You are never far from good beach food in Panama City Beach, Florida. Here are 6 unique places to fill your belly at the popular Gulf of Mexico beach town.
When you are in PCB, it’s pretty much a requirement that you indulge in seafood. Five of these six locations serve delicious seafood dishes ranging from simple seafood tacos to elegant seared yellowfin tuna. (The other is a sweet/ice cream shop – let’s home that there is no seafood there!)
1. Pineapple Willy’s
Pineapple Willy’s in Panama City Beach was the first restaurant that was recommended to me that piqued my interest. It is located on the beach at 9875 S Thomas Drive and is listed as #22 of 262 restaurants in Panama City Beach on Tripadivsor.com. They offer both dining room accommodations as well as highly coveted picnic tables outside on their covered pier.
While you have great views of the ocean from inside, dining outside offers the best views (and longer wait times).
Pineapple Willy’s has been operating since 1984 and serves some pretty good seafood. My husband ordered a Willy Basket/shrimp basket ($13) and I got the ‘Nawlins Po’ Boys ($14) with shrimp.
Both meals are served with French fries. We both ordered a side of coleslaw ($1 each).
The Po’ Boy sandwich is huge and large enough to feed two people. The bread was fresh and the shrimp were perfectly cooked. The pineapple coleslaw – which did not have pineapple in it – was fresh and tasty.
Their signature drink is a Pineapple Willy and it has Myers Platinum Rum, gold rum, Hawaiian pineapple juice, and cream of coconut. I ordered a medium size ($13) and it came in a reusable mug. (The mug is reusable for the life of the mug and currently, the price of refills is $9.) The drink was really refreshing and delicious.
Our total with tax, before tip, came to $45.39. Our server did a great job and earned his tip. All-in-all, Pineapple Willy’s is a fun place to eat that serves good food. I would definitely go back (and take my reusable cup with me!).
In addition to adult libations, Pineapple Willy’s has kid-friendly options, such as Chicken Littles, Shrimp Skippers, and Mini Corndogs. Kids meals for children 12 and under range in price from $4.59 – $6.59. Kids can get soda in a 16 oz souvenir kid’s cup for $6.
The Pineapple Willy has a couple of beach cams so that you can get a glimpse of the beach and dream about being in PCB.
2. Diego’s Burrito Factory
Diego’s Burrito Factory/Margarita Bar is located at 15514 Front Beach Road across from the Hampton Inn and Suites. Diego’s is listed as #6 out of 64 Quick Bites in Panama City Beach.
The Margarita Bar is accessible via a walk-up window at the front of the restaurant. The Burrito Factory has both indoor and outdoor dining along Beach Front Road.
Ordering at Diego’s Burrito Factory is similar to ordering at Moe’s or Chipotle. There is a large menu board listing three steps: 1) Pick It (select the base such as burrito, nachos, quesadilla, or burrito bowl), 2) Fill It (select the filling: chicken, steak, carnitas, al pastor, ground beef, grilled fish or shrimp, or veggies), and 3) Top It (veggies, cheese, and such to go on or in your meal).
We each ordered Baja Grilled Tacos with mahi-mahi ($8.99 for two tacos) and had them topped with lettuce and cilantro ranch. They were served with chips and salsa. We also ordered a small cup of queso ($1.75) which came with a side of chips.
The total for our meal with two cups of water came to $23.20 with tax (before tip). The food was fresh and delicious and I would have no problems eating the same tacos again.
There is another Diego’s Burrito Factory in Panama City Beach located on Sunset Drive.
3. Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant
Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant is located at 15210 Beach Front Road and occupies prime beach real estate. The Tripadvisor.com rating for Sharky’s is #46 out of 262 Panama City Beach restaurants.
I found Sharky’s to be one of those dives you go to have a drink, chill out, and enjoy watching the sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico. Sharky’s periodically has live music events which you can find listed on their website.
I ordered the Shrimp Ceviche ($11.95) and House Salad ($6.95).
