Congaree and Penn

I love the atmosphere and service at Congaree and Penn. The farm is stunning! We've visited a few times, and each time, I enjoy the vibes. The food is solid, and I like their seasonal menu. The appetizers and salads are probably my favorites. The short ribs entree is always great, and my pasta was good, but honestly, the heirloom tomato salad was the standout! Definitely recommend if you like farm to table. Sit under the covered patio - beautiful end to the day!

The farm is expansive and truly beautiful, offering plenty of open space for walking and relaxing. The setting is peaceful and inviting, perfect for a leisurely day outdoors. While we didn’t encounter many animals during our visit, the overall atmosphere was calm and pleasant. The staff and service were excellent — everyone was friendly and attentive. That part of the experience stood out in a very positive way. However, I felt the food was overpriced and unfortunately didn’t live up to expectations in terms of taste.

Booked a reservation for lunch on Mother's Day and it was the best experience. Very relaxing, laid back environment even with my kids. 😂 Food was delicious but the dessert was exceptional! Tried 2 out of the 3 options. Walked the farm grounds before and after, beautiful property. This was my 3rd time here but first time eating and I will definitely be back for another meal. Also a nice surprise, they had a wildflower field and you could pick your own flowers. Perfect Mother's Day!

We came here for lunch after church and it was SO nice!! What a fabulous property with super friendly staff. We had a reservation and arrived early to tour the property. So glad we did. The food was exceptional and our server was beyond great. She told us all about the history of the place and the food etc. Also one of the staff members placed a fan to shield my wife when the sun was on her(without anyone asking). I highly recommend this venue. Top notch.

loved it! My grandparents were visiting from Germany & I brought them here. Wheelchair/scooter accessible. They loved the food! Everything is local & super fresh! Diabetic friendly. THE FARM IS AMAZING!!! We were free to walk & roam as we pleased. There were horses, duck, bees, chickens & more! And so much greenery. We live super close & will be returning often. great place for locals & tourists

Our anniversary dinner at this farm was truly magical. The atmosphere was warm and inviting and we spent an hour before dinner walking the property and getting entertainment from the many animals. The highlight of our meal was, without a doubt, the short rib—it was hands down the best I've ever had. The farm’s charm added an extra layer of magic to the experience, making it feel intimate and special. Every detail, from the food to the ambiance, exceeded our expectations. This place is a must-visit!

C&P is such a unique and special place, unlike anything in the area. Reminiscent of a quaint Vermont farm or California vineyard, but with even better food and service. This is the place you take people who truly enjoy handcrafted farm fresh dishes that you may never see anywhere else in your life. A tremendous overall experience, we all absolutely loved everything about it.

This is a unique experience, but I found the food to be average for the price. The portions were small, so no worries about being over full. Our server was fantastic. The tables have a view of the farm. However, they also charged $5 per person just to walk the path through the farm area while we waited for our table. I thought this was a rip-off money grab. They did have places to purchase a drink while you walked/waited. Overall, it was a cool experience, but I doubt I'll return.

This was a phenomenal experience. The crazy part is, due to the time of our reservation..we were unable to experience everything. They have a vineyard on property where the grapes are used for the ciders they serve, the vegetables that are served are grown on property also. Being able to walk the farm is extra but recommended during daylight hours. Johnny was our server and was very knowledgeable of the menu, very prompt and attentive to what we wanted. He was also helpful with providing suggestions and patient...because I was indecisive. Once the decisions were finally made, we decided to begin with the cornbread and a cider flight. I can't remember all the names of the ciders, but they all are good. The flight is only $12, and allows you to try all the ciders they offer. I ended up getting a cup of the smoked watermelon cider and it went great with my meal. For the main course, I ordered the shrimp and rice grits. Featuring rice that's milled right on property. Initially when I heard "rice grits" my first reaction was Eww. Then Johnny explained what they were and how the consistency went well with the pepper jelly that the shrimp is covered with. It was spicy and hella delicious. My table mate ordered the braised beef that literally fell apart because it was so tender. The broccolini was something different but really tasty. It was cold, which is way different for me but the with caramelized onion aioli, pickled pearl onion, crunchy lemon oil & citrus.... I was very much so impressed. The presentation of the meal was phenomenal...along with the beautiful landscape made dinner a picture perfect scenario. Even with the cold temps outside, the tables with the covering...and heaters makes it perfect for outside dining. We finished the night with an apple pie sundae that was decent. I personally would babe made it differently, being that it's designed to be shared ...but it was good and frankly I'd order it again. This is a must visit place. They have plenty of events on property that you can access by checking the congaree and penn website. You may even see me there as I plan to make a few more visits!

