About Ocean Avenue Sports Bar
Ocean Avenue Sports Bar & Grill was a popular sports pub located at 123 San Marco Ave in historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida. The corner location – at the bustling intersection of San Marco Avenue (A1A) and Ocean Avenue – gave it a prime spot in the Uptown district. The venue featured a casual, tropical-inspired interior with walls hung with sports memorabilia and neon signs. It offered a full-service bar and a scratch kitchen, specializing in pub fare like hand-battered fish & chips, crispy wings, burgers, and house-roasted Cuban sandwiches. The bar lineup included 28 HDTVs and a set of large “mega-screens” mounted throughout the space for watching games (the menu once boasted “28 HDTVs and mega screens”). A sprawling outdoor front porch overlooked the street corner, providing additional seating and games like a pool table for group nights.
With room for roughly 150 seated guests (plus standing room) and a stage for live acts, Ocean Avenue earned a reputation as St. Augustine’s go-to sports bar. Locals praised its friendly bartenders, very reasonable drink prices, and lively happy hour specials (cocktails were once advertised as $2.75 during a famous happy hour). The bar was even ranked by local media (Folio Weekly) as one of the best new restaurants/gastropubs in town and frequently cited as a top sports bar by St. Augustine residents. In the local bar scene it stood out for bridging sports and music: one promotional note touted it as a place “where everyone knows your name,” thanks to its neighborhood vibe and community feel. (Unfortunately, as of 2023 the Ocean Avenue Sports Bar location is permanently closed, but the history and character of this venue remain a beloved part of downtown lore.)
Events and Programming
Ocean Avenue Sports Bar was known for its steady calendar of events. Guests could typically catch live sports broadcasts, nightly specials, or weekly entertainment nearly any day of the week. On game days, the bar turned into a cheering crowd – watching NFL, college football, basketball, and other live sports on all those big screens. The bar hosted themed game watch parties, complete with drink specials on big match-ups. Regular programming included things like Tuesday trivia night, Wednesday karaoke, and weekend DJs or cover bands. In the evenings the stage came alive: local rock bands, tribute acts, and even regional touring acts would play sets under colored stage lighting, giving the bar a club-like atmosphere on music nights.
Many notable performances took place over the years. For example, in May 2019 the electronic duo MZG headlined a “after-party” this bar that packed the dance floor. Saturdays were often reserved for live music, ranging from reggae and country to classic rock and island-inspired tunes. Evenings in the offseason might have featured open-mic nights or salsa dance nights. On holidays and during local festivals, the bar also hosted special events like costume parties or block parties. Overall, programming straddled the line between sports patio bar and live music venue – so every visit could feel different.
Typical event pricing: On most nights there was no cover charge – entry was free for walk-in patrons enjoying happy hour, sports games, or casual drinks. However, for ticketed concerts or special events, small cover charges were collected (often just $5–$15 at the door). The venue itself did not have an online box office, so advance tickets (when offered) were usually sold through event partners or at the bar’s own counter. Popular shows often sold out quickly, while themed holiday parties might require advance reservation or a group booking. Since the bar is currently closed, these events no longer run, but historically fans would check social media or call the bar (phone 904-823-8806) for upcoming show announcements.
Tickets and Booking
As a laid-back sports bar, Ocean Avenue generally did not require tickets for entry. Most nights were walk-in friendly with no cover charge. For large concerts or headlining bands, the bar occasionally offered advance tickets. When sold in advance, tickets could be purchased at the bar’s front window or through affiliated local ticket outlets. If planning to attend a sold-out live show, it was best to arrive early or buy a ticket as soon as an event was announced. For casual entertainment nights or game days, simply showing up was fine.
Ticket availability and advice: Small independent venues like this often sold tickets only at the door or through local shops. In peak seasons (football playoffs, March Madness, popular band tours) tickets would go quickly. For those busy nights, checking online listings at least a month ahead was wise. Walk-up ticket sales might stop once capacity was reached, so the safest strategy was to stop by the bar a few days before the event. Because this venue is now closed, prospective concertgoers would instead look to other nearby clubs. Back when it was open, though, the policy was usually “first-come, first-served” for remaining tickets on show nights.
Seating and Layout
The bar’s layout was open and flexible, designed for crowds of fans and music lovers. The main entrance opened into a roomy single-level seating area. A long square bar stood near one side, surrounded by bar stools. Around the perimeter and center of the room were high-top tables, booths, and regular tables for small groups. In good weather the front outdoor patio doubled the usable space – picnic tables and patio chairs sat under an awning on the porch. The back area contained the restrooms and a small stage. The entire interior was filled with TVs so that no matter where you sat, you could see a game.
