O'Steen's Restaurant

Great food and service! I’m always a little iffy when trying out restaurants in a tourist town, but O’steen’s did not disappoint. Our server Jess was also the best! I don’t think there was a moment where I didn’t have a full cup, she knew the menu very well, and made sure to check on us despite working a packed house. Out of the mains we tried, the braised scallops were my favorite and really delivered on a fresh flavorful scallop. Their hush puppies are a bit unique. Definitely more on the savory-side which was different for us NC folk, but still really good! Now I’m not trying to sound like some health nut, but the veggies here are beyond good and a must try. Their cucumber salad is so tart, sweet, and really addicting. I’m still thinking about it a month later. For dessert, we had an excellent coconut cream pie. O’Steen’s is definitely a must try and are looking for a well-rounded meal with an authentic seafood experience. The restaurant itself is small so be sure to get there early if you've got a bigger party!

We love the food here. This is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in St. Augustine because of the food. They do not sell any alcohol and it is cash only. The restaurant is not fancy but almost always has a line wrapped around the building waiting to get in. I always get the fried shrimp and I do not really like shrimp in general but at O'Steen's it is just amazing!!

We had to try this place! This is a well run organized restaurant! We both really liked our shrimp, hush puppies were great and our sides were very simple good! Our wait time was not very long. Great family restaurant. If you love breaded shrimp you’ll enjoy this place. Check in at the window when you arrive and they’ll call your name when your table is ready.

There are restaurants that scream for your attention and then there are the quiet legends, the places that don’t need neon, hashtags, or culinary theatrics because they’ve been great long before you showed up. O’Steen’s in St. Augustine is one of those places. A shrine to Southern cooking, the kind of joint where the line out front isn’t hype, it’s faith. Walk in and the first thing you notice is what’s not there: no pretension, no influencer traps, no overwrought plating. Just locals, regulars, and travelers lucky enough to have been tipped off by someone who cares about real food. This is a place built on a single religion: frying things perfectly. Let’s talk shrimp. The fried shrimp at O’Steen’s are a cultural treasure, a masterclass in simplicity executed with the precision of a surgeon and the soul of someone’s Southern grandmother. Light, crisp, not the least bit greasy each bite crackles, then melts. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you why frying is an art, not a fallback. Service is what service should be: efficient, warm, no-nonsense. They’re not here to inflate their ego, they’re here to feed you. And in a world where restaurants are constantly trying to reinvent themselves, O’Steen’s stands tall by doing the opposite. They simply continue to do what they’ve done for decades: cook damn good food. If you’re the sort of traveler who wants the “best restaurant in town” as defined by glossy magazines, you might miss O’Steen’s. But if you care about places that matter, places that carry the weight of community, history, and flavor then this humble, always-busy, never fancy institution is five-star all the way. This is the kind of place I’d cross a state line for. Hell, I’d cross two.

We were recommended to come here by several people and they weren't wrong. The food was pretty good. The batter on the fried shrimp was very light but just enough to be very tasty. The sauces were exceptional and the showstealer was the crab cake. LOTS of crab meat and not too much cake. The potato salad and mashed were also very good. The ambiance was good, not because it was thr Ritz Carlton, but because the people inside were all super kind and unassuming, like it was something out of the 1950s. The service was perfect as the staff/managers were very nice. Cash only.