So, let me start by saying that I was on the fence with this place bc it has so many dining related rules on its website. However, after dining here, they have won me over and you can see the rules are designed to enhance your dining experience. They put a lot of work in as a group to make your experience enjoyable. The restaurant is a working farm also, so you can tour the farm or dine outside under the hanger or at a fire pit. You can make a reservation on Resy and request indoor or outdoor dining. They have more outdoor dining options than indoor. We dined at the big table inside which will seat a party of 8. It sits a little low for my taste but no one else in our party complained. Our server Sam was attentive and knowledgeable of the menu. His explanation of the short ribs led me to order it (let me say that when they tell you it is tender and savory they are not lying). His service was genuine and helpful. Our party ordered a variety of items, while my wife and I don't drink others in our party ordered their house made cider and thoroughly enjoyed them (they have several different kinds). We also ordered the charcuterie board appetizer and corn bread appetizer - both were great and enjoyed by the table. The charcuterie is enough for a group of 6-8. For mains, I ordered beef short rib with carrots, celery puree, fried parsnips and wilted chard and my wife ordered the shrimp and grits. Others ordered the same or the catch of the day (sea bass). As I said earlier the beef was great and my wife's shrimp and grits was hearty and creamy. The business really tries to make sure your entire experience is great: from your initial seating, to the service, to the food prep and the fact that they do not rush you out so they can seat the next group. Such a great experience. Recommend for a group outing or an intimate evening with your spouse.

Great customer service, food very flavorful, but make sure you make a reservation. A lot of drink options, they make their own cider (flight option) The grounds are beautiful to walk around, animals to pet, and beautiful photo ops. Give this place a go, you won't be disappointed!

We made reservations for a table at noon on a Sunday and made the 45 minute trip from the beach. They sat us right away and our server was very friendly and helpful. We ordered the flatbread to start and was very fresh and the ham was really good. The fig preserves on the flatbread were a little sweet for us. Then we ordered the Florida Heat sandwich with the hot mayo on the side. It was very fresh and delicious. We ordered the cider flight and those were good, light and tasted like wine. We purchased the farm passes for $5 each and walked to see the animals. It was peaceful and quiet and a we enjoyed our time there.

This was such a fun time exploring even though it was hot. We had an early dinner inside and got the full plate of meats and side fixin. The smoke chicken was ok, brisket I heard was delicious though a little dry. Interior space for eating is one big table and the outdoor space is huge, though no air conditioner outdoor, lol! Looks like a popular place especially after 5pm when it begins to cool down. After our dinner, we paid for a large basket $10 to pick the muscat grapes, such a sweet and fun experience. Make sure to wear boots if you come here in the summertime when Florida has rainy weather. We also explored the large property to see the animals. It's a stunning place for a couple, girlfriends or a family. Enjoy!

I really like what Congaree and Penn has to offer as far as experience. I love the combination of the cider tasting and walking through the property to see the animals. It's a break from the chaos in the city of Jacksonville. I had lunch here with two of my girlfriends and I feel like the menu could use a little juujing!

One of my go to spots! The farm is adorable and the food is to die for. Some of the best food in Jax, all farm to table! The service is always amazing and super friendly. Eating beside the fire pit is fun but the long tables with a bigger group is also Nice! I highly recommend. The fish fries are a fun time and the menus they offer are great !

This location is beautiful. It's a farm and restaurant all in one. Farm to table. We went to celebrate a birthday and before our dinner reservation, we walked around the grounds. It was $5 to roam around. They also sell drinks so you can walk and drink! They also have live animals like chickens and horses and many others. They were having an oyster or clam bake at the same time which looked fun! Once the sun went down, the heaters came on but it didn't feel sufficient enough. It did get a bit cold. However, the service was attentive and food came along pretty quickly. We ordered the board to share and I got the shrimp and grits as my entree. Thoroughly enjoyed the shrimp but the grits were made differently and I think I prefer the original version. But the flavors were amazing! Overall I would go again due to the entire experience. Would recommend wearing comfy shoes and to bundle up if it's winter time!

I love Congaree and Penn. It is a hidden Jacksonville gem. This farm has completely transformed into an amazing destination with a full kitchen and delicious restaurant. The farm has animals, their own ciders and a few walking paths. They host a variety of events from Friday on the farm with live music and a food truck (great for kids), canine field days and dining experiences. I've done the chefs tasting and the fish fry. Both incredible experiences. The staff is always so friendly and personable.

