St. Augustine is greatest identified for being the oldest metropolis that has been constantly occupied in the US, however additionally it is rising in fame as a foodie vacation spot. Strolling by the cobblestoned streets of the historic district in downtown St. Augustine, you will see that all the things from craft cocktail bars to outside tiki bars with dwell music, cafes serving escargot to seafood eating places dispensing a mix of southern consolation meals and creole delicacies.
With 500 years of historical past at its again, from early explorers to pirates to industrial-age robber barons, this coastal metropolis in Northeast Florida is actually distinctive with so many issues to do. On the identical time, the considerably kitschy part of Outdated St. Augustine may remind you of the streets of Key West and even New Orleans.
But whenever you enterprise into the neighborhoods like Lincolnville, it could really feel extra like strolling by Savannah or Charleston. (Take a look at a number of the historic accommodations within the space.)
Whether or not you come to St. Augustine for its Spanish-colonial model structure, checkered historical past, easy accessibility to stunning seashores, or a sip on the Fountain of Youth, you all the time have to eat. So take your decide from a number of of our favourite downtown St. Augustine eating places in your subsequent journey (plus a number of close by when you have a automotive to discover.)
We ate at plenty of eating places in St. Augustine’s historic district, however see what else we bought as much as on our St. Augustine women’ weekend too!
Finest Downtown St. Augustine Eating places for Lunch or Dinner
In St. Augustine, you will see that sturdy Greek and Mediterranean influences. With lengthy and deep connections to Minorca and you will see that the datil pepper featured in lots of dishes. Listed below are a number of favourite locations to eat in downtown St. Augustine.
Catch 27
My favourite discovery on a latest women’ journey to St. Augustine was Catch 27. Situated within the coronary heart of downtown simply minutes from Castillo San Marcos, Catch 27 focuses on fresh-catch seafood and native substances with a southern and Creole aptitude. You’ll be able to eat inside within the small eating room or benefit from the relaxed environment of the heated patio.
The deviled egg BLT appetizer with southern fried oysters and house-made tomato-bacon jam is to not be missed! You’ll be able to’t go incorrect with the fish of the day however if you happen to aren’t a fish-lover, the fried rooster sandwich is extremely really useful.
Catch 27 is situated at 40 Charlotte Avenue, St. Augustine, FL. Reservations can be found on Resy.
Outdated Metropolis Home
In case you are searching for an upscale eating expertise within the historic district, Outdated Metropolis Home affords inventive delicacies that includes recent seafood, pasta, beef, lamb, and pork. Situated in a superbly restored nineteenth century constructing, the Outdated Metropolis Home affords a choice of world delicacies utilizing the best substances.
Whereas not on the usual menu, I had a scrumptious entree of salmon with a crab-stuffing crust — and I’m not even often a fan of salmon.
Outdated Metropolis Home & Inn is situated at 115 Cordova Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Reservations can be found on OpenTable.
River & Fort
One of many latest eating places in St. Augustine’s historic district is River & Fort, which opened in early 2022. Situated on the Nook of Charlotte St. and Avenida Menendez, River & Fort overlooks the Castillo de San Marcos and The Matanzas Bay. This massive house options a number of balconies, two rooftops, and a courtyard. The third-story rooftop options scenic views of the Treasury, Bridge of Lions, the bay and Castillo de San Marcos. For year-round outside eating, the courtyard will function heaters, a fountain, numerous seating, and a cabana.
River & Fort focuses on recent seafood, together with native shrimp and fish, together with imported chilly water crustaceans, making it an ideal decide for seafood lovers or an incredible spot to seize a cocktail at sundown. Additionally, you will discover southern favorites like fried inexperienced tomatoes and fried pickle hushpuppies. Remember to save room for dessert and check out the guava pop tart or the Key Lime creme brûlée.
River & Fort is situated at 12 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
Cafe Alcazar
For a very distinctive eating expertise or a special day, make a lunch reservation at Cafe Alcazar, situated within the Lightner Museum, with aspect entrances for non-museum diners. This elegant eatery is located in what was initially an indoor swimming pool when the museum was the Alcazar Lodge, considered one of Henry Flagler’s many properties on the town through the Gilded Age.