At first glance, O’Steen’s might seem like your typical small-town fried seafood joint—but from the moment we pulled up, it was clear this place is anything but ordinary. It has that classic, family-run vibe you’d expect from a decades-old local favorite, but the level of organization, service, and sheer food quality elevates it far beyond expectations. The waiting process—often dreaded at popular spots—was actually part of the charm. We added our name to the list, grabbed a seat on one of the outdoor benches, and ended up chatting with a few fellow diners. The wait time was shorter than predicted, and the entire process ran like clockwork. Inside, the dining room was buzzing with energy. The staff moved quickly and efficiently, clearly working as a well-oiled team to get food out fast and keep things moving without ever making us feel rushed. Our server, Patrice, deserves a special shoutout—she was not only warm and knowledgeable, but impressively intuitive. From explaining the menu and house sauces with ease to anticipating drink refills and even offering paper towels with soda water after we both managed to get sauce on our clothes from overzealously scarfing down our meals, she was on it. The menu is refreshingly simple—focused on fried seafood platters like shrimp, oysters, and scallops, paired with hush puppies and classic Southern sides. We ordered a cup of Minorcan clam chowder, a 12-fried shrimp platter (with coleslaw, sweet potato casserole, and 2 hush puppies), and a 6-fried oyster platter (with fries, macaroni salad, and a hush puppy). It was a lot of food, but we cleaned every plate. The fried shrimp were the true standout—huge, uniquely butterflied, and fried to golden perfection. They were unlike any we’ve had before, and we’ve had a lot over the years. That first bite made us look at each other and say, “Wait, what?!” The house-made sauces were fantastic across the board, especially the datil pepper hot sauce, which adds a unique St. Augustine flair. Also worth noting: it’s cash only, so come prepared. My wife found O’Steen’s through a random social media recommendation, and we’re so glad she did. After experiencing it ourselves, it’s easy to see why this place has been a beloved local institution for over 50 years—equally treasured by locals and repeat visitors alike. We’ll absolutely be back and will be recommending it to everyone we know heading to St. Augustine.

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.

We tried O’Steen’s during our week in St. Augustine and it was so good we had to go back later in the week before we left. Everything we had there was top notch, but they have without a doubt the BEST fried shrimp I have ever had. Everyone in the place was incredibly friendly and helpful, too. They really make you feel right at home. I would add that they are cash or check only, so just be aware of that before you go! If you don’t carry cash it’s worth going to the ATM to try this place!

Visiting the oldest city to view Night of Lights we stopped in for an early dinner. You give your name at the window and wait outdoors for a table to open up. Luckily we had a good sunny afternoon on a chilly day, but we didn't wait very long for our name to be called. The fried shrimp is the best in St. Augustine - very light batter on perfectly cooked shrimp. You can choose two sides - I had coleslaw with the potato salad (just like I make at home). Hubby chose fries and coleslaw. It was terrific - and we finished the meal with a piece of key lime pie that was excellent! You must remember that the restaurant is CASH only - so be prepared when you visit. There's convenient parking next to and behind the restaurant. Don't miss it - it is the BEST shrimp in the county!

Went last week when it was super cold and the wait wasn't fun, but it was worth it! The Minorcan soup helped warm me up. It was terrific, stuck to your ribs and spicy. We had the fried shrimp since it was our first time there. At first glance it looked underdone, but they were perfectly cooked and adding some datil sauce to.the pink sauce made a delicious blend. Hubby forgot all about cocktail sauce after tastng it. The fries were practically greaseless. I had the peaches as a side and they made a refresing end to my meal. Hubby had the French silk pie and he was in heaven. He thought the crust was homemade, it was so good. We didn't ask, dont want to know. Just a yummy dessert. Will definitely go back. Staff was very patient with us newbies.

After reading rave reviews and hearing from locals, I was excited to try O'Steen's. After a quick 30 minute wait, I ordered the dozen shrimp meal and boy was I sorely disappointed. The shrimp are coated in some weird gloppy four cornmeal breading that is pasty and not a smidge crunchy. The breading had zero flavor and was too sticky to even pick off. The shrimp are served with a pink sauce that is bland, liquidy and slightly too sweet. The requested cocktail sauce was almost pure ketchup with just a whiff of horseradish to it. The offered house hot sauce was like ketchup watered down and mixed with a bottle of crystal sauce. Totally uninspired and not a bit spicy. The shrimp did have a nice snap to them but the breading was very off putting. The fries were under crisped and the butter peas were ok but needed some zip and some pepper vinegar and the cucumber slices were sweet pickled and crisp but against the other sweet sauces and such, I wish they had been pickled in a savory style instead. The coleslaw was the highlight of the meal and that's not saying much. I adore fried shrimp. I order them regularly. I was really excited to try O'Steen's but man, this was a flop. Ohh, cash only with a very pro Jesus, pro Trump cashier who made both known unsolicited at checkout.

