An air of relaxation washes over the marina. A soft flurry of sandals drift over wooden deck boards. A breeze touches your skin, sharing the warm sun’s comfortable embrace. Sailboats glide over the water while soft conversation crescendos in the background. What is this vibe exactly? It’s not like anywhere else –it’s full of charm, it’s European, it’s relaxed, and it’s holiday. It is delightful.
Behind you, you hear your name and a fresh, brightly-colored entree, still gleaming from the grill, slides across a stainless steel counter, reminding you that you are dining waterfront, in downtown historic St. Augustine. The waterfront eatery-scene is front and center to slowly-drifting sailboats at the casual but exemplary Marina Munch, a waterfront pier stacked with every food truck selection you could possibly imagine. You take a deep breath, feeling your muscles relax, and break into an unconscious smile as you walk to pick up your order.
Marina Munch is so much more than a cool place to grab food. The extended deck arching over the water is at the tipping point of mother nature, where the city comes to a full stop and life on the water begins. This is the spot where sailboats dock and fishermen float by on the sparkling, slow-moving waterway. Everyone is enjoying their day here –no one is multitasking, no one is rushed, no one is stressed. Here you forget you are next to the hustle and bustle of busy downtown St. Augustine and enjoy a break from the crowds of people, getting lost in the sounds and sights of the busy waterway thoroughfare.
The variety of food trucks at Marina Munch is astounding and all of them have eye-catching menus with choices like beet fries and bubble tea. Order the mandarin orange salad from Uptown Scratch Kitchen with goat cheese, dried cranberries and pecans! It is topped with seasoned shrimp– so fresh and delicious.
The best thing about Marina Munch is not the food, although it’s amazing. It’s a magical vibe, a slower moment –imagine pulling up a lawn chair and staying here all day. It is along busy King Street and is easy to miss, but if you can find parking, it is well worth your time to stop and enjoy the sights and smells of this peaceful, waterfront find.