From the hustle and bustle of downtown St. Augustine to the city’s gorgeous architectural rooflines, there is no shortage of beauty — and delicious sustenance – when you want a break from all that walking around! The best part about going up high? You get an incredible view for your troubles—and maybe some unique cocktails, too.
At the Jacksonville Traveler, we like to take things a notch higher, whether we’re cruising or just traveling. The same goes literally for our dining experiences. Having a bird’s eye view while drinking or eating is simply a gift. Asides from the luxurious feeling of being at the top, you have a well-rounded view of the city. If you are wondering where you can get the best rooftop experiences in St, Augustine, just read on. And if you’re a lovebird, get excited, rooftops bars are perfect for that date night.
Best Rooftop Bars /Restaurants in St. Augustine, Florida
River & Fort Restaurant & Roof Top Lounge
12 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084
A four-minute walk from the Castillo de San Macros, River& Fort is easily accessible. Not only are they accessible, but they’ve also got a ton of outdoor space on the first-floor patio. The views are impressive as well, overlooking the fort. While River & Fort may be relatively new, their menu game sure is extensive. Just at the rooftop lounge, you could have chicken wings, lobster flat bread, or a rustic Neapolitan pizza (the name alone is a good reason to try it out). River &Fort is open daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the week but open from 12 noon on weekends. Learn more about River & Fort on their website
Mill Top Tavern
19 1/2 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Also, a three-minute walk from the Castillo de San Macros, Mill Top Tavern is your go to place for casual American eats, drinks, and live music in a converted mill with river views and a patio. Bet you didn’t see the converted mill coming! Their live music is nothing short of awesome, featuring a diverse range of upcoming indie artists all for your dining pleasure. Ambiance is great as comfortable laid-back atmosphere is reminiscent of its centuries old Saint Augustine history. The renowned Tavern and Listening room has many iconic menus ranging from their St. Auggie Spread to their St. George Island. Can’t wait to go? Mill Top is generally open between 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. but closes by 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturday. Ready to go on that date? Learn more about them
A1A Ale Works Restaurant & Taproom
1 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Okay Lovebirds, heads up, Ale Works has consecutively been listed as Wedding Wire’s Couple Choice Awards since 2017. And they simply deserve it. It is easy to simply describe them as a seaside brewery offering seasonal beers and serving American fare including sandwiches and steak. On the corner of a prime spot overlooking Bridge of Lions and the scenic Matanzas Bay. At A1A Ale Works, they are passionate about giving guests the highest quality; you experience this while dining. From their lunch starters to their in-house made desserts or their crafted beer experiences such as “The Rotators” while being affordably priced. Another thing to look out for is their exquisite rooms: Holding 110 guests, the Bayview is decorated in luxury and offers panoramic views while the Sala Menendez room holding 60 guests is located inside the courtyard of the historic Lightner Museum Building. Usually open between 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Ale Works is an experience that would worth it. Learn more about them.
Cobalt Lounge at Casa Monica Resort & Spa
95 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Located in the Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Cobalt lounge is everything drinking you want at a resort center. Just imagine after swinging that golf club, you settle by the lounge and treat yourself to a signature cocktail. At Cobalt lounge, you just have to give in to the sultry sounds and enjoy the escape. Whether it is the flamenco guitar, classical jazz or gentle vocals, your evening at the lounge is going to be splendid. And let’s not forget their talented bartenders that make Maple Smoked Old fashion look easy. The Cobalt Lounge is open majorly between 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Check them out here
Ice Plant Bar
110 Riberia St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
The Ice Plant Bar is in the St. Augustine Distillery and serves up farm-to-table food and craft cocktails at their unique ‘Ice Plant’ building which has 1927 industrial building vibe which is still complete with the original bridge crane on rails overhead the bar. Their cocktails are made with fresh, house-pressed juices, a variety of bitters, and specially designed syrups that are exquisite. Some of their signature cocktails include the Watermelon Sugar High, Message in a bottle and the Green Initiative which has everything from gin to lemon. Also, many of Ice Plant’s customers love the smiles and attention to detail with staff. Featured by multiple press and named South’s best of 2019 by Southern Living, Ice Plant bar is the right place to be between 11:30 a.m. and 12 a.m. Learn more about Ice Plant Bar here
Odd Birds Kitchen and Cocktail Lounge
200 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Odd Birds is a local’s favorite full restaurant, bar, and event venue, where the rule is oddness in a relaxed and chill environment. Located in the Hoptinger Bier Garden & Sausage House, Odd Birds is the kind of place where you can walk up to the bartender and ask them to impress you and impress, they do. From cowbird to the F-word, this eclectic taste all comes from locally made spirits. Their bites are nothing less. In the spirit of bringing something new and refreshing to the quaint St, Augustine scene, they’ve introduced French recipes like the Ceviche and the Mexican Tequenos. The Odd Birds are opened from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Get ready to enjoy the views across the Bridge of Lions.
Hint: The rule is oddness. Learn more about that oddness here.
O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits
118 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Tucked inside an old home, this American grill serves up lots of seafood dishes & frozen drinks. O.C. White has a lot of history dating back to 1970, the building is associated with significant aspects of the history of St. Augustine. From initially being a hotel to a mansion and now the top-rated seafood and spirit restaurant, O.C. White has seen it all. Asides from the ton of history, the views at O.C White is simply splendid. O.C. white is also family friendly as the ambience and charm of the outdoor patio and historic building offer a unique experience. Parking is free and your furry friends are also allowed. O.C. White is open between 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. but has extended hours during the weekend. Learn more here
If you’re looking for a great spot to take in the sights and sounds of St. Augustine, look no further than the city’s rooftops. From restaurants with incredible views to bars perfect for kicking back and enjoying a drink or two, we’ve got you covered. So next time you find yourself in downtown St. Augustine, be sure to check out one of these fantastic rooftop establishments! What is your favorite rooftop bar or restaurant in St. Augustine? Let us know in the comments below!