We went to Congaree and Penn on one of their farm pass days and we loved it! We didn't have food, so can't comment on the food truck but it was Blade and Wave and their menu looked delicious. We each had a couple of wines and beers, which were excellent, and served by friendly bartenders. But you're really going for the views and the vibes. It's an immense property, with huge open fields that we and our dog loved exploring. There's also live music playing and people sitting around enjoying that while kids play. It was sooo lovely and relaxing, can't wait to go back soon!

This was my first time visiting C&P, and I went with a friend who goes a few times a year. Overall, the service and ambiance were great. Unfortunately, you don't get to take a free farm tour anymore. The portions were not American-sized, but were good. The cornbread was AMAZING, and definitely worth it. I personally wouldn't go again unless I'm using my $50 Resy statement credit from my AMEX gold card.

I've been to this restaurant for dinner before and I can honestly say the service was much better and so was the dinner menu. Brunch honestly was disappointing. Starting with the coffee, it was just really watered down - and even the second cup refill was the same. The brunch menu had some interesting and unique savory options. The "Florida Heat" was a take on a "spicy" fried chicken sandwich with a bit of spicy mayo, and a crispy chicken thigh. While the chicken was crispy and the pickles complemented the sandwich well, it wasn't spicy in the slightest and a bit dry. The sandwich was still flavorful though! The "chorizo biscuit" was another interesting take - combining classic biscuits and gravy with chorizo meat. The chorizo was super dry, and oddly had a sweet taste, not the typical spicy taste. The biscuit was definitely homemade, but I felt like the gravy didn't taste like it was - rather sweet for a gravy as well. You can order off the menu items like extra eggs - cooked over easy, medium, or hard. All the ingredients used were definitely farm sourced and fresh produce. If you come for brunch, it would be more for the atmosphere and experience of the beautiful farm view. Maybe different dishes would be better next time!

Everything was delicious. Their chicken is out of this world. Desert was great too. Our server was great with walking us through the menu and telling more about the history of the place. Beautiful trails to walk around and animals were super cute.

We came for the holiday pop up market and it was honestly unimpressive. The brunch menu was small and you'd think with such a short menu, execution would be on point. My Florida heat chicken sandwich was overdone - like the grease was on too high so the outside was well done which made the chicken dry. It takes a lot to make a chicken thigh dry so that was my takeaway. The pasta salad which was the side of the day lacked flavor - like unsalted water bland pasta. I did grab some fries from another plate and those were done well. For the prices they charge, I just don't see the value for the experience. Xavier our waiter was very good - personable and he did a good job.

Beautiful night on the farm. Chilly winds starting to blow in as the polar vortex is dipping south ... yes, there were heaters spaced across. It's their new option on RESY for a Friday night Fish Fry ... with cornbread, salad, grits, collard greens, lightly fried fresh catch and key lime bars for dessert. Presentation is family-style. Our server Lauren was excellent. It was a delicious dinner with great friends. The cornbread was exceptional and the fish lightly fried - not greasy. The grits, kinda blah and the collards were seasoned well. The key lime dessert was great. It's not a cheap place to eat - so plan accordingly. I hear their Sunday brunch is always delicious. Must have reservations!!

Food - it's artisan style; everything taste fresh so the flavors are robust; kudos to the chef for keeping the authenticity of the flavors; it's farm to table so you have to be open minded about the dishes...the roasted vegetables are everything and the chicken was so tender and flavor-filled. Service-I was fortunate to do private dining. Service was A1. The food is served fresh from the table side ovens and the servers are attentive. Ambience - it's a real deal farm; it's picturesque; also think of fine dinning

Would love to give this place more stars considering the beautiful grounds; however- it is very pricy, you get small quantities of food on the snack menu for the price you pay, they have ant hills (my kids got bit by like 50 ants! Welts all over). The grounds are beautiful- wear boots and stay on the trails otherwise you're putting yourself at risk of ants Cute animals- ostrich, horse, goats and more!