The shrimp ceviche is described as shrimp marinated in Lime juice with diced tomatoes, cilantro, cucumbers, onions, jalapenos, salt and pepper. While it was a large portion, it seemed more of a cucumber salsa with some shrimp thrown in.
The House Salad was a basic salad of lettuce greens with a few cucumbers, small tomatoes, and red onions. Overall, it was a fresh, generous-sized garden salad.
My husband ordered the Mahi Mahi dinner ($21.95) with blackened mahi mahi and a side of garlic mashed potatoes. He found the meal to be acceptable, though the serving of mashed potatoes was on the small side.
The total for our meal pre-tip and after-tax came to $44.15.
If you are looking for a place to worship on Sundays, Woodlawn (church) has an 8:30 am service at Sharky’s. Flip flops are completely acceptable.
Dining mid-October 2020, we found COVID-19 precautions lacking at this restaurant. Our waitress did not wear a mask nor did many customers. The booths are partitioned with plexiglass possibly providing some protection, but there are many tables in an open area without any kind of barriers. If you are concerned about the pandemic, you might want to consider dining somewhere else.
4. g. Foley’s
g. Foley’s is not actually in PCB, but rather Panama City at 3214 W 23rd Street. It’s a short drive from the beach and one that is well worth it. This was not the first time my husband and I had been to g. Foley’s and we hope it won’t be our last.
Guests can dine indoors or outside on the cozy deck where they can enjoy live music. If you like taking pictures of food, be sure to dine outside. Though the inside is nice and comfortable, the lighting is set for a rather romantic meal, not a picturesque. (To see pictures of g. Foley’s food taken outside, check out my other post by clicking here.)
On this particular visit, I ordered the Grilled Salmon with wild rice, asparagus, and sherry beurre blanc ($24). The meal was perfectly cooked and beautifully plated.
My husband ordered the Tarpon Dock Grouper that had a macadamia nut crust, risotto, wilted spinach, and an orange ginger glaze ($28). I would love to say it was the best grouper that we have ever eaten, but that would not be true since this was our first try. Even so, it was a truly amazing dish that he and I would eat again and again.
The total for our meal before tip came to $56.26. It was truly worth every penny.
g. Foley’s is rated #16 out of 156 restaurants in Panama City. Before you go, consider making reservations online.
5. Firefly in Panama City Beach
Located at 535 N Richard Jackson Boulevard, Firefly is inside a strip mall and has a pretty unassuming exterior. However, step inside and you will discover a quaint and charming interior unlike no other.
Firefly has earned the #8 spot on Tripadvisor.com for restaurants in Panama City Beach. Firefly is divided into two – on one side a sushi bar, the other fine dining.
Diners are treated to a bread basket served alongside a trio of flavored butters.
The house wine when we were there was Velvet Devil Merlot and it was excellent ($9 for a generous glass of wine).
My husband ordered Sesame Seared Yellowfin Tuna (rare ahi tuna served with grilled baby bok choy, chili truffle vinaigrette, and crispy wontons). The price of this entree is $32.
I ordered the Wild Caught Salmon Amandine which is naturally gluten-free. It was served with whipped potatoes, french beans, preserved lemon, brown butter, and almonds and cost $32.
Being that we were completing our stay in Panama City Beach the night we dined at Firefly, we made the most out of our dining experience at the beach. For the finale, we ordered the vanilla Crème Brûlée ($8) which was lit at the table.
Dining at Firefly is an experience that does come with a price tag. The total of our meal for two with wine and dessert came to $100.36 which included a $1 COVID Protection Fee.
Note: This is one of the few fine dining establishments that we found to be open on Sundays. I recommend that you make reservations online.
6. Kilwin’s Chocolate and Ice Cream
If you are at the beach and looking for something sweet to indulge in, you won’t have to look far with there being over 2 dozen sweet shops. Kilwin’s comes in at #5 of 25 for Desserts in PCB on Tripadvisor.com and is located at 821 Pier Park Drive.
