This Beachside St. Augustine Restaurant Serves Up Literal Award-Winning Chowder

Right off the sandy shores of St. Augustine Beach sits Sunset Grille. This is a laid-back coastal eatery that’s been delighting patrons since 1990.

This Key West-inspired restaurant has perfected the blend of casual beach vibes and seriously good eats, and their chowder is well worth a mention in its own right.

With their award-winning clam chowder, fresh-caught seafood, and tropical drinks, Sunset Grille is one spot you won’t regret trying out.

Seafood Standouts

The Award-Winning Chowder: Sure, you could say that any clam chowder is just chowder. But this here is a multiple award-winning creation packed with an abundance of baby clams that will have you scraping the bowl.

It’s rich, creamy, and brimming with flavor.

It’s so good that it rivals or even surpasses chowders in New England!

Chowder Fries: Yes you read that right.

This is an unexpected but delicious creation that combines two comfort foods into one addictive dish. And they’re truly a delight!

These unique fries come topped with the restaurant’s famous chowder to create a flavor combination that seems unusual at first glance, but ultimately really does stick with you long-term.

Triggerfish Magic: Rarely found on most menus, the triggerfish here is a true highlight whether you order it blackened, in tacos, or as a sandwich.

It’s complemented by their house blackening seasoning for a memorable seafood experience.

Fish and Chips: Perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and flaky inside. It’s exactly what you want in this dish!

The restaurant’s signature sauce pairs beautifully with this classic dish, enhancing rather than overwhelming the fresh fish flavor.

Coconut Shrimp: Golden, crispy, and generous in portion, these shrimp come with an amazing dipping sauce that might have you asking for extra.

The sweet coconut coating creates the perfect contrast to the succulent shrimp inside.

Smoked Salmon Dip: A starter that’s worth saving room for! This is creamy, smoky, and topped with unexpected fried capers that add a salty crunch.

It’s the kind of appetizer that disappears quickly from the table.

Tasty Land Options

Chicken Wings: Crispy on the outside and even better when paired with the house sauce. These wings are a must-try even when you’re taking a break from seafood.

The sauce truly does leave you wanting more.

Hearty Burgers: Generously sized and juicy. Even the kids’ cheeseburger is substantial enough that adults might struggle to finish it.

Lobster Mac and Cheese: A decadent comfort food gets elevated with generous chunks of lobster throughout the dish. I’d argue that the lobster mac and cheese is one of their better menu items.

The portion size is impressive too. It’s enough to enjoy and still possibly have leftovers to take home for a second meal.

Unforgettable Sides: The collard greens deserve special mention with their perfect balance of flavors. They’re so good you might wish you could take the whole pot home.

Drinks & Desserts

Dangerously Good Cocktails: The rum runners and mojitos are refreshingly tropical and deceptively potent.

These island-inspired drinks perfectly complement the coastal menu and laid-back vibe.

Signature Sunset Drinks: Look for cocktails with “sunset” in the name for specially crafted concoctions that capture the restaurant’s tropical spirit.

Key Lime Pie: A Florida classic done right! This offers the ideal balance of sweet and tart that provides a refreshing end to your seafood feast.

Atmosphere & Setting

Multiple Seating Options: Choose from indoor dining, a covered deck, or the particularly popular upstairs outdoor area that catches cool ocean breezes.

Each space offers its own unique atmosphere while maintaining the casual, welcoming vibe.

Casual Beach Vibe: The decor here embraces a laid-back Key West-inspired style that feels appropriately unfussy yet charming.

Sports at the Bar: The bar area offers TVs showing games, making it a great spot to catch a sporting event while enjoying good food and drinks.

Bustling Energy: While the restaurant can get busy (especially during weekend dinner rushes), the lively atmosphere adds to the experience rather than detracting from it.

A Detail On The Location: Despite the name, don’t expect beachy sunset views here. Because the Sunset Grille actually overlooks A1A boulevard rather than the beach.

Other Considerations

Value Pricing: Portions are notably generous, so the moderate pricing range seems suitable here. You’ll likely have enough for leftovers too, essentially getting two meals for the price of one.

Special Dietary Needs: The kitchen is attentive to dietary restrictions and allergies. They maintain separate grills and fryers for seafood and mammal products, making this a rare find for those with specific allergies.

Timing Tips: Try to visit during lunch hours or weekdays to avoid the longest wait times. Weekend dinner rushes can mean significant waits but the food is certainly worth it.

Parking Convenience: Ample free parking is available on both sides of the building and in a lot across the street.

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Sunset Grille
📍 421 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
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