My friends and I came with different expectations of their fall on the farm and wish their website offered more information. We visited last Saturday with a large group of friends both local and visiting from out of town with the hops of finding a place to have lunch, get a pumpkin patch experience and see some animals for the kiddos. We looked online and saw food trucks/ live music/ pumpkin patch/ animals/ etc. Upon arrival, the farm is beautiful but there were no food trucks and no music which felt odd on a Saturday. We bought our farm passes and inquired and were told the food trucks start at 4 and it was 12 pm. We had hungry kiddos with us and although the restaurant had several empty tables that remained unoccupied during our visit, we were told they were booked out fully for the day. While we were trying to figure out the food situation, the kids were waiting in on of the tables with a fire pit and got absolutely eaten up by ants. It was awful! We quickly took pictures with the pumpkins and animals and left. Pumpkin "patch" is strange too with not a ton of them and just kind of scattered out with no pricing or someone working there to help us purchase pumpkins. It's also a really long walk from the pumpkins to the check in desk at the front where I assume you'd purchase a pumpkin. Our group opted to just get in and out and find somewhere near by for lunch. Disappointing experience but would consider coming back to eat dinner without the kids. If you're looking for a day at the farm type of experience, skip this or go later in the afternoon/ evening.

We got to experience the grape vine seating during their Friday Fish fry dinner last weekend (select dates only) and it was spectacular . The corn bread was delicious and the creamy rice grits completely exceeded my expectations that I bought some to take home. The key lime pie bar had a nice crust and candied zest on top. I wish the fish was hotter temperature wise when it got to our table because my first bite was not warm at all. Also could have used more of the cocktail and tartar sauces since those came in small containers for the family style serving. The shrub sodas were super interesting with a distinct vinegar + fruit flavor. I enjoyed the blackberry satsuma much more than the muscadine. Now that I'm seeing you can buy these mixers made by Congaree and Penn at fresh market I might have to try to recreate these at home to escape the mundane la croix life. Our servers were excellent. Only was sad on the way home when I realized that we forgot to grab our to go bag that they had boxed up before we left. Will just have to relive those creamy grit memories in my day dreams until I can make them at home or make it back there :) Thanks for a sweet date night and another fall memory at the farm.

We chose to spend this past Saturday at the fantastic Congaree and Penn! There is no better place to spend your time on a beautiful day than picking up the farm pass for 5 dollars and walking the beautiful land! It was so peaceful and was the perfect nature walk for this day. Seeing all the animals was fun and the beautiful pallette of natural landscaping was just gorgeous! There are picnic tables out by the water and in other areas for you to enjoy your food on or just take a rest. Rocking chairs are by the creek for you to relax in. Prior to the farm walk we had lunch at the front. I always prefer to sit at the fire tables. You're closer to nature when you pick one of the fire tables versus sitting inside under the shaded seating. At night, the fire tables are lit and it is soo beautiful to be out there on the farm, watching the fire in the moonlight breathing the fresh air, and dining on fantastic food and partaking in a glass of wine. During the day you can sit at the fire tables without a fire, but it's still comfortable and fun. That's what we did. We have never ever been disappointed by the food at this establishment. Fresh, unique, creative dishes, that will tantalize your tastebuds! There's always something new and the menu changes seasonally. Our staff did inform us that they would be changing the next day to the new seasonal menu. Always be sure and check out the menu before you head over. It's nice to see what your selection will be when you get there. For lunch, we enjoyed kale salad, Farm salad with protein, the crêpes, and other wonderful items. I've included some pictures for you. The wait staff is always professional and amazing, they will explain everything to you on their menu items because they are unique, they will make sure you are satisfied and happy. They have a nice selection of cocktails and wines. They even have a wonderful selection of fresh farm juices that you can choose from. Before you leave, make sure you check inside the little market store and pick up some Yummies from the farm to take home! Dress code is casual, but what I call nice casual because this is not your ordinary farm... it is definitely a step up from the rest! I give it 2 to 3 dollar $$$, but the experience is worth every penny! You may make your reservations on RESY where you can choose a fire pit table or indoor seating. Here is the link for reservations. You may need to copy and paste. Check out Congaree and Penn on Resy. http://resy.com/link?venue_id=27147 This establishment is also a wonderful event venue if you decide that you want to entertain in nature with private dining, or other events! They also offer special events and chef tasting evenings. Now, go and enjoy! Add this one to your "Foodie Adventure" list!!!

I truly enjoyed the experience at Congaree and Penn. We sat on the patio for brunch and the weather was perfect during our visit. We had the banana bread and charcuterie board as appetizers. The banana bread was AMAZING! It is truly worth trying. It's topped with a caramel drizzle and whipped cream. I also tried the Pinot noir and the cider flight. I LOVED the Pinot noir, it had a very nice taste. My favorite of the cider flight was the gallberry honey. I also had the hot chicken sandwich as the entree and it was perfectly crisp and fresh. Our server made sure we were well taken care of and explained the menu items we ordered! We also got the farm passes and explored the farm. Amazing experience.