What's all the hubbub about? Easy. They have the best fried shrimp on earth. Don't mess with the fish though it was subpar but the shrimp more than makes up for it. The hush puppies are incredible and are the perfect compliment. The prices are great and the staff works hard. The clam chowder is tomato base so stay away from that and order as much shrimp you can possibly eat. You'll regret it if you don't . It's plain inside and small so get there early or you'll be waiting a while! This is a must go to destination!

What can I say but O'Steen's still remains on top of their game. We came mid afternoon of a weekday and were seated pretty quickly. Of course, I ordered the Fried Shrimp. Of course, it was delicious. Of course, I finished the whole platter and maybe didn't have dinner that night because I was still full.

Amazing old school diner with the best shrimp ever! Seriously could not wait to go back. Was here 5 years ago and it was amazing to go again and have the same great service, food, and prices. Love the clam chowder, sides, shrimp and the sauce, oh and did someone say pie???? We all were so impressed we had to tell the owner. What a nice guy! Really one of my favorite seafood restaurants ever!!! We lucked out this visit with a very short wait at 2:30 on a Friday. I would still wait in line for this restaurant! Beware it can be hours to get in!!

Still going strong with fresh and amazing dishes along with super friendly staff that keeps a good check on your table! Definitely check this place out!

On a trip to St. Augustine, the place that kept popping up during my research was O'steen's no matter where I looked, and I knew that I had to give it a shot. We ended up parking in downtown and then walked across the bridge, but if you have a car, there is a small parking lot that you can park out so you do not need to walk 30 minutes like us. We got there around 1230PM and only had to wait 20-30 minutes to be seated. If you go during the summer like we did, there is an antique store right next door with connected speakers so you can walk around with AC so you are not suffering in the heat outside. Between the two of us, we ended up ordering the double sized shrimp platter, which comes with 24 shrimps, two sides of our choice, two hush puppies, and your choice of sauces. I did see a few people eat this platter by themselves, but believe me that this was enough for two, and even then some. The shrimp are butterflied so they all look even bigger than they already are when you eat them (and of course allow for more sauce dippage which for me is a big plus). The fried outside is a bit more on the thick, dougher side (which I prefer as I love myself some good batter), but if you are looking for a thinner, crispy fried outside it may not be up your alley. Otherwise, the sides we got (squash casserole and fries) and the hushpuppies were well made and could not complain. Definitely a treat of a meal and would go again.

Great family restaurant that has served St Augustine for decades just over the Lion Bridge. Noted for fried shrimp, variety of sides and friendly service in a jam packed location. We waited 45 min in the rain till our name was called while we chilled mostly in my SUV. Well worth the wait and will be back! Cash only so leave the Amex at home. We live off 210 but 95 N was a mess and took 3.5 hours to reach World Golf exit and wiggle around Silverleaf to get home. Next time we will not hit the freeway!

Really good food. Service was fast and friendly even though they were busy. Ambiance is that of a diner with tables and chairs.

Fried shrimp were excellent, tender and cooked to perfection. The sauces were very good. Wait staff friendly and welcoming.

The best fried shrimp ever! So light and perfectly cooked. I also loved my fresh veggies and hush puppies. The service was fantastic - friendly and efficient. The restaurant has a casual, home town feel. I also got a piece of coconut cream pie to go - so creamy and delicious. Love it!

Husband has been wanting to visit here for quite some time, the wait has always scared us, as they don't take reservations, and have a reputation around town for great fried shrimp and long lines. The restaurant is very small, very simple, and provides fast friendly service. There's and antique shop next door that provides an activity while you wait. The shrimp was very good, coleslaw was good, fries were ok, as they were a little under the ideal temperature. The hush puppies were probably some of the best I've ever had, as they were very light and fluffy, and not greasy.

Great food fast service although they make you feel rushed. Shrimp was Ok this go around. Absolutely zero Crunch and that was disappointing. Clam Chowder different but good! Lines went quick.

Had to stop here before we left st. Augustine. This place is a must. We did take out this time and it was quick. We ordered 9 piece fried shrimp with fries and rice with gravy. The shrimps melt in your mouth and the sauce is so good. Highly recommend this place

Have been coming here since early 2000's when in the area and it never disappoints. Best fried shrimp in the country by far. Get the big order, trust me, you'll eat more than you ordered. Staff is always friendly. Get there at 10:30 if you want to be in the first seating. 5 stars + for sure.

