Favorite Restaurants
FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
While there are a lot of things to love about Panama City Beach–the sand, the water, the prevalent sunshine, the shops, rides & go-karts to name a few–perhaps one of the best things about this top-rated beach town is the incredible number of really good restaurants. From seafood (of course!) to raw bars to Italian, Irish, and good old steakhouses, there is no shortage of five-star eateries on the Beach and in neighboring Panama City.
Check out some of our favorites:
Schooners: a perennial favorite of Panama City Beach and boasting “where the locals go,” this restaurant never disappoints. It’s one of the few restaurants that is directly on the beach that actually has outstanding food. With a largely seafood menu, we’re not sure what’s the best part: the food, the drinks, the atmosphere, or the view. Don’t let the crowd scare you–the wait is rarely as long as they quote and even if it is, the bar by the beach cannot be beaten. Or catch the best sunset pics out on the white sand while you wait. 5121 Historic Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL.
Dat Cajun Place: a long-standing favorite of Panama City Beach with a ton of TVs, amazing food including oysters (many Cajun favorites but also other options), live music on select nights (inside and outside), and a fun bar. Don’t let the crowds outside waiting for a seat scare you off. They certainly indicate the popularity of this place, and it’s well worth the wait. 2705 Thomas Dr, Panama City, FL.
Bayou on the Beach: Not on the SANDY beach but on Panama City Beach, this place is almost always rocking and the food is the reason why. Fantastic options and a lot of them. Known for great oysters (raw or baked) and some of the best Cajun dishes around. The place is loud, however, so be aware of that. But you need a break from Aunt Matilda’s talking anyway! 11115 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL
Grand Marlin: A hands-down favorite for a nicer meal option (still not fancy; shorts welcome), and it has long had my favorite meal of any restaurant in all of Panama City Beach: the grouper piccata. There’s a great bar with fantastic martinis (try the lemon drop), and the food is simply outstanding…slightly rivaled only by the fantastic water view. Do not miss this place. Also good for a special occasion if you need a spot that takes reservations. 5323 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, FL.
Saltwater Grill: For a great steak, top-notch seafood, and one of the coolest indoor aquariums around, Saltwater Grill is your go-to. The bar area is fun, and there is often live music. Steaks melt in your mouth, and there are quite a few fish dishes as well. Great for any night of the week or a special occasion. 11040 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL.
Bella Roma: The best Italian food on the Beach, this super cute place is full of waiters who sing exceptionally well (seriously!) and some of the best Italian food you’ve had this side of Italy. With a full bar, great appetizers, and desserts to round out the extensive menu (including my favorite dessert, lemoncello cake), this is a don’t-miss place when you’re ready to get away from fried shrimp and fries. Even the bread is heavenly! 11535 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL.
Uncle Ernies Bayfront Grill: One of the other very rare spots on the water that has genuinely great food, Uncle Ernies also has a great story in that they experienced the worst of storms and still rebounded. Practically demolished by Hurricane Michael on 10.10.18, they rallied, rebuilt, and reopened their doors exactly two years to the date later: on 10.10.20. Enjoy indoor or outdoor seating, a very cool upstairs bar (there’s one inside too), and a view of the water, boats, and extraordinary sunset from the double-level decks. This is one of the best spots worth venturing out of PCB to enjoy. It’s a smidge of a drive over the bridge but worth. every. second to get there. There’s even an elevator to easily transport everyone in your party from 8 weeks to 88 years between floors. 1151 Bayview Ave, Panama City, FL.
House of Henry: What fun town would be complete without a good old, authentic Irish Pub? When you’re in the mood for something different from seafood or steaks, you must check out House of Henry in the historic district of Panama City. From the darkish interior and wooden booths to the red British phone booth to all the Irish whiskies/beers/Irish creams to the food staples all self-respecting Irish-folks Irish-folk wannabes love (hello corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, fish and chips), House of Henry never disappoints.
Hunts Oyster Bar: Ask anyone around where to find the best oysters and they’ll utter Hunts before you can even clarify if you want them raw or baked. Usually boasting shuckers who have won competitions for–what else? shucking–Hunts certainly does oysters and a whole lot more seafood options better than many. Get there early and bring your patience. My first visit was in December on a Monday night and there was still a wait. But if you fancy yourself a connoisseur of oysters, you cannot miss a meal here. 1150 Beck Ave, Panama City, FL.
These just scratch the surface of the plethora of dining options on Panama City Beach. Do you have a favorite? Comment below!