St. Augustine Area
If you’re on your way south or central, this makes a great place to spend the night. Belonging to the USA only since 1821, historic St. Augustine was wrenched from the Spanish. You’ll find lots and lots of historical markers here if you are a history buff. ”The oldest city in America” will be on everything. The town has an intriquing vibe: some old hipster mixed in with a New Orleans feel plus plenty of small town (pop:14,000)hospitality. There is quite a long list of attractions: Don’t miss the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, as the castle and its grounds make for a great walkabout; Lightner Museum, with a roomful of Tiffany stained glass; St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, with a splendid view from the top. Restaurants abound, with dozens of dining options.
Breakfast:
Beachcomber Restaurant: DEFINITELY go to this little beachside cafe for great breakfasts and lunches on the deck overlooking the dunes. It’s why you came to Florida.
2 A St, Saint Augustine Beach, (904) 471-3744
Bunnery Cafe: Good little bakery/cafe with good coffees and good prices.
121 Saint George St, (904) 829-6166
Wildflower Cafe: Real nice little breakfast joint downtown.
4320 A1A S, (904) 471-2691
Seafood:
Kingfish Grill: $$ Good seafood in a nice place set right on the water in the Camachee Cove Marina.
252 Yacht Club Drive, (904) 824-2111
Creekside Dinery: $$ Really nice little rustic seafood spot with an outside deck and music. The food is great! NO SIGNS, so call them for directions! But definitely go.
160 Nix Boat Yard Rd, (904) 829-6113
Cap’s on the Water: $$ Cool, funky Florida seafood spot with all the dockside charm and good food your looking for.
4325 Myrtle St, (904) 824-8794
General Goodness:
Salt Water Cowboy’s: $$ Real fun Florida Cracker style restaurant with gator tail, soft shell turtle, and bullfrog legs, or a bucket of self shuck oysters. There is also real good basic fare for the less adventurous. Chicken fried steak city! Hang on the deck and get into the real Florida.
299 Dondanville Rd, (904) 471-2332
Flavors Eatery: From nachos to pizza, gyros, wraps, and sandwiches, this is a great spot that’ll feed ya!
125 King St, (904) 824-4221
Prince of Wales: Fish & Chips like back in the old country and you can get a nice black & tan along with a lot of good lunch and dinner dishes. Nothing fancy, but neither is the price.
54 Cuna St, (904) 810-5725
Pizza & Italian:
Pizza Time: The guy making your pizza is the owner and from Sicily. It’s the real thing.
124 St. George St, (904) 819-0133
Borrillo’s: Lots of locals think this is the best pie on the planet. The calzones ain’t bad either.
88 San Marco Ave, (904) 829-1133
Kozmic Bluz: Wholewheat pies and a lot more. What’s in that great sticky sauce, anyhow?
48 Spanish St, (904) 825-4805
La Pentola: $$ Real nice outside courtyard on a brick street and a cozy dining room sets you up for Lobster Ravioli and a whole raft of excellent seafood and Italian entrees.
58 Charlotte St, (904) 824-3282
Mexican:
Playa Chac Mool: Small totally authentic Mexican food out at the beach.
105 D St, (904) 471-1131
Taco Shop: Good little burrito and taco joint in old town.
114 St. George St
Madres: $ Good, sit down authentic Mexican food at good prices.
8 Aviles St, (904) 823-1371
Barbecue:
Smokin’ D’s BBQ: Solidly fine BBQ. It’s just a small smoke shack that’s only “open when we’re smokin’ “, and man oh man when they are you gotta stock up and enjoy!
110 State Rd 206 E, (904) 797-2050
Ice Cream:
Cafe del Hidalgo: $ This is a vacation must. Old historic setting, great gelato. The 50/50 Amaretto and Cookies & Cream rocks!
35 Hypolita St
Watercolor by Peter Bailey