Favorite restaurants

[John R]

i had another great dinner the other night at Gravel Road. Had the appetizer of scallops over black quinoa, and split the pork tenderloin entree. the scallops were great, the black quinoa was a little hard to like, the tenderloin was huge, and whatever sauce was with it, awesome. it was accompanied by piped butternut squash that i couldn't get enough of, and mashed potatoes. as always, the service was great and friendly. get there.

[cherijean]

Hey...don't forget about Hibiscus in Grayton...the food is "all good"!:welcome:

[John R]

Hey...don't forget about Hibiscus in Grayton...the food is "all good"!:welcome:

Yes, Hibiscus, my favorite breakfast source. awesome coffee, friendliest staff.

[30A Skunkape]

Yes, Hibiscus, my favorite breakfast source. awesome coffee, friendliest staff.

Love the decor! A trip back in time to old Florida:cool:

[Smiling JOe]

Hey...don't forget about Hibiscus in Grayton...the food is "all good"!:welcome:

Yes, Hibiscus, my favorite breakfast source. awesome coffee, friendliest staff.
Aren't you glad you finally went this year after several years of living here?

Cheri, please stop telling everyone about the best kept secret in SoWal. :nono1::D I am scared that you will not have enough hugs to go around.

Someone is having another birthday soon...

[scrltbegonya]

Hey...don't forget about Hibiscus in Grayton...the food is "all good"!:welcome:

I :wub: Cherijean and the Hibiscus! I missed you last Sunday!

[John R]

Aren't you glad you finally went this year after several years of living here?


::kicking self in head:: wait, i can do that in environmental.

[onanochef]

You have missed several good places, like Shades (Seaside), Bruno's (Seagrove), Market Cafe (Seagrove), and Luna del Mar (Seagrove). These are all reasonably priced.

In the higher end, Bud & Alley's (Seaside), Cafe Tango (Santa Rosa), 30-A and Fishbones (Seagrove), and Barago (Grayton).

I wouldn't hesitate to go to any of these.


You also missed Onano Neiborhood Cafe......

[John R]

You also missed Onano Neiborhood Cafe......

seriously, quoting from 3/3/05? are you sure you want to include yourself in the company of restaurants that don't exist anymore? rough neighborhood.

[phillycheese]

Gravel Road is definitely on the up and up. My wife and I went a couple of years ago, and were very disappointed. It seemed like they were short on staff. We went back a few weeks ago and were very pleased. I've heard a few people say the same thing.

Speaking of Onano's, we went to their Sunday brunch this morning. Very nice. I'll definitely be going back there. I haven't had dinner there yet, but my friends say it's great.

[Beach Runner]

Had a terrible lunch at Seagrove Market Cafe yesterday. I had a salad with grilled grouper -- salad wasn't crisp and grouper tasted wet. Hubby had a fried grouper sandwich that tasted frozen -- actually it had no taste. Disappointing.

We had planned to go to Borago for dinner, but after the Gators lost (:puke:), we were in no mood to go out. We got takeout pizza from Bruno's, and it was really good -- actually, it has been for the past few months. The crust no longer tastes like Bisquick, and the salads are always fresh.

BTW I still love Amoré, but that's a different genre of pizza.

[seacrestkristi]

We ate there once......:roll: Nice folks but we were not impressed with the food either or the prices. I guess so close to Seaside where everything is high. I couldn't believe last time I got a $4 ice cream at that first place on the right in Seaside. They swirl it up nice and hollow all the way up. What a rip off! :eek:
:wub: We keep ending up at Dan's BBQ or Thomas' Donuts for affordable ma & pop food. There's a place called The Fish Net all the way in Lynn Haven that is a real hole in the wall but yummy down home cookin' with good hushpuppies and veggies too.

[NancyEsq]

Had a terrible lunch at Seagrove Market Cafe yesterday. I had a salad with grilled grouper -- salad wasn't crisp and grouper tasted wet. Hubby had a fried grouper sandwich that tasted frozen -- actually it had no taste. Disappointing.

We had planned to go to Borago for dinner, but after the Gators lost (:puke:), we were in no mood to go out. We got takeout pizza from Bruno's, and it was really good -- actually, it has been for the past few months. The crust no longer tastes like Bisquick, and the salads are always fresh.

BTW I still love Amoré, but that's a different genre of pizza.

