Welcome to our dining blog, where we not only offer unforgettable sailing experiences in St Augustine but also guide you to the finest outdoor dining spots in this charming coastal city when you decide to dine ashore instead of aboard our luxury sailing yacht. St. Augustine is so picturesque, it’s no wonder that there are tons of restaurants with outdoor seating. We’ve rounded up a list of our favorite al fresco dining experiences. These spots are perfect for an intimate meal before or after your sail.
Head into downtown St. Augustine and enjoy a selection of our favorite outdoor spots in the historic district.
THE FLORIDIAN
Tucked off St. George Street in St. Augustine’s Historic District, The Floridian features a seasonal menu of Southern-inspired fare. With a deep commitment to local growers and suppliers, their menu showcases comfort food favorites made lighter with fresh ingredients and modern techniques. Their front patio offers a casual and familial atmosphere, making diners feel right at home. We recommend trying their Biscuit and Belly, Cornbread Panzanella and the Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf Sandwich. The menu is rounded off with Florida craft beers, wine and signature cocktails.
MEEHAN’S IRISH PUB
Meehan’s looks like a traditional Irish Pub from the front, with dark wood and plentiful bottles of whiskey, but head out the back, and you’ll enter a tropical oasis. A large paved patio features firepits and seating, encouraging friends to linger over tropical cocktails like their famous shark bowls. The Backyard menu is filled with Caribbean-influenced specialties like the Island Patty Burger, Peel and Eat Shrimp and a Fresh Catch Entree. Meehan’s is right on the bayfront – keep an eye out for our luxury yachts sailing the Matanzas River!
On a side note … they are big supporters of sailing!
RIVER & FORT RESTAURANT & ROOFTOP LOUNGE
River & Fort is one of St. Augustine’s newest spaces and, as its name indicates, is across from the Castillo de San Marcos and the Matanzas River. River & Fort’s huge rooftop dining area offers an expansive view of the bayfront, Anastasia Island, the St. Augustine inlet and more. The rooftop menu offers lighter fare, including divine lobster flatbreads, broiled oysters and wood-fired baked chocolate chip beignets.
COUSTEAU’S WAFFLE AND MILKSHAKE BAR
This sweet spot may have a smaller outdoor space, but their waffles deliver colossal flavor. Cousteau’s creates handcrafted Belgian liege-style waffles made with traditional pearl sugar. The rough sugar shards crystallize in the hot waffle, creating deliciously crunchy bites. We love the Kingsley, a waffle topped with peanut butter, bananas and local honey. Pair it with a hand-spun milkshake made with home-churned soft serve for a real treat.
You may think that US-1 only offers chain restaurants, but if you know where to go, you’ll find some fantastic hidden treasures with gorgeous views.
MARINA MUNCH
Marina Munch is a gourmet food truck park in English Landing Marina, just south of the historic district. With tables perched right over the water, it’s the perfect spot for a fun and casual meal. A varied selection of food trucks rotate through the park with a whole host of cuisines available. Highlights include birria tacos, fried chicken, unique sandwiches, chilaquiles and fresh seafood. Swing by the Marina Cantina, an on-site drink shack, serving up a massive selection of beers, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and Hyppo popsicles (if you know, you know)
AUNT KATES
Aunt Kate’s is steeped in local history, with its owners tracing their roots back 100 years to when their relatives roasted fresh oysters for Henry Flagler and his friends. Their hospitality hasn’t changed since then – the restaurant welcomes visitors and introduces them to a fresh menu inspired by their Menorcan ancestors. Their quaint wood deck looks over one of our favorite sailing grounds, the Tolomato River – be sure to wave when we sail by! The Menorcan chowder and Smoked Fish Dip are absolute must-haves.
CAP’S ON THE WATER
Cap’s is a local favorite, as famous for its sunsets as for its Crab Cake Dinner. Enjoy the natural beauty of their wide deck, nestled under ancient oak trees and overlooking the Tolomato River. The estuary across the river is home to all types of birds and wildlife – keep a sharp eye out! Sample the Crab Louie, Calamari Vilano and don’t forget about those crab cakes.
There’s no shortage of breathtaking spaces to dine in St. Augustine. Turn your sail with St. Augustine Sailing into a full day or night on the town by visiting one of our recommended restaurants. Or enjoy one of our private chef experiences on board and save dinner out for another evening! For more information on our available excursions, visit here.