Kilwin’s is an old-time confectionary serving fudge, ice cream, truffles, candy apples, nut brittles, and more.
I ordered the Georgia Peach ice cream in a waffle bowl ($6.24) for my husband. The ice cream was creamy and had small chunks of peach, but the best part was the waffle bowl it was served in.
More Options
Looking for an oyster bar? In nearby Panama City – not to be confused with Panama City Beach, is Hunt’s Oyster Bar.
Hunt’s Oyster Bar has been shucking oysters for 50 years in Panama City. Located across from St. Andrew’s Marina in a yellow building, guests can dine on raw, steamed, and cooked oysters, as well as steak, shrimp, scallops, tuna, frog legs, and chicken. (And that’s just to name a few of the things that they serve.) Hunt’s Oyster Bar is also where the US Oyster Shucking Champion, Honor Allen, learned his trade.
Hunt’s Oyster Bar is located at 1150 Beck Avenue in Panama City.
Where are some of your favorite places to dine in Panama City Beach? Where should we dine next time?
If cruising the coast is on the agenda and you find yourself in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, be sure to read our post about places to eat at the beach.
Wayne Pennington says
YOU NEED TO TRY BOON DOCKS , IT’S NOT NOT ON BEACH BUT HAS VERY GOOD SEA FOOD
Chad says
Diego’s, Fatty’s, and Moe’s bbq all are awesome. Runaway Island is very good but be prepared for the bill.
Generally don’t eat at many places while we are there as our beachfront rental house has a grill.
Darlene says
The Back Porch is one of my very favorite places to eat when I’m in PCB. Their crab claws are my favorite. We visit PCB every summer. I try to make sure we go to The Back Porch. And I always try to get one of their souvenir T-shirts.
Dave says
@Darlene, okay a few things from a local (and former backporch employee),
number one, the list sucks
number two, thanks for the food I ate from your plate, the best bar to get drunk at is upper.
John Dean says
The Grand Marlin was our favorite for the week.
Followed by Bella Roma Tuscan ,then captain Jacks buffet, capt andersons had a great market and various items to look at , although food was okay , nothing special
Laura Chandler says
You must try Thomas’ Doughnuts for breakfast or lunch. Best doughnuts ever, plus other great food.
Jennifer Grace says
Disappointed that runaway island is not top 6. It’s my favorite last time I was in panamal city I went 3 times
Jennifer says
We just spent a week in PCB and had a great time. The only place on your review that we visited was Sharkey’s and the food was great. We went to the Back Porch and the FireCracker Shrimp was amazing. They have happy hour and some of the appetizers were half price which was great. My daughter goes every year and she adores Schooners. I am sorry that so many people were extremely critical of your reviews. You couldn’t possibly have reviewed every single establishment in PCB….. I find it helpful when people go-to places and give their thoughts about their experience.
Lynda says
Thanks for being so understanding. I would love to dine at all of the restaurants in PCB, but that is a herculean feat.
I appreciate when people leave comments telling of their favorite places to eat in Panama City Beach and the surrounding area.
Ann says
Terrible list for new visitors.. the only restaurants that get at least 4 stars is Firefly or g Foleys.. the rest is below average !!
Lynda says
Not everybody can afford to eat at places like g. Foleys and Firefly. As a visitor, I really enjoyed Diego’s and Pineapple Willy’s. People have different tastes and different expectations.
I have eaten at some really nice restaurants with family and paid over $150 for our meals. What we ate did not compare to what my husband and I make at home. We ate at those restaurants because friends raved about them. Sometimes, simpler establishments have tastier food.
Orlando Bullock says
I think SHUCKUMS OUSTER BAR AND PUB should be on this list
Joan says
@Orlando Bullock, I agree, although we were just there this last weekend, we stopped in shuckums as we drove into PCB befor checking j to our hotel. We ordered drinks n a dozen oysters that had chopped tomatoes, cilantro, feta cheese and Parmesan cheese baked to perfection. We left n checked into our hotel n the next day after going to a few different places we went back to Schuckums again for a repeat of drinks n oysters but to our dismay they told us they were out of oysters, we couldn’t believe it! We asked what other establishments prepared oysters as good S theirs, n they told us that every place in PCB was out of oysters n would it gave another dhipment until the following Tuesday! So we were oysterless for the rest of our trip but will continue going to Schuckums forever! This is our #1 place
David Skinner says
None of these would be on my list
Clara Waid says
J.Michael’s in PCB!! It’s a great place to eat! We go there every time we visit the beach!!
