Not significantly has improved at O’Steen’s Cafe since it initial opened in 1965 on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine.
This dining incredibly hot location was not too long ago named one particular of the 15 Very best Seafood Places to eat in Florida by Trips to Discover. A couple other people on the listing include things like Flagler Fish Company in Flagler Seaside Safe Harbor Seafood Sector & Cafe in Atlantic Beach and Owen’s Fish Camp in Sarasota.
“Nothing has improved. If it ain’t broke, why repair it?” reported Timmy Colee, a single of the restaurant’s a few co-owners.
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Content visitors – which include a mix of locals, returning people and first-time vacationers – are all handled to dishes that have been on the menu for 57 yrs. All those recipes, these as the Renowned St. Augustine Fried Shrimp and Minorcan clam chowder, were relatives recipes of Virginia and Robert O’Steen, the unique owners.
Following quite a few yrs, the restaurant modified palms to Lawrence “Lonnie” Pomar, who ran it until finally January 2018. The new associates are Timmy Colee, Bobby Fales and John Cleary, all who have worked at O’Steen’s for extra than 40 a long time each.
O’Steen’s major menu item: fried shrimp
In its position, Visits to Discover mentioned, “O’Steen’s has uncovered the best recipe with its delectable seafood offerings and laid-back again, entertaining environment. A preferred for equally locals and people alike wherever extended lines are a regular, this more than 50-yr-outdated seafood joint is recognised for its fried shrimp, whilst Minorcan clam chowder and a aspect of hush puppies also go down well.”
“Our most ordered product has often been the fried shrimp,” Colee spelled out.
Colee stated they go by means of 300 lbs of domestically caught shrimp per working day. The kitchen also sources regional develop for their sides, together with cabbage for their coleslaw and other vegetables, these types of as yellow squash and eco-friendly beans.
And St. Augustine’s datil pepper, a domestically developed spicy staple that traces its heritage back to the Minorcans who settled here in the 1700s, is highlighted in many recipes — from the crab cakes to the sauces.
The fried rooster also grew to become popular this earlier yr when YouTube channel Mashed, with 1.19 million followers, named O’Steen’s as just one of 8 locations for “the best fried hen in the South.”
Though strains can be very long waiting for a table at this popular restaurant for the duration of peak period, orders can be made in advance by mobile phone and visitors can use the convenient choose-up window.
“We give our consumers a great item at a truthful rate,” Colee said. “If we would not try to eat it, we wouldn’t serve it. We are basically carrying on that custom.”
When attendees phase inside of, they move back again in time to the nostalgic days of Florida. There is a lunch counter to the ideal where locals and readers can saddle up and chat with the welcoming employees. At each and every position location, silverware and napkins sit on a paper placemat that depicts St. Augustine landmarks like the St. Augustine Lighthouse.
O’Steen’s Cafe is situated at 205 Anastasia Blvd., in St. Augustine on Anastasia Island. Several hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Get there early to get in line. Reservations are not accessible. Totally free parking is on website, with a generous parking lot powering the restaurant. Dollars or area checks are accepted — no debit or credit history playing cards. Stop by osteensrestaurant.com to look at the menu. Connect with 904-829-6974 to place a have-out purchase.
Watch the full record of winners online at tripstodiscover.com.
This short article initially appeared on St. Augustine Document: O’Steen’s Restaurant rated on 15 Greatest Seafood Places to eat in Florida
