A four-block section of West King Street is home to eclectic small businesses and a tasty food and dining scene. | Noah Hertz, Jacksonville Today
Published on August 13, 2026 at 10:03 am
Free local news and info, in your inbox at 6 a.m. M-F. Sign up for the Jacksonville Today newsletter.
Since the early 2000’s, a four-block section of West King Street, often referred to as the West King District, has appealed to a new generation of entrepreneurs, leading to a critical mass of eclectic small businesses and a tasty culinary scene. Separated from St. Augustine’s historic Downtown by U.S. 1, the district is just a short walk from the city’s more well known historic hub. Yet, most tourists usually don’t venture off the path of the sightseeing train to cross the highway.
Like many central thoroughfares in historic neighborhoods, West King Street has seen the ebb and flow of local commerce. Located in West Augustine, an area that was first called New Augustine when it incorporated in 1884, West King was once the main business district for workers employed at the large hotels in Downtown St. Augustine or at the nearby railyard. As the surrounding area expanded and West Augustine’s prosperity declined, stores either closed or moved to busier locations, leaving empty buildings ready for a facelift.
Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one.
Today, the neighborhood still has a for-the-locals vibe, though visitors to the city are slowly discovering its dining and drinking offerings. West King Wednesday, the third Wednesday of every month, brings a block party experience to the street, featuring dining and shopping specials, artists, live music and more. Whether you park at one of the nearby lots or walk from Downtown, use this guide to sample West King Street’s flavors.
EAT
Blue Hen | $$
A St. Augustine fixture for more than 13 years, this popular breakfast and lunch spot moved to West King from Lincolnville, its previous location, in 2024. Be prepared for a wait, but it’s worth it. No meal here is complete without an order of biscuits and housemade peach butter. Other must-try dishes include Zada Jane’s stack (sweet potato home fries, pork sausage and cheddar jack frittata) and the Baja fish sandwich.
Tacos My Blessing | $
Located behind BOG, this food truck specializes in some of the best tacos in town. Be sure to try the shrimp ceviche, only available on Saturdays. Other great options include mahi tacos, pambazo torta (Mexican style sandwich), Cali burrito and elote. Everything pairs perfectly with an ice-cold beer or Jarritos soda.
Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one.
Alfred’s | $$
Owner Ryan Kunsch, founder of other popular St. Augustine spots including Sarbez! and Muggsys, converted a former marine supply shop into a family-friendly community gathering place with food, music and art. Alfred’s (named after Ryan’s grandfather) is one of the few options for dinner on West King, serving housemade pastas, pizzas, salads and a rotating selection of sweets, all crafted to be shared around the table.
Buena Onda Cafe | $$
The motto of this cafe is good food, good vibes. And you’ll get plenty of both at this breakfast and lunch spot. They specialize in vegetarian and vegan dishes and unique house-made beverages like espresso coffee drinks and plant-powered lattes. Try the Buffalo cauliflower burrito, tempeh banh mi, beet poke bowl or the chia seed parfait with a café con leche or hibiscus cooler.
Maracuya by Llama | $
With his first restaurant on Anastasia Island, Chef Marcel introduced local diners to the tastes of his native Peru. At Maracuya, (the Spanish word for passionfruit), he brings a taste of the tropics to West King, featuring exotic coffee beverages, tropical juices and a variety of desserts. Nestle into the cozy seating area or build a picnic from the grab and go options. Try the Andean cheese bread, the Sacred Valley (Quillabamba cacao mousse and lucuma fruit puree drizzled with spiced chocolate sauce) and a passionfruit lychee tea.
Murf’s Homestyle Togo | $$
Open Monday-Friday, this spot is perfect for those with busy weekday schedules. Call ahead for curbside service to pick up Southern comfort food and more. Homestyle dishes include chicken pot pie, meatloaf, deviled egg & bacon sliders, fried pork chops and plenty of sides for all tastes. Be sure to add some chicken fried Brussels sprouts to your meal. Check their social media posts for daily specials.
The West Egg | $$
Tucked away at one end of the building that also houses Cake Vixen in the front, The West Egg kitchen is small in size, but, specializing in breakfast sandwiches, burritos and bowls, they churn out big flavors to start your day. Popular items include the datil sausage burrito, a carne asada hash bowl and the avocado egg sandwich with pepperjack cheese, tomato and pickled cucumbers on a brioche bun. Hours are 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.
Cake Vixens | $
Formerly called Sweet City Cupcakes, Cake Vixens makes artistically decorated custom cakes to order with more than 60 flavors to choose from. A variety of cupcakes, including gluten-free and vegan options, are available during the shop’s open hours on Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Marilyn, a vanilla cupcake with fresh strawberries in the batter and fresh strawberry buttercream garnished with pearls, is a favorite choice. Or try the vegan almond joy: coconut cupcake with almonds, dark chocolate ganache filling and a cream cheese frosting with coconut and a chocolate covered coconut almond on top.
La Licha Sandwicheria | $$
Their motto is “hot sandwiches done right,” and they know what they’re talking about. Owned by the same couple at Buena Onda Cafe across the street, this food truck alongside Muggsys Bar has a small menu along with daily specials. Start with the empanadas and then try the choripan sandwich: grilled sausage, chimichurri, house pickled salsa criolla, cabbage slaw and herb aioli on a toasted baguette. Vegetarian and vegan options also available.
DRINK
The BOG Brewing Company | $
Opened in 2016, this brewery is located in a building with former lives as a drug store and a pawn shop. Craft beer is brewed onsite using new and traditional styles alongside ingredient-driven seasonal and specialty drafts on tap. Annual events include Bogtoberfest in mid-October,featuring German-inspired lagers and ales along with some unique small batch brews and the popular stein hoist contest.
Sailbird Distilling | $$
Sailbird has the distinction of being St. Augustine’s smallest distillery. They produce premium spirits, including vodkas, gin, whiskey, rums and liqueurs in small batches (20-25 bottles per batch). Take a tour then sample a specialty cocktail in their tasting room.
Crow Bar | $
This living-room-sized dive bar is popular with locals in the know. Just beer and wine are on the menu. There’s a pool table. There’s live music on the weekends. Stop by for happy hour specials on domestic beer Monday-Saturday, 12 a.m.-6 p.m.
Muggsy*s Neighborhood Bar | $
Voted Best Sports Bar in St. Augustine, this retro neighborhood hangout has a selection of beer on tap, wine, pool tables, darts, arcade games and board games along with several TVs for viewing sports events. Muggsy*s [asterisk instead of apostrophe per the bar’s branding] hosts community markets and live music during West King Wednesdays.
Third Wave Coffee Roasters | $
Third Wave roasts to-order small-batch sustainably sourced organic specialty coffee for cafés, local businesses and coffee lovers. Their tasting room is open Thursday and Saturday for local pickup of online orders, purchase of retail products and roaster’s choice drink specials.
Ink and Barley Tattoos and Brews | $
Tattoos and brews to enjoy in the bar area, back lounge or outside courtyard, along with live music, pop-up concerts, food trucks and other special events in the shop. Drink choices include draft beers from local breweries, single serve cans, hard ciders, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, along with an extensive selection of rotating and seasonal take-away options.
