Our Story
Throughout the years, St. Augustine has endured its share of hard times. From European militants invading and occupying, to hurricanes battering the coast, to the town burning down to the ground, not once, but twice. Any one of these hardships would be enough to drive the people away, but their resiliency proved stronger. The buildings for their homes and businesses were rebuilt, along with the school and churches, and most importantly the harbor where the people settled into the business of trade and fishing. It was hard work, but the people knew no great fishing village would be complete without a great watering hole, hence the establishment of St. George Tavern in 1941.
The tavern has served as a favorite stomping ground where locals, and visitors alike, can throw back a pint, or down a shot of their favorite whiskey, and tell tales of merriment and strife to anyone willing to lend an ear. Not much has changed here at the tavern since then, thanks to the Whelan Family who took ownership in 1984. They had their sights set, with the help of long-time staff, to maintain the integrity of the Old-World vibe and the history nestled within. You can find that dedication, along with the light fixtures that still hang from the ceiling for longer than anyone can remember.
Determined to continue to maintain the history, but enhance the experience of this great establishment, the family made one small change; they added a grill that sits in the front picture window. A passerby walking down St. George Street can watch as our chef grills up our famous hand-patty burgers, flame tantalized and cooked to perfection. Or watch as one of our piled-high sandwiches are made with only the freshest and finest ingredients. We only serve lunch 11 AM-4 PM so don’t miss out on one of the town’s best kept secrets.
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If the happy hour scene is more what you're looking for, then you have found the right place. We pride ourselves in being the cheapest drink on the street - always made fresh with a pour to satisfy. Sit at the bar for the best views out the picture window; you never know who or what will walk by!
For you late-nighters, whether you're a local or first time visitor, you can feel comfortable and let your hair down and have a judgement-free time. There have been nights of dancing in the booths to the wee hours. Since we are open until 2:00 AM, you'll have plenty of time to get your groove on with our internet jukebox and play your favorite songs all night long.
If you’ve never been here, just ask any local, they will point you in the right direction. Come stroll in off the historic walking-mall of St. George Street and belly up to our bar. Or, if it’s a hot Florida day, you may want to cool off with a refreshing drink and sit a spell in one of our high-backed booths that are reminiscent of Old English Times. Pass the time away “reading our bricks” where lovers and visitors have left their marks with us over the years.
If there is one comment that people consistently say that they love about our bar that’s our staff. Each one of them brings their own individualized personalities and talents. You’ll get no cookie-cutter attitude here, just a great local vibe where you can meet real people and get your drink made right.
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If you get your "bell rung", you know you've done the place right. We appreciate the love you give our hard-working staff, who strive to make your experience in our small bar and town memorable.
So, whether it’s your first visit or your 450th, you can be sure to enjoy a cozy atmosphere with friendly people where great food and drinks are what we are serving up.
Come visit us at the St. George Tavern in the Historic District in downtown St. Augustine, Florida.
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“The Oldest Pub in the Oldest City”
The Legend
Back in the late Third Century, George was a soldier and officer in the Roman Army. During this time, an upheaval was spreading across the land; an effort to convert all the people to abandon their own religious beliefs in support of another was taking hold of the country. George, devout to his own religious beliefs, refused to denounce his faith and was sentenced to martyrdom and exile in 303 AD.
In his solitary travels, he came upon a village where he had heard of a dragon that terrorized the local people. Rumor had it that to appease the dragon, the villagers had begun to sacrifice one sheep per day to satiate the dragon’s hunger. This arrangement worked fine for a while until one day the villagers no longer had any sheep left to offer. The dragon became angry and it’s hunger grew even stronger. It began to terrorize the village yet again.
The King, in an effort to save his kingdom, decreed that in order to save the village from total destruction, they must all make sacrifices. A lottery was created in which every day one of the children, including the king’s own, would be offered up to the dragon as a sacrifice. Day after day, the dragon would come into the village looking for it’s meal.
One fateful day, the King’s daughter was selected in the lottery. Distraught, the King led his young daughter to the sacrificial alter for the dragon to take. George happened by, horrified to witness the unimaginable offering about to take place. He made an offering of his own to the King: to slay the dragon at his own risk and save the King’s daughter from her untimely death.
George, brave and strong, approached the beast. The dragon, cared not whether it’s sacrifice be a child or a soldier and engaged George in battle. The dragon, in an effort to appear larger and fiercer than it’s opponent, raised it’s arms in the air and let out a fiery bellowing roar. George protected himself from the flames with his shield and continued to engage the beast in battle. The dragon, enraged by George’s advancements, leapt forward, it’s arms in the air, ready to attack. At that moment, George noticed an exposed, vulnerable patch of skin under the beast’s arm; it was without protection of it’s outer layer of scales. George charged forth with his sword, piercing the soft skin and slaying the dragon.
The King and his village from that day forward lived in peace and without fear of the horrible beast.
It wasn’t until King Edward III of England made George the country’s official patron saint in 1327.