GUIDE TO AREA RESTAURANTS
RESTAURANT, JOINT, OR DIVE?
How to tell the difference?
RESTAURANT:
Matching furniture, taped music, printed menus. Accepts credit cards. Member of the Chamber of Commerce.
JOINT:
Screen door, jukebox, beer, chalkboard menu. The cook is nicknamed Bubba. Cash only.
DIVE:
Torn screen door, tattoos, beer, whiskey, flies. No menu. The cook’s real name is Bubba and she has a prison record. You don’t tell your mama you go there.
The restaurants on the Emerald Coast range from classic elegance to barefoot casual, although none require a jacket or tie. Of course, the definition of casual may fluctuate a little according to the individual restaurant. You might say it fluctuates with the menu prices. But with hundreds of restaurants to choose from, visitors to the Emerald Coast never go home hungry!
To follow is a list of area restaurants that (for the most part) we like personally. Some we like a little, some a lot. We are not professional food critics in that no one pays us for endorsements (we wish).
Pricing Guide (average per entree)
$ = under $10 $$ = $11 – $20 $$$ = $20 +
Acme Oyster House - Baytowne Village, Sandestin Resort (850)622-0200
Since 1910, Acme has been serving has been serving great seafood in New Orleans. Now in Destin, serving delicious po-boys, crawfish, jambalaya, red beans & rice, fresh oysters and plenty of ice cold beer. Lunch & Dinner $$ http://www.acmeoyster.com
Angler’s Beachside – 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Okaloosa Island (850)796-0260
Fun place for the family and smack dab on the beach. Seafood served basket style. Beachside playground for the kids. Popular sports bar upstairs as well. Lunch $ Dinner $$
http://www.anglersbeachside.com
Another Broker Egg Cafe - 104 Hwy 98 East, Destin (850)650-0499 and at Baytowne Village, Sandestin Resort (850)622-2050
You will love the breakfast/brunch/lunch menu selections! Unique omelettes and sandwich selections certain to please any appetite. Breakfast and Lunch $$
http://www.anotherbrokenegg.com
Bay Café - 233 SE Alconese, Ft. Walton Bch., (850)244-3550
Ooo-la-la, our favorite French restaurant. Indoor/outdoor dining directly on Santa Rosa Sound. Dinner $$$
http://www.thebeachcomber.org/baycafe.htm
Boathouse Oyster Bar - At East Pass Marina, Destin (850)837-3645
A rather unique place, we love the Boathouse for lunch. Has fantastic gumbo and great cheese burgers. Tuna steak sandwich is also great. Temperamental oyster shucker though. DO NOT complain if your oysters don’t come out right away! Food served indoors or out. Right on the Destin Harbor. Entertainment nightly. Go by boat and tie up at the dock! Lunch & Dinner $ http://www.boathouseoysterbar.com
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company - 14059 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin (850)650-1881
Okay, this one we’ve not personally tried. An employee at this establishment claims that she has never seen a local person eating there. It is said to be a popular chain and a fun place to visit though. Lunch $ Dinner $$
http://www.bubbagump.com/locations/destin
Bud and Alleys – 2236 East County Road 30-A Seaside, Florida (850)231-5900
Great food and fun overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at Seaside. Indoor seating downstairs and open air seating on the roof deck bar. No reservations here. A very creative menu. Something for everyone. Lunch and Dinner$$
http://www.budandalleys.com
Café 30-A – Scenic Highway 30-A, Seagrove (850)231-2166
Dinner only, and reservations are recommended. The best description we’ve heard is “contemporary eclectic cuisine”. Very popular spot with open air dining upstairs. $$$
http://www.cafethirtya.com
Carrabba’s Italian Grill – 10562 Emerald Coast Pkwy at Silver Sands Outlet (850)837-2861
We can’t say enough good about Carrabba’s … Definitely one of our favorites. Usually a wait to get in so go early! Dinner Only $$$