David says
Just returned from PCB. Be aware that VERY few establishments… restaurants, grocery stores, etc. observe mask mandates. It’s the politics of the state.
Gary says
@David, all the more reason for me to visit PCB!
Carolyn Alford says
Lynda I was really enjoying your review and the comments until I got to the ugly comments about the ocean and PCB. Please a little civility. Life would be happier and healthier for us all.
Lynda says
I agree. I have started being more selective about the comments that I allow to be published. When they are informative or constructive, I will add them. If they tear down other people, they will be deleted.
Steve Harbuck says
@Lynda,
Carolyn Alford says
Fatty Patty’s. My granddaughters and I still talk about it and go whenever we are there.
Alicia Mongold says
The Sandbar on hwy 79 befor the curve…..best seafood,bbq,crawfish and margaritas on the beach. Tell Gerald to fix a Colbys Mommas Margarita and you will return again and again!
Mackie Jordan says
@Alicia Mongold, we oldies would say “before the Y,” not “the curve.” Sadly the Y will be replaced with a roundabout or some such.😥😥
Erika Patrick says
@Mackie Jordan,
D Gibson says
Saltwater Grill. Best place there
Vicki Robinson says
Omgosh! The best Prim Rib I’ve ever had. Captain Jacks all you can eat Crab legs was awesome, and Margaritaville too.
Rene M Cooley says
Patches pub is one of the best places around great food good beer great atmosphere and great music
DONNA says
@Rene M Cooley,
Linda Lou says
Angelo’s for a delicious steak…Ribs are great too….
John Rex says
Lynda,
I will tell you my experiences. Pineapple Willy’s gave me food poisoning New Year’s Eve 2000. It was long time before I had a hankering to return. The food is not bad but priced for tourists.
Sharky’s Is NOT a “dive” as you referred to it. You should really look up that term and learn the meaning. It is Christian-owned establishment with a great staff. The food is very good, but as with Pineapple Willy’s, it has tourist prices. I have had many many great experiences there, and the Tiki Hut Bar is great atmosphere! The Karaoke was always fun.
Diego’s may have great food – I would not know because their sign “Let us roll you a fat one” is inappropriate in a family-oriented destination like Panama City Beach. This sigh is roughly equivalent to spitting in the face of parents. And their nightly assault on the ears of all of us that live nearby with loud bass playing is offensive, not to mention they issue plastic utensils and “sporks.”
Several years ago, Dirty Dicks was forced to remove their filthy implication from their sign for this reason. In that case “I got the crabs from Dirty Dicks” was a similar disregard for public decency! I had a much harsher penalty in mind for them.
g-Foley’s is excellent food, and the outdoor under-the-tree dining is romantic, particularly at night when the lights strung in the tree are softly illuminating the dining area. It is a bit pricey, but well regarded.
Firefly is great food, but their previous location carried much more romance as it was located on the Bay. Obama having eaten there is NOT a selling point for me. As with g-Foley’s, prepare to pay! One last note: I despise the “virtue signaling” nonsense of the $1 “Covid Protection fee.” Give us a break from the liberal agenda, OK?
AND, of all the restaurants with excellent food in PCB, you failed to mention Andy’s Flower Power for Breakfast/Brunch. This restaurant is frequently slammed with overflow parking. That say’s something.
You also erred by failing to mention the excellent food and VERY modest prices at Dat Cajun Place on Thomas Drive. We attended their “Grand Opening,” and I would give them Five Stars for the total package. Well-trained staff, welcoming atmosphere, good music, beautiful building… Mmmm! The owners deserve praise for their great job in bringing this dream to life.
