Last month, St. Augustine’s West King district welcomed a new addition as Alfred’s officially opened its doors, ushering in a lively neighborhood destination for food, music, art, games, and social gathering. The new venture comes from local entrepreneur Ryan Kunsch, the owner of Sarbez! and Muggsy’s. Rather than create a traditional restaurant, Kunsch built a multi-purpose venue that blends a neighborhood eatery with a performance space and cultural hub. The concept embraces the creative spirit that has fueled West King’s revitalization while giving residents and visitors a place to connect over food and live entertainment. “The West King area has such a great energy,” said Kunsch. “There are many voids to be filled, and the people of the neighborhood deserve cool stuff. For whatever reason people are still uncertain about the neighborhood and I find that very silly.”
The location occupies the former Sailor’s Exchange building, a longtime landmark with a colorful history. The team renovated the space while preserving its character, creating what they describe as a “weird, warm” gathering place that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The kitchen centers on handcrafted sourdough pizza, a specialty that chef Garrett Schiavone developed through his popular Real Peel Pizza food truck concept. Guests can expect a handful of signature pies alongside pasta and fresh salads designed for a relaxed night out. The menu pairs with a selection of draft beer and wine, encouraging patrons to hang around long after the meal ends.
Beyond the food, Alfred’s aims to emphasize supporting local artists and performers, showcasing rotating art installations, live music performances, and other creative events that highlight St. Augustine’s diverse talent. A large performance room and ample seating give the venue the flexibility to accommodate larger events. Making your way past the stage and to the door leads you to a fenced in, pet-friendly outdoor patio with ample seating.
