- Attraction: O’Steen’s Restaurant
- Location: 205 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: http://www.osteensrestaurant.com/
Picture this: a humble seafood shack where butterflied shrimp arrive at your table looking like golden peace symbols, each one practically bursting with sweet, tender flesh beneath a gossamer-light batter. O’Steen’s Restaurant has been serving St. Augustine’s most celebrated fried shrimp since 1965, and after nearly six decades, they’ve perfected their craft to legendary status.
What started as Mr. and Mrs. O’Steen’s commitment to serving fresh seafood and daily specials has grown into a local institution that draws both devoted locals and curious tourists to this unassuming spot on Anastasia Island. The restaurant’s distinctive shrimp sign—complete with a dapper crustacean wearing a hat and carrying a cane—signals that something special awaits inside.
The Shrimp That Made Them Famous
The Legendary Fried Shrimp: Available in orders of 9, 12, 18, or 24 pieces, each shrimp is butterflied to resemble the lines inside a peace symbol. The light, crispy batter creates what reviewers consistently describe as the best fried shrimp they’ve ever tasted. These jumbo shrimp are butterflied nearly to the point of being split in half, then dipped in a batter that cooks up light and crispy.
The Secret Sauce Combo: Take the pink sauce and mix in the datil pepper sauce from the green bottle, adjusting to taste, and you’ll experience a flavor combination that’s incomparable to anywhere else in the country. The datil pepper sauce delivers heat in a slow-rolling but inexorable wave of exhilaration, featuring the locally-grown peppers that have been cultivated in St. Augustine for generations.
Double-Sized Platter: The double-sized shrimp platter comes with 24 butterflied shrimp, two sides of your choice, two hush puppies, and your choice of sauces. While some ambitious diners tackle this feast solo, it’s perfectly sized for sharing between two people.
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Keep Exploring →Beyond The Shrimp
Minorcan Clam Chowder: Similar in appearance to Manhattan clam chowder, this local specialty radiates the fruity potency of the locally-grown datil pepper. It’s been called the absolutely best Minorcan clam chowder in the St. Augustine area.
Hush Puppies: Light, fluffy, and flavorful, these have been called the best hush puppies visitors have ever tasted. They arrive as the perfect complement to your seafood feast.
Southern Sides: The summer squash bake is creamy and delicious, while the coleslaw is fresh and not-too-sweet. Their macaroni salad is a particular favorite among regulars, and the menu features traditional Southern vegetables prepared fresh daily.
Dessert Glory: Their key lime pie is very good, though some reviews mention that the beloved coconut cream pie baker has retired, making the key lime the dessert of choice for many visitors.
The Old Florida Atmosphere
Nostalgic Charm: Patrons are charmed by the restaurant’s nostalgic 1960s vibe, contributing to a unique dining atmosphere. The warm atmosphere makes everyone feel like family, creating a sense of being at home.
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Discover MoreCompact Dining: It’s a small dining room where you may have to wait at peak times, but the intimate setting adds to the authentic local experience. The squat box of a building doesn’t appear promising at first glance, but the illuminated shrimp sign hints at the Southern culinary delights within.
Family Legacy: Many employees have been with the restaurant for over 20 years, and the menu has remained relatively unchanged over the decades. This consistency creates a timeless quality that regular visitors treasure.
Practical Considerations
Cash-Only Policy: O’Steen’s does not accept debit or credit cards, though there is an ATM available at the restaurant. This old-school approach adds to the authentic character but requires planning ahead.
Pricing Sweet Spot: Most meals fall in the $10-20 per person range, offering excellent value for the generous portions and quality. Guests frequently commend the value, especially considering the acclaimed fried shrimp.
Wait Times: Don’t be surprised by a 30-minute wait or more during peak dining hours. There’s a small takeout window near the front door where you check in and add your name to the list. For immediate service, you can always order takeout with no wait.
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Keep Exploring →Best Timing: Arriving around 2pm helps avoid the lunch crowd, and many visitors find the experience more relaxed during off-peak hours.
No Reservations: The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making patience a virtue for first-time visitors.
O’Steen’s Restaurant
📍 205 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