JREX-TheRexReport
Kyleene S says
@John Rex, I’m sorry about experience at Pineapple Willie’s! We’ve eaten there many times and have never had any issues. It’s one of our favorite PCB eateries.
We’ve tried Sharky’s on a couple of different trips to PCB and found their food to be mediocre and pricey each time. We haven’t been back for a few year because of that. I do appreciate that it’s a Christian owned establishment.
John says
@John Rex,
Christian? Ha Ha Ha,
So I guess the toilets are ok in Dat Cajun Place of JF and Obama, I wouldn’t think that is someplace you would want to take your kids.
Linda says
@John, The names or slogans businesses use are fun not vulgar ,unless these people’s small minds take it to that level with their kids.
They need to enjoy the food and stop emphasizing BS.
I love my Diego’s.
Roll me a big one. Burrito!
Just had to vent ,I’ve been taken advantage of by many a company that said,Christian values and my roof blew off.
Jananell says
@John Rex, Dear John, Mr Rex Report.
Your obvious attempt to school this article writer falls flat and is foul. Even your official Rex Report. What’s that really? Some self serving, self given title? I see you.
I could regal you from 64 years on PCB FL. I worked two establishments listed here and spent my youth working and enjoying this beach at other now legends. Real success for the “redneck riviera”. Now retired here.
Worked at Pineapple Willie’s as a bartender for Bill when he opened and started. He owned the little motel next door too. His boys were youngsters selling snow cones on the beach behind Willie’s. What rasquels. His personal treatment of me and this county brings tears to my soul in gratification. To see what Bill has done with PW is to be celebrated. Those boys run it now and took it to what it is today. I’m so proud. I know alot I could say. But won’t. It pales brother to tell you the intimate. You don’t deserve it but we’ll take your money. [Content removed by moderator.]
In the 90’s, I worked for the Bennetts at Sharky’s in the office and in their corporate office. I know the family and they provide many of the places for YOUR enjoyment and safety; restaurants, go karts, gyms, attorneys, clothing stores, beach services, lifeguards, etc. Another fine family.
I know both families intimately. Good and not so good. The people helped by them who didn’t deserve it, including me, got it here in Bay County. To this day T-Rex. There are many others here as well.
This is not the forum for your rant, as eloquent as you think you are. Go away and live to fight another day. You don’t know squat. This is not the hill to die on.
I feel better now. Good luck sir.
To Article Writer, kudos on this article and your experience. My choices, forgotten by current times: The Breakers and Boar’s Head. Excellent 5 star places in their lifetimes. Breaker’s still here in original spot no less. Jack Bishop, owner of Breaker’s and other establishments, gave me my first job on PCB. There are many other small business owners who enjoy the fruits after many years of struggle that will never be known.
Thank you for voting with your feet and positive review. We need the taxes locally to support all the people who live here who provide tourists our best and worst.
I can’t thank you enough. We appreciate it.
Ms Miagi says
Salty Sue’s. They have surf and turf.
DONNA says
@Msmsalty sues is great. Patches is my favo.
STJ Memories says
I absolutely love Dat Cajun Place.
We always go there any time we are in Panama City Beach. My favorite is the Shrimp Ponchatrain and Ragoons with the Spicy Jam Sauce. Also Their french fries are so good. I have never had a bad dinner there. Amazing !
CHARLES FARISH says
DAT CAJUN PLACE…
EXCELLENT FOOD AND SERVICE,..
TWO LIVE BAND’S…
BUDDY’S SEAFOOD MARKET…
THEY STEAM COOK TO GO!
BEEN GOING FOR THE
PAST 23 YEARS AND THEY
HAVE NEVER FAILED TO
DO IT RIGHT EVERY TIME…
Claudia says
We love Shuckums Oyster Bar and Grill. Great food, large portions and great atmosphere. You are treated like family. And 7 days a week karaoke.
