Welcome to Foodie Friday in St. Augustine, Florida, where we’ll take a culinary tour of some of the city’s most delicious and unique eats.

St. Augustine’s food scene is as rich and diverse as its history. The city offers a variety of dining options, from seafood shacks to fine dining restaurants, with many establishments focusing on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices.

Let’s start our tour with a classic dish from the region: Minorcan chowder. This spicy seafood stew is made with tomatoes, onions, and potatoes, and gets its kick from the addition of datil peppers, a spicy pepper native to St. Augustine. You can find Minorcan chowder at many seafood restaurants throughout the city, including O’Steen’s Restaurant, which has been serving up delicious seafood since 1965.

Next up, we have the Datil Pepper Burger, a local favorite at the Gas Full Service Restaurant. This juicy burger is topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a spicy datil pepper sauce, making for a deliciously fiery combination.

For something a little more upscale, check out The Floridian. This farm-to-table restaurant specializes in Southern-inspired cuisine, with a focus on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Their menu features dishes like Shrimp and Grits made with wild-caught shrimp and Anson Mills grits, and Fried Green Tomatoes topped with house-made pimento cheese.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, stop by Cousteau’s Waffle and Milkshake Bar. This cute little shop serves up Belgian Liege waffles, made with a brioche dough and caramelized sugar, topped with a variety of delicious toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, and Nutella. And of course, no visit to a milkshake bar would be complete without trying one of their signature milkshakes, like the Nutella Crunch or the Salted Caramel Pretzel.

Last but not least, we have the iconic St. Augustine treat: the Datil Pepper Sauce. This spicy sauce is made with datil peppers, vinegar, and a variety of spices, and is the perfect condiment for everything from seafood to burgers. You can find it at local shops and markets throughout the city, including the St. Augustine Spice and Tea Exchange.

St. Augustine’s food scene is a true reflection of the city’s rich history and culture. From classic seafood dishes to innovative takes on Southern cuisine, there’s something for every foodie to enjoy in this beautiful and delicious city.