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Hidden Gems. Local Favorites. Unforgettable Experiences.

waterfront & historic dining

From oyster bars and rooftop cocktails to elegant historic dining rooms overlooking the water, these are the places that capture the flavor of St. Augustine.

guest favorite waterfront picks

caps on the watercasa reinasunset grillesaint augustine fish camp

Across from the Castillo de San Marcos, River & Fort blends waterfront views, rooftop cocktails, fresh seafood, steaks, and elevated coastal dining in the heart of historic downtown.  River & Fort has quickly become one of the most talked-about dining spots on the bayfront.  With multiple levels, a rooftop bar, and sweeping views of Matanzas Bay and the Bridge of Lions, it’s an ideal place for sunset cocktails or dinner with a view. The menu features coastal-inspired dishes and fresh seafood, with favorites like miso-glazed salmon, braised short ribs, fried green tomatoes, and oysters, all paired with a strong lineup of craft cocktails.

River & Fort

🍹 Best for Drinks with a View 
πŸ“ 12 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084
πŸ•’ Lunch, dinner & rooftop cocktails
πŸ“ž (904) 481-8396
 $$$ β€’  Dining β€’ Lunch & Dinner
🌐 riverandfort.com


Rooftop Dining β€’ Bayfront Views β€’ Local Seafood β€’ Modern Coastal Cuisine β€’  Craft Cocktails

ASADO LIFE

Located along the San Sebastian River, a short drive from downtown Saint Augustine, Asado Life offers a unique open-fire dining experience inspired by traditional Argentine grilling.  Guests dine outdoors beside the water while chefs prepare meats and seafood over wood-fired grills in a lively, open-air setting.  The food is exceptional and the atmosphere makes for a memorable waterfront evening.  

Asado Life 
$$$ β€’ Argentine Grill
β€’ Riverfront Dining β€’ Dinner β€’ Thursday -Sunday Lunch
πŸ“ 173 Shipyard Way, St. Augustine, FL 32084
πŸ•’ Lunch, dinner & live-fire dining experiences
πŸ“ž (904) 501-1482
🌐 Asado Life

Live-Fire Cooking β€’ Waterfront Setting β€’ Argentine-Inspired Cuisine
πŸ”₯ Most Unique Dining Experience  

Frequently recommended by locals and concierges alike, Cap’s on the Water captures the spirit of coastal Florida beautifully.  Named one of the most beautiful restaurants in the United States, Caps on the Water is set along the Tolomato River beneath towering oak trees.  This longtime St. Augustine favorite is known for its sweeping sunset views, relaxed Old Florida atmosphere, and fresh coastal cuisine.  Guests can dine inside, gather around the lively oyster bar, or settle onto the expansive outdoor deck overlooking the water. Arrive before sunset, watching the sky change colors over the river is one of the most memorable dining experiences in the area.

Cap’s on the Water

πŸ“ 4325 Myrtle St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
$$$ β€’ Coastal Seafood | Oyster Bar  
πŸ•’ Dinner weekdays β€’ Lunch & Dinner (Lunch Weekends)
πŸ“ž (904) 824-8794
🌐 Cap’s on the Water

Sunset Waterfront Dining β€’ Oyster Bar β€’ Old Florida Atmosphere
 Local Favorite Concierge Pick πŸŒ… Best Sunset Views

Saint Augustine Bayfront β€’ Rooftop Dining & Cocktails β€’ Bayfront Views πŸΉ Best for Drinks with a View

Everyone is welcome at the Queens Table!  Overlooking the Matanzas Bay and the iconic Bridge of Lions, Casa Reina brings vibrant Mexican flavors and rooftop energy to St. Augustine’s historic bayfront. The restaurant features colorful interiors, a lively tequila bar, and an upstairs rooftop patio where guests can enjoy tacos, fresh coastal dishes, and handcrafted margaritas with sweeping waterfront views. It’s a fun and stylish stop for sunset cocktails or a festive dinner in the heart of downtown.

Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila

Anderson Circle, St. Augustine, FL 32084
πŸ•’ Lunch, dinner & rooftop cocktails daily
πŸ“ž (904) 295-3847
$$ β€’ Mexican β€’ Rooftop bar 
🌐 Casa Reina  

Rooftop Dining β€’ Tequila & Tacos β€’ Bayfront Views
🍹 Best for Drinks with a View

live music - craft cocktails - New Orleans-inspired Cajun and Creole - fresh seafood - jambalaya- Bourbon Street salmon

oysters - woodfired grill - craft cocktails - grass-fed beef

Historic Courtyard Dining β€’ New Orleans Flavors β€’ Bayfront Pub β€’ Irish Hospitality β€’ Waterfront Views

Live Music β€’ Courtyard β€’ Bayfront Views πŸΉ Best for Drinks with a View 

Cajun Flavor on the Bayfront

πŸ“ 46 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084
πŸ•’ Lunch & dinner daily
πŸ“ž (904) 824-7765
🌐 Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille



Meehan’s Irish Pub & Seafood House

Located directly across from the Bridge of Lions, Meehan’s offers great dining views in St. Augustine.  The lively pub atmosphere pairs perfectly with fresh seafood, classic Irish dishes, and cold drinks.  Grab a table on the outdoor deck for sweeping views of the bayfront and the Castillo.


πŸ“ 20 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084
πŸ•’ Lunch, dinner & late-night pub atmosphere
πŸ“ž (904) 829-6033
🌐 Meehan’s Irish Pub & Seafood House

Bayfront Pub β€’ Irish Hospitality β€’ Waterfront Views 

SALT LIFE food SHACK

We offer the perfect destination for beach goers to enjoy delicious dishes, cool cocktails and amazing ocean views.  Consistently voted Best Restaurant Overall, Best Seafood Restaurant and Best Outdoor Dining in the Best of St. Augustine awards, we are located directly across the street from the St. Augustine Pier. Choose from an expansive outdoor seating area with a roof-top bar, lounge and shaded patio or cool off indoors while admiring the custom-built saltwater aquarium featured on Tanked.  Our guests love the laid-back vibes, friendly staff and eclectic menu.  We are open daily for lunch and dinner and offer live music throughout the week on the patio.

Eat. Drink. And Be Salty.

saltlife food shack

Family Friendly β€’ Beach Front Dining β€’ Seafood β€’ Casual Menu

Beachcomber Restaurant

One of the few true toes-in-the-sand dining spots in the area, the Beachcomber offers casual beachside dining with fresh seafood & burgers, tropical drinks, and live music.  It’s a favorite for lunch after a morning on the beach or sunset cocktails with an ocean breeze.  Fun for ALL bring the kids, bring the dogs. Try the fish blackened fish tacos and the hamburgers.  Pure bliss after a day on the beach.   

πŸ–οΈ Best Beachfront Dining
$$ β€’ Seafood β€’ Beachfront Dining β€’ Lunch & Dinner
πŸ“ 2 A Street, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080
πŸ•’ Daily 11am–9pm (Fri & Sat until 10pm)
πŸ“ž (904) 364-1938
🌐 Beachcomber St. Augustine

Family Friendly β€’ Beach Front Dining β€’ Casual Menu

For the best waterfront experience, plan dinner around sunset.  Many restaurants along the bayfront offer outdoor seating where you can watch boats glide across Matanzas Bay as the sky turns gold and pink over the Castillo de San Marcos.

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