
O'Steen's Restaurant
A beloved St. Augustine institution famous for its no-frills atmosphere and legendary, perfectly fried shrimp and Southern comfort food.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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O'Steen's Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved St. Augustine institution famous for its no-frills atmosphere and legendary, perfectly fried shrimp and Southern comfort food.
"This is a must visit restaurant in St Augustine. Be prepared to wait for a table and bring cash!"
Arrive Early to Avoid Waits
Popular spot gets crowded quickly; arrive early, especially on weekends, to minimize wait times.
Bring Cash
This restaurant is cash-only, but an ATM is conveniently available on-site.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Southern Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(904) 829-6974
Address
205 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
Website
osteensrestaurant.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World-Famous Fried Shrimp
Indulge in O'Steen's legendary fried shrimp, renowned for its unique local breading and incredible freshness.

Authentic Southern Sides
Savor homemade Southern classics like squash casserole, hush puppies, and Minorcan clam chowder.

Cash-Only Charm
Experience a true no-frills, cash-only diner that focuses on fresh, delicious seafood and friendly service.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early to Avoid Waits
Popular spot gets crowded quickly; arrive early, especially on weekends, to minimize wait times.
Bring Cash
This restaurant is cash-only, but an ATM is conveniently available on-site.
Don't Skip Dessert
Indulge in their delectable desserts, with Key Lime Pie being a highly recommended choice.
Try the Chowder
Sample the unique Minorcan clam chowder for an authentic taste of local flavors.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early to Avoid Waits
Popular spot gets crowded quickly; arrive early, especially on weekends, to minimize wait times.
Bring Cash
This restaurant is cash-only, but an ATM is conveniently available on-site.
Don't Skip Dessert
Indulge in their delectable desserts, with Key Lime Pie being a highly recommended choice.
Try the Chowder
Sample the unique Minorcan clam chowder for an authentic taste of local flavors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
O'Steen's Restaurant is celebrated for its consistently excellent fried shrimp and authentic Southern sides, drawing both locals and tourists. While the food quality and friendly service are widely praised, be prepared for potentially long wait times and remember to bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted. Some diners, though fewer, felt the experience did not fully meet the high expectations set by reviews.
"This place is so good that you can score 1000 bonus points with your mother-in-law if you bring here by 10:30 AM and sit her down early on the long bench up-front. If she likes shrimp even in the slightest then she will be AMAZED at how fresh and tender the fried shrimp are here. Do this first of the vacation because you both may be wanting to go back one more time before you leave town. Everyone who has tried this place already knows the reviews don't even measure up to how great the HOMEADE SEAFOOD FOOD IS! We always get the fried shrimp...well, I get a double. This time I was [ALSO] desiring a good-charred steak! (I had been told that it was very good last year when we came and I did not forget since then!) Hey, its vacation so I ordered both...NY Strip and Large Shrimp Plate. By the way, the steak comes with FRIED ONION RINGS! I think it's the only way to get Rings is to order Steak...Well let me tell you...That Steak was the best steak I have had in a while and it far out beat more expensive places in town....I will share with you what the rest of our party had: Shrimp, Shrimp, Shrimp, and Shrimp. We ALL loved it. It was my Moms first time and she was on that bench at 10:30 AM! We love this place. We love the kindness here. We love the food here! We can't wait to come back next year!"
Solutions2 Low-Voltage
"While on vacation this restaurant was recommended. I’m elated we decided to go because the shrimp was the best I have ever eaten. I’m a seafood person, the food was absolutely delicious. We patronized 2 days in a row. There is always a short wait time so that’s a sure sign of awesome food. We met 1 of 3 owners and they were definitely delightful people. We will return and we recommend."
Shelia Combs
"Food and service were excellent, We had the Fried shrimp and the Grilled Chicken both were scrumptous, would suggest the Delicious Squash casserole, pickled cucumbers, Cole Slaw and not to mention the Hush puppies that are so terrific and The Secret Shrimp sauce is soo good. If you are in St Augestine and Hungry stop here and enjoy a great meal. I will definitely be back the next time I am in town. Just on-site. they only take cash but have a ATM onsite."
Doug Wingo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
O'Steen's is most famous for its incredibly delicious and unique St. Augustine-style fried shrimp.
No, O'Steen's Restaurant is strictly cash-only. However, they do have an ATM on-site for your convenience.
Popular side dishes include hush puppies, squash casserole, coleslaw, and Minorcan clam chowder.
Yes, O'Steen's is very popular and often has a significant wait, especially during peak hours and weekends.
Key lime pie is a highly recommended dessert. Unfortunately, coconut cream pie is no longer available.
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Across the Bridge of Lions from downtown, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant is recognizable for the line of customers who wait patiently for fried shrimp (the specialty), seafood, and fried chicken. Needless to say, it's been a popular local eatery for generations. On the menu are oysters, scallops, hush puppies, broiled seafood, coleslaw, biscuits and cornbread with gravy, and banana cream pie.
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Located on Anastasia Island, just a hop, skip and a jump from the Bridge of Lions and downtown, O’Steen’s Restaurant is one of the best places to enjoy a delicious plate of fried shrimp and Southern cuisine. A fan-favorite of locals and tourists alike, you haven’t truly explored St. Augustine, Florida until you’ve tasted O’Steen’s famous fried shrimp and homemade sides like Minorcan clam chowder and hush puppies. Open for both lunch and dinner, stop in for a midday pick-me-up, or end your evening with a delicious meal.
