I had the broiled snapper and it was tasteless. As a matter of fact it made my stomach turn and I wish I would have called it quits after the second bite. The New England style clam chowder had good flavor but not thick enough. I heard a lot of positive comments on all the fried stuff here so if you eat here keep it fried or don't go! One star at best.... Oh, and the waitress asked me If I wanted white or red clam chowder!!! Haha! I would venture to say that she is not from up north!!
(1)
Christopher M.
BLUF: The food is great with large portions. The atmosphere is okay but not very inviting. It was kind of like an old truck stop cafe. Overall, I was impressed with the food and the portion sizes. Very good value and great service. Overall this place deserves a solid 4 stars. If you want great seafood and an incredible atmosphere, try Caps on the Water. Caps is however more expensive.
(4)
Scott T.
I swear I don't know what the attraction is this place. The Decour is very dated the food is just average and I really don't understand what people are doing here. Yet, they remain busy with people waiting outside the door maybe it's just a local joint that everybody loves but you have to be over 75! I'm just saying I'm not over 75! Anyway the prices are okay but I don't think they match up to the quality of the food although the food sizes are large. So I guess if you want some cheap beats that are probably homemade then this is the place you go.
(2)
Mike N.
I very much enjoyed my meal. I ordered alligator tail appetizer and the blackened grouper sandwich. Both were exceptional.
(4)
Spirit B.
I'm not sure what make the massive lines at this place, other than you get cheap food at a reasonable amount, and it is neighborhood favorite. The place is not the cleanest and they are limited in bar selection. Food is FRIED TO THE HILL. I tried it so that is enough. No seconds.
(2)
Louisa M.
While on a road trip, I wanted to find something very local. This place just screamed out "stop, eat here!" So we did. The nondescript little building had a full parking lot with Florida license plates at lunch time (always a good sign) so we walked on in. There were lots of old folks in the dining room (another good sign). The menu is mostly comprised of fried seafood, fried sides and more fried seafood. Did I mention just about everything listed is breaded and deep fried? If you like fried food, you'll be in wonderland! I ordered crab stuffed shrimp. The friendly waitress asked if I wanted them fried or broiled. I almost hugged her! Nothing says that you can have almost anything on the menu broiled, even though it's listed as fried! So take note! The portion sizes were pretty small, I was served a pitiful little dish with FOUR tiny shrimp, but the prices were fair. For $8.99 I only got 4 shrimp but I got a nice serving of squash casserole and brussels sprouts and an iced tea. So I can't really complain. There are tons of side choices above and beyond your standard cole slaw and french fries. You'll find Southern style vegetables and special veggies of the day. Cottage cheese, apple sauce, lima beans, beans & rice, pickled beets, peaches and more were side options. The seafood here won't change your life but it's a nice little stop and reasonably priced. You won't leave stuffed but it'll fill your belly for your journey down the road.
(3)
Bill K.
Came here with friends last night for dinner and was pleasantly surprised. There was no wait when we arrived but as soon as we were seated the crowd started building in the waiting area. The service was very good and the food was fantastic, I had Fried Shrimp, Fries and the darn best Cole Slaw I have ever had, everything was done to perfection and hastily devoured. I highly recommend Schooner's Seafood to anyone looking for a great seafood meal.
(4)
Robert R.
Food is first-class, Minorcan clam chowder is the best, as well as the toasted fillet. For more than 20 years, I have never had a dish that was anything less than their VERY best.
(4)
Wayne G.
Just hanging to average - It's a Sunday evening and there's a fifteen minute wait so they're busy. The waitress is helpful and offered to swap a side dish if we decided it wasn't for us. The salad greens are wilted. The shrimp entree and sides tasted fine but with the exception of the onion rings it was all room temperature. The steak was uninspiring and almost terrible.
(2)
Kevin G.
It's always great when a local tells you "this is where locals go for seafood". They have good lunch specials, but be prepared for a wait if you arrive after Noon. The place is very clean and the staff is friendly. This is a fun place for the family and the prices are reasonable. If you do have to wait.....at least they have comfy benches inside and out. We'll be back on this trip or next!
(5)
Caz O.