Gary Moran says
Go to Billy’s Oyster Bar on St. Thomas Dr. You can thank me later. Been going there for 25 years and never been disappointed.
Jean Barnwell says
@Gary Moran, love Billy’s too. We went there several times last Summer and ate outside during Pandemic. Stay at Pelican Walk but would like a change this year. Any suggestions from anyone.
Scott Russell says
My family always has to eat at Boondocks at least once every trip we make to Panama City Beach. The restaurant is located on the bay and the food is always incredible with great prices.
Claudia says
@Scott Russell, we love it there too. In fact the place we stay each year, the owner also owns the Boondocks💕
Michele says
Montego Bay. Order the grouper. You are welcome!
Jane Velasquez says
Try Outlaws BBQ oh man it is out of this world … Pier 77 in Panama city…. best seafood in town …
Rebecca Snowden says
Andy’s Flour Power
Sheila Mc says
We love going to Mike’s Cafe and Oyster Bar while in PCB. Go every year, a family favorite!!
Robert says
Never have I ever heard a single local promote pineapple willys. Both Sharkys and Willys great view but overpriced and overrated food.
1) Dat Cajun Place
2) Runaway Island
3) Hunts Oyster Bar
4) Patches
5) Diegos
Cat D says
@Robert, If you go before sunset and eat outside… you will not only see a spectacular sunset, but you most likely get a phenomenal display of dolphins breaching and playing in the ocean. Half the wait is atmosphere. The food is good, the staff great. I have lived in PC and still make a point to bring my favorite people there.
Sue Lebarron says
@Cat D,
Mary Kay says
@Robert, Hunts Oyster Bar has sold. As a local, I too don’t recommend Pineapple Willy, Sharky’s or Shuckum’s. There are many great places to eat that you listed. I do like oysters at Dusty’s. Patches is great and so is Runaway. I haven’t tried the new location for Dat Cajun Place yet.
April says
@Mary Kay, where do you go for lobster? My brother wants to find a place when we visit in July. I myself eat vegetarian so I find it challenging to find good food other than the basic salad.
Marcene says
@Sue Lebarron,
Hunt’s is by far the best based on food and price. It’s not the place for romantic ambience, but it is fun whether you have 2 or a dozen. Always a wait, so get there early!
Dusty’s I another long time favorite. The food is fresh, and plentiful; always more than that I can eat. The water-front views (on the bay side), give it nice scenery, and g th hey have the best fried crab fingers!
Linda Burch says
@April, I’m going to Saltwater Grill for lobster. My gf was there in April and said it was the best she had.
Maggy says
@Cat D, what place are u talking about?
KP-2 says
I like a couple of them 4 sure. But But ,we all really enjoy Fatty Patty’s restaurant on Thomas drive. Great food and you can order breakfast,lunch or dinner any time their open. The prices are way low for the beach. service is on point.
Lisa White says
Shuckums is great if you love oysters, shrimp, chicken sandwich or hamburgers…..
Melanie says
@Lisa White, Shuckums is our favorite place for seafood for sure! And if we want a steak we go to Angelos.
Lynda says
Where should someone go to get the best pizza in Panama City Beach?
mary beth Jacobi says
@Lynda, try Patches, thin crispy crust!
Lynda says
Thanks!
Lynda says
Thanks! I love thin, crispy pizza!
Shea says
@Lynda, Paparazzi Gourmet Deli
Susan says
@Lynda, Nick’s is the best. Try the garlic knots omg
Jane Velasquez says
@Lynda, Marco’s Pizza is absolutely the best … we go everything we’re in PC…
Claudia says
@Lynda, paparazi. Thomas Dr near Andys Flour Power. Best pizza we found in PCB
Fay says
@Lynda, Papparazzi,also sandwich and etc
C Ridge says
Boon Docks is another great place to eat in PCB. Best fried shrimp cheesy grits and hush puppies I’ve ever had.
C Ridge says
Hunts Oyster Bar in Downtown Panama City is a great place to eat. Family owned great food and great prices!
