Over 50 St. Augustine: Vilano Beach
North across the Usina Bridge, where the Tolomato River and the Atlantic sit a road apart: dock-and-dine seafood rooms on the river side, from Aunt Kate's to Cap's, and one of the last true oceanfront dining rooms on the other.
Named for Catherine Usina, whose oyster roast for Henry Flagler's party in 1900 started a family tradition on the Tolomato River. The Usinas opened Aunt Kate's under the live oaks in 2009, boaters can tie up at the floating dock, and the steamed oysters and pilau are the family recipes.
Live music some nights. Go before the band starts if you want to talk.
St. Augustine's Caribbean Connection, in its own words, on the Tolomato River at the Vilano end of the Usina Bridge, with a boat dock and jet ski parking. Live music Thursday through Sunday, first come first served, with room for groups.
Live music some nights. Go before the band starts if you want to talk.
On the Tolomato River with a 100-foot dock for visiting boats, a big sunset deck, a tiki bar, an oyster bar and a wine list of more than 500 bottles. No standard reservations, just a live waitlist and free valet, and pet dogs stay home: service animals only, per its own site.
One of the few true oceanfront dining rooms left in Northeast Florida, built by the Usina family on land they held for generations and run by that family since 2002. Tablecloths without the stiffness, Florida-grown beef, and a brunch that comes with a glass of champagne.