Cafe Alcazar has an eclectic menu that includes native and natural substances — serving up all the things from selfmade hummus to Greek-style escargot.
Cafe Alcazar is situated at 25 Granada St, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Reservations are extremely really useful and could be made by calling 904-825-9948.
Taberna del Caballo
Taberna del Caballo is a superb spot for lunch on the shaded patio courtyard. Situated within the Colonial Quarter in Outdated City, Taberna del Caballo is an 18th century-style Spanish-inspired tavern providing a menu impressed by Spanish and Latin influences.
In case you like spice, you’ll benefit from the cochinita pibil pork tacos. However if you happen to can solely decide one factor, the Taberna soiled rice bowl is superb and I’d extremely advocate it!
Taberna del Caballo is situated at 37 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Casa Reina
One other of downtown St. Augustine’s new eating places, Casa Reina (or “Queen’s Home”) incorporates a fusion of Mexican, Latin American, and Florida coastal delicacies. From a first-rate location in historic downtown St. Augustine, Casa Reina affords superb views of the St. Augustine Plaza, Matanzas Bay and the Bridge of Lions from the rooftop and porches.
The menu options loads of conventional favorites like genuine road tacos and enchiladas, alongside a choice of distinctive signature dishes, equivalent to our Quick Rib Chiles Rellenos and Tequila Lime Grouper. This has shortly turn out to be a St. Augustine hotspot for excellent meals, refreshing drinks and gorgeous views.
Casa Reina is situated at 1 Anderson Circle, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Athena Restaurant
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Athena serves up basic Greek dishes in an informal setting. This family-run restaurant is situated simply off the central sq. in downtown St. Augustine and is ideal for household vacationers or these looking for a scrumptious however reasonably priced meal.
Even youngsters will benefit from the flaming presentation of the Saganaki cheese and the Greek salad with gyro meat is scrumptious.
Athena Restaurant is situated at 14 Cathedral Pl, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Ice Plant Bar
Co-located on the St. Augustine Distillery, the Ice Plant Bar is considered one of St. Augustine’s hottest eating places and everybody I do know recommends a meal or not less than drinks right here. This classic bar serves up farm-to-table delicacies and craft cocktails. Cocktails are concocted with house-pressed juices, a large assortment of bitters, and specifically developed syrups, lead to gorgeous cocktails. They even use three totally different sorts of ice, a nod to the constructing’s authentic use as an Ice Plant, with a 300 lb block of ice and customized cubes.
In case you can’t get a desk, you may all the time take a free tour (with tastings) on the St. Augustine Distillery subsequent door.
Ice Plant Bar is situated at 110 Riberia Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084
St. Augustine Fish Camp
Situated on the San Sebastian River close to the St. Augustine Distillery, the St. Augustine Fish Camp’s affords waterfront outside eating and the inside is as recent and welcoming because the catch of the day. That includes southern seafood like a low nation boil and shrimp and grits, St. Augustine Fish Camp affords the freshest fish straight off the boat.
Open every day for lunch and dinner, that is additionally an incredible spot to observe the sundown.
St. Augustine Fish Camp is situated at 142 Riberia St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Sainte-George Restaurant
Situated by the Metropolis Gate on St. Augustine’s in style pedestrian-only St. George Avenue, this eatery supplies European influenced American Delicacies. From Wednesday by Sunday, the Sainte-George is the place to go for brunch with basic breakfast plates and luncheon selections.
Dinner service brings advantageous eating with with an incredible choice of steaks and seafood accompanied with recent native veggies and a implausible wine choice and specifically created craft cocktails. The whole lot is cooked and baked from scratch, together with all of the bread and sauces, for a very native eating expertise.
Sainte-George Restaurant is situated at 1 St. George Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Reservations can be found by OpenTable.
The place to Eat Close to Downtown St. Augustine
You probably have a automotive and you might be prepared to drive to lunch or dinner, listed below are some options for eating places close to downtown St. Augustine.