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O'Steen's has been a St. Augustine staple since 1965; if you ask the locals, everyone will rave about the restaurant's Southern-style fried shrimp and tasty sides like squash casserole. Homemade Minorcan clam chowder, deep fried oyster and scallops, deviled crab patties, and fried catfish are among the other delicious southern fare offered here. Just make sure to bring cash (credit cards aren't accepted but there is an ATM at the restaurant) and prepare for a bit of a wait.
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O’Steen’s Restaurant has been an institution in St. Augustine since 1965 and does seafood just the way this aficionado likes it: strictly cash-only, no frills, but undeniable freshness in the catch. For years, it’s been their bread and butter for locals and tourists alike. Their signature item, hand-breaded fried shrimp, is a local legend, perfectly paired with homemade coleslaw and fluffy hushpuppies.
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O’Steen’s Restaurant has been a north Anastasia Island staple for more than 55 years. Always-fresh seafood, house-made soups, and daily-catch specials are forever on the menu, with the St. Augustine fried shrimp being the star that really draws the crowds. You’ll also discover rare specialties like sea scallops, Minorcan-style clam chowder, and even broiled crab patties.
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O'Steen’s Restaurant is a local favorite, as well as popular among tourists, and has been serving fresh seafood dishes for more than 50 years. They serve home-style side dishes using the freshest vegetables, along with simple, sweet flavors, including ice creams and assorted pies. The fried shrimp is among the most popular choices o the menu.
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O’Steen’s Restaurant is a local institution known for its classic comfort food and legendary fried shrimp. The family-owned restaurant prides itself on serving simple, delicious dishes that appeal to all ages. While the menu focuses on seafood, there are plenty of options for even the pickiest eaters, like hamburgers and macaroni and cheese.
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A St. Augustine staple since 1965, O’Steen’s Restaurant is legendary for its fried shrimp, lightly battered and crispy. This cash-only, family-owned diner exudes Southern charm with homestyle sides like squash casserole, collard greens, or macaroni and cheese. The menu also includes fried fish, scallops, and oysters, all sourced fresh.
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O’Steen’s Restaurant is a well-established business as it has been serving seafood to locals for more than half a century. Located on Anastasia Island, this is a laid-back restaurant that is ideal for casual dining. The dishes are made using mostly locally sourced seafood, although many of the dishes have a Mediterranean twist.
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For 50 years, O’Steen’s has graced the coast of St. Augustine. Its homely charms, vintage style, and distinct southern focus make it a perfect place to peer into the history of the ancient city. The diner is famous for remaining relatively the same throughout the decades, with its core menu of authentic and classic seafood.
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205 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080 osteensrestaurant.com. Known for: Casual fried seafood restaurant with classic Southern sides. O’Steen’s is a casual seafood restaurant right on Anastasia Boulevard, making it easy to get to from both the historic district of St. Augustine and the beaches.
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If you’re looking for the best seafood in St. Augustine, look no further than O’Steen’s Restaurant. This local favorite has been serving up fresh, delicious seafood for over 50 years. Known for it’s fried shrimp and shellfish dishes, this cash-only restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
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O'Steen's Restaurant: a true gem in St Augustine where fried shrimp reign supreme!. From the moment I stepped inside, I could feel the warmth of this beloved hometown favorite. Their unique local breading is a delightful twist that keeps the shrimp juicy and bursting with flavor.
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O’Steen’s is a St Aug staple for good old fashion fried diner fare, the fried shrimp is their specialty – a heaping happy (not so healthy) serving. Its not fancy, no liquor license, no fabulous interior décor, just decadent diner food – cheap and cheerful!
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O’Steen’s Restaurant: This iconic seafood restaurant has been serving up fresh, locally caught seafood since 1965. Visitors can enjoy dishes like fried shrimp, scallops, and crab cakes, as well as the famous “world-famous” datil pepper sauce.
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If you ask most locals for the local fave, this is the restaurant they mention. It’s mostly fried seafood, and if you like that, it’s great. (Mike often gets this when I’m out of town since I don’t like fried seafood as much as he does).
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Now, I haven’t been here yet, but every time I drive by, there’s a line out the door!. This is a cash-only restaurant that is all about the fried seafood…especially shrimp!. And they must be doing it right as it’s been around since 1965.
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With over 50 years of service, this typical restaurant is a St. Augustine’s insignia. Loved by locals and tourists, you would want to experience the mouth-watering freshly served seafood and southern dishes. Run and save your place!
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For a taste of classic Southern fare, one of the best places to eat in St. Augustine is O’Steen’s Restaurant, on Anastasia Island. One bite of a hush puppy and you’re reminded you’re in the South.
Reddit - Dive into anything
We were able to visit St. Augustine Beach, the Alligator Farm, Osteen’s for dinner one night, and coffee from City Perks, but then were unable to spend the rest of vacation exploring the city.

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