I go to Florida a couple of times per year, and for longer than I can recall; I always make plans for dinner at Saltwater Cowboys in on Dondanville Rd. in St. Augustine, regardless of where my “home base” is for any given trip. Last week, I drove 2 hours from Orlando for my regular seafood pilgrimage. I was pleasantly surprised that there was no line when I arrived a few minutes after 4:00 p.m. when they open. Since there were fewer than usual patrons; my party of six (including a 3 and 4 year old) was promptly seated and all seemed well and usual. However; when our server (a very nice young lady) came; she advised us that they were out of several items. She also said that Cowboys has new ownership and they no longer have access to update Cowboy’s website (which is now inaccurate) or the longstanding recipes. When I asked about items that I usually get; she said most were unavailable now. I ordered some chowder and drinks as we pondered our choices. The chowder was good, but since they really don’t have much of a “Kids” menu now; or my usual fare, we decided to pay for our chowder and drinks and go elsewhere. I suspect others have had the same disappointment, which probably explains the lack of the usual waiting line. I loved this place. I hope they can “right the ship.” What a Bummer!
It has been years since we ate here and decided to try it again. The blacken shrimp, grits and green beans were delicious. My husband got the blacken scallops special, he said it was good, but there were only 8 and they were the side of a grape. We ordered the key lime pie, with was very good, but only a tiny slice (maybe 6 small bites) and was $7. It was good, but way over priced for what you get.
We have been coming here for over 20 years and it was our all time favorite restaurant. Tonight upon entering, we found no AC in the main eating area. We were lucky to ask to be reseated in better air and we're moved to the back. Understanding these things happen, we settled in for a fantastic dinner. We were then told they no longer offer their awesome bread, but still have their famous salad. (It's a must have!!) Unfortunately we then found out the business was sold in Dec and the new owners took down all the old world Florida charm decor and now there is just white bare walls. The menu was reduced and prices were up and It's just not the same. I will say the wait staff is AS WONDERFUL AS USUAL!! I sincerely hope the new owners reconsider the changes and bring back what made this place a bucket list every year. I can't tell you how often I recommended this place simply because of it's charm..
Wife and I in town visiting the area and heard this was a great place to go. Located at the end of a residential street right on the marshes edge. Very unique setting and old time feel. Seated right away as we obviously got there prior to the crowds showing up as considerable folks were lined up outside waiting when we left at 5:30. Our waitress Jenna was delightful and informative. She recommended the stuffed shrimp and the plank fish. We had one of each and the fish we chose was snapper and it was cooked perfectly as well as the delicious stuffed shrimp.
Awful from the moment walked in the door. Mixed drinks, awful. Out of what seemed like half the menu. Appetizer plate didn’t come out with what was ordered. Wouldn’t cook combo plates differently yet wasn’t marked on the menu. What was served wasn’t what was ordered. Undercooked hush puppies. Blackened shrimp cooked on a dirty grill (see plate). Grits and coleslaw extremely salty. It’s been years since I’ve been here but I won’t be coming back.
Salt. Water cowboyDrink.Cowboy mule.Knob creek, muddled mint and limes, splash of simple syrup and ginger beer. ( water down not much flavor)Appetizer.Gator tail ( they were tasty)Raw oysters( maybe it was local oysters. Very disappointed. They where very tiny almost nothing in them.)Dinner.Combo fish.shrimp.lump crab cakeBroil fish. ( the fish was ok, shrimp was good, the crab cake had more filler than crab meat and it was fried. Not very good.Hush puppies where good, collard greens delicious, cheese grits I didn't care for was not even warm when it came to table.Over all I give this place 2 stars. Mediocre food and overpriced. The outside sitting has nice views but, if you dine out on the deck there will be flies circulating around you and your food.
Always a fun spot-set on a marsh and looks like an old fish camp. Very casual. Call ahead an hour before you plan to arrive and get on the wait list. The food is great and the staff is friendly. Dinner is a good time to go so you can watch the sunset.
We were looking for a good place for friends/family to eat while in town. Great scenic views. But they out of alot of food opyions on the menu. Then forgot to inform us of sides that we were waiting on wasn't made. I have had better food and service at other places. Pricey for what you received. Not recommended. Loved the location and decor but only wish the food was better.
Our server started our visit off by telling us of 4 items they were out of (at 4:40). He seemed preoccupied and had to ask our order twice. When our food arrived to our table we were disappointed at the serving size. My husband ordered hush puppies with his meal (which he did not receive). 10 minutes after we were served the waiter came back to check on us (after we flagged him down) and we informed him that we did not receive the hush puppies. He brought out an order of extremely doughy pups that were not edible. The service was horrible and the air was evidently out. It was miserably hot in the restaurant… We will not be back.
Seafood Shrimp