This place is on a whole other level. A group of 7 went for an early dinner we waited about an hour to be seated. Service was good and quick. Most of us ordered the fried shrimp or fried clams. For sides we had sweet potatoe casserole, Mac and cheese, pickled cucumbers and pickled beats, fried to name a few. All were good. We all got hush puppies with our orders. The shrimp was fried with a light batter. This place is a must if in the area.

I'm visiting from New Jersey. I used to live in Ponte Vedra for 14 years and just had to stop in for lunch after a beach walk in Anastasia Island. It is just a good as I remember. Today I tried the fried chicken and it was amazing! We also got the small order of fried shrimp with cole slaw, lima beans, hush puppies and the side salad with homemade ranch dressing. Everything was delicious! The chicken was so moist and juicy. You need to allow 30 minutes to prepare. If you arrive and there is a wait tell the hostess to preorder for you. It definitely worth it. One of the best fried chicken dishes I've ever had. The fried shrimp are always consistently good. You can't go wrong with either dish. So happy I decided to dine here again after 6 years. Never disappoints.

Finally made it to O'Steen's after all the years driving past it. We arrived around 5p on a Saturday - the last weekend for the 2023 Night of Lights. Given all that, we expected to wait about an hour but were lucky enough to only wait maybe half that. I knew I wanted to try all the seafood so I ordered the seafood platter. This included shrimp, oysters, scallops, and fish. Having an option, I chose the catfish for my fish. No grits for a side tonight so I went with fries and cole slaw. The shrimp was great as expected and the hush puppies were some of the best I've had. They were huge and perfectly fried and were light on the inside. The catfish was also good, but I probably wouldn't order oysters or scallops again. Service was prompt, friendly, and accommodating. Great visit - the shrimp lived up to the hype.

Can't go wrong with O'Steen's shrimp! Service was prompt they got it together!!! We are locals and come here often. The restaurant is not spacious and could use modern upgrades, but when you have been making seafood this good for many years the customers keep coming!!!!

The best fried shrimpie you will ever have! Also love their pink sauce. Staff here is elite, I believe they changed ownership but the quality was not touched

This is an old school southern fish house. These are hard to come by these days. If you want to know where the locals are eating and tourists -this is the spot. The way they prep the fried shrimp is a very Florida thing sans the complete butterfly. The simple side dishes that are mostly cold is a simple mom and pop feature. The food comes really quickly and the serve is really great. I saw them making accommodations for double strollers in the very small dining room. Plus they move tables around quickly to accommodate any size party.

If you are visiting St. Augustine you must make a point to stop here! The place is small, has a quaint diner feel inside, and can have long wait times, so consider going at off hours. The shrimp is amazing, lightly breaded and worth going back for. In fact, we ate here 4 times in our 2 week visit! We also tried the broiled scallops and fried crab cakes, both excellent. Oh and don't forget the hush puppies, huge and crispy and possibly the best I ever had. They rotate the homemade sides every day so there is always something new to try. The service was top notch each time. It's easy to see why this small restaurant has been in business for over 50 years. It's cash only business though so plan ahead.

Cute little diner that obviously serves a lot of local people. We got lucky to get right in (although we sat at the bar) because the waiting time can be huge. The waitress was great and explained the menu. We had fried shrimp with beans and beets, and clam strips with beets and cucumber salad. Both meals were very tasty. This could have been a drive by but we had checked Yelp to find it.

Food is always great! The shrimp are fried to perfection and the sides are delicious. Servers are super friendly and always ready for drink refills.

This place is wonderful! The fried shrimp was delicious! Service was fantastic! Highly recommend!

Best fried shrimp and Southern seafood in the world! If you haven't been, it's time to go. They've been in business since 1965 and it tastes the same now as the day they opened. If seafood isn't your thing, they have land rovers too!

Tried to go there for over 25 years & the waiting time is ridiculous; good ratings I Guess is a good problem when your in business but, (no reservations are accepted) anything over a half an hour to 45 minutes + to be seated is absurd. After 11 attempts over many years we never will try again & will never in the future. Happy you are doing well regardless of of your waiting time! All there ratings for food for many years is very good, and prices are reasonable etc. but if you cannot have start dinner at 7pm till 8:15 Pm is not good regardless of everything else that's good.

