The story behind Asado Life is nearly a decade in the making—and the result is one of the best restaurants in St. Augustine. Yeah, I said it.

To understand why, you’ve got to know how they got here. Nick Carrera and his wife Kristi, a South Florida couple, set out with a vision: create unforgettable culinary experiences centered around live fire. Nick started building grills back in 2014, but selling them was only part of the plan. The real goal? Bringing people together around the food those grills could produce.

About five years ago, we first caught up with the Carreras. Their grill studio had evolved into a waterfront event space where everything was cooked over those handcrafted grills. It didn’t take long for a serious following to form. The food was different. It was visual. And most importantly, it was delicious.

Eventually, they teamed up with Chef Matthew Brown, who shared that same passion for cooking over open flames. Their dinners quickly became some of the most sought-after experiences in town. What started as a “maybe someday” conversation about opening a restaurant slowly turned into something real—thanks to an opportunity in St. Augustine’s shipyard district, just south of Old Town.

That opportunity became Asado Life—and it is exactly what they envisioned.

I’ve eaten here several times now, and somehow, it just keeps getting better. On a recent visit, we went big for lunch. Smoked-then-fried wings topped with apple salsa? Outstanding. A steak sandwich cooked perfectly? No notes. And a protein bowl loaded with slow-roasted pork and grilled vegetables? I was thinking about it again just a few hours later.

This is a true scratch kitchen, and you can taste it. Everything is fresh. Everything is intentional. Everything is made right there.

There’s also a market on-site where you can grab some of their most popular items to-go—or pick up something for your own kitchen. The bar program is strong, but the bourbon room in the back might be the real showstopper, boasting one of the largest selections in the city.

At night, the space really comes alive with private asados for groups, all set against a waterfront backdrop that’s tough to beat.

And here’s the thing—this isn’t staying just a St. Augustine secret. The team has its eyes on growth, with plans already in motion for a second location in Jacksonville. If they bring even half of this experience north, that’s a big win for Jacksonville’s dining scene.

At its core, Asado Life is about the experience—live fire cooking, done with purpose and passion. It’s the foundation of everything they do, and it comes through in every single bite.

And yes, those original grills? Still being made and sold just across the way.

This place isn’t just good—it’s a St. Augustine treasure. And soon, it won’t be alone.

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