Bayfront Bliss: LuLu's Restaurant

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Gulf Coast at LuLu’s in Destin! Indulge in coastal classics with panoramic bay views, lively ambiance, and a menu that celebrates the essence of Florida’s culinary traditions. From Seafood Gumbo to Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding, LuLu’s offers a feast for the senses. Discover the charm of Destin’s dining scene at LuLu’s – where every bite is a celebration of coastal living!

When you crave fried shrimp and seafood, LuLu’s Restaurant is the place to go. There are three locations including one in Destin, Florida. Established by Lucy Buffett, the spirited sister of the legendary Jimmy Buffett, Lulu’s embodies the spirit of the coastal lifestyle with its laid-back atmosphere and an eclectic menu that reflects the diverse culinary traditions of the region. From seafood classics to Southern-inspired dishes, LuLu’s offers a culinary journey that mirrors the warmth and charm of the Gulf Coast.

Lucy Buffet has three signature restaurants that have a beachy theme – one in Gulf Shores, Alabama, one in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and one in Destin, Florida. Each location is decked out in bright, welcoming colors and the atmosphere is lively.

LuLu’s in Destin is not just a restaurant; it’s a destination for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of the good life. The expansive outdoor seating provides panoramic views of the Choctawhatchee Bay, creating the perfect backdrop for enjoying a meal with family and friends. The vibrant colors, live music, and lively ambiance contribute to an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of the Florida coast.

If you decide that you just cannot get enough of LuLu’s, you can always purchase one of her cookbooks in the gift shop.

The Destin location has all of the funky vibes that you expect from LuLu’s, albeit on a smaller scale than the Gulf Shores locale. There is both an indoor and outdoor bar, serving up beach-themed libations like Homeport Margarita and Jet Ski Killer.

The Destin LuLu’s dining area is spacious and can accommodate crowds of hungry vacationers.

Inside the dining room at Lulu's in Destin, Florida.

The restaurant has plenty of seating options, both indoors and out.

By the outdoor bar, there is a fun, upbeat dining area.

There are fun things for little ones to do, making it a great place to get a bite and stretch out your legs on a long trip.

One item that I consider a must at LuLu’s is the Jumbo Deep Fried Shrimp. It comes served with French Fries, Cole Slaw, and Corn & Cheddar Hushpuppies. The price (as of 10/16/2020) is $24.00 per shrimp basket.

Shrimp basket with French fries and coleslaw with lemon wedges.

The cost for two people enjoying shrimp baskets, 2 glasses of water, taxes, and Village Fee came out to $52.19. Add in the tip, and you are looking at a meal costing around $60 for two.

What is the Village Fee?

According to the Destin Log, Seaside, the Village of Baytowne Wharf, Destin Commons, Grand Boulevard and HarborWalk Village are just a few town and shopping centers that levy a fee of 1% to 3% onto customers’ purchases to help fund arts and entertainment, including charity events, firework shows and concerts.

Hit and Miss Reviews

We love reading reviews on TripAdvisor before we go somewhere so that we can get an idea of what to expect when we get to a destination, hotel, or restaurant. The reviews for Lulu’s in Destin are diverse with some patrons noting higher price points and occasional service hiccups. While some visitors find the prices justified by the quality of the dining experience, others highlight a desire for more affordable options. Similarly, a portion of reviews mentions service experiences that fell short of expectations.