The Augustine Grill!
The town of Castle Rock has preserved much of its history, and a bit of it can be found in the Augustine Grill. The restaurant was originally the beautiful Victorian home of George and Evelyn Leonard in the early 1900s, on lots that George purchased for $2. The house changed hands from the Leonards to the Schweigers and finally became a restaurant. Mike and Anna Linney acquired the property in 1997.
Dana White, the Linneys’ good friend and long-time manager, runs he Augustine Grill . She has been around since the Grill opened and has performed just about every task possible.
“Lots of people have come up to me over the years and said their grandfather owned the house way back when,” Dana says. “One woman told me she used to play on the front porch and that my office upstairs was the original bathroom – which I had suspected for a while!”
The Carriage House in the back corner of the property was built in 1887 and now houses a gift shop, Skadoodles. The boutique carries clothing, gift baskets, home and holiday décor.
Cuisine at the Augustine Grill
The Augustine Grill provides a cozy ambiance for serving its mouth-watering cuisine. Some items have been on the menu since the Grill opened 20 years ago.
For example, the Augustine Duet, tenderloin medallions with Béarnaise sauce with caramelized shallot mashed potatoes, is a favorite of many repeat patrons. “It’s one of our most popular items,” Dana says. “But some people come here just for the rack of lamb or the sea scallops – which are amazing. It’s a small menu but everything on it is just really, really good.”
The grill serves five d
ifferent salads and a variety of starters, including calamari that Dana says, “has no tubes or tentacles – just the good stuff!” And for dessert – you won’t be disappointed with the crème brûlée, bread pudding, tres leches or chocolate praline Kahlúa™ torte!
The wine cellar in the building houses some of the best California wines, as well as wines from New Zealand, France, Spain, Italy and Chile.
Special Events
During the fall and winter Dana oversees an afternoon tea one Sunday a month. “It’s been very successful. We serve eight or nine English teas, fresh baked scones, a variety of sandwiches and desserts, and champagne cocktails,” she says. And on Fridays and Saturday nights, guitarist and vocalist Sal Mancini performs.
The Augustine Grill is perfect for special milestones, Dana says, anniversaries, birthdays, engagements, wedding rehearsal dinners, baby showers and bridal showers have all been held there.
Dana recommends reservations for dinner. “Those customers get priority treatment, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.”
The Augustine Grill serves lunch and dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays at 519 Wilcox in Castle Rock. Remember to call Dana at 303-814-3663 for dinner reservations. She’ll treat you like royalty!
New Home Designs in Castle Rock
Fine dining is minutes away from homeowners in the master-planned community of Crystal Valley in Castle Rock. If you don’t live here yet, check out the beautiful home designs, surrounded by nature, from Richmond American Homes. The ranch and two-story models are priced from the high $300s. And – coming soon – new homes by D.R. Horton and Kauffman Homes!
