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. read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - 1 1/2 order. Get it - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Food was AMAZING, even though we had take-out (we have pets so no dining in this time!) Phone service calling "in" was pleasant and helpful! Pickup was a snap and INCLUDED EVERYTHING! This place is A MUST DINE THERE if you visit St. Augustine! read more

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. read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - Side dish menu - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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Best Fried shrimp in town. Terrific southern green beans and hush puppies. Service is fast and the staff is friendly.

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

O'Steen's Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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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 read more

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Have enjoyed O'Steens for close to 40 years. Some of the best food ever, especially the fried shrimp. Planning on going this weekend to ear and see the lights, always beautiful. Every adjective could be used for overall Great restaurant. We live in Tampa but drive up for the day just to eat and enjoy this great place .Have gone there many time for our wedding anniversary and we have had 56 of them read more

Been two years since I have been here and still the best place for fried shrimp! Don't skip out on trying the Minorcan Clam Chowder! read more

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Cash ONLY! Registering before entering was unexpected experience. However, there was no standing room inside. Food came in large portions! Service was prompt! read more

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. read more

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This is the 2nd the we've been here. Great service and everything was delicious . I was sad to see that the store next was no longer there to kill time while we waited for our table. read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - 6 fried shrimp with coleslaw , sweet potato casserole and hush puppy - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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! read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - 12 Fried Shrimp, Fried Okra and Cucumber Salad. Corn bread and Diet Coke - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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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! read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - Fired shrimp, green beans, pickled cucumbers, and hush puppies - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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. read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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. read more

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I eat here often, but today the sides were a little cold and the coconut pie just isn't the same as before. The shrimp is the best in town!!

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. read more

I live 2 blocks away from O'Steens. I've been 3 times is the past 20 years and they struck out each time. Many other restaurants that have as good or better fried shrimp. No atmosphere, no bar, long wait, really don't like their sides, oysters were mushy and you must pay cash. I understand everybody has their own opinion, their own tastes. read more

I believe this place has been open as long as I've been alive. Always been a favorite of Saint Augustine locals. The atmosphere is just laid-back nonchalant. Sometimes you gotta wait to get in, but it's worth it. The food is amazing. Most of it is fried, but they do an excellent job. Definitely the best seafood place in town. I highly recommend this one. Pro tip sit at the bar if you're by yourself or only have one other with you, you'll get a lot faster service. read more

Our fave place when we come visit from Pinellas County. Must try the 9 piece breaded shrimp. Cash only but an ATM located outside. read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - 9 piece shrimp w/2 sides ! - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

We always stop by here. Just good ole fried food and home cooking. Friendly staff and consistent. The wait outside is soooo hot though. read more

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!!!! read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - Shrimp and fries! - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Although there was a long wait, it was worth it. As always, the shrimp was delicious and the sides were too! O'Steen's is a must for us when we visit st Augustine. read more

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. read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - Fried shrimp meal. - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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. read more

My husband and I have been coming to St. Augustine for decades and have always passed by this restaurant. We saw it featured on a little show called True South and decided to go here the next time we were in town. I absolutely HATE waiting to be seated, but I'd wait 2 hours to eat here. We did wait about 45 minutes and it was more than worth the wait. The fried shrimp and scallops were DELICIOUS! I'd never had Minorcan Clam Chowder before...it was SO GOOD!! The only thing I didn't love was the green beans, but I think that might be a nostalgia thing for a lot of people. I even loved the okra!! Do yourself a favor and EAT HERE!!! read more

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. read more

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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. read more

Love this place! We eat here every year when we vacay in St Augustine. We like to visit between 2-3pm when the crowds are at their lowest. Don't forget to bring CASH (no cards taken) read more

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. read more

Good food, always crowded. Good service. We were here years ago and loved the shrimp. They certainly know how to make deep friend shrimp. Batter is nice and light read more

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. read more

Our party of 11 enjoyed a wonderful meal here. Melissa was our waitress was terrific. We never had an empty glass and she was great at telling us about the menu. Food was as good as advertised. Recommend read more

Love this restaurant. It's a long wait if you don't go early. Very few tables. They lost power before we were seated but we stayed. No lights or air during our visit but they could still cook. Food was excellent. Known for their fried shrimp which was tender and lightly breaded. Their fresh fish was mahi which I had grilled. Excellent. Loved their sides. Service quick and staff friendly. read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - mahi grilled, cucumber salad, hush puppies and squash in the background fried shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

I just can't understand all these 5 star reviews. If our food had been hot, I might have given a 3, but ours was lukewarm, must've sat under a heat lamp for a bit. Even hot, the shrimp is average, with a thin tasteless coating and somewhat rubbery. Hush puppies and fries, again, might have been crispy before. I prefer a crispy panko shrimp. We won't go back. read more

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. read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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 read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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. read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - Love the butterfly shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Excellent in every way! Broiled flounder is choice when available. Famous for fried shrimp.

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! read more