Good seats: For enjoying live music, the best spots were near the stage at the north end of the bar (close to the sound system) – center line-of-sight seats give an excellent view of any performer. Sports fans had great vantage points at tables facing the big screens or at the bar facing the projection screen. Any table along the walls adjacent to TVs provided a front-row game experience. The covered front porch had high bar tables with clear sightlines and fewer distractions, which some guests preferred for conversation or a quieter meal. Every seat tended to have a clear line of sight to multiple screens, thanks to the venue’s design of staggered TV placement.
Standing room: The layout allowed for general admission; on busy nights many guests stood near the stage or bar. There were no reserved balconies or VIP boxes – it was a ground-level, first-come atmosphere.Sound considerations: The acoustics were lively but not overwhelming. On concert nights the PA system filled the room, so sitting too close to the speakers could be loud. Similarly, the outdoor porch tables had natural acoustics free of heavy amplification, which was good for conversations.Avoiding trouble spots: On very crowded game days or concerts, areas directly next to the restrooms or by the kitchen door could get congested. Also, midday sun could hit tables right by the east-facing doors, so those occasionally had a glare on screens.
Getting There and Parking
Location: The Ocean Avenue Sports Bar’s address is 123 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084. It sits just north of the city’s historic core, a block from the Lighthouse and Bridge of Lions. The corner of San Marco & Ocean Ave is known as Uptown – a major north-south artery (A1A) connecting the downtown historic district to the northern city limits.
By car: Drivers can reach it via I-95 (take Exit 318 for FL-16 toward downtown). Follow FL-16 East (San Marco Avenue) about 1.5 miles into town; the bar is on the right at the signalized intersection with Ocean Avenue. From the beach or Anastasia Island side (FL A1A Beach Blvd), head north on San Marco Avenue/N. Castillo Drive. Traffic is often heavy downtown, especially in season, so allow extra travel time. Free parking was provided to patrons: there’s a private lot immediately behind the building (enter from Pelican Place) plus adjacent lot access via Cordova Street. On-street parking is available nearby on San Marco, Cordova, and May Streets; meter rules may apply midday but generally it’s unpaid after evening. In short, there’s ample free off-street parking for guests.
Rideshare or taxi: Uber/Lyft drivers know the bar’s address. The easiest pickup/drop-off spot is on San Marco Ave curbside, just outside the front entrance. Some drivers may drop off at the corner light on San Marco if curb space is tight. Dock at the main door if possible, rather than forcing a long walk from afar.Public transit: The Sunshine Bus Company serves downtown St. Augustine. The nearest bus stop is just a 2-3 minute walk away at San Marco Ave & May Street (Sunshine’s Red Line). It’s about one block north of the bar. Guests could also disembark at King Street & San Marco to the south (short walk). Note: St. Augustine’s buses run roughly hourly, and routes like the Red Line connect to Flagler College, while the Blue Line (locals express) stops slightly farther away on King Street near the library, which is a 5-minute walk.Walking/Biking: If you’re already downtown, it’s a pleasant 5-10 minute walk from Saint George Street (the main tourist strip) or the Castillo de San Marcos. Bicyclists will find bike lanes on San Marco Ave, and the bar provided bike racks in front of the porch. Downtown sidewalks are wide and well maintained.
Inside the Venue
Entrance and atmosphere: Upon entering, visitors encountered a relaxed sports-bar vibe. The concrete floor, wood and metal furnishings, and tropical accents (palm-leaf fans, island art) created a casual feel. The front door led straight into the bar area; staff were usually on hand to say hello and indicate available seating. On busy nights there might be a brief wait for a table, but often no reservation was needed.
Service and security: Staff at the door checked IDs on event nights (especially if serving alcohol to a mixed crowd). Security personnel or a hostess were occasionally present at peak times to guide patrons. There was no formal coat check, but a few hooks by the entrance for jackets. The bar accepted credit cards and cash for purchases. It offered free Wi-Fi (SSID usually posted near the register) so guests could check sports scores or share photos during slower moments.
Food and drink: The menu was extensive pub fare, with highlights that got rave reviews. Signature dishes included golden-battered grouper & chips and island-style fish tacos. Burgers (all-beef and chicken) and gourmet nachos were local favorites. The bar also did specialty flatbread pizzas and hearty salads. For drinks, on tap there were several local craft beers rotating regularly, plus all the national draft favorites (Bud, Miller, craft ales, and rotating seasonal brews). The cocktail menu leaned tropical and classic – think rums, mojitos, margaritas, and the occasional custom drink. Happy Hour specials (Monday–Friday until 7pm) offered discounted drafts and well drinks. Free bowls of peanuts or pretzels might be passed around the bar area during games.