We stopped in on a hot afternoon at lunch time to enjoy a bite to eat and to escape the heat! It took a little longer than I'd have liked to get some drinks, but our waitress was very pleasant and did a great job other than that. We each got a salad and fried and broiled seafood platters with a variety of different options, conch, gator, fish and scallops. The salads were probably the best I've ever had. Their ranch is homemade and all of the toppings were fresh and crisp and oh so cold! Very refreshing on such a hot day. However, we were a little disappointed with our main courses. The fried items were a little mushy and my scallops were overcooked and the garlic butter sauce was just kind of different tasting. The side dishes were all unbelievable delicious though! I would eat here again, just maybe stick to the regular diner items, burgers etc :)
I was in St Augustine for work & this was close. I was eating an early dinner (5:30) and the restaurant was already full. There was an early bird special of fried shrimp & two sides, so I decided to give it a try. The shrimp weren't the best I've ever had, but they were good. I had the baked potato & coke slaw. The cole slaw was very good & had a generous portion. It appeared to be a local favorite. The atmosphere is very relaxed & reminds me of many seafood restaurants in the Panhandle. The service was good & the prices reasonable - especially considering the portions.
(4)
Bryan W.
I do not know what all the great reviews are about, but this place is way behind the other local seafood places to eat. Look at the picture posted. No way ever should fried flounder look like this. When we complained they said that was only way to make it so it would " stay together." Bottom line is long john silvers doesn't have that problem nor does any other seafood place. Avoid at all cost!!!
(1)
Rob E.
After a few days of meals at our conference hotel, we were ready to try something local and a bit less homogenized. This place had some good Yelp reviews, and so we gave it a try. Showing up to find a lot of folks waiting to be seated and a 30-minute wait made us think that it must be pretty good, so we stayed. Glad we did because the food was excellent. The fried crab cakes and fried shrimp were very good and not overwhelming in quantity. Those who had the broiled stuffed fish thought it was good. The french fries were nothing special but not bad either. The two large hush puppies were outstading - crisp and flavorful, not bland like you find at some places. And the turnip greens had a large hunk of ham in it for flavoring. Cole slaw instead of a forgettable salad was a good choice - not too much mayonnaise in it but still full of flavor. There obviously are many seafood places in the area, but I would return when back in St. Augustine.
(4)
Donna C.
Recommended by locals, and they were spot on. The food was excellent--fried shrimp, lightly breaded, was excellent., the salad fresh and crispy. The service was great too. For those who complain about the decor, really? You can tell, from outside, it's not cordon blu. The line at the door should be a clue! We're glad we got such a good recommendation.
(5)
William S.
Food was just average. It's a local joint and I always love to support local places. Nothing special about the food. Had steak and scallops. Scallops were tough and they were bay scallops not the bigger sea scallops.
(3)
Eboni T.
Let me just say I wasn't impressed at all with my last dining experience. WAY over priced for over cooked seafood, small portions, and canned collard greens. Not sure if it was a bad night or what, but I will be enjoying my next seafood platter at another restaurant. Not this one.
(1)
Gamecocklady M.
Do you have 6 stars? Always fab. Great shrimp with sides and #1 service. Always a stop when in SA.
(5)
Deirdre H.
First time visiting Schooners and during a jury duty break I made the 1.7 mile trip down for an absolutely delicious surprise! I selected the Blacked Sheephead with two sides- cole slaw and butter beans. All was seasoned nicely. The broiled fish was over cooked by about 2 minutes but it was still very good. I tried the local sauce the Minorcan Datl PepperHot Sauce with the fish and it was just perfect. Service was outstanding with Renee. The place is very clean and that includes the rest rooms. Thank you for calling me to jury duty St Johns! I wasn't selected to serve but I've selected a new place to be served....
(4)
April G.
Great restaurant!! Everyone in my party had great tasting meals. I don't eat seafood, so I got the Italian breaded pork chops. Very juicy and tasty. Happy hour (4-7) specials were also great. Two for one margaritas and many others. The bartender was not stingy with the alcohol in the margaritas at all. Very good drinks. Definitely will eat there again.
(4)
Frank K.
I wanted to take a day, before I wrote this review. I was very pleased I was able to order a kids portion. I ordered the pork chop meal, the portions where perfect, and I left satisfied. But before my meal I had to try their Award winning clam chowder. I think it must be home made, and the sand wasn't removed, it was very gritty, had a good taste, but no awards. My friends from out of town loved their meals. So I was happy about that!
