Auburn's newest downtown restaurant, Acre, is definitely setting a name for itself as the place to try when you're feeling fancy.
Located at 210 E. Glenn Ave., the restaurant has one goal, "to interpret the complex, traditional tastes of the Deep South in a totally fresh and modern way," according to chef David Bancroft.
The restaurant has a rustic lodge-type feel, with strong earth tones and modern lighting and decor.
I went to Acre last Tuesday, with a group of 11, for a friend's birthday dinner.
Word of advice: make reservations ahead of time.
Luckily, we reserved a table outside. It was a little chilly with the overhead fans, but the patio was beautiful and an excellent place for a birthday dinner, date or special occasion.
I was extremely impressed by the authentic "Toomer's Oak Tree," which is a genetic clone from one of the original Toomer's Oaks, that is located outside of the restaurant. It's like having a little bit of tradition still in Auburn.
We had two servers for our large party and that was excellent because we never had to wait long for anything.
They were very accommodating and handled such a large party with ease.
We started off with an assorted meal plate. We may have been unfamiliar with what was on the plate, but we enjoyed every bit of it, including the sauce that accompanied it.
Acre has an assortment of beer, wine and mixed drinks. I had a "down by the tree," or something along those lines, which is Lake Martin apple cider and spiced rum. It was delicious and very pretty to look at. The only downside was it cost me $8 for one drink.
Ordering the main course was a the tricky part. Acre is not the place to go on the typical college student budget.
I ordered the brisket burger, and it was delicious. It was perfectly cooked to medium rare and I couldn't stop eating the fries, which were well-seasoned. I was unable to finish the entire thing and it was $13.
I sampled my friend's mac n' cheese, which was covered in gouda cheese with bacon bits sprinkled in. It was not very filling by itself, so my friend also ordered the strawberry and candied walnut salad. The side salad cost her $7 and the mac n' cheese was $8.
Acre's menu changes from week to week, and they are always adding new recipes. It was nice to have some variability.
If you're feeling like you want some fish, bring your mom and dad along because it gets a little pricey. The grilled red snapper will run you approximately $25, and the scallops are $24.
The menu is divided into three sections for dinner, Monday-Thursday 5-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5-10 p.m.
The menu is split into three sections. "The family," which is smaller entrees that won't run up the bill, "the farmer" includes fresh grown vegetables with meat and fish and "the foodie" offers a variety such as oysters, spicy funnel cake and a cast iron "Bibimbap."
Lunch is available from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
If you save room for dessert, you're in for a literal treat. On the menu this week are fried doughnut holes, a cheese plate, chocolate bete noir and a pear bread pudding. Yum.
My experience at Acre was great. The food was well prepared, the service was attentive and the atmosphere wasn't so formal that I felt uncomfortable.
It's a great place to impress a first date or celebrate a special occasion.
Just make sure you have a reservation and money in the bank.
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