I cancelled my reservation and was charged $80! This is absurd as I cancelled the reservation well in advance. Terrible customer service.

Attended a bridal shower in the outdoor event space with a large group. Pros: - food was lovely, plentiful, and well presented and prepared. Everything tasted very nice. - The surrounding area (orchards?) are probably gorgeous in the spring and summer. No marks off due to the season - the staff were attentive and helpful Cons: - it was FREEZING. The temperature was 50 degrees and windy. The wall heaters in the enclosure didn't work and instead of bringing more portable heaters (there were only 2) or moving our party indoors, the management team came out, looked at the heaters, agreed they didn't work, and went on their way. We didn't see them again for the next two hours. The event ended early and the guests (who probably had minor hypothermia) limped away.

First off, you cannot beat the scenery and farm environment. The service was outstanding and we wanted for nothing. We each truly enjoyed our dishes and the freshness each plate provided. Loved the clean flavors, setting, and staff at Congaree. Totally wish they would bring back the goat experience of going in the pen and feeding them. Keep up the amazing experience here!!

Fish Fry Fridays @ Congaree and Penn. Such a beautiful & peaceful farm. Excellent service. It's a nice experience but in my opinion, overpriced. $127 for two, which included the food shown in my photos (catfish nuggets, collard greens, cornbread, salad, and dessert) plus access to walking around the farm...leaving something (s) to be desired. The cornbread was the best thing served and unfortunately, it was served with a salad (that came with croutons), it should've been served with the collard greens which were full of vinegar and not much else, so the cornbread would've helped balance that out. The catfish- were nuggets and not what I expected at all with the title of "Fish Fry Friday". I definitely expected a different experience. The catfish had no seasonings, or flavor at all. Thank goodness for the tarter/cocktail sauces. The grits...looked like tapioca and tasted like I don't even know what. Definitely not what we call grits here in Jax. The salad was good and the dessert was delicious. I receive the newsletters and all of the events are very pricy, I just hope the dining experience improves to match the price point.

Had to update a star after having the best meal ever here! Words won't do the meal duty. The chicken was so tender and tasty.The farm to table vegetables were so delightful. They out did thereselves at our event as I knew they would! Service was the best and of course the farm was spotless and landscaped perfectly. Can't wait to get back again..

Congaree and Penn is a great place to spend the day walking around the farm with a glass of wine or your favorite beverage. I truly enjoy this atmosphere and the events they have in the farm. Note- the menu regularly changes so the dishes in my review are likely different than their current menu. The food: I wish I liked the food, but alas, I don't. This time we visited for brunch and I was excited about the menu. I ordered the deviled eggs with salmon roe. The texture of these deviled eggs were soft gel like, it reminded me of jello and the flavor was off. I was immediately put off and couldn't continue to eat them. The bf had a Chantilly cream pastry dish with fresh berries, it was delicious For mains: I had the molasses bread BLT with a fried egg and pepper jelly. The sandwich arrived with out the fried egg and I was going to talk to the server but after waiting for 10 min she didn't check on us so I settled to eat the sandwich as is. The sandwich itself was ok, but the star was the pasta salad side! Delicious, light and all the right flavors. The bf, had the shrimp & grits, he mentioned the grits were probably the best he's ever had! The shrimp and Tasso ham were so spicy he was unable to eat all he wanted to! Overall, will we be back? Yes, but likely to only enjoy the farm and special events

C&P is a beautiful location with excellent service. Dinner near sunset is picture perfect. I really like their variety of house made ciders, though the flight badly needed ice. And the meat and cheese board was perfection. But with a very limited menu and small portions, it's not somewhere I'd frequent, it's also disappointing that you can no longer wander the farm without a separate ticket, before or after an expensive dinner, or have an after dinner drink somewhere there. Additionally, I appreciate the no kids in the evenings policy but that wasn't enforced last night and on our rare night away from our kids I watched a kid under 10 the whole time.

We recently went to Congaree & Penn for a wine tasting dinner and it was a magical experience. I felt at home walking around the farm, watching the animals, and breathing in the fresh air before dinner. When it was time to dine we sat at a long table next to the garden, and began our meal while watching the sunset. Every course was delicious, and the wine was a perfect pairing. I highly recommend making the drive, and experiencing the Congaree & Penn for yourself.

