Eating Your Way Up A1A // Golden Lion Cafe // Flagler Beach Florida
Want to be transported to the islands? Toes in the sand, drink in hand, raw oysters at your elbow? In Flagler Beach, Florida, a really great – and generous – fish’n’chips platter can be had, along with a great rum punch or painkiller at the Golden Lion on A1A!
Our All-Time Favorite; Fish’N’Chips
The locals seem to order the fish platters the most, however, their vegetarian and pescatarian tacos and other dishes are equally popular. Shrimp tacos or combo platters are generous, and relatively speedy to arrive at your table.
One time we headed to the Golden Lion on the day after Thanksgiving. That time, after two complete turkey dinners, we wanted a look at the ocean, a fruity drink, and something light to eat; preferably seafood!
Great Location
Spread out on almost an acre lot, Golden Lion has several separate eating areas. There are rooftop tables with umbrellas, and a great view of the ocean, where you can watch sunbathers and surfers.
There’s the second indoor dining area, as well as a raw bar, a beach bar, and even a sandy dance floor. Everything is spread out, so you don’t have to be crowded or squeezed in anywhere.
Below, there is a completely indoor section for hot or cold days, an oyster bar, a sand dance floor, and plenty of shady open-air eating spaces with clear plastic sides for inclement weather.
Extensive Menu
The menu at Golden Lion is chock full of healthy items like fish tacos, and also plenty of fried options for that occasional splurge, like calamari with their own fantastic Golden Lion datil pepper cocktail sauce or their key lime tartar sauce.
The menu looks so fun and colorful – I want to go back and order other selections and try them all! The restaurant is situated across the street from the ocean. There is a lower indoor dining area, and an upstairs, open-air deck with even better view of the sea.
Island Time!
Featuring plenty of “island drinks,” their rum punch is available in a hurricane glass, or a huge bucket cup.
There’s a Painkiller I and a stronger Painkiller II complete with freshly-ground nutmeg, a real taste of the islands, mon!
A1A at Flagler Beach
With several small seating sections, plenty of outdoor space, and a menu featuring simple foods of generous proportions, the Golden Lion Café is worth deviating from a run up or down I-95 when you get close to Flagler Beach.
Specials of the day are posted on a chalkboard at the entrance, and be sure to try out all the different cocktail sauces, especially the ones featuring locally-grown and produced St. Augustine datil peppers. Their datil pepper aioli is delicious!
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