http://www.carrabbas.com
Callahan’s Deli - 791 Harbor Blvd., Destin (850)837-7171
The prices are WAY too cheap at Callahan’s, but please don’t let the owners know! Great sandwiches, salads, steaks, and home cooking … Huge portions. Nightly featured specials and luch menu is served all night as well. Dine in and carry-out. Beer, wine, cocktails. Lunch $ Dinner $$
http://www.callahansdestin.com/
Cheeseburger in Paradise - Highway 98 West at Silver Sands Outlet (850)837-0197
Yes, the burgers really ARE great at Cheeseburger in Paradise! Actually better than the original “Paradise Burgers” down in the Caribbean at St. Bart’s! You don’t have to be a Jimmy Buffett fan to love this place. Lunch & Dinner $$
http://www.cheeseburgerinparadise.com
Coach-n-Four - 1313 Lewis Turner Blvd., Ft. Walton Bch. (850)863-3443
The décor may be a little on the rustic side, but we have never heard a complaint on the steaks. Several seafood items are featured as well. The family prices will impress you! Dinner Only $$
http://www.coachnfourfwb.com/
Cuvee Bistro – 36120 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541 (850)650-8900
Cuvée Bistro is a semi-casual, fine dining restaurant with a great wine cellar. Creative menu features seafood, steak, lamb, and Ed’s personal favorite, duck! Dinner only $$$
http://www.cuveebistrodestin.com
Fish Out of Water - WaterColor Inn, Seagrove Beach (850)534-5050
Local seafood and steaks with a sushi bar and private wine room overlooking the Gulf. Impressive wine list.
Dinner only $$$
http://www.watercolorresort.com/florida-gulf-coast/restaurant.asp
Fleming’s Steak House - 600 Grande Blvd, just west of Sandestin Resort (850)269-0830
Famous for their great steaks and upscale wine list by the glass, Fleming’s has grown rapidly since its inception in 1998!
Dinner Only $$$
http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com
French Quarter Grill – 714 Howell Road, Niceville (850)678-2604
Great New Orleans cuisine. Creole and Cajun inspired menu in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The Jerk Chicken Satay, Crawfish Etouffe and Jambalaya Pasta are our favorites! Dinner only $$
http://www.frenchqtrgrill.com
Graffiti’s - 707 Hwy 98 East – Chateau Plaza, Destin (850)654-2764
Wonderful selection of pasta and seafood entrees. The specialty pizzas are also great and the décor will keep you amused while you dine. The angel hair bolognese is especially impressive! Dinner only $$
http://www.funkybluesshack.com
Great Southern Cafe - Seaside Town Square, (850) 231-7327
Indoor and outdoor seating featuring a truly creative menu. Soul Rolls are a must. The raw oysters are always fabulous, as if they had all been hand picked. If Chef Jim Shirley is not on a celebrity tour, you will find him in the kitchen! Breakfast $ Lunch$$ and Dinner$$$
http://www.thegreatsoutherncafe.com
Harbor Docks – 538 Hwy 98 East, Destin (850)837-2506
Fresh local seafood, very well prepared. Sushi/oyster bar. Indoor/outdoor dining. Great views overlooking the Destin Harbor. Grouper Parmadine is fabulous, as is the Amazon Roll. Lunch and Dinner $$$
http://www.harbordocks.com
Hard Rock Café – Destin Commons, Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin (850)654-3310
Features rock era memorabilia and food. Lunch and Dinner $
http://www.hardrock.com
High Tide – 1203 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Ft. Walton Beach (850)244-2624
Really great, local caught fresh seafood. Fried or grilled, served in a basket. Oyster bar and lounge. Lunch $ Dinner $$
Jim ‘n Nicks Bar-B-Q – Scenic Highway 98 Destin (850) 351-1991
Really great barbeque in a fabulous setting. Slow hickory cooked beef, ribs, pork, chicken and burgers. Homemade sides, desserts and plenty of sweet iced tea. Outdoor deck seating available. Lunch $ Dinner $$
http://www.jimnnicks.com
Johnny Rocket’s – Destin Commons, Destin (850)837-0005
