Harry's Seafood, Bar & Grille — Restaurant in Saint Augustine

Our first time at Harry's and I promised myself it won't be the last! Everything a special occasion meal should be, but would be great for an everyday lunch as well.

We arrived shortly after 1 on Father's Day and were seated within 30 minutes as promised. I enjoyed a refreshing draft beer at the bar in the meantime. They took us upstairs to a smallish dining room. Another larger room next door was under renovations. Outside dining was gorgeous, but it was simply too hot for us. I would love to sit out there when the cooler temps come around.

Our server was very pleasant and provided some helpful background after we told him it was our first visit. We had some delicious bread with garlic butter that was outstanding. Ordered a cup each of the gumbo and she-crab soups to share, and the Louisiana Fondeaux. I can't say enough good things about all three - best she-crab soup I've ever had, and I though the Hershey Hotel had the best. Not any more. Every spoonful was filled with crabmeat. The gumbo was simply amazing with whole shrimps and chunks of meat in a broth bursting with flavor.

Flavor is what Harry's does best. All of our entrees were tasty and delicious with every decadent sauce and spice mix. The andouille crusted grouper, baked shrimp with crab meat, and French Market pasta all outstanding. My mouth is watering just remembering them.

For sides, the Fried Grit cake is a must have, and practically a meal in itself, and the collard greens a perfect accompaniment.

We were all stuffed at this point ready to ask for boxes to take leftovers home, but we had to try the Oreo Beignets for dessert. I told our waiter we'd probably need a box for that too and he said we'll see. Well, he was right. We devoured those crunchy, tasty, fried treats as though we hadn't eaten for a week. Sweet, hot, and a perfect ending.

There were two issues with our experience. First, the food did not arrive hot, but lukewarm. My wife told me later her pasta dish was actually cold in places, but she didn't want to make a fuss. I would definitely had sent hers back if I knew. While I can understand why it would not be piping hot in a large restaurant, this can only mean it sat without sufficient heat before the food runner brought them up the stairs to us. As good as everything was, it would have been even better served at a hotter temperature. We were so hungry though, and except for my wife's dish they were barely warm enough to avoid a return.

Second, some of the empty dishes/glasses were not cleared. We almost put them on another table after the people left. There was a person who cleared tables and reset them, but we couldn't flag him down, and our waiter simply ignored it. Again, not the end of the world but if Google allowed half stars, I would have dropped this review a notch as a result. Hopefully when we go again when it isn't a holiday these issues will not reoccur, especially with the temperature of the food.

Not enough to take away our fun and enjoyable family dinner, though! Love a good restaurant with large portions of delicious food. Yes, we...

Harry's Seafood, Bar & Grille presents itself as a purveyor of New Orleans-inspired cuisine, offering a Southern coastal dining experience that, while not groundbreaking, manages to satisfy with its reliable execution and convivial atmosphere.

The restaurant's ambiance strikes a balance between casual comfort and a hint of Creole charm. Exposed brick walls, wrought iron accents, and soft jazz playing in the background create an environment that's both inviting and evocative of the French Quarter, if somewhat formulaic.

As one would expect from the name, seafood takes center stage on the menu. The seafood gumbo, a litmus test for any establishment claiming New Orleans influence, delivers a respectable rendition. The roux demonstrates proper depth, and the seafood maintains its integrity without becoming rubbery - a common pitfall in less skilled kitchens.

The jambalaya, another staple of Cajun cuisine, offers a satisfying medley of flavors. The rice is well-seasoned, absorbing the essence of the andouille sausage and shrimp. While it may not transport one directly to Bourbon Street, it provides a credible facsimile of the dish's intended flavors.

For those seeking lighter fare, the blackened redfish showcases a deft hand with seasoning. The fish is cooked to a proper flakiness, its natural flavors enhanced rather than overwhelmed by the Cajun spices.

The bar program at Harry's is competent, with a selection of classic cocktails that pay homage to New Orleans' rich mixology heritage. The Sazerac, in particular, is well-balanced, demonstrating a proper understanding of this iconic drink.

Service at Harry's is genial and efficient, if not particularly polished. Staff members demonstrate a basic knowledge of the menu and are generally attentive to diners' needs.

While Harry's Seafood, Bar & Grille may not be pushing culinary boundaries, it succeeds in delivering a dependable and enjoyable dining experience. It fills a niche for those seeking a taste of New Orleans-style cuisine in a comfortable, accessible setting. For locals, it offers a reliable option for a satisfying meal, while visitors to the area may find it a convenient introduction to Cajun and Creole flavors.

In sum, Harry's Seafood, Bar & Grille is a solid, if not spectacular, choice for those craving Southern coastal cuisine. It may not be the French Quarter, but it provides a pleasant approximation that will likely leave most diners...

My lovely wife and I were walking around our neighborhood Sunday morning and the topic of top St Augustine restaurants came up. We agreed on all the typically acknowledged places but she insisted the Harry’s belonged on the list. I disagreed….i did think they were good but not near the top. I have only been a couple of times over the past 20 years. I agree that they are a St Aug institution with their New Orleans style cuisine but they were not my thing. Maybe because they don’t take reservations? Of course why would they? There is always a line waiting to get in.

Anyway, as luck would have it, we decided to go to St Augustine for an early dinner with my brother and had a Harry’s gift card so we decided to put our debate to the test.

We got there a little after 4 and they were able to seat us outside immediately. It was warm but the tables have umbrellas and the courtyard is rather charming. Our server was Adam and he was on the mark. He always kept our waters full to beat the heat.

We ordered boudin balls to start which are a delicious sort of fried sausage meat ball with a wonderful creamy sauce. My brother devoured two loafs of bread by himself as he is a carboholic (how does he stay so skinny?). I also enjoyed blackberry gin cocktail which was an outstanding combination of sweet and tart.

For our entrees, my brother chose shrimp and scallop Orleans with beans and rice (first pic)which he raved about. My wife went with two appetizers of crab cakes and fried green tomatoes (second pic). She shared a bite of the tomato’s which were amazing. I believe I made the best decision with the andouille crusted grouper (third pic) which was flaky and full of flavor. I began to think that my wife’s point from the morning walk had credence.

None of us were able to finish our meals bit we also knew that we had to save room for desert. To finish our evening, we had Oreo Beignets in a scrumptious chocolate sauce (last pic). They look like a desert you would buy at a fair but these were a major step above! I did not realize Oreos could test so good.

At the end of the evening, I realized that my wife was right yet again. Harry’s is amazing, fun and a perfect place to take out of town guests. When you think about the quality of the food versus the price, it offers significant value versus the other top restaurants. I...