We hear the Castillo de San Marcos guards nibble on historic hardtack, and we’re pretty sure the tourists on St. George Street will throw souvenir coquina at you if you ask for ‘authentic’ queso. But if you’d prefer an easier way to find real tacos in the Oldest City, use this list for al pastor, birria, and more.
Burrito Works Taco Shop
$ | (904) 823-1229 | WEBSITE
You could have a fantastic meal consisting solely of Burrito Works’ homemade shells, but the tacos here are worth prioritizing, especially if you come with a few other people. The next time you’re planning a casual group dinner, head to this spot from the people behind the local taco scene, and order the Barea and shrimp tacos for the table. The clean dining area is always buzzing with people enjoying various Mexican dishes, so be sure to arrive early or expect a short wait during peak hours.
Sporks
$ | (904) 342-8772 | WEBSITE
This St. Augustine sandwich spot is a hidden gem run by friendly owners, and it’s just as good as the hype suggests. Their Chicken Pesto Sandwich easily ranks among the city’s best casual eats, and the loaded grilled cheese with Costa Rican Rice and Beans is exactly what you need after a day exploring. Unlike some trendy spots, Sporks isn’t actually in the historic district (it’s tucked away nearby), and it has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere where you can hang out.
The Bacon Mac and Cheese is rich and satisfying, while the al dente pasta salad provides the perfect fresh counterpoint. With great prices and super fun vibes, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to become a regular.
Taco’s Queen
$ | (904) 342-5460 | WEBSITE
You’ve probably heard of Taco’s Queen. There are currently a few locations around St. Augustine, but the original is near the outlet mall, and it tends to stay busy—because this place serves some of the best tacos in the city. There are a few options to choose from (including shrimp and fish), and we tend to gravitate toward the fajita burrito. No matter what you get, it’ll come with fresh, flavorful, quality ingredients you can really taste.
There’s casual seating at this counter-service spot, but you can always grab your food to go while shopping.
Kusina Colorado
$ | (386) 276-5242 | WEBSITE
Kusina Colorado is a Filipino restaurant in St. Augustine that offers a delightful dining experience with its delicious and generous portions. The name reflects the owners’ friendly approach and the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, well-seasoned dishes, and the menu pulls from Filipino traditions with a range of comforting flavors. For a handy tutorial on what to expect, start your meal with the green chili smothered burrito, a customer favorite praised for its flavor and size.
Bring a group, and enjoy an impressive meal in the friendly dining area with warm lighting and colorful Filipino décor on the walls.
La Catrina Tacos & Tequila Bar, St. Augustine
$ | (904) 679-3151 | WEBSITE
If the thought of another generic chain taco joint leaves you uninspired, a trip to La Catrina Tacos & Tequila Bar might be just what you need. This St. Augustine spot serves Baja fish tacos on homemade corn tortillas that are prepared right in the open kitchen. The experience—which costs between $12-$18, depending on whether you add a frozen margarita—is just as much about the lively atmosphere as it is about enjoying fantastic food.
If you don’t want to commit to a full meal, you can grab a beef tip burrito or quesadilla from the counter, or take a molcajete to go.
Mojo’s Tacos-Mainland
$ | (904) 615-1957 | WEBSITE
Even when the Florida sun’s blazing, this taco joint tucked away in a bustling St. Augustine strip feels bright, vibrant, and welcoming—ideal for a casual family lunch (or simply a more-flavorful-than-usual weeknight dinner). Sure, you can come to Mojo’s for a hearty, satisfying meal of superbly crispy fish tacos with their unique hard and soft shell combination and moist, spicy steak arepas straight off the grill.
But if you just want to wear something comfortable, relax in a lively scene, and sample a fresh salsa or a glass of their homemade kombucha, this local favorite works well for that, too.
Treylor Park – Saint Augustine
$ | (904) 342-7104 | WEBSITE
At Treylor Park, you’ll eat surprisingly tasty creations like Philly cheese steak egg rolls and peanut butter and jelly wings in a quirky space with broken picture frames and 80s-style curtains. This is one of the most unique dining spots in St. Augustine, and it should be your go-to place in the city for casual, fun food with generous portions.
We especially like the trailer park nachos grande, which comes piled high with toppings and transforms it into an unforgettable plate of comfort food soaked in flavor.
Tacos My Blessing
$ | (904) 829-4235 | WEBSITE
Tacos My Blessing (tucked behind a brewery in St. Augustine) makes a slightly different style of taco than what you might find at Mexican spots around the city. Instead of being overloaded with rice and beans, the burritos are packed with just the good stuff, making them huge and delicious.
