I've been coming here for years, and this place consistently delivers exactly what I want: fresh fried shrimp! If you don't like shrimp or seafood, or fried/Southern food, this place is not made for you. I always get the shrimp plate, squash casserole, and green beans, and sweet tea (with hush puppies). Yes, there's veggies on the plate, but they are swimming in butter and all the fiber is cooked out of them. The fried shrimp are very lightly battered--they are perfect. Service is fast and friendly. It's a family-run place and you can tell. The place is small, though it has grown, a bit, over the years. Regardless, there is very likely to be a line! You can always order to go, but it's not quite the same. There's a few picnic tables out back for to go orders as their food has to be eaten fresh for full effect! It's cash only, too. The decor leans heavily on coastal/Americana. They are very proud to be American, especially with the 250th birthday. I will say, though the American decorations are plenty, it does not feel political, simply celebratory. As for the kids, they have your expected fried kid items. There's not any coloring pages or anything. But the place is kid friendly in the fact that the food is served quickly and the servers are patient with kids. It's a tight space, so squirmy kids might have to get their energy out outside. Their newer bathrooms are more family (and wheelchair) friendly. As long as this place keeps up the consistency with their shrimp, I will keep coming back. My last visit, though, I did the unheard: I ordered chicken! (I still got some shrimp, too) The chicken was equally good and very hearty. The biscuits, though, were clearly canned. But if that's the only corner they cut, I don't really mind. read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - Marinated chicken, green beans, squash casserole, and biscuits - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

We haven't been to O'Steen's Restaurant in a few years. This small restaurant that opened in the 60's runs like clockwork. No reservations taken, check in and then wait outside on a long bench or stand in the shade by the next building. The wait can be long, but we lucked out with a table for two. It was a busy evening, and a few big big groups. Bring cash...no credit cards. They have a fried chicken special for $11.99, with 2 sides and 2 hush puppies. The fried shrimp is the most popular dish on the menu, with a choice of how many pieces. There is no booze, but the ice tea, sweet or unsweetened is tasty, and refilled often. I had the 9 piece shrimp dinner with macaroni and cheese and the cucumber salad with the delicious hush puppies. The red fish was delicious too. The Minorcan soup had the right amount of heat. No room for a piece of pie. The staff is so well trained. Restaurants have come and gone, but O'Steen's has the right formula. When we left, the lines were longer. Best to get they earlier than later. Don't forget they are closed on Sunday and Monday. read more

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

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Took a day trip to St Augustine and was recommended this seafood restaurant where they are known for their fried shrimp. It did not disappoint! We both had shrimp and they offer country sides like coleslaw (the best) , pickled beets, sliced tomatoes and other items like your southern grandma put on the table. Service was good she was not the most friendly but very attentive and she got really nice with the big tip I left her. Down home decor and history pictures on the walls. Original owners super friendly. AAA +++ read more

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O'Steens remains on top of the game! Took a group with several "newcomers" to O'Steens and they were all very pleased, including two toddlers who gave the kids chicken nuggets high marks! Nothing I can add to what I've said before, if you want Fried Shrimp in St.Augustine, this is hands down the place to go! read more

This place is small but the flavor of the food is absolutely amazingly Large. Great portions served with amazing service and hospitality! We highly recommend this for dinner ! Be prepared to walk away stuffed ! read more

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

Good food and good service. To me, it was like a seafood diner experience. Stick to the fried shrimp and the sides are all pretty good. Service was great. read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - Fried Shrimp with macaroni salad. - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Came here October 2025 for the fried shrimp. It was very good. It is fried in a light batter. Comes with a nice sauce and they also have their own hot sauce. The hush puppies were Delicious. The coleslaw was super creamy and full of flavor. I got a side of the peas They were okay but they were served only lukewarm. This place has pretty good prices and we got in fairly quickly around 7:00 p.m. on a Thursday night. read more

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World best fried Shrimp. Period. There is almost always a wait outside but it is worth it. Its not a super large restaurant but it flows pretty quickly. The restaurant is Cash only but they do have an ATM. There is also no alcohol/bar service, FYI. I have been coming here my whole life and can't ever skip a trip there for the Shrimp cravings on my St Augustine visits. You will not be disappointed. The staff is always attentive and friendly. read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - Fried Shrimp plate, Squash Casserole, Cucumber Salad - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

The atmosphere hasn't changed in many years but the food taste wonderful. My boyfriend brought me here, and we had the fried shrimp and it was terrific as expected. There's a nine and a 12 shrimp order size. This is the best Shrimp I've had in the US yet -- I am from Ecuador. They have a lot of great sides like macaroni and cheese and coleslaw to go with it. They only accept cash but there is an ATM machine outside. read more