A unique “diner” with a 50’s theme, featuring a soda fountain and an impressive list of specialty burgers. They even have soy burgers! No beer, wine, etc. Lunch and Dinner $
http://www.johnnyrockets.com
La Paz - 950 Gulfshore Drive, Destin (850)837-2247
Fantastic Mexican and seafood items. From fajitas to red snapper, it’s all well prepared. Featuring unique nightly specials. Entertainment on Friday nights. Lunch and Dinner $$
http://www.lapaz.com
Louisiana Laignaippe - Sandpiper Cove, 775 Gulfshore Dr., Destin (850)837-0881
You couldn’t find better gourmet Cajun food if you were in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Indoor and outdoor dining at the east end of the Destin Harbor. If they are featuring the “scamp baked in parchment” when you visit, it is definitely worth ordering! Other personal favorites … Grouper Ponchatrain and Grouper Cocodrie. Dinner only $$$
http://www.louisianalagniapperestaurant.com
Magnolia Grill – 157 Brooks Street, Ft. Walton Beach (850)302-0266
Situated near the original site of the infamous gambling spot, Magnolia Bar, this restaurant features décor and area memorabilia from the 50’s. Several of the most popular menu items are recycled favorites from local landmark restaurants from the past. Lunch and Dinner $$
http://www.magnoliagrillfwb.com
Marina Café – 404 Hwy 98 East, Destin (850)837-7960
Unique entrées and appetizers created by its chef, Marina features seafood, steaks and pastas with Cajun flair. Premium cigar selections. Early bird specials. Dinner only $$$
http://www.marinacafe.com
Marlin Grill – Baytowne Village, Sandestin (850) 351-1990
Casual, upscale fine dining specializing in the freshest Florida seafood. The seared tuna is incredible, as is the blue cheese stuffed ribeye. Incredible dry aged prime beef. Try a martini with blue cheese stuffed olives. Two level outside terrace seating available. Dinner only $$$
http://www.marlingrill.com
McGuire’s Irish Pub - 33 Hwy 98 East-HarborWalk, Destin (850)650-0000
One of Destin’s most famous restaurants. Award winning burgers, steaks and Irish fare. Also the home of McGuire’s micro-brewery featuring special Irish beverages. Nightly Irish entertainment. Besides the great food, you will not soon forget McGuire’s “expensive” décor and confusing bathrooms! Lunch and Dinner $$
http://www.mcguiresirishpub.com
Miller’s Ale House - 34906 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin (850)837-0694 http://www.millersalehouse.com/DESTIN.htm Rather extensive menu featuring ribs, lobster, prime rib, sandwiches, fajitas and more. The place is still new but very popular. Prices seem competitive. Wine, cocktails and 75 different beers. Lunch$ Dinner $$
Original Crab Shack – 104 SW Miracle Strip Pkwy, Ft. Walton Bch 664-0110
Crab, seafood, shrimp and more! Dine inside or out (we prefer out), directly on Santa Rosa Sound. Go by car or by boat. Lunch $ Dinner $$
http://crabshackmarina.com/CrabShack.html
Osaka – 34845 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin (850)650-4688
Lots of fun at the hibachi grill. Also featuring sashimi, sushi and saki. Lunch and Dinner $$
http://Osakadestin.com
Pandora’s – 1120 Santa Rosa Blvd, West Destin (Okaloosa Island) (850) 244-8669
You will find fantastic steaks, prime rib and seafood at Pandora’s. The yellow fin tuna and the prime rib are two of our favorites. The lounge features nightly entertainment. Their new location is 2 blocks from the original and looks virtually the same inside. Why mess with perfection? Dinner only $$$
http://pandorassteakhouse.com
P. F. Chang’s - 640 Grand Blvd, just west of Sandestin Resort (850)269-1806
A Chinese bistro with Southeast Asia influence? Everyone seems to love P.F. Changs! Lunch & Dinner $$
http://www.pfchangs.com
Seagar’s - 4000 Sandestin Blvd., in the Hilton at Sandestin Resort. 622-1500