Amenity highlights: There were multiple restrooms (marked Men/Women) accessed via a rear hallway; at least one stall in each was wheelchair-accessible. By the restrooms was the small kitchen pass and storage. The bar had a pool table on the porch, dart board inside, and sometimes a tabletop shuffleboard in the seating area. Chip-style card games or board games (trivia cards) were often available for the weekly game nights. Merchandise was minimal – aside from a few branded pint glasses and T-shirts on display, most souvenirs for sale were limited. Patrons were free to use their phones for non-commercial photos; handheld cameras and phones were generally allowed, although large professional video gear would require permission.
Nearby Amenities
Restaurants: Many dining choices are within walking distance. For an upscale meal, the Raintree Restaurant (102 San Marco Ave) is just across the street and features global cuisine with an outdoor patio. If you’re craving more casual fare, bogey’s Wings & Twisted Tacos (2 blocks south) and Casa Reina Mexican Grill (0.3 mi northwest) are popular options. The waterfront Conch House (0.4 mi south down Castillo Dr) offers seafood with a tiki-bar vibe. A1A Ale Works (0.4 mi) is a local brewpub and sandwich spot. Guests looking for quick bites can also try cafés on Aviles Street by the waterfront, about a 5-minute walk away.Bars & nightlife: If you arrive early or plan to continue the evening, downtown St. Augustine has many bars within a short walk. Directly north, Irving’s Oyster Bar serves creative seafood and cocktails. To the south on St. George Street, sites like The Plaza Grill, Boardwalk, and Southerleigh Craft Kitchen & Tap House welcome late-night visitors. Right next door (within the same complex) is Pelican Landing, another sports bar with a festive flair.Hotels: Several lodging options are blocks away. The Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree (both on San Marco Ave about a block north) are convenient for guests; their main lobbies often have restaurants and bars as well. The historic Hotel Ponce de Leon/Casa Monica (0.4 mi south at St. George) is another option familiar to travelers. For a boutique experience, The Collector and Villa 1565 are within a 10-minute stroll. All offer easy taxi or pedestrian access back to the bar after your night out.Transportation: Rental car agencies and taxi stands are located downtown. Regional shuttles (for Jacksonville airport or cruise ports) typically drop at the city center; from there it’s a short taxi to the Uptown bars. If you need a ride home late, Uber and Lyft drivers are plentiful in the downtown area, and nearby Lyft terminals are legal pick-up/drop-off zones.Other: If you’re making a day of the visit, the bar is steps from attractions like the Castillo de San Marcos, the Old Jail, and the Alligator Farm (a few blocks away). Family attractions like the Alligator Farm have valet shuttles nearby. You might also enjoy simply strolling the historic streets or beachside parks before the show.
What Makes This Venue Special
Ocean Avenue Sports Bar had a blend of character traits not found in every Florida sports pub. Architecturally, its partially open-air porch and thatched-roof bar gave it a beachy, tropical look uncommon in downtown St. Augustine. It combined the excitement of a modern sports tavern (with dozens of HDTVs) and the soul of a community music club, making it a hybrid destination. Many locals remember it as a place where sports seasons really came alive – from college football Saturdays to Sunday NFL games – all cheered on by enthusiastic crowds. It became a neighborhood tradition that athletes, co-workers, students and families would converge to celebrate wins or drown losses together.
Culturally, the bar hosted unique events like beer-bake fundraisers, motorcycle group meetups on motorcycles nights, and charity pub crawls. The staff often decorated the place for holidays (think palm-tree Christmas lights) and ran legendary Halloween costume contests. In 2021, even after months of COVD-19 restrictions, the bar was one of the first to host large outdoor watch parties, complete with giant screens and vendor booths on the sidewalk. Outside the building’s walls, it sponsored local travel teams and high school sports – its logos even appeared on community team jerseys at one point. All these made it more than “just another bar” – it was woven into the social fabric of the Oldest City.