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This is a diner fashion seafood restaurant that has been in business over 50 years. You check in outside and then they tell you to either enter or wait on a bench outside. We were promptly seating and the waitress was very quick to take our drink orders and then when she returned, she took our food orders. This is a very busy place. The ambiance was one of a diner. Everything was very neat and clean! We had fried shrimp with hush puppies and 2 sides each. The shrimp was the best shrimp we have had during this trip. It's lightly battered and fried to perfection. We were offered dessert but we were stuffed. I'll definitely be back! read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - Fried shrimp, green beans, buttered grits, pickled beets and French fries. - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Unpopular opinion.... My family did not care for this restaurant. It was recommended to us more than once, including one local saying they had the best shrimp in Florida. We waited about 45 mins for a table, so we were hungry when we got seated. The food looked good, and the waitress was great. But once we started eating, I noticed no one was saying a word. Normally we would be saying oh wow, try this, this is so good, etc. my main issue was the texture of the fried shrimp was super firm. It seemed like someone took a piece of boiled shrimp and then fried it. It was just weird. Side dishes were just ok. The restaurant itself is quite dated, and to get to the restroom, you have to go outside. Plus, it is cash only, which is inconvenient. I don't not recommend this restaurant when so many others are available nearby. read more

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The BEST old Florida Time Machine with INCREDIBLE food and INCREDIBLE service! They don't need the reviews, but as a first timer - 10/10!!! The best shrimp I've ever had. Just perfect. Can't believe I waited so long to get here. I was worried about parking & it can be busy but they have their own parking lot & there are also some paid spots nearby. They will have a wait, but since there were just 2 of us we were able to get counter service pretty quickly! read more

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Hey Y'all, Today, America's Independence Day and also Saturday on Anastasia Island, O'steen's business was rocking. At the window, we were told there would be a 15 minute wait, however it wasn't even 10 minutes, when we were called for a table. The Service was friendly and fast. The Ambience was cozy and decked out for the 250th Independence Day Celebration. Now, for the Food, I ordered the scallops and he ordered the fried shrimp which they are known for and we shared our plates. I thought it was really good and the cole slaw and hushpuppies were some of my favorites ever. You can expect normal crinkle fries if you order the fries. I will say that they have some very different sides of you want black-eye peas at a restaurant. They have them. They even have cottage cheese and peaches, if that's your jam. Two full meals for two with coke products, cost with tip around 75. We were too full for the desserts, but the pies that I saw made me wish that I had room for them, because they looked scrumptious. So far, one of my favorite meals at St Augustine's, in a very unassuming place. Those are usually the best. Check their website for their hours, days that they are closed/open, and for their merch. read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - O'Steen's Restaurant - Fried Shrimp with coleslaw, french fries, and hushpuppies. - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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Food is excellent, service is great. Gets a little noisy because it's small. Bring cash because they don't take anything but cash. This place is very popular. As an example they open at 11:00 on Saturday but if you want a seat, you need to get in line at 10:00-10:30 latest. It's worth it!! read more

Omg. Best fried shrimp in Florida. Must try and also try the pickled beets and cucumbers. Delicious deliciousness. Ambiance is cool but service is absolutely amazing. Great good affordable quality food read more

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The best Shrimp you can get when you visit St Augustine, FL. The shrimp is melting in your mouth. Delicious and fresh. They also have a lots of fish and delicious side dish. The service is amazing. You have to bring CASH , they don't accept cards. They also closed on Monday and some days during the holiday. You need to check in their web before go. The restaurant is nice with a fire place and some cute Christmas decorations. This place is a must visit. read more

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Delicious! Love the local hang out. Cash only, quick service, family atmosphere, local staple read more

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Always wonderful fried shrimp! Love this place! We haven't been here many times, but eat here whenever we are in the area. Took a friend and he loved it too! read more

Worst seafood ever. These other reviews are insane. Bartender never came around to take drinks. Hushpuppies were atrocious, fried shrimp were terrible, like how do you screw up fried shrimp. And the crab cakes were so hard to stomach. This place is terrible. read more

Best fried shrimp ever light breading service was good. Ambiance was excellent, server kept our drinks filled. FYI need to come early to get sides they run out of them soon etc casseroles. read more

Best shrimp ever. Always outstanding and never changes. It's so consistent. The service is just fine. The inside is super casual really a hole in the wall. But soooooo worth it. The price range is usually for a seafood place. Not too low, not too high. It's so worth it though. The wait can be long, so if you go for dinner you may have to wait awhile. Sometimes hours. That's how good this place is. Well worth it. read more

9/4/25 It's always good to eat at Osteens! It's best to come early or late or be prepared to sit outside in the heat/cold (depends on season) until a table is cleared..lol. They have a variety on the menu but I think the preferred item is their fried shrimp which is my preferred! We got a bowl of Majorcan chowder and honestly, we were disappointed-the potatoes weren't cooked all the way, seasoning was off and very little clams. If it was like this regularly... we would not order it again but it hasn't so we'll assume a bad night for soup makers?!? read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - Get 2 sides with meal, I got green beans and sparkled beans both were delicious! - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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Best shrimp I've ever had and service is just as good. We stopped here more than once and will definitely be back!

