O'Steen's Restaurant, St. Augustine FL

Traveling from South Carolina, we approached the restaurant to register for dinner. Everyone coming out of the restaurant told us about the food, specifically the fried shrimp. I had just eaten shrimp last night but ordered them anyway. The best shrimp.hands down. On top of that, our waitress was awesome. The lady on the register, who was the one who greeted us was amazing. This was an amazing spiritual experience all together. Thank you O'Sheen's staff and Happy Thanksgiving.

At first, I didn't know what to think. O'Steens looks like a hole-in-the-wall mixed with a mom & pop shop. When you arrive, it feels like you took a step back in time to a homey seaside diner; the waitresses know the locals by name, you can hear people ordering their 'usual's', and asking the cashier to put their meal "on their tab" that they'll pay at the end of the month. The vibe is very homey and nostalgic which, surprisingly, I truly enjoyed.
Their menus are yellow sheets of paper tucked safely behind a laminated screen. It's one sided and offers a limited assortment of fried seafood, homemade clam chowder, broiled seafood, and good 'ole southern comfort chicken 'n steak chops. You're expected to know the sides - but seeing as I'm not a local, the waitress lent me a hand and recommended the creamed squash casserole and hush puppies.
The food was INCREDIBLE. The shrimp are fresh and absolutely huge! They are not heavily fried and are very light and offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture that I have never experienced with shrimp before. The hush puppies are the best that I've had - not too sweet but offer a nice little snap of heat from some minced-in jalapenos.
If you find yourself in St. Augustine, this is a hidden gem you will want to find.

Definitely worth checking out, food is great, people are great, location is great. The fried shrimp is toted as the best in the USA, I can't disagree although I haven't tried shrimp in that many other states, lol. It's pretty damn good though. There may be a wait to get in, we got there at opening and there was a line (we waited about 30 minutes). The food is worth the wait. While waiting, there is an antique store next door, you can hear your name called over the speaker inside. Great experience.

You always have to wait for about 30 minutes or so. But the food and waitress staff is worth it. Friendly atmosphere. Fast and friendly service. Mostly fried foods.

It’s just regular fried food- it all tastes the same. The remi sauce is just ketchup and Mayo. This place is the Most overhyped “seafood”place in Saint Augustine. Completely rude staff. Ungodly alarm blaring from 7: 30 am to 8 am in a residential area. Completely ridiculous. Dumpster stinks. Only old people with dying taste buds enjoy this place

I’m a Florida native, granddaughter of a deep sea fisherman and this is literally the best shrimp I’ve ever eaten! Been coming for years and it never disappoints. Fried shrimp and coconut crème pie are must haves!

This is one of those well known local surprises in Anastasia's island, unknown for the visitors. Without exaggerating I can say it is one of the best southern seafood places I have tried. Try the clam chowder and the fried shrimps! Just delicious. Just cross the Lions bridge from Saint Augustine.

Great shrimp and sauce! We think some of the best f not the best shrimp in town! Cash or check only though!

We’ve been stopping for shrimp at O’steens for years every time we’re in St Augustine and it’s always delicious! The prices are very reasonable, seafood is fresh, staff is super friendly and accommodating, and for how busy they are during dinner rush, the wait was minimal for our party of 7. We tell everyone we know to eat there when they’re in town! By far our favorite spot in town!

Just some of the best fried shrimp anywhere, served with a friendly smile in a down home, down to earth atmosphere, like it's been done for over half a century. Service is always quick and efficient, but you will wait at busy times at least an hour, maybe two to get in. That's fine, if you didn't bring cash that gives you time to make some quick, cause you can't eat here without it.

Oh and they do serve other entree items besides shrimp- once in a while you'll see someone order them and they look good, but I wouldn't know. The shrimp are so good I've never bothered to try anything else.

WOW, I have wanted to eat at O'Steens and finally made it there. I will be back. Fantastic food and service!

I believe it's a bit overhyped. This place is a decent local dive with decent fried seafood and sides, but not mindblowingly good.

Yum yum yum and more yum. We went here yesterday for lunch, I had the seafood platter everything was delicious. I would love to have the recipe for the crab cakes and the squash casserole.the atmosphere was a very at home and cozy, all the employees were very sweet and professional, I will definitely be going back. Thank you for a wonderful lunch.

The food was mediocre at best and the coffee was so weak.the people working there are very sweet though

Best fresh seafood I have had in a long time! We went back two days in a row! Oysters were amazing, shrimp was absolutely delicious. High quality fresh seafood in a small town southern style restaurant. Service was grand!

The best fried shrimp around! They are very busy but worth the wait. Everything I've had to eat here is good and very friendly staff