From a visitor’s perspective, the venue stood out for its sheer volume of Big Game experiences under one roof. It was not only a prime place to catch a game on TV, but a gathering spot for legendary nights – the kind of place where fireworks after a big touchdown are as common as the beers being poured. Residents recall afternoons spent on the porch rocking to live acoustic guitar while sipping a local craft beer. Despite its relatively recent origins, it quickly earned a loyal fan base for being as close to a “Cheers” atmosphere as St. Augustine has. In the context of St. Augustine’s nightlife, it mattered because it was a modern sports and music hub that complemented the city’s historic charm, appealing to young professionals, visitors, and long-time locals alike.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The venue was wheelchair accessible at street level – there were no steps at the main entrance or behind the bar. An ADA-compliant restroom stall was provided. The outside patio had a flat sidewalk approach. If you needed assistance, staff were typically happy to help with doorways or finding an open table.What to bring: Bring a government-issued ID (even if under 21, you’ll need it for any alcohol service and possibly to verify age at the door on event nights). If you plan to be outside on the porch, it’s wise to bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) on day games, and maybe an extra layer for cool evenings. A jacket check was not available, but small personal belongings could be kept at your table or hooked on chair backs. Cash is handy for tips; major credit cards were accepted for food and drink.What not to bring: Oversized bags or coolers were not allowed inside. No outside food or drinks (aside from sealed water bottles for children or medical needs). Smoking was only permitted on the outdoor patio, not inside. As a public bar, the staff had the right to refuse entry for disorderly behavior or weapons (even concealed firearms were not allowed indoors). Dress code was casual – think shorts, jeans, team jerseys, flip-flops or sneakers. Flip-flops or tank tops were fine; there was no formal dress code. Swimwear needed to be covered up (many people would stop here directly from the beach, but carrying a light shirt or cover-up was wise).Arrival times: On busy game days or weekends, it was best to arrive at least 30 minutes before kickoff or showtime. The crowd often showed up early, and staff would seat guests in rotation. If you’re meeting a large group, arriving together or calling ahead (904-823-8806) could help stack tables.Special considerations: The bar sometimes ran theme nights (like zombie crawl pub night or ride nights for local motorcycle clubs), so if you’re going to a peak event or costume party, double-check with staff what night it is. For rowdy college crowds or concert strongholds, the atmosphere could get loud; bring ear plugs if you’re sensitive. Finally, tips: the bartenders and servers prided themselves on friendly, fast service, so tipping standard 15-20% was appreciated. They also encouraged responsible drinking – after 2am the bar closes sharp, so have a plan (ride-share, designated driver) for the ride home, as nearby streetlights can get a bit dim late at night in this older part of town.
Is Ocean Avenue Sports Bar still open for business?
As of 2023, Ocean Avenue Sports Bar has closed permanently. It ceased operations around 2022, so you will not be able to visit it today. The information above describes the venue when it was open. For current options in St. Augustine, visitors typically choose other bars and grills nearby.
What is the exact address of Ocean Avenue Sports Bar?
The address was 123 San Marco Avenue, Saint Augustine, FL 32084. It is located at the corner of San Marco (A1A) and Ocean Avenue, in the Uptown area just north of downtown St. Augustine. Keep in mind the bar is now closed, but this is where it used to be.
How do I get to Ocean Avenue Sports Bar by public transportation?
You can reach it by Sunshine Bus (the local transit) via the Red Line. Disembark at the San Marco Ave & May St stop and walk one block south. Other downtown stops on King Street (for the Blue Line) are 5–10 minutes away on foot. Since the bar is closed, these are general directions to the historic Uptown area.
Was there parking available at the bar?
Yes. Ocean Avenue Sports Bar had free off-street parking for guests. There was a parking lot behind the building (access via Pelican Place) and free spaces on nearby side streets. During its operation, customers rarely needed to pay for parking. (St. Augustine’s downtown has limited metered spots, but the bar’s lot accommodated most crowds.)
Are there rideshare drop-off areas for Ocean Avenue Sports Bar?
Yes. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) drivers can drop you right in front of 123 San Marco Ave. The easiest spot is on San Marco Ave curbside by the entrance. If needed, drivers sometimes used the nearby intersection corner on San Marco. Taxis can similarly drop off at the entrance or on the side street.
What was the seating capacity and layout?
The bar seated about 150 people indoors, with extra standing room. Inside, there was a long bar counter with stools, surrounded by high-top tables and booths. A small stage occupied one corner for live music. The outside porch added a few dozen more seats. There were no assigned sections – seating was general admission, first-come. Best seats depended on the event; near the stage was ideal for music, while any table facing a big screen was perfect for sports.
Were there any special VIP or reserved seating areas?
No. Ocean Avenue Sports Bar did not have designated VIP tables or reserved boxes. All seating was walk-in and shared. On big event nights, groups could sometimes reserve a large table by calling ahead or through the bar’s phone. Otherwise, it operated on a first-come basis, so arriving early was the best way to secure a spot for shows or game watch parties.
Is Ocean Avenue Sports Bar wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The bar’s main entrance was at street level with no steps, making it wheelchair accessible. There was at least one ADA-accessible restroom stall inside. The outdoor patio also had level access. This meant the venue was generally accessible, though space could be tight on busy nights.
Were children and families allowed at the bar?
