Between the cobblestone streets of the historic district, the bustling waterfront of St. George Street, and the shaded courtyards of Aviles Street, St. Augustine is a city where every corner holds a delicious surprise. While you could spend days exploring the forts, fountains, and Spanish architecture, if you’re like us, the real quest begins with finding the perfect burger.
IHOP
$ | (904) 829-2215 | WEBSITE
This popular breakfast spot in St. Augustine is open daily with generous hours, but it’s worth planning ahead and arriving early on weekends. It excels at well-prepared American comfort classics for breakfast or lunch. Here, the appeal is the consistency of each dish—they take familiar ingredients and make them satisfying, like their famous crispy hash browns cooked just right and fluffy chocolate chip pancakes.
The vibe is welcoming, a mix of families with kids and regulars ready to enjoy a morning with coffee, orange juice, and syrup, and linger over refills. For the full experience, take advantage of the attentive service and stick around for a second cup of coffee post-meal.
Barley Republic
$$ | (904) 547-2023 | WEBSITE
Not much has changed since Barley Republic opened in St. Augustine. There are still wooden tables that feel comfortably worn, ceiling fans that keep Florida’s heat at bay while the shaded patio offers a breezy escape, and servers in casual pub attire, even though the atmosphere is fairly lively. The food is a mix of satisfying pub classics, like an outstanding chicken slider with crispy, juicy perfection and an Impossible burger expertly prepared with the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
You’ll also find the friendly staff there often, with servers like Shane and Lorelei greeting guests while efficiently managing the busy tables, and you’ll probably be surrounded by locals enjoying the live music (at least for now).
Barefoot Bill’s Island Grill
$ | (904) 824-2784 | WEBSITE
In a city where you can easily find incredible seafood or Spanish dishes, great casual American food is still hard to come by. Enter: Barefoot Bill’s Island Grill, an always lively spot in St. Augustine that fills the gap with perfectly executed homemade burgers and dedication to traditional comfort cooking.
Classics like the most delicious Pirate Burger ever and fresh fish and chips might be on the menu, alongside less typical dishes like sandwiches that all pair well with a soda from their mostly standard drink list. Barefoot Bill’s looks like a small, charming island shack, and it’s a step above fast food with service that’s dialed up a fair bit.
The Legends Grille
$ | (904) 907-2676 | WEBSITE
The Legends Grille in St. Augustine is a family-friendly spot with reasonable pricing and nice flavors, and one of the best places in town for a casual gathering or party. It’s a peaceful, pretty space with great decorations and an overall pleasant feel, and they do surprisingly good takes on familiar favorites, like delicious tenders and fries. You can grab quick snacks or drinks, but it’s also the perfect size for events, with excellent service especially for those occasions.
If you’re in the mood for something more after your visit, the bar service is open and efficient with friendly staff, though you’ll want to check for cleanup issues (so plan accordingly).
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$ | (904) 825-4099 | WEBSITE
This St. Augustine spot is a go-to for reliable family meals. It’s casual yet polished, slightly corporate even, with comfortable booths, bright lighting, and red leather chairs. So it’s no surprise that the weekday dinner hour is typically filled with families in polo shirts and sneakers, planning weekend outings to the nearby beaches.
Coincidentally, those same beaches are where many locals come after enjoying the straightforward American dishes full of familiar flavors, like the delicious chicken with mushrooms and the famous sirloin steak with ribs. You might even catch the friendly staff, like Noah and Brooke who’ve been providing caring service here for years, in action, whipping up delicious burgers and happy hour specials.
The Press
$ | (904) 217-8254 | WEBSITE
There are two sides of St. Augustine: the bustling historic downtown with its tourist crowds, and the quieter edges just beyond. The Press is located in the latter, which also happens to be home to some of the area’s most satisfying comfort food. Take a stroll away from the main drag, and stop here for a burger and a craft beer. Like the location itself, it may not be the first spot you visit in the city, but we can almost guarantee it’ll be one of your most memorable meals.
The burgers are exceptional (try the acclaimed ‘Conquistador’ or the really good cowboy burger) and it’s one of the more reasonably priced places to sit down for a huge, quality meal in the area.
Pesca Vilano Rooftop
$$ | (904) 267-0185 | WEBSITE
Pesca Vilano Rooftop feels like a coastal escape with a Floridian twist, which we guess is what happens when you combine stunning ocean views with live island music. Their cocktails, of course, are a highlight—they’re mostly tropical, and many of them feature local rum and fresh juices. Food-wise they keep it straightforward, with rooftop bar fare like burgers and fish tacos (though they also serve steak and seafood entrees).
Reserve a table in advance, or plan on arriving as early as the sunset crowd to secure a prime spot.
Village Inn
$ | (904) 824-4377 | WEBSITE
Village Inn is a longtime favorite in the St. Augustine dining scene, and is a great place to stop before or after exploring the historic district. It’s a spacious spot where you’ll sit at comfortable booths (Village Inn actually has plenty of tables that are set up in the dining room). But what it offers in room it more than matches with food. The focus is hearty comfort food in its many iterations, from tasty omelettes to mouthwatering pancakes to liver and onions.
