Exploring West King Street: St. Augustine’s Eclectic West Side
Explore St. Augustine’s West King Street, where local restaurants, craft drinks, vintage shops and live music create a neighborhood full of character.
Just west of St. Augustine’s Historic Downtown, West King Street offers a different side of the Nation’s oldest city. Cross U.S. 1 from downtown and you’ll find a walkable stretch of independent restaurants, cafés, breweries, bars and locally owned shops with a creative, neighborhood feel.
Often called the West King District, this roughly four-block area extends west from U.S. 1 and has become one of St. Augustine’s most interesting destinations for local food, craft drinks, vintage shopping, art and nightlife.
What is West King Street known for?
West King Street is known for its collection of locally owned businesses and its distinctly local atmosphere. Visitors can have breakfast at a neighborhood café, shop for vintage finds, try locally brewed beer or St. Augustine-made spirits, grab tacos from a food truck and stay for live music — all within a few blocks.
The neighborhood also has deep roots in St. Augustine. West King was once an important commercial district serving residents who worked in downtown hotels and at the nearby railroad. Today, historic storefronts have found new life as restaurants, shops and gathering places.
Where is West King Street?
The West King District begins just west of U.S. 1 and Downtown St. Augustine. From downtown, follow King Street west across U.S. 1 to reach the heart of the district.
Because businesses are concentrated within several blocks, West King is easy to explore on foot once you arrive.
Where to Eat on West King Street
Blue Hen Café
A longtime St. Augustine favorite, Blue Hen Café is located at 223 W. King Street. This neighborhood café serves breakfast and lunch with Southern-inspired dishes ranging from biscuits and sweet potato home fries to sandwiches and hearty brunch favorites.
Buena Onda Café
At 224 W. King Street, Buena Onda Café specializes in vegetarian and vegan breakfast and lunch. Expect colorful plant-forward dishes such as burritos, bowls and sandwiches alongside espresso drinks, plant-based lattes and house-made beverages.
Alfred’s
One of West King’s newest additions, Alfred’s transformed a former marine supply shop into a restaurant and community gathering space. The family-friendly restaurant serves house-made pizza, pasta, salads and shareable dishes, with an arcade and space for music and events.
Tacos My Blessing
Look behind BOG Brewing Company for Tacos My Blessing, a permanent food truck serving Mexican street food including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, elote and pambazo. Grab something to eat and settle into the outdoor patio area.
La Licha Sandwicheria
Located alongside Muggsy*s, La Licha Sandwicheria focuses on hot sandwiches, empanadas and rotating specials. The concept comes from the owners of Buena Onda Café and includes vegetarian and vegan choices.
The West Egg
Tucked into 233 W. King Street, The West Egg is a small breakfast spot specializing in sandwiches, burritos and bowls. Local flavors make their way onto the menu through ingredients such as datil sausage, alongside breakfast favorites including home fries, grits and grilled biscuits.
Maracuya by Llama
Maracuya by Llama at 260 W. King Street brings tropical and Peruvian-inspired flavors to the neighborhood. Stop in for specialty coffee, tropical juices, desserts and grab-and-go selections in an intimate café setting.
Murf’s Homestyle To Go
For Southern comfort food, Murf’s Homestyle To Go serves dishes such as meatloaf, fried pork chops, chicken pot pie and a rotating selection of sides and daily specials. As the name suggests, this one is designed primarily for takeout.
Cake Vixens
Cake Vixens creates custom cakes and an extensive variety of cupcakes, including vegan and gluten-free options. Check current shop hours before visiting, as retail cupcake hours are limited.
Coffee, Craft Beer and Spirits on West King
BOG Brewing Company
At 218 W. King Street, BOG Brewing Company has been part of the neighborhood since 2016. Beer is brewed onsite, with taps featuring traditional styles along with seasonal and specialty brews. Its patio is also home to Tacos My Blessing.
Sailbird Distilling
Sailbird Distilling operates its tasting room at 228 W. King Street. The locally owned distillery produces small-batch vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, agave spirits and liqueurs, which guests can sample through cocktails and tastings.
3rd Wave Coffee Roasters
Coffee lovers can find 3rd Wave Coffee Roasters at 215 W. King Street. The small-batch roaster specializes in sustainably sourced organic specialty coffee and opens its tasting room on select days for local pickup, retail purchases and drink specials.
Muggsy's Neighborhood Bar
Across from BOG, Muggsy's brings a retro neighborhood-bar feel to West King. Inside and outside seating, pool, darts, arcade and board games make it a casual place to hang out, with live music and other events regularly joining the mix.
