Beaches At Vilano - St. Augustine

The next place we chose on our Florida Vacation was Beaches at Vilano. I was pretty hyped to try this place as the food looked pretty good but there’s some stuff that didn’t go so well… Pros: I will admit, that our server was very attentive to us. Kept us refreshed with drinks. The view of the ocean is fantastic. Same with watching the sunset. Someone in my party ordered the crab legs and they said it was some of the best he’s ever had. That was a bonus! Cons: Unfortunately my meal is what is causing this review to have 3 stars knocked off. Initially I ordered the Fish Chips and what I was served was probably the WORST fish I’ve EVER eaten. I have a photo attached of what I ordered. The fish was literally soaked in grease, incredibly soggy, had NO flavor whatsoever, and overall did not taste fresh. Really it was complete garbage. The fries were average at best but gosh the fish was HORRIBLE! Not what I excepted from a joint like this with high ratings. So overall, I am not too sure if I’ll be coming back here. Beaches is gonna get a 2 out of 5 on this one. How sad.

Great place! Our waiting for a table was short and so worth it! Our Kassidy was so sweet and often checked. We tried a few appetizers and all were delicious and came out shortly after our order. We had a guest from our group in an electric scooter and they were very accommodating.

Beaches in Vilano In these uncertain times, we all need a small safety and additional comfort from time to time. After the world has traveled far in the last two unmistakably and disturbed years, as essentially covid refugees from our retirement in Thailand, it is an absolute pleasure for my wife and I return for our third visit to again the feeling of Arkadian tranquility, which is so easily offered by this magnificent city, its wonderful people and the incredibly diverse and versatile selection of restaurants available. To celebrate our return to St.Augustine, we decided to have an early dinner at the rather fabulous "Beaches in Vilano". At 3:30 p.m., the restaurant was still busy when the late lunches were ready and a steady Riechling of new guests arrived. We were greeted at the host station of Tom, an older gentleman, whose enthusiastic greeting, despite the seemingly light physical or mental challenges, immediately set us to our lightness with his warm and real greeting. That was a very strong plus point in my mind. I admire this for an institution that offers the opportunity to play a positive role in the workplace. It was obvious that Tom was as proud as stroke in his role as host and greeting, the joy just cried out of his eyes. Tom advised us that it would wait a thirty minutes, as the servers and bus entrusted people to clearing and resetting tables on the wonderfully ordered outdoor terrace. With five minutes still going to our advised waiting period that we had spent drinking our pre-dinner drinks and enjoying the very relaxed Caribbean atmosphere of 'Beaches', we were told that our table was ready. At this point I noticed a new group of waiters arriving from the noon team. Even though there are still disturbing staff shortages that have recently plagued many of the city's restaurants, it was obvious that the management here clearly understood the Ebb and the customer flow and that the staff was very well trained as the transition from one service to another seamlessly happened. Our server Tonda was attentive, friendly and very knowledgeable about all menu items. My wife chose the Cedar Key Conch Chowder followed by Fish Dip. The soup was divine. Thick, creamy, unobstructed tasteful and loaded with delicate, perfectly boiled conch. The dip was heavenly. Beautiful flakes of subtle smoked fish accompanied by triangles of delicately seasoned crispy flatbread. Our friend who joined us chose the signature court of Shrimp Tacos. She assured us that she was some of the best she ever had. The juicy shrimps were exceptionally fresh, slightly fritted and nested in a sweet and spicy sauce in soft warm taco bowls with an exciting tangie and rich pineapple and mango salsa. I decided to order the Fried Clam Strips. Unlike some I tried in many and different restaurants, this was just perfect. The moist and delicate strips of fresh Clam were in the brightest, crispy of Battern and, adorable, not even the vaguest touch or taste of the fryer oil in which they were prepared, which can be so from the plaster. The well-respected homemade island style Remoulade delivered a little extra zingy taste and was an ideal diving sauce for this dish. When we finished our meals, we were preparing to go at 5:30 p.m., the restaurant had jumped. With the warm evening sun on our faces, surrounded by the conversations of other coveted guests and the occasional delicate sound of ice cubes that clink in glasses, we have promised to return soon to this unpretentious, highly affordable water side oasis of pure gastronomic and hearty joy.

Fantastic experience all around. Our server Alex was just great! Jambalaya and Mahi dishes were delicious! Drinks were great and not too expensive!

We enjoyed our dinner here. Our server was super sweet and she stayed on everything without floating. You had live music. We sat on the terrace. I have to watch the sunset. The food was also incredible. The Sunset Shrip is a must!