We had a similar experience at Seagrove Market Cafe Friday 2/16. My husband's fried oyster sandwich was more fry than oyster, and I do believe that my grilled grouper was a frozen filet (it looked and tasted frozen). Also - the sides were served cold (how do you serve cold fried food when you aren't crowded?). It was such a disappointment because Seagrove was one of our best lunches last year - I wonder what happened to them.

We did get to Borago and it was fantastico!

Overall, though, we had a great trip that I'll post about when I get the chance. You can see our food photos from the trip at
http://nancyheller.evite.shutterfly.com/action/ (http://nancyheller.evite.shutterfly.com/action/)

[ItzKatzTime]

Welcome NancyEsq....so good to see you are posting!!!! And, so soon after that trip. Enjoyed meeting ya'll...had fun talking cuisine and look forward to hearing more from you!!!

Everyone check out the wonderful food pictures she and her husband Bob took on their trip!!! They are a funn couple!:clap_1:

[Mermaid]

Overall, though, we had a great trip that I'll post about when I get the chance. You can see our food photos from the trip at
http://nancyheller.evite.shutterfly.com/action/ (http://nancyheller.evite.shutterfly.com/action/)

:welcome: Nancy. I recognized the spuds from the Red Bar even before I read the caption. :biggrin:

[Fanceenan]

NancyEsq, Are you a food critic or chef? I don't go to the beach only for food, BUT, you made ready to pack my bags. Such great food pics! I have tried all but Borago, can't believe I've missed it! Welcome to our new food reviewer!

[NancyEsq]

NancyEsq, Are you a food critic or chef? I don't go to the beach only for food, BUT, you made ready to pack my bags. Such great food pics! I have tried all but Borago, can't believe I've missed it! Welcome to our new food reviewer!

Thank you all for the warm welcome! :D Ironically, as a kid, I was never interested in the kitchen - I always had a book to read. Even more ironically, I became interested in food and cooking while on the Jenny Craig diet, because they encourage you to cook for yourself. Big mistake. :blink:

So here I am years later, in the wrong career (business attorney :bang:) and enjoying my extracurricular activities a lot more than my day job - including occasional quantity cooking (up to 175 people for a meal:biggrin:), traveling, eating my way through new terrain (so much for that diet:(), and now - photographing and writing about our bestest eats :clap_1: ! My partner-in-crime hubby just retired after 36 years in skilled trade, and is immersing himself in Michael Ruhlman's Charcuterie book and preparing to plant our garden!

We started visiting Destin 4 years ago, and we're considering moving down there one of these days. I was raised on the East Coast and still can't get used to the poor quality of fish and seafood we get in Cleveland - so Destin and its environs are truly a paradise for us. There were so many places we wanted to try - there was no way to squeeze them all in! But we had fabulous fish almost everywhere we went, from the most humble Dewey Destin's to the more upscale (foodwise) Cafe Tango and D&K.

[Gypsea]

:welcome: NE. Keep posting!!! You're making me hungry. I look forward to hearing more reviews.

[DD]

Oh my, Nancy! Now I am starving! Great pics and comments. Love Dewey Destin!:wub:

[beachmouse]

Welcome Nancy! Glad to see you migrate over from chowhound.com

[goofer44]

My wife, M.I.L. and myself will be down March 6 thru March 20. My mouth is watering anticipating some of my favorite places to eat. The first Weds. will be at Gravel Road which is my current favorite. Borago, Cafe Tango, the Terrace, Criolla, Cafe 30-A, Cafe Provence, D&K Cafe are all on my agenda !! I will also fit in Thomas' Donuts and Boars Head. And of course the Donut Hole. I will need to a wheel Barrow to get me around. I better stay off of the beach because someone may harpoon me thinking I am a beached Whale !! :floor:

[beachmouse]

There's apparently been an ownership change at Royal Orchid, and for now I'm not impressed. They're cheaping out on the veggies- my pad pak was mostly cabbage- and their sauces and spices have lost that complexity and spark that used to make their dishes so good.

It wasn't bad food by any means, but for us, they're no longer worth schlepping across the bridge for.

[beachmouse]

So Mr. Mouse is on spring break this week, and I'm currently in the process of job-hunting (long story there) and we decided to try out Gravel Road for lunch. We'll definitely be going back there. The very picky Mr. Mouse said they had some of the best sweet tea he had ever had. Food was excellent- they're using very good quality ingredients and know how to prepare them very well. And the mashed potatoes and veggies are a nice change for a side instead of yet another big heap of french fries.