Michelle A says
Schooners should have been number 1 for sure. It is so good & relaxing looking at the ocean while you eat. It is the best.
Penny Freigo says
@Michelle A,
Dj says
@Michelle A,
Kim says
@Michelle A, our family loves Schooners you’re a 100 % right it’s our number 1 place and we’ve tried most of the other not a big fan of any
Sherri says
Schooner’s should definitely have made this list. It is my #1. I wanted to mention that Firefly typically has a early bird special. I’m not sure of the exact hours but they usually have about 4 dinners to choose from each night. The price for the meal was about half-price of regular dinner meals. It is a beautiful restaurant!
Linda McKnight says
The Shrimp Boat in Panama City is really good.
Sue Anne Gustafson says
We have taken Girls’ Trips to Panama City Beach 5 years in a row. We stay in a Condo on the Beach. Our favorite restaurant is Schooners. The cheesy grits and fried shrimp are awesome! I don’t usually like grits. Captain Andersons is another great place to eat. Salty Sue’s has amazing menu!!
Lynda says
I LOVE grits. I will have to put that on my list for the next time I am at PCB. Thanks for sharing.
Matt says
You stated that there isn’t pineapple in the coleslaw at Pineapple Willy’s — that is false. There is most definitely pineapple in it. While your portion may not have contained a piece, it is most definitely in the recipe.
Mary Jo OToole says
I’m curious why there were not any comments re covid restrictions besides Sharkys? We have been in PCB since February 1, 2021 and we have found Sharkys to be the only restaurant with plexiglass shields between booths, all waitstaff had masks on and that wonderful sea air breezing throughout the restaurant! We have walked out of other restaurants because of the crowds and nobody wearing masks! Yes, Sharkys is a bar food type restaurant, let’s face it you are there for the view not fine dining!
Elaine Ellis says
elaine_ellis33@yahoo.com
I have always found Sharkey’s food to be excellent in the way it was prepared, served and quantity. Sharkey’s has always been number 1 on my list.
Elaine
Judy Chappell says
I liked the places on this, tho I was VERY DISAPPOINTED that Schooners was not listed… Schooners and Pineapple Willys are my 2 most Favorite places to eat in PCB..🌊
Lynda says
Thanks, Judy, for your input. I will definitely have to check out Schooners the next time I am in PCB.
Nina says
@Judy Chappell,
Lori says
@Lynda, yes, Schooners is excellent. We go every year. They have the best grouper.
Linda Burch says
Uncles Ernie’s Bayfront Grill
Linda Burch says
@Linda Burch, yummmmmmo!!!!
Mark says
@Linda Burch, This place not being on the list is a travesty! We were recommend to go there by a local who said “you have to go to Uncle Ernie’s” and I’m sure glad we listened to him! It was definitely our favorite place we went to during our trip to PCB last week for a baseball tournament. Although it’s just a short drive over the bridge in PC, not PCB, it’s well worth it! I got the soft shell crab dinner which was so good, especially their remoulade. My girlfriend got the shrimp and grits, which she and I both thought was amazing. Our son, who is a little picky, but tries new things got the grilled grouper and he loved it! The restaurant is neat, with a great atmosphere, and we also enjoyed learning the history of it. Salty Sue’s, another recommendation from a local, was a really good close second. But Uncle Ernie’s is a place I will always go to when down in PCB! So good!!!!
Lynda says
Uncle Ernie’s is a great place to enjoy dinner and watch the sun set. I actually included it in a post that used to be on this site and is now on my travel site, Silver Sun Seeker.
Lisa Local says
For someone writing restaurant reviews in this area you should know that Pineapple Willie’s has a view of The Gulf Of Mexico. Not the “ocean”.You sound ignorant.
Lynda says
Hi Lisa,
I appreciate comments on the blog. They are a great way for everyone to learn something new.
According to National Geographic, “Encyclopedic entry. A gulf is portion of the ocean that penetrates land. Gulfs vary greatly in size, shape, and depth.”
