five years made this an exciting decision and opportunity,” Walton said. “While I continue to love working alongside the Alys Beach team, The CITIZEN presented a wonderful way for me to continue to contribute to the growth of the community while pursuing my entrepreneurial vision.”

Here’s what the menu promises:

The CITIZEN boasts an extensive food menu in an approachable, all-day dining—from an afternoon cocktail after a day at the beach to a creative shaved ice confection as a late-night snack—setting.

Menu items, distinguished between classic and more adventurous signature dishes, will include a variety of seafood-driven options.

Highlights include: Gulf Shrimp with Calabrian Chilies, Lemon, Crispy Garlic, Shallots, served with herb salad and grilled bread; and Roasted Grouper with Charred Fennel, Carolina Gold Rice, Tomato, Capers, Olives, Lemon-Thyme, and Benton’s Bacon. Providing options to satisfy all palates, the menu also offers a selection of “Land” inspired dishes, with house favorites including the Filet of Beef with Crispy Artichokes and Creamed Spinach, Bone Marrow Custard, and Bearnaise Sauce; and Coconut Curry Butternut Squash with Pomegranate, Crispy Shallots, Parsley Cilantro Salad, Pickled Vegetables, and Cashews.

From the bar, guests can expect to find classic cocktails like the Sidecar made with Croizet VS Brandy, Tippler’s Orange  Liqueur, and Lemon served with a Sugar Rim; and Jungle Bird with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, Plantation Pineapple Dark Rum, Campari, Turbinado, and Lime;   alongside bright and fresh, seasonal creations like the Lucid Green made with Wodka Vodka, Lime, Mint, Basil, Absinthe Mint, and Hemp Oil; and Blood & Sand featuring Monkey Shoulder Scotch, Herring Cherry, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, and Blood Orange. The menu also includes a ‘Zero Proof’ section for elevated mocktail creations utilizing distilled, non-alcoholic spirits. A curated wine and beer list will also be available, featuring a variety of pours, including local craft beers.

Design & Décor 

Driven by the love for the community and the desire to create a one-of-a-kind space specifically for Alys Beach and the greater South Walton area, The CITIZEN was Designed by architecture and design firm, Khoury-Vogt Architects, who also serve as the Town Architects for Alys Beach.

The interior is outiftted with a large bar accented with navy paint, gold trim, and marble countertops, a separate raw bar, a mixture of booth and table seating.

One of the design highlights is retractable screens that open to the bustling views of the Alys Beach Amphitheatre and Highway 30-A.

The kitchen will house a seven-foot wood burning hearth where the team will cook over a live fire.

When to Visit:

Cornivirus  guidelines and safety measures, including masked employees, social distancing, limited capacity seating, and increased sanitation procedures, will be in place until further notice.

The restaurant will be open six days a week from Monday to Saturday, 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. for dinner service, with lunch and brunch offerings launching in the coming weeks. Reservations, will only be accepted for parties of 8 or more and can be booked via Resy. Curbside to-go will also be available.

For more info, visit The Citizen or follow them on Facebook & Instagram.