St. Augustine Has a Beachside Restaurant Known for Its Award-Winning Chowder
St. Augustine Beach is home to a local favorite that has been drawing crowds for years with its unbeatable combination of fresh seafood, ocean breezes, and one seriously legendary bowl of chowder.
Sunset Grille sits right on A1A Boulevard, just steps from the sand, serving up comfort food with a coastal twist that keeps both tourists and locals coming back. With over 7,800 glowing reviews and a trophy case full of chowder awards, this laid-back spot has earned its reputation as a must-visit dining destination on Florida’s historic coast.
A Laid-Back Beachside Restaurant Locals Swear By
Sunset Grille has that rare quality that separates tourist traps from genuine local gems. The restaurant opened its doors as a neighborhood spot where families could grab fresh seafood without the fuss.
Located at 421 A1A Beach Boulevard, it sits in the heart of beach country, close enough to catch the salt air but with plenty of parking and easy access. What makes it special is the unpretentious vibe. You will not find white tablecloths or dress codes here, just good food served by friendly staff who treat regulars like family.
Why Sunset Grille Is a St. Augustine Beach Favorite
Location matters, and Sunset Grille nailed it. Positioned directly on A1A, the main artery running along St. Augustine Beach, this spot benefits from both heavy foot traffic and genuine neighborhood love. It is the kind of place where servers remember your name and your usual order.
The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between lively and comfortable. Sports play on multiple TVs at the bar, families fill the booths, and the nautical decor creates that classic Florida beach shack feel without feeling overdone. Open six days a week, Sunset Grille adapts its hours to beach life.
Weekends stretch to 10 PM to catch the dinner and sunset crowds, while weekdays wrap up at 9 PM. Reviewers consistently mention arriving early to avoid waits, especially during peak dinner hours when the place fills quickly with hungry beachgoers.
The Award-Winning Chowder Everyone Comes For
One reviewer put it simply: the clam chowder is to die for. This is not just marketing hype; Sunset Grille has the hardware to back up the claim, with multiple awards recognizing their signature soup as among the region’s best. What sets it apart is the abundance of tender baby clams swimming in every spoonful.
The texture hits that sweet spot between thick and creamy without feeling heavy or flour-laden. Regulars describe the flavor as rich and fresh, the kind that makes you scrape the bowl clean and consider ordering a second.
Whether you start your meal with a cup or make it the main event, this dish delivers on its reputation every single time and justifies the restaurant’s chowder-centric fame.
What It’s Like to Dine Steps From the Sand
While Sunset Grille is not technically waterfront, it captures the beach dining experience beautifully. The outdoor seating lets you soak up that salty ocean air while you eat, with heat lamps keeping things comfortable when the Florida evening brings a chill. Diners can choose their setting: inside on the first floor near the bar for a lively sports-watching vibe, upstairs for a different perspective, or outside to feel the coastal breeze.
Sunset timing adds magic to the experience. As the name suggests, catching the golden hour here while working through coconut shrimp or blackened fish creates those vacation memories that stick.
The casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere means you can roll in straight from the beach in flip-flops and still feel perfectly at home.
More Menu Favorites Worth Ordering
The chowder may steal headlines, but sleeping on the rest of the menu would be a mistake. Coconut shrimp and blackened trigger fish are two items that regulars call a must-order. Adventurous eaters rave about Nina’s Shrimp Toast, a creative twist on chicken and waffles that pairs shrimp with French toast in an unexpectedly perfect combination.
Bang bang shrimp arrive super crispy and packed with flavor, while ahi tuna tacos and the burnt ends bowl offer non-traditional seafood options. Even the kids’ menu delivers quality cheeseburgers and chicken tenders that satisfy picky eaters while parents dive into fresh grouper and snapper.
What to Know Before You Go
Timing your visit makes all the difference. Regular customers recommend arriving before 5 PM if you want to skip the wait, as the restaurant fills quickly once dinner service kicks into high gear.
Parking is plentiful, a relief for anyone who has circled beach lots endlessly. The restaurant operates on a moderate price point delivering generous portions that justify the cost. It’s closed on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.
The first-come, first-served system moves efficiently, and grabbing a drink at the bar while you wait is part of the experience.
