Food Scene
Restaurants, Recipes, Parties
Food, recipes and the local restaurant scene are popular topics of conversation to many snowbirds. Why? Snowbirds have the time to indulge in food. Social plans revolve around food. And many snowbirds have the resources to eat out frequently. Restaurants receive word of mouth reviews, not only for the overall value, but type and quality of food.
Shrimp Shack
Seaside, Florida
I love any place with the name "shack" in it and Shrimp Shack is a must-visit in picturesque Seaside, Florida. The succulent lobster rolls are their number one seller and worth every penny. With a lakehouse / beachy vibe, Shrimp Shack is a timeless classic.
Emerald Coast, Florida
Favorite Eateries
Every community has their favorite places to eat and the Emerald Coast of Florida does not disappoint. There is a wide variety of local and chain restaurant options ranging from very casual to fine dining, including some personal favorites:
Destin, Florida
- AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar, Harborwalk Village
- The Back Porch
- Beachwalk Cafe at Henderson Park Inn
- Boathouse Oyster Bar
- Boshamps
- The Crab Trap
- Dewey Destin's
- Harry T's Lighthouse, Harborwalk Village
- Louisiana Lagniappe
- LuLu's Destin
- Marina Cafe
- Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
- McGuire's Irish Pub
- Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
- Tailfins Seafood and Oyster Bar
Miramar Beach, Florida
- Ben and Jerry's
- Captain Dave's on the Gulf
- Dynasty Chinese Cuisine
- Fat Clemenza's
- Kenny D's Beach Bar/Grill
- Melting Pot
- O'Quigley's
- Pino Gelato Cafe
- Pompano Joe's Seafood House
- Royal Palm Grille
- Surf Hut
- Whale's Tail Beach Bar/Grill
Sandestin / Seaside / Santa Rosa Beach, FL
- Bud and Alley's
- Donut Hole
- Emeril's Coastal Italian
- Hammerheads, Village at Baytowne Wharf
- P.F. Chang's China Bistro
- Shrimp Shack
- Slick Lips, Village at Baytowne Wharf
- Stinky's Fish Camp
- Tommy Bahama's Cafe
- Vue on 30A
Fairhope, Alabama
- Gumbo Shack
- Pinzone's Italian Downtown
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama
- Cobalt, The Restaurant
- Shipps Harbour Grill
Emerald Coast, Florida
Fast Food on the Coast
For fast food lovers, there's many options on the Emerald Coast including these national chain restaurants:
- Auntie Anne's
- Ben and Jerry's
- Burger King
- Chick-Fil-A
- Culver's
- Domino's Pizza
- Dunkin
- Five Guys
- Honey Baked Ham
- IHOP
- Jet's Pizza
- Krispy Kreme
- Marco's Pizza
- McAllister's Deli
- McDonald's
- The Pancakery
- Panera Bread
- Papa John's Pizza
- Pizza Hut
- Smoothie King
- Starbucks
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Waffle House
- Wendy's
- Whataburger
This is a partial list, there are many options, depending on where you are located
Tommy Bahama
Sandestin, Florida
Tommy Bahama is the perfect place to indulge in a Carribbean style meal and a rich, decadent dessert. The Malted Chocolate Pie -- chocolate cookie crust, mocha mousse, English toffee crumble -- is a perfect ending to a ladies' lunch.
Beachfront Restaurants
There are many dining options in the Destin area and these are some of my favorite go-to choices for delicious seafood with great locations right on the beach. Show up well before sundown to get the best views.
Beachwalk Cafe
Henderson Park Inn
Destin, FL
Captain Dave's
On the Gulf
Miramar Beach, FL
Pompano Joe's
Seafood House
Miramar Beach, FL
Your thoughts...
Where are your fave local places to eat? Recommended entrees? Best places for entertainment or celebrations? Best places on a budget?