And from NOAA we see that “Finally, the Gulf of Mexico is also part of the North Atlantic warm pool that forms in summer. Every summer, the whole Gulf of Mexico is marked with high sea surface temperatures, which support the formation and presence of tropical storms and hurricanes. This process is strengthened by the local ocean circulation inside the Gulf of Mexico, as the Loop Current and associated Rings are marked by a surface layer of warm waters that is thicker than in the rest of the Gulf.”
I would think that it would be acceptable to refer to the view as “ocean.”
Lisa Local says
@Lynda,Yea, like I said “The Gulf Of Mexico”. Panama City Beach is located on “The Gulf Of Mexico”. Call The Weather Channel & do some more research before you give your opinion on the location of places you are reviewing.
Sean says
@Lynda, exactly right thanks for the review
Kyleene S says
@Lynda, well said!
Reesa Lewandowski says
We have family that lives close by to Panama City. We are due for a visit. I saved this post so we can remember!! Thanks, everything looks delicious!
Lynda says
Thanks for stopping by! My top picks are Firefly and g. Foley’s. I know you will have a good time. PCB is a really fun place. It ranks #2 according to TripAdvisor for Emerging Destinations in the World for 2021.
Linda McKnight says
@Lynda, our all time favorite place is Uncle Ernies Bayfront Grill. Their smoked tuna dip is to die for!
David says
This list is lame af. So is panama city beach though, so you didn’t have much to work with. Still missed the few good places. Lotus Cafe, los rancheros, bricks and barley, thai chef, and pink pelican (barely,but you need dessert). Done. Best advice…. visit anywhere in Florida that isn’t the panhandle. Because it sucks and the inhabitants are disgusting, entitled, and racist.
Lynda says
So, I take it you have tried these restaurants? It’s sad that you have had a horrible experience in the Florida Panhandle.
Rebecca Snowden says
@David, I find your comment completely off the mark!
Kim says
@David, you are extremely rude and entitled to your opinion please do us all a favor and keep it to yourself! We’ve been going to Panama City beach for over 20 years and have never had in person there do any of the crap you stated! Sounds to me like you’re the raciest!
Tristan says
[Post deleted by the moderator.
Tristan – It’s important to remember what Thumper’s father told him .]
Carol says
@
David,..u r so rude…your comment is furthest from the truth…the panhandle is amazing and fun for all ages…sorry you had a bad experience..
Ian says
So 2 actually unique restaurants, and 4 dime a dozen generic ones? There are at least 50 more unique restaurants in PCB you could have used.
Lynda says
What restaurants would you recommend?
Linda McKnight says
@Lynda, Salt Water Grill is great! It has a floor to ceiling aquarium in the center that is so amazing! The food is fine dining seafood and steaks and whole live lobster!
Emily says
@Lynda, I would recommend Dat Cajun Place! The fried green tomatoes are amazing! The atmosphere is a lot of fun with live music just about every night.
Kathy Aronoff says
You must try The Grand Marlin
Multi level with an outstanding menu, it’s the place the locals love
Aaron Masters says
One place I always visit while I’m in town is Schnoors. Great place to relax and look out over the beach and Gulf. The food is great and reasonable priced.
Another place is Captain Anderson’s. Everytime I’ve been there the dinner was spectacular. A little pricey but worth every penny.
Heather says
@Aaron Masters, I completely agree Schooner’s is the best food and drinks in PCB
Ivy Harris says
We like Triple J Steakhouse on Thomas Dr. They have a delicious boneless fish with Cole slaw for a reasonable price. Side salads are great also. We have eaten at these restaurants for the past 50 years, ANGELO’S Steakhouse (any type steak), Captain Anderson’s ( Greek salad and fresh fish), and Boars Head (prime rib). Motel rooms were $20 per night in the 60’s and early ’70s.
Kim says
@Ivy Harris, boars head??? Where is this I thought it closed after a hurricane a LONG TIME AGO?? it was a family fav
Linda Burch says
@Kim, it is closed
Linda Burch says
@Kim, it did close.