Food Scene

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.

[CHECK OUT MY FAVORITE SNOWBIRD RECIPES]

Shrimp Shack, Seaside, FL

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.

 

Midlife snowbird, Beachwalk Cafe, Henderson Park Inn, Destin, Florida
Beachwalk Cafe, Henderson Park Inn, Destin, Florida
Petite filet and jumbo shrimp, Beachwalk Cafe
Petite filet and jumbo shrimp, Beachwalk Cafe
Emeril's Coastal Italian, Sandestin, FL
Emeril's Coastal Italian, Miramar Beach, FL
Petite filet and jumbo shrimp, Beachwalk Cafe
Petite filet and jumbo shrimp, Beachwalk Cafe
Diver scallop with caviar, champagne beurre blanc
Beachwalk Cafe Henderson Park Inn, Destin, FL
Emeril's Coastal Italian, Sandestin, FL
Emeril's Coastal Italian, Miramar Beach, FL
Vue on 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Vue on 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL

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
Food Scene Midlife Snowbird
Shipps Harbour Grill, Orange Beach, Alabama
Ruth's Chris, The Emerald Coast, FL
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Destin, FL

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, FL

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.

Tommy Bahama Malted Chocolate Pie

Hammerheads, Village at Baytowne Wharf, Miramir Beach, FL
Hammerheads, Village at Baytowne Wharf, Miramir Beach, FL
Marina Cafe, Destin, FL
Marina Cafe, Destin, FL
Stinky's Fish Camp, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Stinky's Fish Camp, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Emeril's Coastal Italian, Sandestin, FL
Emeril's Coastal Italian, Miramar Beach, FL
Surf Hut, Miramar Beach, FL
Surf Hut, Miramar Beach, FL
Pompano Joe's, Miramar Beach. FL
Pompano Joe's, Miramar Beach. FL
PF Changs, Miramar Beach, FL
PF Changs, Miramar Beach, FL
Shipps Harbour Grill, Orange Beach, Alabama
Shipps Harbour Grill, Orange Beach, Alabama
Marina Cafe, Destin, FL
Marina Cafe, Destin, FL
AJ's at Harborwalk Village, Destin, FL
AJ's at Harborwalk Village, Destin, FL
Miramar Beach, FL, the Emerald Coast
Pompano Joe's, Miramar Beach, FL

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.

Henderson Park Inn, Destin, FL, the Emerald Coast

Beachwalk Cafe

Henderson Park Inn

Destin, FL

Captain Dave's, Midlife Snowbird, The Emerald Coast, FL

Captain Dave's

On the Gulf

Miramar Beach, FL

Midlife Snowbird, The Emerald Coast, 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?