(4)
Kell S.
We go here 2 or 3 times every time we visit St. Augustine. our favorite thing is the fried shrimp and its even better between 3-6 pm every day because they have an Early Bird Special and you can get a dozen for $8.99. We actually use the Minorcan Datil Pepper Hot Sauce as our dipping sauce for the shrimp! And we always take a bottle home too! Service here is always on point and the staff is always friendly. This is one of the only restaurant's that we are willing to go on a wait list for. They have a small bar but the beer selection is where it should be. Some domestic's and of course your "beach beers" on tap. It is always clean and those bus boys are fast! They don't play around when it comes to getting you seated. There is usually a manager walking around to check on you. I love the crab cakes and clam strips and even the baked potato is great! We will see you all next year!
(4)
Keely P.
Ive been coming here for over 10 years..if you stick to the basics,youll have a great meal, im my case, the fried shrimp & onion rings. Both are excellent and its the only thing i order. Ive tried other things and have been less impressed, even disappointed, so stick to what they do best!
(3)
Jonathan S.
My all-time favorite place for shrimp in St. Augustine for over 15 years. Never mind O'Steens and there one hour wait come here get serve quickly and pay a little less. Reliable quality good service less of a wait. Everything is homemade!!!
(5)
Hal H.
Good portions. The fried food was a hit with my family who can eat wheat but for the gluten free folks it was hard. For G-Free family it was not good. My broiled fish, scallops & shrimp were dry and some of it had a seasoning that had flour in it. The price was fair. My Brussels sprouts were cooked to mush. Yuck!
(3)
Tom J.
You can't beat this place. Granted the service has been shady a few times, but the price and food are awesome. I have been here 20+ times, and each time I have loved it. The shrimp, catfish, mahi, etc. it's always good and you don't have to pay the tourist price of downtown St. Augustine. If you're looking for a good seafood lunch or dinner at a local price, this place is for you.
(5)
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Address :3560 N Ponce De Leon Blvd
Saint Augustine, FL, 32084
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Phillip C.
I had the broiled snapper and it was tasteless. As a matter of fact it made my stomach turn and I wish I would have called it quits after the second bite. The New England style clam chowder had good flavor but not thick enough. I heard a lot of positive comments on all the fried stuff here so if you eat here keep it fried or don't go! One star at best.... Oh, and the waitress asked me If I wanted white or red clam chowder!!! Haha! I would venture to say that she is not from up north!!
(1)Christopher M.
BLUF: The food is great with large portions. The atmosphere is okay but not very inviting. It was kind of like an old truck stop cafe. Overall, I was impressed with the food and the portion sizes. Very good value and great service. Overall this place deserves a solid 4 stars. If you want great seafood and an incredible atmosphere, try Caps on the Water. Caps is however more expensive.
(4)Scott T.
I swear I don't know what the attraction is this place. The Decour is very dated the food is just average and I really don't understand what people are doing here. Yet, they remain busy with people waiting outside the door maybe it's just a local joint that everybody loves but you have to be over 75! I'm just saying I'm not over 75! Anyway the prices are okay but I don't think they match up to the quality of the food although the food sizes are large. So I guess if you want some cheap beats that are probably homemade then this is the place you go.
(2)Mike N.
I very much enjoyed my meal. I ordered alligator tail appetizer and the blackened grouper sandwich. Both were exceptional.
(4)Spirit B.
I'm not sure what make the massive lines at this place, other than you get cheap food at a reasonable amount, and it is neighborhood favorite. The place is not the cleanest and they are limited in bar selection. Food is FRIED TO THE HILL. I tried it so that is enough. No seconds.
(2)Louisa M.
