Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or both, St. Augustine satisfies your craving for experiences that blend charming architecture and culinary delights.
Nestled on Florida’s northeast coast, St. Augustine’s historic architecture is a feast for the eyes with styles ranging from Spanish colonial to Victorian-era masterpieces. This magical city is home to dozens of sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, each with its own unique story.
Food enthusiasts are spoiled for choice when it comes to globally inspired fare and elevated menus, and this blog explores where you can dine in historic buildings to experience the ambiance of yesteryear.
Located in the historic Jefferson House in the Lincolnville neighborhood, La Nouvelle brings an elevated edge to classic French bistro fare.
This two-story Victorian-style building is the original homesite of Maria Jefferson Epps Shine, the great-granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson and founder of the local chapter of Great Granddaughter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. She and her husband William Shine, physician and former Confederate Army surgeon, moved to St. Augustine in 1871 after the Civil War. In 1896, Maria held an organizational meeting in this house which quickly became a gathering site for society.
In 1907, this building became Florida’s first power and ice complex. It was expanded in 1917 to generate commercial block ice that boomed alongside St. Augustine’s shrimping, fishing, and produce industries. In 1926, it was purchased by Florida Power & Light to increase ice-making capacity from 60 to 125 tons. The boilers that created the power produced steam, which was collected, condensed, and recycled into the boilers or used to make ice. The demand for ice skyrocketed in the 1930s with the introduction of refrigerators, also known as iceboxes.
Today, The Ice Plant serves farm-to-table dishes and craft cocktails with custom-cut cubes from a 300-pound block of ice as a nod to the building’s historic past.
Originally known as “The Blenmore,” this historic home was built for a Maine hardware merchant Charles Ferdinand Hamblen and his wife Antonia DeMedici Hamblen, who was a local of Minorcan descent. In 1924, it was refurbished and opened as The Blenmore Hotel and later operated as the office of D. P. Davis, a prominent developer on Anastasia Island. It served as the headquarters of the American Legion Post #37 for a number of years before undergoing extensive renovations and re-opening as Casa Reina Taqueria.
Guests can enjoy an inspired menu of authentic, traditional favorites and unique signature dishes with breathtaking rooftop and waterfront views. Casa Reina is especially known for its impressive collection of tequila, mezcal, and craft cocktails.
The site of Meehan’s was originally used as storage during the construction of the Castillo de San Marcos, located just across the street from the restaurant. The current structure was built in 1917 as the private home of William Diskmuits, the first president of the First Florida National Bank. His wife is partially responsible for preserving St. Augustine’s iconic coquina City Gates that greet visitors at the beginning of St. George Street. In 1906, the city planned to demolish the gates, but Mrs. Diskmuits was part of a preservation group that protested the action, saving one of the last remnants of the Cubo Defense Line.
Meehan’s is a local favorite for oysters, classic pub fare, and a pint. With stunning waterfront views overlooking the Matanzas Bay, this is the perfect place to see the annual Fourth of July Fireworks.
Formerly known as the Alcazar Hotel and Casino, the Lightner Museum was constructed in 1888 by oil magnate Henry Flagler. The hotel and casino were a playground for the wealthy elite of the Gilded Age. In its heyday, the hotel boasted the world’s largest indoor swimming pool where today’s guests can enjoy lunch in the deep end.
Café Alcazar serves elevated lunch options made from fresh, local ingredients. This is the perfect stop after exploring the Lightner Museum’s exhibitions.
In 1790, prominent St. Augustinian Don Miguel Ysnardy constructed this property that became one of St. Augustine’s first hotels. It was purchased by the Worth family in 1904 who owned the home for generations. In 1948, George L. Potter, the founder of Potter’s Wax Museum, purchased the building and, in 1961, it was moved to its present location. The home has been restored to replicate the Worth House’s 19th-century appearance.
OC White’s serves fresh seafood, choice steaks, brunch, and more with stunning views of Matanzas Bay.
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