Panama City Beach, Florida is a popular waterfront vacation destination known for its white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lovely palm trees. Just before you head south to this exciting city, make reservations at these exceptional restaurants that offer delicious cuisine in amazingly picturesque environments.
Angry Tuna Seafood Company
It’s one of the coolest places to chill and people watch in Pier Park while you enjoy great food and fun. Certainly, with an awesome name like Angry Tuna Seafood Company, naturally, tuna would be on the menu. Try the Seared Tuna Bowl, Seared Tuna Sliders, or Ahi Tuna Club. Tasty appetizers include the Angry Ahi Oysters and Triple Cooked Chicken Wings. Moreover, with their Hook & Cook option, you can bring in your just caught fresh fish. They’ll clean it, cook it, and serve it up with two sides just for you. Of course, there are refreshing spirits such as strawberry daiquiri, pina colada, Angry Tuna Red Ale, Ace Pineapple Cider, and Anger Management cocktail.
Saltwater Grill
This dinner only fine dining restaurant features an extraordinary 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium. Guests can relax in this inviting atmosphere while dining on fresh seafood from the Gulf and choice steaks. Further, Appetizing dishes include Smoked Tuna Dip, Snapper Pontchartrain, Grouper Imperial, Steak Au Poivre, and Creole Ribeye. Next, have a glass of any number of beverage varieties of red and white wines, champagnes, beers, and liquors such as rum, gin, vodka, bourbon, scotch, and tequila while enjoying the great company of family or friends.
Paparazzi Gourmet Deli
Obviously, having more than 100 years of recipes passed down through four generations of the Trubia, Belicose, and Certo families, the cuisine at this Italian restaurant is bound to be authentically delicious. The hefty portions certainly are. Try pizzas like the Tree Hugger, Grand Lagoon, and Papa-Rita. Further, hot subs include The Godfather, Papa-Stromi, and Eggplant Parmigiana while the cold subs include the Caprese and Chicken Salad as well as The New Yorker. Next, savor great add-ons like calzone, stromboli, Greek salad, and Italian Wedding Soup. Delectable desserts include the Napolean, Italian Cream Cake, and Triple Chocolate Cheesecake. Pair your meal with unique beverages such as Red Diamond Tea, wines, and lagers.
Sisters of the Sea Waterfront Bar & Grill
This wonderful, whimsical, family-friendly oasis features “Mermaid Encounters” Meet and Greets, a large year-round swimming pool, gift shop, Fur Baby Menus, and great food for people too. Sited in the Pirates Cove Marina, the waterfront restaurant is accessible by land and by sea. Definitely drop in and delight in the Sisters Specialties such as The Beach Party, Dixie Chicken, and Creole Shrimp & Grits. Other menu items include Southern Fried Favorites like Gator, sides such as Loaded Tater Salad, and Southern Sweets such as Florida Key Lime Pie. Having two full-service bars, guests can order various drinks including $5 margaritas all day every day.
Shuckum’s Oyster Pub & Seafood Grill
Every night is Karaoke Night at this casual, entertaining spot that has been on Front Beach Road since 1967. Show up with your friends and family and order just about anything from this extensive menu as you dance and take part in what seems like one big restaurant block party. First, you have your choice of 12 types of oysters by the dozen including raw, fried, Chipotle baked, Mexican baked, and Rockefeller baked. Second, tasty starters include crab dip or fried pickles appetizers, and soups like crab bisque or Land & Sea gumbo. Finally, have the Philly cheesesteak or Shrimp Po Boy sandwiches, and Big Mack Seafood Platter, Crab Cake Dinner, or Snow Crab Legs entrees.
Captain Jack’s Family Buffet
Family owned for 22 years, this all you can eat, full-service buffet offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily at its Front Beach Road location. The Rise and Shine Breakfast Buffet has all the hits – sausage, bacon, eggs, fresh fruit, waffles, pancakes, juices, coffees and more. For lunch, customers can enjoy 38 items on the salad bar alone. There is also steak and gravy, deviled crab, fried fish, and fried chicken. For dinner, the expanded bar includes seafood such as crab legs, clam strips, oysters, shrimp, and scallops. Other menu items include sirloin steaks, chicken, mac & cheese, homemade desserts, seafood gumbo, seafood jambalaya, and nightly Chef Creations.
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
Enjoy down home dishes with recipes from The Queen herself. On Pier Park Drive, the restaurant is one of only six in the nation. So, if you’re in Panama City Beach, you certainly want to drop in. Savor the downhome dishes such as Best Ever Southern Fried Chicken, spareibs, chicken-n-dumplings, chicken-fried pork chop, and beef pot roast. Paula’s famous sides include collard greens, creamed potatoes, broccoli casserole, buttered white rice, poppyseed tossed salad, and tomato cucumber salad. Refreshing drinks on the menu are Georgia peach tea, strawberry lemonade, and blueberry lemonade. For sure, order the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. You can even make the cake at home by ordering it from the Paula Deen Store.
This article previously appeared in An Idea on Medium.com.