Fabulous service, fabulous steaks. For a real treat, try the porterhouse with bleu cheese/hickory glaze! Very impressive wine and cordial selection. Seagars will impress your guests. Dinner only $$$
http://www.seagarsdestin.com
790 Cafe on the Gulf - Inn at Crystal Beach, 2996 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin (850) 650-4853
Situated downstairs at the Inn at Crystal Beach directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Great waterfront bar, fresh seafood and comfort food. Lunch $$ Dinner$$$
http://www.eatmoregumbo.com
Sonny’s BBQ - 925 N Beal Pkwy, Ft. Walton Bch. (850)314-0717
If you like real smoked BBQ (not the “drowned in sauce” variety), you should like Sonny’s. Also featuring award winning baked beans and all-u-can eat salad bar. Lunch and Dinner $½
http://www.sonnysbbq.com
Staff’s – 24 Miracle Strip Pkwy Ft. Walton Beach (850)243-3482
Staff’s has been serving seafood here since 1913. Boasts of having served the first seafood platter in Florida. Known for their homemade desserts and dressings, many of the foods that are served there today are made from family recipes handed down over several generations. The seafood skillet is awesome, and (if you like it fried instead) their seafood dinner for two would probably feed four! Dinner $$$
The Red Bar - 70 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach, (850)231-1008
No reservations, no credit cards, closed Monday and Tuesday and a limited menu. You will love it. Anytime they have crab cakes on the menu, order them! Food and prices are fantastic. Very ecclectic, some would say funky. Beer, wine, cocktails. Lunch $ Dinner $$
http://www.theredbar.com
The Shed Barbeque and Blues Joint - 100 Harbor Blvd, Destin (850)460-2271
The Shed boasts “100% Old School, Sweet Southern, Down-home BBQ”. Whatever that means, it does equate to some very good Q. Ribs and pulled pork are fabulous. There are five locations from Mississippi to Florida. Blues entertainment most Fridays. Lunch $ Dinner $$
http://theshedbbq.com/destin
TGIFriday’s – 34881 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin (850)654-5588 and Mary Esther Blvd, Ft. Walton Beach (850)244-0003
With 750 locations to serve you, who hasn’t heard of Friday’s? One of the most diverse menus in the restaurant industry. Ed grew up on Friday’s famous burgers as a kid in Dallas. Great food, great service. Lunch and Dinner $$
http://www.fridays.com
Tuscany Italian Grill - 36178 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin (850)650-2451
The newest addition to the small, yet successful group of Gugliemo Ianni affiliated restaurants. The linguine alle vongole and the linguine alla pescatore are especially fabulous! Dinner $$
http://guglielmositaliangrill.com
Yamato’s - 258 Eglin Parkway, Ft. Walton Bch. (850)862-0005
If you love great Japanese cuisine and fresh seafood, you‘ll love Yamato’s. Your choice of sushi bar, tatami or hibachi. Our teenage son used to get to eat in the restaurant of his choice for each straight-A report card. We don’t know if that’s what kept his grades high, but he had choosen Yamato’s exclusively for years! Lunch and Dinner $$½
http://www.yamatofwb.com/
Zöes Kitchen - Destin Commons, Destin (850)650-6525
Pronounced zō’-ēz , Featuring really great sandwiches and award winning cole slaw. Emphasis on their unique close-to-the-garden philosophy. Lunch and Dinner $
http://www.zoeskitchen.com
And….We would love to hear from you! What’s your favorite area restaurant? If you tried one of the listed restaurants, please let us know how you liked it! If your favorite isn’t listed, give us the name and we’ll gladly review it for this list.
Bon Appetite!
Ed and Terri Smith
RE/MAX Coastal Properties
755 Harbor Blvd
Destin, Florida 32541
(850)837-5500
Copyright © Ed and Terri Smith 2006-2012
No part of this website may be reproduced for any commercial purpose without the written consent of the authors.