[Ocean Lover]

Had a terrible lunch at Seagrove Market Cafe yesterday. I had a salad with grilled grouper -- salad wasn't crisp and grouper tasted wet. Hubby had a fried grouper sandwich that tasted frozen -- actually it had no taste. Disappointing.

We had planned to go to Borago for dinner, but after the Gators lost (:puke:), we were in no mood to go out. We got takeout pizza from Bruno's, and it was really good -- actually, it has been for the past few months. The crust no longer tastes like Bisquick, and the salads are always fresh.

BTW I still love Amoré, but that's a different genre of pizza.


Any good experiences here lately? We've always loved the Seagrove Market for grouper sandwiches. Maybe now that it's a busier time you would be less likely to get something that hasn't been frozen. :idontno:

[kathydwells]

Any good experiences here lately? We've always loved the Seagrove Market for grouper sandwiches. Maybe now that it's a busier time you would be less likely to get something that hasn't been frozen. :idontno:

On the day we left last Tuesday I had a wonderful fried grouper sandwich. It was very good and did not taste frozen to me at all!!!! Go try it!

[Beach Runner]

On the day we left last Tuesday I had a wonderful fried grouper sandwich. It was very good and did not taste frozen to me at all!!!! Go try it!
That's grayt to hear!

[Ocean Lover]

On the day we left last Tuesday I had a wonderful fried grouper sandwich. It was very good and did not taste frozen to me at all!!!! Go try it!

:clap_1: We will for sure.

[liquorqueen]

Please give me the details of Royal Orchid and if you really know of the changes. It is my FAVORITE place to take out and I will be very disappointed if it has changed. Anyone know what's up??? I thought my last meal was a bit different now that you have mentioned it.

[florida girl]

I was told the other day that Chapmans Restaurant north of the bay is reopening, Sharon Byrd whatshername and family have taken over. When the Chapmans had it years ago, they had the best seafood anywhere! I would like to see the Chapmans daughter go to work there, I really miss the food! I hope Sharon does well, I think she will. I think they are only open for dinner at the present.

[beachmouse]

New ownership of Royal Orchid. It's apparently a family that owns a large number of restaurants in these parts. Totally new staff. Old owners hung around for a while to allegedly teach the new staff how to cook Thai, but now the old ownership is gone, and the new people are cheaping out on the ingredients, I'm guessing to keep the margins high.

Mr. Mouse's curry was lacking the Thai basil it used to have in it that gave it a nice complexity to it. My pad pak was mostly cabbage, and the suace wasn't as good as it used to be either.

It's not horrible food, but it just isn't a star like it used to be. I've heard some good feedback about the little Thai takeaway place in the same strip mall as Tuesday Morning and Cancun's. Might be worth trying there instead.

[seacrestkristi]

So Mr. Mouse is on spring break this week, and I'm currently in the process of job-hunting (long story there) and we decided to try out Gravel Road for lunch. We'll definitely be going back there. The very picky Mr. Mouse said they had some of the best sweet tea he had ever had. Food was excellent- they're using very good quality ingredients and know how to prepare them very well. And the mashed potatoes and veggies are a nice change for a side instead of yet another big heap of french fries.

So where is this Gravel Road? :roll:

[TreeFrog]

So where is this Gravel Road? :roll:


Off 30A just east of 283/Grayton. In the same little center as Another Broken Egg and Starbucks.

[TreeFrog]

Any good experiences here lately? We've always loved the Seagrove Market for grouper sandwiches. Maybe now that it's a busier time you would be less likely to get something that hasn't been frozen. :idontno:

I eat at the Market a lot and find the food itself pretty consistent. But...

The kitchen can get overwhelmed on busy days - sometimes it can take 25 or more minutes after you order to get your eats . I walk right back out if there's a line. Betcha the bum lunches were on those days.

Now if you ever find yourself in Panacea, stop by Posey's for a grouper sandwich. They do a good one there, too.

[grammagirt]

Yiannis has great seafood too. Great salads and very reasonable lunches.

Had breakfast at the Wheelhouse once a few years ago. Very inexpensive, plentiful and food was ok. Decor was very rustic.


If you ever get over to Heart & Soul Healthy Catering Co.,6844W.Hwy30-A
try their healthy food choices:clap_1: .They make it easy for you to pick up your food and take it to the beach or back home with you. They have very good food.