The menu is wide and varied, so we can confidently say that it’s impossible to go wrong.
Hurricane Grill & Wings-St. Augustine
$ | (904) 471-7120 | WEBSITE
You’ll wish Hurricane Grill & Wings was on every corner. This spacious, welcoming restaurant just north of 206, with its outside deck and inside bar, does comfort food with a family-friendly edge, making it a place we want to bring the kids again and again.
What gives this spot staying power is a varied menu of hamburgers, Philly cheesesteak, and onion rings that’s classic American—and it shows the second you bite into the wings coated in hot garlic buffalo sauce, try the dynamite wing sauce that packs a punch, or dig into the massive, delicious key lime pie that will live rent-free in your head. The friendly staff treats regulars like family, and the game room makes it impossible not to stay well past dessert.
At this neighborhood hot spot, you can continue the fun with plenty of parking and meals under $25.
Kusina Colorado
$ | (386) 276-5242 | WEBSITE
This probably isn’t the first time you’ve heard of Kusina Colorado, and it won’t be the last. It’s legendary for its Filipino-American fusion menu, and you should absolutely make a point to come here for the green chili smothered burrito and the chicken sisig. Make a point to try the halo-halo for dessert, which is the best ever tasted. If you’re looking for a friendly, personable experience with big servings that are freshly cooked, a meal at Kusina Colorado is essential dining.
Ruby Tuesday
$$ | (904) 829-0950 | WEBSITE
Ruby Tuesday has been a St. Augustine staple for years, and for good reason—it was the first well-executed burger spot in town when it opened, and it still is. The restaurant, located near Jax airport, is perfect for a quick meal before catching a flight or after a long day of travel. Try to grab one of the accessible tables near the salad bar, which is always fresh and well-stocked.
The burgers are amazing, the fries are crispy, and coming here for the unbeatable deals with friends for lunch is never a bad move. Whatever you decide, finish with the friendly service from Kat and Catie, who always go above and beyond to make sure everything is perfect.
Steak ‘n Shake
$ | (904) 824-7229 | WEBSITE
Steak ‘n Shake offers the quintessential American diner experience, and has quickly become the go-to spot for a classic burger in St. Augustine. The retro space is cozy and full of regulars who probably have their usual order memorized—so, yes, this is where to feel right at home. The straightforward, always-reliable menu has unmissable items like a perfectly grilled steakburger with fresh lettuce and tomato, and a creamy milkshake made with real dairy.
Steak ‘n Shake operates completely contactless, so ordering ahead on the app is key if you want your food ready. But we actually prefer to walk in, place our custom order for extra pickles and no onions, and enjoy the meal in the pleasant, home-like atmosphere, especially during happy hour when the shakes are half-priced.
Krystal Spa
$ | (904) 884-8958 | WEBSITE
This serene spot in St. Augustine has all the makings of a luxury spa but without the clinical atmosphere and sterile feel. Prices are premium, and the ambiance is hushed, making it feel more exclusive from the moment you step inside. The predominantly massage-focused services inspired by therapeutic techniques are wonderfully effective, and we’d expect nothing less from the staff behind the standout experience.
Knockout treatments include the deep tissue massage with perfectly applied pressure that targets sore spots, and the relaxing session accompanied by expertly addressed specific areas like knees. The overall approach highlights personalized care and includes an impressive variety of wellness benefits, like the refreshed feeling and eagerness to return.
Auggie’s Draft Room
$$ | (904) 907-1317 | WEBSITE
Auggie’s Draft Room isn’t your typical family-friendly burger joint with the usual kids’ menus and predictable offerings. Instead, this spot has things like a self-serve beer system where you pour by the ounce, and while that might sound gimmicky at first, we promise it’s brilliant. The classic burgers with crispy fries are another thing you should prioritize.
They come with that perfect balance of juicy patty and soft bun and will have you wondering what other basic burgers you’ve been settling for. The Spicy Chicken Sandwich and Grilled Chicken Quesadilla round out the highlights, all served in a chill atmosphere by genuinely friendly staff. Yes, portions can feel a bit modest for the price, but those affordable draft samples help balance it out.
Just be aware that to-go orders can sometimes be tricky to coordinate, but the food is absolutely worth a return trip.
Kaliburger
$ | (904) 540-8586 | WEBSITE
Kaliburger is a welcoming spot in St. Auggie that offers both vegan and non-vegan options, including delicious vegan milkshakes. Expect things like the Kali burger made with the Impossible patty, which has a crispy texture and very juicy interior, and the tempeh burger paired with an oat milk chocolate shake.
Our favorite time to be here is lunch when the atmosphere feels bright and family-friendly, but if you’re looking for a casual meal with outdoor or indoor seating, Kaliburger should be at the top of your list. (And yes, you should definitely try the chili cheese fries, though some might wish for more cheese.)