Ink and Barley Tattoos and Brews
Part tattoo studio and part neighborhood hangout, Ink and Barley combines tattooing with a bar serving beer, cider, wine and nonalcoholic drinks. Its courtyard also hosts live music, food trucks and pop-up events.
Maracuya by Llama
For specialty coffee with a Peruvian influence, stop at Maracuya by Llama at 260 W. King Street. The café serves espresso drinks and specialty coffee alongside tropical juices, desserts and grab-and-go selections inspired by the flavors of Peru.
Shopping and Local Finds
West King isn’t only about food and drinks. Independent retailers add to the neighborhood’s eclectic character.
Graet Goods
At 225 W. King Street, Graet Goods mixes vintage and handmade fashion with upcycled pieces, home goods, art and locally made products. The store shares space with Paper Root, adding another creative hub to the district.
Paper Root
Paper Root combines retail and community space on West King, with clothing and creative events. Its back room also hosts comedy and other programming, including events connected with West King Wednesday.
Sovereign-Tea Sanctuary
Tea gets its own destination at Sovereign-Tea Sanctuary, 226 W. King Street. The intimate tea house adds another locally owned specialty experience to the district.
And keep exploring. Part of West King’s appeal is its collection of small businesses, studios and unexpected finds tucked into storefronts throughout the neighborhood.
Experience West King Wednesday
One of the best times to experience the neighborhood is West King Wednesday, held on the third Wednesday of each month.
Businesses throughout the district participate with a changing mix of live music, local artists, pop-up markets, food, drinks, shopping specials and other activities. Events take place at businesses along West King Street between U.S. 1 and Rodriguez Street, giving visitors an easy way to explore several stops in one outing.
West King Wednesday is free to attend, although individual food, drinks and purchases are additional.
Celebrate the community and culture of West King Street every third Wednesday of the month. Experience live music, art displays, and more from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. West King Street, St…
Make West King Part of Your St. Augustine Visit
West King Street is only a short distance from St. Augustine’s better-known Historic District, but the experience feels distinctly different.
Come for breakfast or coffee, browse local shops, stay for tacos and a locally brewed beer, sample St. Augustine-made spirits or plan your visit around West King Wednesday. More than a single attraction, West King Street is a neighborhood best experienced one local business at a time.
Travel Tip: West King businesses are independently operated, and hours can vary by day and season. Check individual business hours before your visit, particularly if there is a specific stop you don’t want to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is West King Street in St. Augustine?
The West King District is located just west of U.S. 1 and St. Augustine’s Historic Downtown. Follow King Street west across U.S. 1 to reach the neighborhood’s restaurants, cafés, breweries, shops and other locally owned businesses.
What is West King Street known for?
West King Street is known for its eclectic collection of locally owned restaurants, cafés, craft breweries and spirits, vintage and specialty shops, live music and neighborhood events. It offers a more local, laid-back experience just outside St. Augustine’s Historic District.
Is West King Street walkable?
Yes. Many of the restaurants, bars, shops and other businesses in the West King District are concentrated within a few blocks, making it easy to park and explore the neighborhood on foot.
Where can you eat on West King Street?
West King Street has a growing collection of locally owned places to eat, including Blue Hen Café, Buena Onda Café, Alfred’s, Tacos My Blessing, La Licha Sandwicheria, The West Egg, Maracuya by Llama, Murf’s Homestyle To Go and Cake Vixens. Options range from breakfast and plant-based dishes to tacos, pizza, sandwiches, Peruvian-inspired flavors and Southern comfort food.
Are there breweries or distilleries on West King Street?
Yes. BOG Brewing Company brews beer onsite at its West King Street taproom, while Sailbird Distilling produces small-batch spirits and offers cocktails and tastings at its tasting room. The neighborhood also has several bars and gathering spots.
What is West King Wednesday?
West King Wednesday is a monthly neighborhood event held on the third Wednesday of each month. Participating West King businesses feature a changing mix of live music, local artists, pop-ups, food, drinks, shopping and other activities throughout the district.
How far is West King Street from Historic Downtown St. Augustine?
West King Street begins just across U.S. 1 from St. Augustine’s Historic Downtown, making it an easy addition to a day exploring the city. Visitors can experience the historic attractions downtown and then head west on King Street to discover a different side of St. Augustine.
When is the best time to visit West King Street?
West King Street can be explored throughout the week, with different businesses opening for breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening entertainment. For a larger neighborhood experience, visit during West King Wednesday on the third Wednesday of the month. Because businesses are independently operated, check individual hours before visiting.
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