[faywray]

love all the dining advice, everyone!
We are going back to stay in Santa Rosa Beach this june '07 and I have a couple questions. We haven't been on 30A for about 3 years...Is Luna Del Mar still open :confused: If so, any comments on that would be great. And what is Goatfeathers? Have heard its nearby where we will be staying...is it a restaurant? seafood market? Good/Bad?

Thanks in advance!

[beachmouse]

Luna Del Mar is closed- the parent company in Texas had problems. As far as Goatfeathers goes, restaurant-not great, seafood market-generally decent.

[GraysonDave]

love all the dining advice, everyone!
We are going back to stay in Santa Rosa Beach this june '07 and I have a couple questions. We haven't been on 30A for about 3 years...Is Luna Del Mar still open :confused: If so, any comments on that would be great. And what is Goatfeathers? Have heard its nearby where we will be staying...is it a restaurant? seafood market? Good/Bad?

Thanks in advance!


LOL, just realized I'm sitting here in my Goatfeathers tshirt while reading this forum I just found. Similar to what the last guy said, it is ok but nothing special in my opinion.

[seaside2]

We had a couple of lunches at Seagrove Market back week of 4/22. Grouper baskets tasted good to us, not frozen, etc. Came out of the kitchen in good time, fresh, etc. Nothing to complain about, fact is, we recommend them to people (need to stop that so they don't get so popular, oh greedy me!):idontno:

[seacrestkristi]

Off 30A just east of 283/Grayton. In the same little center as Another Broken Egg and Starbucks.
Thanks Tree Frog. :leaving:

[Billni58]

Hey folks. We're coming down next week with our 4-year-old and are wondering with the new, fancier D&K and the apparent death of the Seagrove Market - is there anywhere in the area to still get a cheap, good lunch or a fish sandwich?

[scooterbug44]

Check out the new taco bar in Seaside. Fish tacos, margaritas etc.

[SGB]

Hey folks. We're coming down next week with our 4-year-old and are wondering with the new, fancier D&K and the apparent death of the Seagrove Market - is there anywhere in the area to still get a cheap, good lunch or a fish sandwich?

The Seagrove Market is still alive and kicking and looks like it will be for a while.

[ItzKatzTime]

Hey folks. We're coming down next week with our 4-year-old and are wondering with the new, fancier D&K and the apparent death of the Seagrove Market - is there anywhere in the area to still get a cheap, good lunch or a fish sandwich?


:wave: Hi Billni58....I hope on a visit sometime to SoWal you will come in and try some of Doug's great entrees or appetizers. :drool: We still have a number of dishes on the menu that we had on the Beach cafe menu. And even tho we are a bit fancier we have a Sunset Special between 5:00 and 6:30 P.M. Buy 1 entree get the 2nd half off. We also have a children's menu, but no booster seats. I bet at 4 he/she can sit in a chair.

If you get a babysitter you can enjoy a very romantic dinner in our private dinning room...it has only two tables. I just thought I would let you know we are different, but ohhhh so much more to offer!:welcome:

Have any questions :confused: just give us a call at 231-0455. Dress is casual....but you will see a little bit of everything!

Best regards,
Kat and Doug@D&K's Cafe

[jdarg]

Hey folks. We're coming down next week with our 4-year-old and are wondering with the new, fancier D&K and the apparent death of the Seagrove Market - is there anywhere in the area to still get a cheap, good lunch or a fish sandwich?

Here are some 4 year old friendly lunch places- Amore pizza at Gulf Place, Wild Olives at Rosemary Beach, Shades at the Loop, and I believe Stinky's Fish Camp hould be open for lunch by now.

Also, there are not many places you can't take your 4 year old for dinner- I know becaue I have a 5 year old! We usually have our kids with us, since SoWal is not a leave your kids at home kind of place, which is why we moved here. Many people visiting here in the summer are on a family vacation and don't have a babysitter (or want to get one while on a family vacation), so I would hope most restaurants would be accomodating.

In the summer, it is much better to go out to dinner to a place where you can get a reservation that stand around for 2 hours and turn your poor kids into nightmares by the time you get a table. I never understood why anyone would take beach-exhausted kids, make them wait forever to eat, then expect them to behave!:eek: When we came down on vacation, we cooked or grilled in every night except for one "big" night out!