Aunt Kate’s
In case you are heading to the seaside, it’s possible you’ll wish to plan to cease for lunch or dinner at Aunt Kate’s on the Tolomoto River. You’ll be able to eat inside or take pleasure in outside eating whereas the children romp on the small seaside or watch the pelicans making an attempt to steal fish from the docks.
Chances are you’ll wish to go for one of many Menorcan dishes (or decide up a bottle of their selfmade datil pepper sauce) or benefit from the scrumptious fried inexperienced tomatoes with Key Lime sauce — what an ideal mix of Southern consolation delicacies with Florida flavors! The award-winning fish tacos and delicate shell crab sandwiches are additionally a good selection.
Aunt Kate’s is situated at 612 Euclid Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Kingfish Grill
Simply throughout the Vilano Seaside Bridge from downtown St. Augustine, Kingfish Grill serves up the freshest fish and native seafood round. The outside patio is a enjoyable setting and the hearth pits are an ideal spot for a pre-or post-dinner cocktail.
The Oysters Vilano are decadent and the sushi is extremely recent and engaging. The entire fish that we tried had been so extremely recent and flavorful. I ate extra fish in St. Augustine than I usually do in a month at house!
The Kingfish Grill is situated at 252 Yacht Membership Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084
The place to go for Snacks in St. Augustine
When your candy tooth begins begging for a mid-afternoon deal with, right here is the place to cease in St. Augustine.
Peace Pie
This ice cream store originated on the Jersey shore and has migrated its mellow sweetness all the way down to St. Augustine. Providing connoisseur ice cream sandwiches with a layer of pie filling, there are alternatives for each candy tooth. I didn’t strive all of them, however the salted caramel apple with vanilla ice cream, salted caramel, and apple pie filling, with cinnamon shortcake cookies, is delish!! I’m undecided how they handle to maintain the cookies crisp however not crumbly.
Peace Pie is situated at 8 Aviles St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Hyppo Gourmand Ice Pops
For these craving one thing chilly however non-dairy, pop over to Hyppo Gourmand Ice Pops. The flavors vary from champagne mango to pineapple ginger or strawberry basil. I would like to remain longer in St. Augustine simply to strive all of them!
Hyppo Gourmand Ice Pops is situated at 48 Charlotte St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Whetstone Goodies Retailer and Tasting Excursions
Whetstone is a family-run chocolatier providing a retailer downtown and on the manufacturing facility. One-hour manufacturing facility excursions are provided every day and embody a four-tiered tasting to differentiate between the traits of darkish, milk, and white chocolate, and cocoa nibs.
Whetstone is situated at 139 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084 and 42 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
The place to go for Drinks in St. Augustine
Prohibition Kitchen
Prohibition is a retro, gastropub paying homage to the times of Prohibition and the Gilded Age. There’s a giant choice of craft beers and handcrafted cocktails poured by aptly-bearded hipster bartenders. Go within the evenings to take pleasure in dwell music. In case you select pub grub, beware that the German-style pretzels are humongous.
Prohibition Kitchen is situated at 119 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Casa de Vino 57
Casa de Vino 57 is a cute wine store/wine bar with an outside patio and bar, usually that includes dwell music. They serve up a imply charcuterie board and pour classic and small-batch wines.
Casa de Vino 57 is situated at 57 Treasury St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Odd Birds Bar
Odd Birds is a pop-up bar serving craft cocktails and odd bites. That includes a enjoyable outside patio, Odd Birds brings in visitor bartenders recurrently and makes use of all kinds of spirits from all around the world.
Odd Birds Bar is situated at 33 Charlotte St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
The Tasting Excursions
In case you actually wish to study in regards to the meals scene in downtown St. Augustine, join a meals and drinks tour with The Tasting Excursions. I really like an incredible meals tour, and the tour in St. Augustine showcased all kinds of cuisines in addition to PLENTY of wine!
Earlier than we headed all the way down to St. Augustine, I requested for suggestions on Fb and Instagram and another locations that popped to the highest embody:
- The Floridian Restaurant – southern delicacies – 72 Spanish St #3638, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Mango Mango’s – Caribbean & American – 700 A1A Seaside Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
- Cap’s on the Water – oyster bar and seafood with nice sundown views – 4325 Myrtle St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
