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The Reef

3.5 (783 reviews)
ModerateSeafood
Closed • 11:30 am - 9:00 pm

The Reef Photos

Business Info

THE REEF ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating
Dogs allowed
Happy hour specials

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Recommended Reviews - The Reef

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Reviews With Photos

Cucumbertini
Angelina E.

The Reef is a must visit when visiting St. Augustine / Vilano Beach. I'm a huge fan of cucumber cocktails and the cucumbertini was very refreshing and the perfect treat to end a long work week. The calamari was very seasoned and crispy and crunchy, but it almost tasted like it was fried in week old oil. The sauce that came with it was a great pairing. The lobster and shrimp risotto was very filling and very flavorful. I loved that it had mushrooms and peas mixed in. The service was very quick and our sever was very attentive and got us drink refills as soon as we needed. The ambiance speaks for itself with the ocean view from the windows.

Ruud N.

So good! Our friend in Saint Augustine knew about this place and took us there after our arrival in town. In short, the shrimp and grits are to die for! That sauce is unmatched, and the shrimp is nice. Sadly, the grouper and salmon were sold out so we opted for the Caribbean Grill. Great choice as the fish was flaky, nicely prepared and very fresh. Mussels as a starter, very nice as well. Nice attentive service (thanks Baylie) and the fact that this restaurant is coastal is a great plus.... unfortunately, we were over for a rather late dinner but anyone visiting during the summer should have great ocean views. Highly recommended.

View
Gail D.

Came on a Sunday around 11:00 sat at the bar. CJ was our server and he was great. No hard liquor until 1:00 on sundays until 1:00 but beer and wine is ok. We started with fried green tomatoes that were very tasty with a light breading. I had spring and grits with a datil like sauce that was outstanding. The hubs had a burger that he said was very good. Fries were excellent and he really liked the coleslaw. Our friend had an omelette that he really liked. The place is gorgeous and seats around 200. Outside seating is available and the views right on the ocean can't be beat. There is an upstairs available for private parties. We really enjoyed our brunch.

Steak and eggs

Went for brunch for the first time and it was outstanding! Steak & eggs had so much flavor and cooked perfectly. And the shrimp and grits was delicious. We will definitely be going back. Outside seating at the reef is exceptional.

Indoor seating
Chris C.

Drove down and had lunch at The Reef. It was an extremely hot day so we sat inside but there is outdoor resting as well. There is a full bar in the restaurant. Our server was attentive and took care of us. We had the Caribbean Grill and the short rib grilled cheese. Both were delicious. The Caribbean Grill was so fresh. The short rib was tender and the grilled cheese portion added so much flavor. We had a great view of the beach and ocean. Overall it was a great lunch.

Progress Not Perfection Mocktail
Nicole S.

Go give this place a try!! The food was amazing, our server was even better, and the drinks were good! AND THE VIEW!!!!! Our server walked us through the menu and what items she recommended and steered us away from meh items. The food took a little long but the calamari as an appetizer was great and that and some drinks (they also have mocktails!!!!!) created a nice relaxing atmosphere, and the wait for food didn't feel too long.

Cauliflower steak
Angie M.

The seafood trio was fresh and delicious. We upgraded to brussel sprouts with mashed potatoes which was recommended. The sea salt Carmel cheesecake was melt in your mouth good. Save room!

View outside our window
Susan H.

Indoor and outdoor seating with a nice bar area and a spectacular view of the ocean. This place feels elegant, yet casual. There's carpet throughout and on this very humid day of two weeks of rain left a slightly musty scent. Still a very clean and elegant setting. Staff is friendly and professional. I ordered a spicy Bloody Mary that was so satisfying. Nicely done! The Datil spiced Award Winning Seafood Chowder was creamy decadence with chunks of seafood and potatoes. My fried shrimp was light and crispy with succulent shrimp accompanied by a side of Datil pepper cocktail sauce. Perfect! My husband's order of Mahi Club was grilled and blackened and topped with smoky bacon and lettuce, tomato, onion and Swiss cheese with a dreamy avocado cream sauce. Amazing! Both our meals came with super crunchy well seasoned fries and Caribbean slaw. This is our first of many dining experiences as we intend to visit again often. Highly recommend!

Decorate by hostess stand
Melissa R.

The view from as amazing watching the waves of the ocean. Our first waiter was super friendly even though he was busy. The good was very good. My husband had fish and chips it looked so Crispy. I had scallops with a purée that was very tasty

Laurie V.

Met family from Jacksonville here while we are camping here at North Beach Camp resort. We were seated right away. Our server Brandon was very friendly, helpful and attentive. We have been before and glad the food was consistent. We ordered a spinach and artichoke dip appetizer. Then ordered meals shrimp and grits , jambalaya, salmon and prime rib. Everything was good everyone enjoyed. We will definitely be back.

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13 days ago

Food was amazing. Nice view and sounds from the beach. Service was friendly and prompt.

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7 months ago

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2 months ago

Food was flavored well but cold & disappointing for $$. Sat at bar area felt like a bother when ordering more expensive beer.

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3 months ago

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6 months ago

Great view super average to bad. Not worth the price for sure. We would never return. Service was good though

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1 year ago

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3 months ago

This was a nice place to listen to a little live music and have a bite to eat. Bar tender was great and drinks were delicious!

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5 months ago

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Ask the Community - The Reef

Did this place used to have a different name? I'm talking 25 years ago?

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Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille - Chicken & Shrimp Creole

Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille

(3.6k reviews)

$$

If you're in St. Augustine, do not miss Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille--it was an absolutely…read moreoutstanding experience from start to finish. We chose to sit outside, and it truly could not have been more perfect. The setting felt like something out of a postcard--comfortable shade, a gentle breeze, lush greenery all around, and even birds flying nearby. It created such a relaxing, almost magical atmosphere that made us want to linger and soak it all in. The food was just as impressive. Every dish was full of flavor and beautifully prepared. We especially loved the Cajun flair throughout the menu--it really delivers on bold, authentic taste. The white staff was completely on point--attentive, friendly, and genuinely added to the overall experience without ever feeling intrusive. Between the incredible food, the charming outdoor ambiance, and the exceptional service, this was easily one of the highlights of our time in St. Augustine. We will absolutely be back!

I will start this review by saying, this was not my first time coming here. In fact, I've been…read morecoming to Harry's for years at several of their other locations. It has always been one of my favorites which is why we chose it for my husbands 59th birthday. What a complete disappointment. It seems that the prices have gone up but the quality and service have gone down since the last time I was there. It was average at best. Each of us (and there were 4) had something different and it was the same all around. "It's ok". That was not what I expected nor what I have ever experienced before. I'd be hesitant to return as we had over a $200.00 bill and none of us had alcohol drinks. We had water! As for the ambiance, it's super busy which makes it loud. One thing I did notice, the walls and floors were dirty. I had to ask for a new fork as mine had food stuck to it. That grossed me out! With so many other places to go downtown St Augustine, I won't be back here until I know for sure they've been overhauled and back to how they use to be.

The Reef - seafood - Updated May 2026

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