[travelRN]

Amore in Gulf Place at Santa Rosa Beach is the best pizza in the area. They have a great open deck and live music. It is well priced and easy for a good lunch or dinner.
www.amore-pizzeria.com

[Smiling JOe]

Gravel Road has stepped up to my number 2 spot for my favorite restaurant in town. Delicious food, reasonably priced, great service. Yummy!

[scooterbug44]

Amore in Gulf Place at Santa Rosa Beach is the best pizza in the area. They have a great open deck and live music. It is well priced and easy for a good lunch or dinner.
www.amore-pizzeria.com (http://www.amore-pizzeria.com)

It's REAL Italian pizza too, not the bland, doughy, greasy mess some places call pizza! Thin crust, fresh and healthy ingredients, good spices, made to order! Plus you can get everything "to go". Easiest post beach dinner ever - yummy pizzas, cheesy bread w/ marinara for dipping, and great salads.

Hmmmm ........ I think I just decided what I'm having for lunch. :cool:

[rdelong43065]

Just fell in love with the pizza at Enzo. It was wonderful. Like a taste of home.:roll:

[onanochef]

Hey Guys-My family and I are going to be in the area July 9-16. We are very excited about it but one of my downfalls is that I am a major planner!!!!!! I guess it is the school teacher in me-haheha Anyway, I have always found a board to check things out in whatever area we are visiting-One of my favorites has always been about FOOD!!!! Where the best is-what restaurants are famous for what? Price ranges and so on..... Is there anyone else who frequents this board interested in this kind of information-I am new-maybe there is already something like that here and I don't know about it. Anyway-thanks for all the great information so far!!!

We would love to have you for dinner at Onano

[onanochef]

We would love to have you for dinner at Onano

We are also open for lunch and Sunday brunch.:welcome:

[Childcare4u]

Most famous, most awards: Criollas $$$$
http://www.graytonbeach.com/criollas

Best bartender, best Italian food: Borago $$$
http://www.graytonbeach.com/borago

Best Thai food: Royal Orchid $$
Best family Italian: Angelina's $$
Best steak: Pandora's $$$
Best seafood: it's funny that we don't have a superb seafood restaurant but many restaurants that do seafood very well. I prefer to buy mine raw and cook it up myself mostly.

Some favorites - Cafe Tango, Bloom's Cafe, Piccolo's Restaurant (aka The Red Bar http://graytonbeach.com/redbar.html), Basmati's, The 3-Thirty-1 http://www.graytonbeach.com/the331, Smiling Fish, Fish Out of Water http://www.graytonbeach.com/fishoutofwater, Luna Del Mar, The Donut Hole.

If I've left anyone off it may be because I haven't eaten at your restaurant and you should call me and invite me before I start writing my reviews. :D



Yes there is a superb seafood restaurant now!!! Mitchells Fish Market in Grand blvd in Sandestin...its really good!! go check it out!!

[joho]

Gravel Road has stepped up to my number 2 spot for my favorite restaurant in town. Delicious food, reasonably priced, great service. Yummy!

Aren't you a smart man.....:clap: have you ever disclosed your #1 ?

[coonass]

blue orleans has catfish,redfish poboy;s like no other

[scooterbug44]

blue orleans has catfish,redfish poboy;s like no other
The scooterbug fave is the rosemary skewered scallops over tasso grits or the grilled shrimp salad.

Blue Orleans should start a thread to announce the bands playing that week/night.

[BambooBay]

thanks for the tip--i've never eaten at Blue Orleans! I'll have to go there and check them out asap.... if anyone thinks of any others that might be under the radar, please let me know! i'm trying to build a list of local favs on my website (www.30A.com (http://www.30A.com)) ... i know it's all very subjective and there are a lot of great choices out there, but i really want to make an effort to give the "right people" some much-deserved business.... (just in case it matters to anyone, fyi, my site's a totally non-commercial venture...i do it just for fun)....

[iwishiwasthere]

The scooterbug fave is the rosemary skewered scallops over tasso grits or the grilled shrimp salad.

Blue Orleans should start a thread to announce the bands playing that week/night.

