Southern Grounds & Co. — Restaurant in Saint Augustine

Opening Weekend ~ January 2025 New year, new Southern Grounds locations!

After following their progress on social media, I couldn’t wait to visit the stunning new building in St. Augustine. Yesterday’s sunny weather in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas made it the perfect day for a trip.

A hot latte or chai tea by the fire on their charming patio—pure relaxation. I opted for a hot chai latte with oat milk, paired with a cranberry and walnut tart, salted caramel chocolate chip cookies, and a croissant.

By the time I explored the space, chatted with a few friendly faces inside, and snapped a couple of photos, the evening had settled in, so I enjoyed my treats indoors. As always, Southern Grounds (aka Blueberry Bakery) did not disappoint. The tart was subtly sweet, the cookies were to die for, and the croissant was wonderfully fresh. My chai latte had a hint of cinnamon that was just perfect for a chilly night.

Parking Tips We all know St. Augustine’s parking can test your patience. If you're visiting on a weekend, look for the paid parking lot just past the Southern Grounds building on the right—it’s close but fills up quickly. For a more seamless experience, I recommend visiting Monday through Friday during regular work hours.

I took my chances on a Saturday and eventually found free street parking after circling the block a few times. I didn’t mind the walk—it gave me a chance to soak in the atmosphere. However, ladies, save the cute heels for another occasion—cobblestone streets can be a bit dicey.

A Few Highlights The staff was incredibly hospitable, as always. I love asking for recommendations, and the girl at the counter even pointed out the cranberry tart contained walnuts—such a thoughtful touch for those with allergies (thankfully, not an issue for me).

Whether you’re craving a drink, a snack, or a light meal, Southern Grounds is a perfect stop to rest and recharge while exploring...

My sons and I had just visited the art galleries in the San Sebastian district for their First Friday Artwalk offerings. We weren't quite ready to end our night, so we thought we'd check out the new Southern Grounds & Co. that we had seen earlier with a Now Open sign displayed outside.

I felt like we were walking into a cozy historic home made into a clean and airy space for serving coffee! What a delight!

I loved their choices of displayed artwork inside. I ordered just simple lattes for my sons-- one hot, one iced. My younger son mentioned how very tasty his was!

I was excited to see such a broad menu posted up above where our order was taken. I will definitely be back to dive into a bite to eat soon enough. I will say, though... That Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie did catch my eye. It will be hard to pass up once I return to order a coffee for myself!

We were greeted by Tyler who was seated alert and tuned in to the environment upon our arrival though attending to the laptop in front of him as well, which allowed us to get a relaxed, distinct feel for our entry and surroundings as we passed through the threshold of the front door together. Clean--as I mentioned before--in design and in simplicity of choices made about the interior. Airy, light and warm all at the same time. Tyler made a point to cheerfully say goodbye to us after we received our drinks and were passing back out through the front door, again. Our visit was meant to be quick and easy on this very brisk evening. The whole of this experience left us with an impression of being welcome!

Next time I'll plan to stay longer and perhaps I'll add even more to this review as I try menu items. It seems there are some good hands on deck at Southern Grounds & Co. there in St. Augustine on King Street and Riberia. I am very much looking forward to my next...

Southern Grounds – St. Augustine, FL

Southern Grounds, a newly opened coffee shop and restaurant in the Historic District of St. Augustine, offers a delightful experience. My daughter surprised me with a birthday coffee outing, and I couldn't have been more pleased. The staff was friendly and courteous, and the renovations to the space were impressive and tastefully done. The coffee and food were both delicious, though if you prefer sweeter coffee, be sure to request sugar. There is a self-serve station near the complimentary water station where you can customize your sweetness level.

One of the highlights was the outdoor fireplace, which was perfect for Florida’s rare winter chill. There’s plenty of seating both inside and outside, making it easy to enjoy the atmosphere. Parking can be a bit tricky, but I recommend using the Methodist Church parking lot next door. If you're staying at one of the local B&Bs, the location is easily within walking distance.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience with great prices. Southern Grounds is part of a small chain, so if you’re not near St. Augustine, it’s worth checking if there’s a location closer to you.

Address: 124 Kings St., St....