The Florida Cracker Café is a popular eatery in the heart of St. Augustine’s Old Town historic district. This highly touted establishment is a cheery spot to grab a light lunch while combing the shops of St. George Street, though I found that its reputation may have been a bit exaggerated. That said, I did see fit to eat there are two separate occasions in the course of a week. So, it’s certainly worth a visit.
The restaurant itself is a brightly colored, festive place. The works of local artists are displayed around the walls and are available for purchase. A friendly and enthusiastic wait staff adds to the upbeat feel of the joint, making it a very pleasant atmosphere to get off your feet and refuel. If you don’t feel like sitting inside, there is a deck area available with picnic table seating. I often prefer outdoor seating, but at the Florida Cracker Café, I found it was more interesting to eat inside.
With a name like Florida Cracker Café, one would expect a focus on traditional north Florida cuisine. That’s really not the case, though. The menu consists mostly of modern coastal cuisine. Aside from the typical seafood offerings, pasta and green salads play a heavy role on the menu. I found their salads to be very good and heaped with enough ingredients to be a filling meal.
Perhaps the main attraction on the menu is the Key Lime pie. So, save room for dessert! Admittedly, I’ve never been a big fan of Key Lime pie. After sneaking a bite of my wife’s dessert, though, I found myself ordering a slice for myself. I had wondered what all the fuss was about and now I know. That’s some darn good pie.
The Florida Cracker Café is without a doubt my first recommendation for lunch in St. Augustine’s historic district. It’s casual, festive atmosphere and refreshing menu make it an inviting respite from the summer heat. On your way out, there’s a conveniently located lemonade stand just outside, as well, so you can get one for the road.