While on a road trip, I wanted to find something very local. This place just screamed out "stop, eat here!" So we did. The nondescript little building had a full parking lot with Florida license plates at lunch time (always a good sign) so we walked on in. There were lots of old folks in the dining room (another good sign). The menu is mostly comprised of fried seafood, fried sides and more fried seafood. Did I mention just about everything listed is breaded and deep fried? If you like fried food, you'll be in wonderland! I ordered crab stuffed shrimp. The friendly waitress asked if I wanted them fried or broiled. I almost hugged her! Nothing says that you can have almost anything on the menu broiled, even though it's listed as fried! So take note! The portion sizes were pretty small, I was served a pitiful little dish with FOUR tiny shrimp, but the prices were fair. For $8.99 I only got 4 shrimp but I got a nice serving of squash casserole and brussels sprouts and an iced tea. So I can't really complain. There are tons of side choices above and beyond your standard cole slaw and french fries. You'll find Southern style vegetables and special veggies of the day. Cottage cheese, apple sauce, lima beans, beans & rice, pickled beets, peaches and more were side options. The seafood here won't change your life but it's a nice little stop and reasonably priced. You won't leave stuffed but it'll fill your belly for your journey down the road.
(3)Bill K.
Came here with friends last night for dinner and was pleasantly surprised. There was no wait when we arrived but as soon as we were seated the crowd started building in the waiting area. The service was very good and the food was fantastic, I had Fried Shrimp, Fries and the darn best Cole Slaw I have ever had, everything was done to perfection and hastily devoured. I highly recommend Schooner's Seafood to anyone looking for a great seafood meal.
(4)Robert R.
Food is first-class, Minorcan clam chowder is the best, as well as the toasted fillet. For more than 20 years, I have never had a dish that was anything less than their VERY best.
(4)Wayne G.
Just hanging to average - It's a Sunday evening and there's a fifteen minute wait so they're busy. The waitress is helpful and offered to swap a side dish if we decided it wasn't for us. The salad greens are wilted. The shrimp entree and sides tasted fine but with the exception of the onion rings it was all room temperature. The steak was uninspiring and almost terrible.
(2)Kevin G.
It's always great when a local tells you "this is where locals go for seafood". They have good lunch specials, but be prepared for a wait if you arrive after Noon. The place is very clean and the staff is friendly. This is a fun place for the family and the prices are reasonable. If you do have to wait.....at least they have comfy benches inside and out. We'll be back on this trip or next!
(5)Caz O.
We stopped in on a hot afternoon at lunch time to enjoy a bite to eat and to escape the heat! It took a little longer than I'd have liked to get some drinks, but our waitress was very pleasant and did a great job other than that. We each got a salad and fried and broiled seafood platters with a variety of different options, conch, gator, fish and scallops. The salads were probably the best I've ever had. Their ranch is homemade and all of the toppings were fresh and crisp and oh so cold! Very refreshing on such a hot day. However, we were a little disappointed with our main courses. The fried items were a little mushy and my scallops were overcooked and the garlic butter sauce was just kind of different tasting. The side dishes were all unbelievable delicious though! I would eat here again, just maybe stick to the regular diner items, burgers etc :)
(3)Ashley M.
My fiancé, two of his groomsmen and myself came here and wow are we impressed. Not only are the prices right but the portions are great and the food is fantastic. You can tell there is a lot of love in each meal. Service was great! We will definitely be back.
(5)Casi K.
I was in St Augustine for work & this was close. I was eating an early dinner (5:30) and the restaurant was already full. There was an early bird special of fried shrimp & two sides, so I decided to give it a try. The shrimp weren't the best I've ever had, but they were good. I had the baked potato & coke slaw. The cole slaw was very good & had a generous portion. It appeared to be a local favorite. The atmosphere is very relaxed & reminds me of many seafood restaurants in the Panhandle. The service was good & the prices reasonable - especially considering the portions.
(4)Bryan W.
I do not know what all the great reviews are about, but this place is way behind the other local seafood places to eat. Look at the picture posted. No way ever should fried flounder look like this. When we complained they said that was only way to make it so it would " stay together." Bottom line is long john silvers doesn't have that problem nor does any other seafood place. Avoid at all cost!!!
(1)Rob E.
After a few days of meals at our conference hotel, we were ready to try something local and a bit less homogenized. This place had some good Yelp reviews, and so we gave it a try. Showing up to find a lot of folks waiting to be seated and a 30-minute wait made us think that it must be pretty good, so we stayed. Glad we did because the food was excellent. The fried crab cakes and fried shrimp were very good and not overwhelming in quantity. Those who had the broiled stuffed fish thought it was good. The french fries were nothing special but not bad either. The two large hush puppies were outstading - crisp and flavorful, not bland like you find at some places. And the turnip greens had a large hunk of ham in it for flavoring. Cole slaw instead of a forgettable salad was a good choice - not too much mayonnaise in it but still full of flavor. There obviously are many seafood places in the area, but I would return when back in St. Augustine.