Had the fried shrimp. Some of the best I ever had. Others has fried chicken livers and catfish. All good southern cooking. Had coco cant cream pie and key lime. Pretty good too. Phenomenal service. Old school atmosphere. All legit. Highly recommend and will be back.

5 stars for sure! We waited 40 min for lunch but it was worth it. Friend shrimp was great but let's talk about the Macaroni salad and fried squash! Yum!! Cash only so come prepared!

Best fried shrimp in Jacksonville area! O'Steen's is a very small restaurant with a large following! The service is quick and the food is amazing. Southern cooking at its finest. O'Steen's doesn't take reservations and you'll have to be there to add your name on the list. While you wait you can explore the antique shop next door or walk down the street to the a small bar. If you let them know you're headed for a drink they will call the bar to let you know your table is available. They're also cash only. If you forget, that's ok! They have a public atm out back by the bathrooms.

Best (lightly) fried shrimp I've ever had. Had sweet potatoes + hush puppies- both excellent. Small restaurant but has some additional outside tables.

O'Steen's is a classic spot that repeatedly came up in my search for must try places in St Augustine. For over 50 Years (getting close to 60!) O'Steen's has been efficiently pleasing the masses with perfectly fried shrimp (They have other dishes, but this is their signature), delicious sides and of course can't miss out on one of their cream pies when they are available. I walked over the Lion bridge from downtown St. Augustine and even had to wait as the drawbridge was raised on my journey across stoking my anticipation for some of the best fried shrimp I had anywhere. The shrimp reminded me of my childhood growing up in Maspeth there was small, nameless spot on Flushing Ave by the underpass that we called "Joe Fish" and on the weekends he would fry up and serve amazing delicious seafood. He's been gone for decades, but I was happy to find O'Steen's shrimp had a similar flavor to what I remember. I am happy they are still doing what they do! The fried okra and tangy cucumber salad rounded out my meal were delicious as well. Besides the great food it's the vibe of this place - the lady at the window doing triple duty of handle the take out orders, directing diners to their seats and accepting the payments was sweet and handled the crowd with skill. I sat at the counter and my server was taking phone orders while making sure no one at the counter was neglected. (I swear my diet coke was filled as soon as I put it down from a sip haha). Although I was stuffed from the meal I couldn't miss out on coconut cream pie (one of my faves) and this one does not disappoint. I was tanked up and fueled for the rest of my day able to make the walk back across the bridge. O'Steen's is a must try when you are in the St. Augustine area!

We didn't take any photos because there are enough photos here showing the great seafood. We've done nothing but eat seafood for a week and my husband said these were the best oysters he's had. My shrimp were absolutely perfect, the batter was SO light and the shrimp piping hot. They have fresh sides and vegetables as well. There usually a line waiting to get into the small restaurant and they only take cash, so be forewarned. Osteens's has been here for what seems like forever, it's an institution unto itself, ya gotta go!

outstanding, very light tempura battered large shrimp. 12 went down so easy. it was busy but food came out fast, honestly everybody was having the first shrimp, except one person and they must have had a shellfish allergy. service was so fast that i bet they just make the shrimp from open to close. i wish the tempura had a teeny more seasoning, maybe even salt but still some of the best shrimp ever. the dipping sauce was a mayo/ketchup mix but thus have a dital pepper sauce to spice it up. hush puppies were also good perfectly cooked would be nice to have those little bits of onion but the just my preference. i would eat here once a week if i could. super friendly service. it can be crowded but there is a pub two doors down as well as an antique shop next door to kill some time.

A Seafood Delight at O'Steen's Restaurant! In St. Augustine's treasure, where the waters crash, O'Steen's Restaurant is a seafood smash! With flavors so fresh, and dishes so fine, You'll feel like a king, and the food's just divine! Step through the door, with your appetite wide, The charm of this spot is a warm, tasty ride. Their shrimp is a marvel, so juicy and bright, Each bite is a journey that feels just right. From fried fish to platters, they've got it all here, A feast for the senses, you'll want to cheer! But remember, dear friends, as you plan your meal, They're cash only, so bring bills that reveal! The ambiance's cozy, with a genuine feel, A friendly staff ready to serve up each deal. Your taste buds will dance as you savor each bite, At O'Steen's, every morsel is pure delight! So gather your pals for a culinary spree, Where the seafood is stunning, as fresh as can be. In the heart of St. Augustine, take a seat and relax, At O'Steen's Restaurant, you'll find tasty snacks! So if you love crustaceans or fried things divine, O'Steen's is the place, and you'll feel just fine! With laughter and joy in this coastal retreat, You'll leave with a smile, feeling life's sweet!