Several You tube searches for St Augustine restaurants led us to O'Steens. About 45minute wait on Friday evening. Seating is limited but they have a good system for getting people in and out. Our waitress (Jess) was busy but took great care of our table. The menu is easy and they are known for great fried shrimp. It was very good. We got a lot of food for reasonable prices. Was really good and I can see why they are usually so busy. Good food and good service are found here. read more

O'Steen's Restaurant - Fried shrimp and squash casserole - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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Amazing food and service. Parking can be a struggle depending on how busy they are. Brittany was absolutely amazing! Shrimp was excellent! Hush puppies were fresh and tasty. Save room for the dessert. Four of us enjoyed a late lunch for under $20 each. We were full when we left. Definitely worth the time and effort. Did I say Brittany was amazing?! Cash only. Comfortable read more

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I have been a fan of O'Steen's for many, many, years. This past week we waited an hour in the heat only to spend about thirty minutes in the restaurant. The shrimp and hush puppies were awesome. Most of the sides were probably bought offsite and in bulk like cottage cheese, sliced peaches and frozen fries (heated up). Previously I remember sides like squash casserole, fried okra, and cheesy grits. I will be looking for a new favorite restaurant for our visit here next year. read more

Loved O'steens, ate twice in 5 days. Great service, great food. Kudos. Make sure you bring cash they don't accept cards read more

Easter Parade on Saturday, was crowed as expected, but no wait. Service was very good, prompt with a pleasant attitude and smile. Like the feel of the restaurant, in that its style reminded me of restaurants growing up. I opted for the Chicken & Dumplings that was on special. Well seasoned with plenty of chicken. Sides were pickled beets & cucumber salad. Both my favorites. Saw the shrimp that every one talks about? I will just say, that they appear small. read more

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

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! read more

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I eat here as often as I can. Got there on Friday at 1045am. They opened at 11am. I had the 6 piece shrimp special with squash casserole & Cole slaw. The shrimp were hot & fresh. It was a great lunch at a reasonable price. My server Chelsea was friendly & made sure my iced tea was always topped off. read more

My wife and I had a wonderful dining experience here, and it truly felt like classic home-style cooking at its best. We enjoyed the steamed shrimp, fried clams, hush puppies, mashed potatoes, green beans, sliced beets, and finished with the coconut cream pie for dessert--everything was absolutely delicious. The entire wait staff was friendly and welcoming, but Brittany especially stood out. She was attentive, cheerful, and constantly checked on us to make sure we had everything we needed without ever being intrusive. Her service really made the evening even more enjoyable. We visited on a Wednesday night, and the place was packed with a wait--which says a lot. They've just celebrated their 60th anniversary, and it's easy to see why they've lasted so long. Great food, great service, and a true hometown atmosphere. We will definitely be back. read more

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The GOAT. Undisputed. Best shrimp in the whole world. Sauces are elite. Service is elite. Atmosphere is classic. The sauces are unique and flavorful. The sides are plentiful and versatile. If you come to St Augustine and don't get Osteen's... what are ya doing? read more

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!! read more

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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! read more

Cash only. There is an ATM on site if you don't have cash. Their fried shrimp is hard to beat for the best. Hush puppies are really good as well. You may want to ask for a few extra. Highly recommend! read more

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! read more

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Only thing worth eating is the shrimp I had the platter dried up Mahi oysters so big you couldn't eat them hush puppies horrible all the breading falls off the scallops crab not edible. if you go here stick with the shrimp no one seemed to care that it didn't eat my food read more

A tradition that screams the soul of st Augustine. Great food always like visiting a best friend

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. read more

. April 07, 2026 ...... My wife and I split the "SEAFOOD DINNER" and it was very good. The assortment was good and the potato salad and coleslaw were both excellent. We travel a lot USA & Asia and eat out a lot and look for good food at a good value. O'Steen's was a good deal for good food; I saw a lot of locals there which told me the same thing. You register at the outside window by the entrance door and wait in line (outside) to come into the restaurant and go directly to your table Looking back, I kinda liked this approach when I saw how well it worked. They DO NOT TAKE CREDIT CARDS and we seldom carry cash, so we were prepared to pay cash when we went to their website. ..... I give the place a conservative 4.7 stars ... ...... Be prepared to wait in line for a while if you go at a busy time. . read more