(4)Donna C.
Recommended by locals, and they were spot on. The food was excellent--fried shrimp, lightly breaded, was excellent., the salad fresh and crispy. The service was great too. For those who complain about the decor, really? You can tell, from outside, it's not cordon blu. The line at the door should be a clue! We're glad we got such a good recommendation.
(5)William S.
Food was just average. It's a local joint and I always love to support local places. Nothing special about the food. Had steak and scallops. Scallops were tough and they were bay scallops not the bigger sea scallops.
(3)Eboni T.
Let me just say I wasn't impressed at all with my last dining experience. WAY over priced for over cooked seafood, small portions, and canned collard greens. Not sure if it was a bad night or what, but I will be enjoying my next seafood platter at another restaurant. Not this one.
(1)Gamecocklady M.
Do you have 6 stars? Always fab. Great shrimp with sides and #1 service. Always a stop when in SA.
(5)Deirdre H.
First time visiting Schooners and during a jury duty break I made the 1.7 mile trip down for an absolutely delicious surprise! I selected the Blacked Sheephead with two sides- cole slaw and butter beans. All was seasoned nicely. The broiled fish was over cooked by about 2 minutes but it was still very good. I tried the local sauce the Minorcan Datl PepperHot Sauce with the fish and it was just perfect. Service was outstanding with Renee. The place is very clean and that includes the rest rooms. Thank you for calling me to jury duty St Johns! I wasn't selected to serve but I've selected a new place to be served....
(4)April G.
Great restaurant!! Everyone in my party had great tasting meals. I don't eat seafood, so I got the Italian breaded pork chops. Very juicy and tasty. Happy hour (4-7) specials were also great. Two for one margaritas and many others. The bartender was not stingy with the alcohol in the margaritas at all. Very good drinks. Definitely will eat there again.
(4)Frank K.
I wanted to take a day, before I wrote this review. I was very pleased I was able to order a kids portion. I ordered the pork chop meal, the portions where perfect, and I left satisfied. But before my meal I had to try their Award winning clam chowder. I think it must be home made, and the sand wasn't removed, it was very gritty, had a good taste, but no awards. My friends from out of town loved their meals. So I was happy about that!
(4)Kell S.
We go here 2 or 3 times every time we visit St. Augustine. our favorite thing is the fried shrimp and its even better between 3-6 pm every day because they have an Early Bird Special and you can get a dozen for $8.99. We actually use the Minorcan Datil Pepper Hot Sauce as our dipping sauce for the shrimp! And we always take a bottle home too! Service here is always on point and the staff is always friendly. This is one of the only restaurant's that we are willing to go on a wait list for. They have a small bar but the beer selection is where it should be. Some domestic's and of course your "beach beers" on tap. It is always clean and those bus boys are fast! They don't play around when it comes to getting you seated. There is usually a manager walking around to check on you. I love the crab cakes and clam strips and even the baked potato is great! We will see you all next year!
(4)Keely P.
Ive been coming here for over 10 years..if you stick to the basics,youll have a great meal, im my case, the fried shrimp & onion rings. Both are excellent and its the only thing i order. Ive tried other things and have been less impressed, even disappointed, so stick to what they do best!
(3)Jonathan S.
My all-time favorite place for shrimp in St. Augustine for over 15 years. Never mind O'Steens and there one hour wait come here get serve quickly and pay a little less. Reliable quality good service less of a wait. Everything is homemade!!!
(5)Hal H.
Good portions. The fried food was a hit with my family who can eat wheat but for the gluten free folks it was hard. For G-Free family it was not good. My broiled fish, scallops & shrimp were dry and some of it had a seasoning that had flour in it. The price was fair. My Brussels sprouts were cooked to mush. Yuck!
(3)Tom J.
You can't beat this place. Granted the service has been shady a few times, but the price and food are awesome. I have been here 20+ times, and each time I have loved it. The shrimp, catfish, mahi, etc. it's always good and you don't have to pay the tourist price of downtown St. Augustine. If you're looking for a good seafood lunch or dinner at a local price, this place is for you.
(5)