What else can you say but amazing! The scallops were perfectly cooked amd so was the shrimp.. the cucumber salad is always fresh and taste great.. if you haven't been it's definitely worth the drive

Ok so everyone comes here for 1 thing. Fried shrimp. Well we're new here. So we stumbled on the place completely random just from reviews so we had to try it out. Does it live up to the hype?? Yea kinda does. You walk up to the window & give your name and wait outside. There's a bench to sit on. Or..an antique store right across while you wait. No lie, non stop all day you just watch people coming and going. So finally our turn. We go inside and it's somewhat small. Reminds me of an old diner. Of course we all got the fried shrimp with sides. They give you quite a bit with 2 hush puppies and 2 sides. The shrimp is butterflied and very lightly battered which is great. Not tiny shrimps with clumps of coating. Delicious. Very important note, cash only! Cash is king!! Don't fear, there's an ATM out back!!

As per norm! 10/10. Great place. Lunch every Saturday. Best shrimp in St Augustine

Food was great, had the broiled sea scallops along with sides of green beans and rice with gravy. Also did a small order of fried oysters. Oysters served with tartar sauce which was not needed. Friendly waitresses and they were busy.

Really great food, affordable prices and wonderful service. The efficiency of this establishment is like no other. A must try if you're in the area. Tried the catfish and the shrimp. It was delicious and we came two days in a row. My family and I are willing to do the two hour and a half drive just to eat good seafood. The sides we had were all awesome. I have nothing bad to say.

If you like SHRIMP and have never been to Osteens, you are being deprived of THE BEST shrimp on the planet. The food and service are always top-notch. The atmosphere is just 1 room with tables and chairs, just basic, but you ain't eating here for the atmosphere. The sides are always great and have never had a bad meal in this place. We drive over an hour, just to eat here. Make sure you check their hours, get there early, and BRING CASH... No credit cards accepted.

The locals favorite (and you can rely on that)! Simple, direct small place that delivers fried & broiled seafood (try their scrumptious fried shrimp!) with good service. I was on a mission for good Minorcan Clam Chowder& found it here: Spicy/housemade/genuine! Parking on the side of the restaurant & behind the building-across the alley.

Food and service was exceptional. The double order of shrimp hit the spot. This is an old restaurant that knows how to do it right.

Best fried shrimp in St. Augustine. Must have cash, they do have an ATM inside in case.

I'm often wary of "famous" restaurants, which can often be tourist traps or past their prime. I'm happy to say O'Steen's however lives up to its reputation. My husband and I swung by about an hour before closing after a day of swimming at the beach. We waited in line outside for about 20 minutes before snagging a table. Everyone we spoke to while waiting in line (which was a lot of locals and tourists alike) said we had to get the shrimp so we ordered a double order to split. The shrimp were perfectly fried, the fries were crispy, and the hush puppies were my absolute dream hushpuppies- crispy, fluffy, and huge. The double order was more than enough for two people and was a great deal in terms of price. I was worried that we'd be rushed given that we ordered about a half hour from close, but the restaurant was full well after the posted hours and no one on staff rushed us out. Overall both the staff and restaurant itself was welcoming and low-key which was nice given that my hair was still damp from the beach.

This place has the absolute best fried shrimp I've ever had. It's a local seafood & choice of veggies and side. Nothing fancy but incredible. Of course there's a wait but always worth it.

Food was hot and fresh. It didn't take a long for it to be ready either. Hush puppies were the best restaurant hush puppies I have ever had. Service was great. Efficient wait staff. Ambiance is not the best, but if the food is good, who cares.

The food was amazing and the portions were huge. The service was outstanding. One of the best seafood restaurants I have been to.