Happy Hour in St. Augustine | Best Drink Deals | SATG
After a day on the cobblestones, you’ve earned a drink. Here’s where to find the best deals.
After a day on the cobblestones, you’ve earned a drink. Here’s where to find the best deals.
St. Augustine’s happy hour scene benefits from the city’s tourism economy – competition keeps prices honest and waterfront real estate means the views are often as good as the drinks. Most happy hours run from 4pm to 7pm, with some spots extending to closing on slower weekdays.
Waterfront Happy Hours
The Matanzas Bay waterfront on Avenida Menendez has the best setting for afternoon drinks in the city. Several restaurants along this strip offer happy hour specials with direct views of the Castillo and the water. Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille on Avenida Menendez has a reliable happy hour with a solid selection of drink specials in one of the best locations on the waterfront.
The Bayfront Marin House bar is a quieter option on the same strip – smaller, more local-feeling, and consistently good for an afternoon drink with a view.
Historic District Bars
St. George Street and the surrounding blocks have no shortage of bars with afternoon specials. Meehan’s Irish Pub on Charlotte Street is a local institution – dark, comfortable, good pours, and the kind of place where you lose track of time. Prohibition Kitchen on St. George Street leans into the Prohibition-era speakeasy concept with craft cocktails that are worth the price even without a happy hour discount.
The Tini Martini Bar in the historic district is a reliable choice for a quieter drink without the tourist bar noise of the main street spots.
San Sebastian Winery
Free wine tasting daily at San Sebastian Winery on Riberia Street. Not technically happy hour, but a legitimate free option that most visitors miss entirely. The winery is in a converted citrus packing house and produces Florida wines that are better than the skeptics expect. The rooftop bar upstairs has live music on weekends.
Tips for Happy Hour in St. Augustine
Happy hour deals change seasonally and some restaurants adjust their hours during peak periods. Always confirm current specials when you arrive. The best strategy is to park once and walk – most of the good happy hour spots are within a 10-minute walk of each other in the historic district. Start at the waterfront, work your way up St. George Street, and let the evening develop from there.
The Better Alternative to Happy Hour
Happy hour at a waterfront bar is fine. A sunset cruise over the Matanzas Bay is better, often at a comparable cost once you factor in the drinks that are typically included. If you’re visiting on a weekend, this is worth the upgrade.
Live Music Sunset Sail, Drinks Included
A 65-foot sailing catamaran with live music from local musicians and complimentary beer, wine, and champagne. Departs at the right time to catch golden hour over the Castillo. This is what the sunset cruise crowd is doing while the happy hour crowd is at the bar, and the view from the water at that moment is genuinely hard to beat.
Best for: Couples, groups, anyone who wants drinks and atmosphere included
Prices from: Around $47 per adult, comparable to two rounds at a waterfront bar, with a better view
BYOB Happy Hour Boat Tour
Bring your own drinks, get on the water. An adult-only (21+) cruise on the bayfront with a captain and commentary. Costs less than the full bar cruise and lets you control what you’re drinking. A simple upgrade from the waterfront bar experience, without the bar prices.
Best for: Adults who want flexibility on drinks, groups watching their budget
Prices from: Around $35 per adult
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