Yes, certain spaces and events were family-friendly. During the day and early evening, families could come eat (especially near the porch or front tables). On nights with live music or after dark, the atmosphere skewed adults-only due to alcohol service. There was no strict age limit enforced except for bartender discretion. Always check the night’s event – some concerts or sports screenings might have been 21+ only, while others were open to all ages.
What types of food did Ocean Avenue Sports Bar serve?
The bar served classic sports-bar fare and local specialties. Popular menu items included battered grouper fish & chips, crispy chicken wings in various sauces, juicy burgers, pizzas, and fresh grouper tacos. They also offered sandwiches like the cubano (roasted pork and ham), hearty salads, and nachos. Many dishes had a Floridian twist (for example, using local seafood). A scratch kitchen meant everything was made to order, and patrons often raved about the seafood offerings.
Did they have happy hour or drink specials?
Yes. The bar was famous for its happy hour, which ran Monday through Friday until 7pm when it was open. During happy hour, draft beers, well drinks, and select appetizers were typically 25–50% off. Some past listings mentioned cocktails for under $3 during this time. There were also daily/weekly specials (like Margaritas on Mondays, or $2 tacos on Tuesdays) although those particular deals varied over time. In general, the drink prices were considered very reasonable by local standards.
Is there a dress code at Ocean Avenue Sports Bar?
No formal dress code was enforced. The atmosphere was casual, so patrons typically wore jeans, shorts, t-shirts, jerseys, or Hawaiian shirts. It was a beach-town vibe, so flip-flops and sandals were common (though in winter, some bartenders discouraged wet swimwear). For special events or holidays, some guests did dress up (costumes on Halloween, for example), but it was never required. As a rule, attire just needed to be decent – no obscene slogans on shirts, and closed-toe shoes during busy night events.
Are cameras or recording allowed inside?
Yes. Guests were allowed to use personal cameras or smartphones. Taking pictures or short videos of games, bands, and friends was common and welcomed (it helped promote the fun). The one restriction was any professional video/film equipment – an outside camera crew would have needed prior permission. But in general, casual photos and selfie videos were fine. Just be discreet during concerts so as not to block others’ views.
What items are prohibited at the bar?
The bar followed standard policies. Disallowed items included outside food/drinks (except clear water bottles), large backpacks, weapons (no firearms or knives of any size), and glass bottles from outside. Smoking was only allowed outdoors on the patio (Florida law forbids indoor smoking). Pets (other than service animals) were not allowed. Bags were subject to search if staff suspected a violation. Basically, if it’s a drinking establishment rule or local ordinance, it applied here too.
Is Ocean Avenue Sports Bar still hosting live events?
No. Since the bar closed in 2022, it is no longer hosting any events, sports fuelings, or concerts. In its active years, it held events nightly. Today, patrons would need to look elsewhere in St. Augustine’s event listings for live music or sports bars. When it was open, you could have found DJ dance parties on weekends and band nights, but now those events have moved to other clubs.
What were the venue’s typical hours of operation?
When it was open, Ocean Avenue Sports Bar typically ran from late morning through the night. The schedule on record was Monday–Sunday, 11:00am–2:00am. Early visitors could catch lunch specials or midday games; then happy hour hit at 4pm most days. The bar often stayed open later on weekends (sometimes even after 2am). Always confirm hours on a specific day, but this was the general pattern before closure.
Are children allowed to stay on the outdoor patio after 9pm?
Yes, the outdoor patio was considered a shared space and was family-friendly even into the evening. Children could sit with their families on the porch as long as it remained public access. By Florida law, alcohol service could not extend to minors, so children were politely asked to stay away from the bar serving area. In practice, many families ate dinner outside while evening games played on the TVs. However, once inside after 9pm (when it started to resemble a nightclub), most families chose to leave for safety reasons.
Did the bar have free Wi-Fi for customers?
Yes. The bar offered free Wi-Fi to customers. The network name was typically posted on the chalkboard or menu by the bar. Getting a quick internet connection was easy, which helped fans check live stats during games, or stream scores when traveling with a group. Keep in mind most public Wi-Fi networks like this required an on-screen acceptance page, which usually popped up when you opened your browser.
What is the story behind the name “Ocean Avenue Sports Bar”?
The name comes from its location at the junction of San Marco Avenue and Ocean Avenue. “Ocean Avenue” is the name of the small east-west street that meets San Marco Ave right there. The owners chose the name both as a nod to the cross street and to the nearby Matanzas River (which later becomes the Intracoastal Waterway). It conveys the beachy, surf-town feel of St. Augustine, even though the bar itself sat on San Marco Ave (A1A).
