Who says you have to give up your favorite foods on vacation?
If you’re a fan of Mexican food and are spending a week in St. Augustine, FL, you’ll be happy to know that there are several St. Augustine Mexican restaurants for you to choose from. One of the finest establishments serving St. Augustine is Casa Reina in the historic downtown.
Among the various St. Augustine places to eat, Casa Reina has it all: landmark architecture, authentic Mexican cuisine, and outdoor patio dining with grand views of the bay.
Keep with the theme of expansive ocean views from your St. Augustine beachfront condo with three levels of fine dining on the water! Let’s take a closer look at one of the newer and increasingly popular St. Augustine restaurants serving not only Mexican but Latin America and Florida coastal dishes as well.
History
Set in a 120-year-old historic building in downtown St. Augustine, Casa Reina has been described as “fresh,” “sublime,” and “stellar” in a host of positive reviews since its opening in late 2021.
The building in which it is housed was once home to a well-known hardware merchant and later became The Blenmore Hotel in 1924. It also served as the offices of a prominent land developer and a local American Legion Post headquarters before being renovated and opened as Casa Reina.
Despite renovations, the home has maintained its classic architecture that reflects the historic downtown feel of Old Florida and particularly St. Augustine, known as the oldest city in the U.S.
Location
Casa Reina is located at 1 Anderson Circle, a bayfront property at the foot of the Bridge of Lions, a drawbridge built in 1925 connecting downtown St. Augustine and Anastasia Island.
The restaurant was opened by the owners of the well-known Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille, also located near the foot of the Bridge of Lions.
Anderson Circle is populated with homes of classic Old World architecture as well as shops, restaurants, and the famous Ponce de Leon statue.
Dining Experience
Whether you’re dining in the 150-seat dining room, the balcony overlooking the water and courtyard, or the street-level outdoor patio, you can enjoy great views and food at Casa Reina.
Taking in the Montazas Bay and the drawbridge from the rooftop patio is nothing short of spectacular, and even the street-level tables provide ample views of the water as well as lush scenery and the diverse turn-of-the-century architectural styles of the surrounding buildings and homes.
The menu offers the best in Mexican cuisine. From an array of fish, pork, steak, or chicken tacos to enchiladas, tortas, and ensaladas, you’ll find many traditional and signature Mexican dishes. Popular entrees include Chicken La Reina (grilled chicken with tomatillo cream sauce, crema and cilantro, black beans, and white rice) and the Carnitas Platter (house-braised pork carnitas and jalapeno tartar and citrus slaw, poblanos and red bell peppers with Guajillo BBQ sauce and crema drizzle, with refried beans and yellow rice).
If you want seafood, consider the tequila lime grouper, served with tequila lime cream sauce, pico, cilantro, and fresh guacamole served with black beans and white rice. They also offer a short rib chile relleno: Chihuahua cheese and braised short rib stuffed in a large poblano pepper fried, served with ranchera sauce, crema, cotija cheese, refried beans, and yellow rice.
From its lively atmosphere and friendly staff to the immersion into Old Florida style and grand water views, Casa Reina does not disappoint.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re interested in visiting Casa Reina for yourself, be sure to book a stay in one of our St. Augustine suite rentals! Our St. Augustine balcony suites offer picturesque views and plenty of amenities. Contact Beacher’s Lodge today to learn more.