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 approachable and innovative cuisine featuring locally and regionally sourced fare inspired by coastal communities from 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.
Open to the public as of Friday, January 22nd, The CITIZEN is guided by long-time industry veteran and member of the Alys Beach community, Jeremy Walton. Walton brings more than 25 years of experience in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry, having worked with luxury hotel groups Auberge Resorts, Montage International, and Sea Island prior to his time with Alys Beach. He has also served as a consulting partner for James Beard Award-winning chef, Chris Hastings.
The CITIZEN features approachable, yet innovative cuisine with a menu that centers around locally and regionally sourced foods and draws inspiration from coastal communities near and far. Land- and sea-driven dishes highlight such focal points as Gulf shrimp and grouper, filet of beef and house made Tagliatelle with Benton’s bacon, vegetables, and herbs, each with beautiful preparations and accompaniments both familiar and exotic. The CITIZEN will initially offer an evening experience, with expansion into lunch and brunch offerings on the horizon.
The cocktail menu is comprised of inventive, seasonal libations organized by flavor profile and featuring reimagined classics alongside familiar favorites. The “Zero Proof” section of the cocktail menu offers elevated mocktail creations based on distilled, non-alcoholic spirits. A thoughtfully curated wine and beer list will round out the menu.
The CITIZEN is conceptualized in a celebration of food and community, a gathering space for neighbors and friends old and new. Khoury-Vogt Architects designed the space, replete with thoughtful details, functional vintage character pieces, and exquisite modern accents. The space comes together around an expansive bar, a stand-alone custom raw bar, a mixture of booth and table seating, an open kitchen featuring a seven-foot wood burning hearth, and expansive views of the Alys Beach Amphitheatre and Scenic Highway 30A.
Currently, The CITIZEN is following social safety protocols including facial coverings worn by employees, social distancing including limited capacity seating, and increased sanitation procedures. The CITIZEN will also follow Alys Beach’s standard of operations.