Ivy & Ale

Ivy & Ale brings new meaning to a beer garden. Nestled in a quiet Fort Walton Beach neighborhood and housed in a charming former residence, this restaurant and taproom doubles as a boutique nursery.

Owner Clint Hill runs a full-time landscaping business in addition to the restaurant. While his landscaping work serves as a means to fund his creative, entrepreneurial endeavors, it has been an inspiration, too.

“The plants inside the restaurant are a nod to that,” Hill said. “Plus, they give a nice aesthetic.”

Inside Ivy & Ale is a verdant oasis featuring walls adorned with houseplants for sale propagated at Hill’s personal greenhouse. The dining room’s botanical ambiance is complemented by edgewood tables, string lighting and cozy seating. Outside, guests can enjoy a relaxed backyard atmosphere with patio seating and a performance space.

The casual space is met with an elevated yet approachable menu.

Photos by Erin Hansen images courtesy of Ivy & Ale

With a focus on offerings from Florida and Alabama breweries, Ivy & Ale boasts eight local and regional brews on tap, providing a diversity of flavors for both the beer connoisseur and the casual drinker. Rotating taps ensure there’s always something new to try, making each visit an adventure in beer tasting.

Equally impressive, and perhaps unknown to new patrons, is the vast wine selection.

“We have a lot more wine than people realize,” Hill said. “We have around 150 different types of wines from different vintners and buy quite a bit of limited wines, so there’s always a good pairing option for our guests.”

Whether you visit on a bustling Saturday night or for a leisurely brunch, Ivy & Ale offers a welcoming experience.

“We truly focus on celebrating and creating community,” Hill said.

Sans advertising, Hill has garnered a loyal patron base from word-of-mouth recommendations and an active presence on social media.

“It’s nice because everyone seems to know one another,” he said. “Whether they are part of the neighborhood or just stumble into this place because of the word around town, they find themselves in a space where they’re meeting someone new or seeing a familiar face.”

A communal-style dining space encourages conversations where strangers often become friends. However, many would say the food is the real conversation starter.

With a rotating menu of select dishes, each meal is a combination of fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally by Hill, promising a unique culinary experience that celebrates the flavors of each season.

Still, several tried and true menu staples maintain a place on the menu and remain a hit among customers.

“One of the first menu items we’ve ever created for Ivy & Ale is our Whipped Feta Dip,” Hill said. “It’s been along for the ride during all of our menu changes.”

For Hill, crafting Ivy & Ale’s menu is a labor of love — the fresh, seasonal selections attract local and out-of-town diners alike.

“Our food is a big deal to me,” he said. “I spend so much time creating these menus and perfecting them. People know that when they come in, and they can tell because everything is fresh and intentionally made.”

From sauces to marinades, Hill prioritizes incorporating a homemade touch.

“Our steak tacos are extremely popular for that very reason,” he said. “Guests love this dish!”

A housemade marinade of 10 ingredients infuses the steak with its flavor base before it’s seared in an aged chimichurri made by Hill. Add to that pickled onions and smoked crema, it’s no wonder the steak tacos are such a hit.

Beyond food, beverages and plants, the homey hangout serves as a hub for its community, supporting local artists and organizations.

“We take part in several events,” Hill said. “We try to get all kinds of different local segments involved in our events by hiring local vendors and musicians and donating to local charities, too.”

Whether you come for the craft
beer or the food, there’s no doubt you’ll stick around for the good vibes and good people.

Ivy & Ale is located at 222 Staff Drive in Fort Walton Beach.

Decades Coffee

Ivy & Ale owner Clint Hill has a knack for entrepreneurship. Adding to his repertoire, Hill has plans to open a new Fort Walton Beach coffee shop this winter at what once was the Roark Dentistry building. A remodel will open up the doctor’s office-style floor plan and house five rooms, each themed to replicate a living room from a different decade. Artisan coffee and breakfast burritos are planned for the menu, and evening offerings will include beer, wine and dinner burritos.