Do not bother visiting! I really wanted to like this place because it is so highly hyped. Exploring the farm after paying the separate additional fee will be fun for those who like the outdoors. However, this restaurant failed where it matters the most. It turned out to be an over-priced, underwhelming experience when it came to the food! In the end, I felt that I was charged haute cuisine prices for Denny's quality food. I got the Florida Chicken, which is basically a crispy fried chicken served in a bun; the chicken was over-fried and tough. The chef must have had a good laugh when he was plating the Strawberry Salad from the main course menu; for $19, the portion size was literally 4 bites of salad doused in dressing! I would not recommend this place unless, of course, you are into these trendy, pretend-hipster vibes that the restaurant is trying to cater to.

We. Love. It!! So peaceful! We had the place to ourselves and walked an enjoyed the farm made cider, we'll bring our doggie next time!

Brunch! We arrived on rainy Sunday and the service was excellent. I was not fan of the started brioche as it was quite dense more like a cake bread than the light and airy brioche I was expecting. The good news is the rest just got better and better. The pear flat bread was an excellent combination of salty ham, sweet poached pear and savory whipped cheese. While I enjoyed the hot chicken sandwich, the star was the shrimp and grits. The grits were more like a risotto covered with tomato gravy that was savory and seasoned with just enough blackening flavors. The swirled in jelly with Tasso ham created a sweet to savory balance that will have us coming back for me. Hands down some of the very best shrimp and grits I have ever had!

We visited Congaree & Penn on a colder than usual fall night with some friends. A party of 6. It's a beautiful setting & was so looking forward to having a nice meal. We had reservations so we were seated right away. The servers were so friendly & always available whenever we needed help. The chairs were not comfortable & there were so many people crowded around each other. It was loud. The food was not that great considering the price. My two friends ordered the mushroom dish & later they told me that it was cold. Had I known I would have asked them to heat it up. It was in the hot food item list. I don't mind paying if the quality, including taste & the temperature of my food is just right. Next time I visit I may just go for drinks & appetizers. Though I gotta to say that the little tables with the fire pit in the middle looked really cool. I'm giving it a rating of 3.3.

This was our first time at Congaree and Penn and it was better than I expected! We made reservations and arrived on time, we were quickly seated. The ambiance of this place was so romantic and lights everywhere, now this was around Christmas so I'm not sure if the lights are up all year but they were beautiful. Ally was are waitress and she was one of the most attentive waitress I think I have ever had. Her recommendations, food and drink were wonderful. We plan on going back during the day to view the farm and see what they have to offer. I can't remember but I believe they have plants and jelly's Forsale. I'm not sure if u have to have a reservation during the day or night but it was suggested. I wish I would have taken more pictures. The restaurant is really unique!

A great special occasion experience! I can't justify coming here regularly because of price and location, but when I do come, it's always a wonderful evening activity! I love getting one of their sour beers from the check-in area and exploring the grounds while I wait for my table. The service is always impeccable, giving me recommendations and so knowledgeable about the menu selections and their sources. The last time our server told us the story behind their grits which was so fascinating. I love that their menu is seasonal. I'd recommend taking your desert over to the fire pits and rocking chairs to end the night. :)

I had the loveliest time at Congaree and Penn! I genuinely thought I had taken a wrong turn because of how far out this place is, but when I got there, I realized it was breathtakingly beautiful. There's a little check-in area at the front, as well as a bar. We were checked in and seated immediately. Our service from start to finish was very quick, which I appreciated! We started with the fish dip, and while I'm generally not a fan, it was very good. Consider me impressed. We both went with the shrimp and grits for our entrees. This was a GREAT choice. Their shrimp and grits are some of the best I've ever had. My mouth waters just thinking about them. After lunch, we walked around for a while and just enjoyed the space. There's so much greenery that it literally felt like a breath of fresh air. We got to see goats, chickens, horses, and even emus! Very cool opportunity. Congaree and Penn is truly a gem in Jacksonville. Word on the street is that they're building space for a flower market, and I very much look forward to coming back for that. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go buy myself a farm.