The result is as perfect for a casual family outing as it is for a get-together that might result in a few craft beers and a spontaneous decision to let the kids play in the toy area while you enjoy the outdoor seating. The tacos, especially the chorizo, and the chicken quesadilla are some of the best I’ve had in a long time, even if there’s sometimes a lingering taste of oil. With prices that might feel a bit steep but Mexican coke on the menu, this hidden gem is well worth finding.
Calico Cactus
$ | (904) 472-1191 | WEBSITE
For breakfast tacos, queso with a smoked flavor, and a well-stocked self-serve area, there’s Calico Cactus. This welcoming, family-friendly spot comes from the team known for attentive service, and it’s exactly the kind of place you should know about in St. Augustine for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. The vibe here is home-cooked comfort, so the atmosphere feels like a cheerful kitchen, and all the dishes taste like a good home-cooked meal.
Our favorite is the Fireproof taco, a super tasty option with hot fillings and great gravy that acts as a perfect companion for your Texas hold’em and other breakfast dishes.
Mayita
$ | (904) 429-9205 | WEBSITE
Mayita is a taco sanctuary in the slightly touristy world of St. Augustine, and if you live or visit in the area you should try it, and try it often. The colorful, waterfront spot is a taco stand, guacamole haven, and hot sauce hub all rolled into one. It’s not uncommon to see entire families going to town on carne asada tacos even at lunchtime on a weekday, so keep this place in mind if you need a relatively casual place to feed a bunch of people in the area.
Or come after exploring for a frozen spicy mango margarita and a plate of al pastor tacos, then pick up some homemade hot sauces in the dining area for dinner later.
Mojo’s Tacos
$ | (904) 829-1665 | WEBSITE
The vibrant, sun-faded sign of Mojo’s Tacos has been a St. Augustine staple for years now. But this taco spot is more celebrated for its consistently friendly staff and generous portions that keep locals and beachgoers coming back. The restaurant, with its nice, dark, and cool interior, got a refresh recently, but they didn’t strip away the laid-back vibe—a comfortably worn-in space perfect for chilling after a busy day at the beach or exploring.
You’ll find standout dishes, like shrimp and mahi tacos drenched in flavorful mojo sauce, and of course, their must-try queso. End every visit with their perfectly loaded nachos or arepas, with toppings throughout.
A1A Burrito Works
$ | (904) 217-7451 | WEBSITE
There used to be a lot of taco spots in St. Augustine, but A1A Burrito Works is one of the few great options remaining. This place is small, bright, and casual, and it’s perfect for a beach day when you want to pick at some street tacos and UFOs while soaking up the laid-back patio vibes. On busy weekends, there’s a pro move with online ordering to skip the line.
Osprey Tacos
$ | (904) 679-4191 | WEBSITE
Life is a beach day, and this place gets it. Osprey Tacos is a local favorite that works for so many moments: lunch after surfing, dinner with out-of-town friends, a quick bite between beach trips, etc. Service is helpful and kind, the space has a fun retro vibe that feels like an old 60’s motel lobby, and there’s a shaded patio with fans for those Florida afternoons when being outside is actually pleasant. When you can’t decide where to grab tacos in St.
Augustine, just come here and try a carne asada taco, a Baja fish taco, or a carnitas taco topped with their datil salsa.
Gringos Tacos
$ | (904) 217-0176 | WEBSITE
If you’re in St. Augustine and find yourself craving tacos, Gringos Tacos is a great option. There aren’t any street carts here, but the eclectic dining room, which is decorated with colorful murals and other fun trinkets, is a nice place to sit with a small group and enjoy some quality Mexican food. Try the organic chicken taco, birria tacos, and vegan meat tacos with just the right amount of flavor (i.e., a lot).
Jimmy Hula’s Saint Augustine
$ | (904) 770-2568 | WEBSITE
When you need to eat some seriously satisfying tacos while watching boats drift by on the river, grab a seat at Jimmy Hula’s Saint Augustine. A casual waterfront spot with an open layout and a full bar, this is a laid-back place with patio seating, marina views, and a menu that’s just as generous as the atmosphere. Try the shrimp tacos, or grab a double barrel bowl. Keep in mind, everything here comes in large portions perfect for sharing.
Back 40 A1A
$ | (904) 429-9906 | WEBSITE
Back 40 A1A delivers exactly what you want from a casual beachside spot in St. Augustine. A cozy restaurant with a diverse menu ranging from classic tacos and burgers to fresh seafood, it’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a relaxed meal with family after a day at the beach, or friends who appreciate good food without pretense.
The Cuban sandwich and shrimp quesadilla will satisfy your cravings while you soak in the welcoming atmosphere, and you can also swing by for lunch, or in the afternoon for some sweet potato fries and a ‘Stubborn’ fountain drink.