This is one of my absolute favorite spots in the Jacksonville area! The menu is ever changing and always incredible. Every ingredient is fresh, every dish is so flavorful and every drink is delicious. The cider flight is a fun experience to try the variety of their farm ciders. The gallberry honey is my favorite. On a hot summer day, I love the anne amie rosé of pinot noir, it pairs well with most of the dishes I enjoy! It truly is a wonderful experience to get out of the city and escape to this beautiful property. The views of the vines, the farm animals, the trees, and the sunset - all breathtaking. Note: the main seating is outside and it's pretty hot during the summer, so dress accordingly. There are umbrellas and fans to help keep you cool. Everything was phenomenal: - Bread & butter - Cheese plate - Yard Bird (pasture raised airline chicken, velouté with peas & carrots en voulevant, smashed red potatoes, bacon & sautéed kale) - Braised Short Rib (pasture raised beef with cuban white beans, smashed brussel sprouts & pearl onions) - Curried Turnips (turmeric & ginger curry, jupiter rice, sautéed spring greens, chermoula & chickpea crumble)

Great idea to have a farm-to-table restaurant in Jacksonville. The problem comes with the delivery. Had the grits. Tasteless and the texture was a solid glop. The artichoke was tasty. The $45 short ribs were soooooo nonexistent, so you have to satisfy yourself with the sauce. Bread is a la carte and each portion is 1.5 slices. Didn't find any of the fruit the waitress said was in the bread. The $80/person bill apparently is not to pay for the food but rather for the tremendous costs of the overhead. So when you go there, enjoy the lovely views, walk around the fields because that's what you're paying for when you start looking at the menu.

I went to Congaree and Penn for my birthday dinner! It was a lovely experience and I would be thrilled to go back. Here's a breakdown of my experience. The drink was a homemade soda. It's the muscadine syrup apple cider vinegar homemade soda. Very apple cider forward and DELICIOUS. The carrots were okay. They were not roasted and I think that makes a very big difference and they weren't salted well. The goat cheese was very good and putting them together made the carrots good. That salad that comes with it is what dreams are made of. I made a poor choice with the carrots, I should have ordered the kale salad. It was hearty with the kale and then there was baby spinach and the dressing was bright. Some kind of cider/vinegar base, maybe apple cider. The pickled fennel was stupid good and the pear was amazing. I think the pear was poached. I'm not certain but they did something to make it especially tasty. So many great things to say about that salad. The cheese plate was very good! It's the normal stuff you get with all fancy places. The stand out was the preserves they served with it. I think it was fig, mustard seed and caraway. It was so good. AND they made GF toast points from GF bread. Most other restaurants don't bother with that, so it was very special to me. The risotto was extremely well done. It was cooked perfectly. Very rich and cheesy. Then there was a greens garnish which was good. Then like some kind of pepita bark, which was really unexpected and kinda smoky and kinda molasses-y. So hard to describe but very good. It tasted like Christmas. If you told me there was pomegranate in there I would believe you but I'm not confident enough to say that's what it was. Then there was the roasted root vegetable section, which was roasted and crunchy and seasoned exactly like you'd expect for winter. Very delicious stuff. For me it tasted like fall then Christmas then winter. The short rib was very good. That was my husband's so I didn't taste everything on that plate. It was tender and it was well seasoned. The sweet potato cheesecake was amazing. The dulce de leche was sweet but not overpowering. The goat cheese mousse looked like whipped cream but was this delightfully tangy and amazing goat cheese mousse. Then that nougat thing was like this crunchy almost ginger snap like thing. It was amazing. The cheesecake was seasoned like pumpkin pie and was incredible. It's gluten free and had a crust which blows me away. The avocado and pistachio mousse was okay. The rice crumble and compressed strawberries were very very tasty. The mousse though.... I honestly didn't like it. I wish it was much more pistachio forward and the avocado flavor was overwhelming. It wasn't like a creamy delicious avocado it was like a mushy too ripe avocado. I'm especially picky about avocado so someone else may like it, but it's not for me. My husband also didn't care for it, so that's two downvotes. I'm so excited I got to go all out for my birthday and try so many things! Not everything was my thing, but what was good was near perfect. I reheated the risotto for lunch a few days later and all the flavors held really well. Of course the texture changed but it was almost as good as when it was fresh it was just that well composed. I highly recommend making the drive out to Congaree and Penn!

This place is amazing. Plenty of seating outside while waiting to be seated. The farm is gorgeous. We walked around after brunch. My first visit was Sunday and I'll definitely return. The food is excellent. Farm to table.

Enjoyed a late Sunday brunch with a group of 10. Johnny (I believe that was his name) was an excellent waiter and took great care of us. All of our food was outstanding! A few of us ordered the cider and it was really good as well! The entire staff was very friendly! 10/10 recommend

We had a great afternoon here. We started by picking out a pumpkin. There wasn't much to the patch except for a bunch of pumpkins spread out but they seemed like good quality. We then had brunch and the food was amazing! We started with the flatbread which was my favorite thing of the day! Then I had the hash which was delicious, but the highlight was the shrimp and grits, which can't get much better! Prices were elevated and the pour on the wine by the glass was slim for the price but overall a great place to enjoy the scenery and great food!

Went to Congaree and Penn Saturday and was not disappointed. A bit of a drive from the beaches we made our reservation a couple of weeks in advance to score a fireside table. The ambiance was perfect and though the table offered us plenty of privacy the amazing staff never forgot about us. We began with the pumpkin cornbread (forgot to snag a pic before devouring!). For the main course I had the shrimp and grits and my boyfriend had the chicken. The shrimp and grits was outstanding and the chicken was the best chicken I've ever had. I normally hate the idea of ordering chicken at a restaurant (booooring) but this was truly exceptional and is making me second guess every decision I've ever made. It's on the pricey side so not the best place if you're on a tight budget but wonderful for date night!

This place might be pricey but so worth it. I had the absolute tastiest chicken breast here. It was cooked to perfection and I would pay the $40 because it was worth it.

Oh em geee what a fantastic find! Definitely worth a drive from downtown jax to see this farm/cidery/fantastic restaurant. When you arrive to a secluded gravel driveway off an unassuming country road you'd never expect to be met by a giant silo containing a topnoch restaurant with local food and house made cider. Yes, house made cider! Let all the gluten-free drinkers rejoice. There are acres of grounds to wander which my fiancé and I are looking forward to returning to explore. This place would also be a fantastic spot for weddings which is I think something they cater to. But if you're just a casual tourist it's a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon around beautiful scenery, great food and tasty libations. Pro-tip: make a reservation! We were lucky to wander in and snag a table, but they seem to fill up fast on the weekends.

Wonderfully accommodating venue. Love the ambiance and the adorable animal residents. Great place

This is the best dining experience you can have in Jacksonville. Set amongst a working farm, this truly farm to table restaurant is everything and more. Congaree and Penn is a working 300+ acre farm that is located on the northwest side of Jacksonville. There you will find everything from orchards, stables, hayrides and more. The farm produces an array of crops such as jupiter rice, grapes, berries, figs, and olives. I'm excited to return for the happy hour with the horses. Not only is the food delicious but the space is breathtaking. We dined on an unusually cold December evening which found us at the indoor bar. Our server, the bar tender offered, tremendous service and was meticulous in his details as we asked questions. The rice grits and shrimp was the best we'd ever had. Be sure to try them along with the charcuterie board and a flight of the ciders. The menu is relatively small but it's complex. Congaree and Penn is the kind of place you celebrate important moment in your life. Expect a fine dining experience where everything is not initially what you expect -- it's so much better! This is in my top 20 of best restaurants in the US. It exceeds the big chef names in major cities for me because it's an elegant farm experience without the obtuse pretentiousness you see in places like NYC, Miami, Chicago, etc. See website for details. It's important to book early and no children are permitted at dinner service.

Definitely not what we expected, in a good way! Congaree and Penn is a huge farm, agrotourism is what they call it. Huge fields of grape vines, open grass, beautiful live oak trees. There are goats, ducks, chickens, emus, and horses too. We saw a family feeding the goats and chickens. It is a paid experience. To visit the farm there is a cover charge, $8 for adults. We saw tons of people with dogs there. There was plenty of land to let the doggies runs free. The sign at the front says there are more than 350 acres of land. Lots of rocking chairs and picnic tables are spread throughout. There is a high end restaurant on the grounds. If you have reservations at the restaurant you are not charged the cover fee. We didn't eat but we saw some plates being served to guests. The food looked great! Restaurant seating was outdoors but under cover. Lots of heaters kept any chill at bay. Pre-made picnic lunches are available to purchase onsite. There is a small indoor bar serving wine and cider. The cider is made on-site from grapes they grow on the farm. We had a cider flight. There were four flavors: honey, mixed berry, muscadine, and persimmon. The mixed berry was our favorite but all were superb. I was bad about taking pictures but we will return soon!

Growing up near this property I couldn't imagine how they would turn an old cow field into a fancy winery. They have really made a nice establishment here. It still has a rustic feel but the menu and food give off different vibes. Dogs are also allowed to eat table side with you! I wore a dress, long coat, and nice boots although I did see others in leggings and tennis shoes. For drinks we did the cider flight and a bottle of Cabernet. For appetizers we ordered the duck & oysters. For entrees we ordered the Yard Bird & the Fresh Catch, which was flounder. For dessert we shared the fig cake. The total was almost $300, tip included. Everything was delicious and the atmosphere was excellent. I would come back for a special occasion or brunch.