Wonderful!:clap: :drool: Hope to have it again this vacation!!:biggrin:

[HowellUNC]

Have you ever had Redneck Riviera Shrimp (http://www.geocities.com/kenhowell99/kenzkitchen) or a Grayton Beach Julep (http://www.geocities.com/kenhowell99/kenzkitchen.html)? In the late 60's and early 70's I was a fixture around the old graffiti painted store at Grayton Beach. Alas, after high school (Walton Sr., '72) I wandered off and got lost. Oh, I do visit from time to time. But when I'm not around my beloved beaches in the summer I fix myself some RR Shrimp (http://www.geocities.com/kenhowell99/kenzkitchen.html) and a cold GB Julep (http://www.geocities.com/kenhowell99/kenzkitchen.html). Try 'em! :chill:
(http://www.geocities.com/kenhowell99/kenzkitchen.html)

[seacrestkristi]

:welcome: HowellUNC :wave: I'm printin' these grayt soundin' recipes. Thanks.:clap: :clap: :clap:

[seaside2]

HowellUNc,

Maybe I'm stupid or something, but I can't find the GB julep recipe.

I want it, I need it, weekend not too far away, LET ME HAVE IT NOW!!!


please?? LOL:rolling:

[HowellUNC]

Folks, I am so sorry but I got sooooooo many hits on my (Poor) website that we temporarily got lost - however, we're back up but with new recipes! For those of you who missed it here is the recipe for Grayton Beach Juleps!

May I suggest a . . .
Grayton Beach Julep
3 tsp. instant tea
1 (12 oz.) can frozen orange juice
1 (12 oz.) can frozen lemonade
1-1/2 c. sugar
1 c. water
2 c. whiskey
10-12 Mint Sprigs
Mix all together well. Freeze in two containers.
(One half tonight, the rest tomorrow a.m.)
When ready scoop out slush and fill glass 1/2 full,
top off with 7-Up and a fresh sprig. Very tasty.

Enjoy!

Ken

[seaside2]

GRAYT!!!:lolabove:

[beachmouse]

We went back to Royal Orchid for the first time in a while today. While it's still not quite as good as it was in 2006, and they've raised prices a little bit, the new owners seem to have sorted out the transition problems they had, and the quality level is now back to where it's worth crossing the bridge for, and we're going to put it back on our regular dining rotation.

[pookage50]

Have you ever gone to Enzo's Italian Restaurant

[Biff]

For Some reason; I am hungry for Blue Crab Claws RIGHT NOW!:welcome:

[InletBchDweller]

Had some GREAT oysters today at the Captains Table in old St. Andrews in Panama City. They were only $5.50 a dozen and super yummy!!!!

[ItzKatzTime]

For Some reason; I am hungry for Blue Crab Claws RIGHT NOW!:welcome:

Hi Biff, they have been added to our menu starting a week from now...but if you request them I know the kitchen will fry you up some! They also come with the Sunset Martini Trio....Jumbo boiled shrimp, white lump crab, and fried crab claws!

We also do plates of fried shrimp, oysters, and soft shell crab!

:wave: Kat
D&K's Cafe
Grayton Beach

The sunset Martini Trio shown below.

[jdarg]

Had some GREAT oysters today at the Captains Table in old St. Andrews in Panama City. They were only $5.50 a dozen and super yummy!!!!

:bang: I love that place. You went without me. I will yell at you later.

[jordan]

Hurricanes in Seaside is pretty good and fun just sit and people watch.

[Miss Kitty]

Hurricanes in Seaside is pretty good and fun just sit and people watch.

:wave:...right behind you Jordan. Ask for directions.

[jdarg]

OK- heads up - COCO'S IS CLOSING. I asked the owner about a specific date, and he said "day by day". So sad- we love going to Coco's with the kids and other families. We were told that they just aren't making it, and the final straw was all the new chain restaurants going in up around Sandestin. Too much competition for the ever shrinking dining out dollar.

The owner also said he knew of several local INDEPENDENT restaurants that are not doing well and maybe closing right behind him. So if you like to frequent locally owned restaurants, now is the time. Apparently it wasn't the greatest summer and now we are into the off season. I hate to see the day where all we are left with is Applebee's, PF Changs, and Cheeseburger in Hell.

[30A Skunkape]

We do need to start an eat club where we go to the local joints as a group and support them:scratch:

[Beach House 25]

Just fell in love with the pizza at Enzo. It was wonderful. Like a taste of home.:roll:




We are new to the area, and we found a wonderful Pizza place here in Seagrove, Brunos has the best I have had in many years. It was loaded with toppings:yikes: and the dough was very good as well. I might mention they have a Lunch Buffet as well for under 8 bucks I think, Our grandbabies were here this past week and we filled everyone up for under 20 bucks!:clap: The staff were very nice and they took time to entertain the grandbabies as well, Great place in my opinion. :wub:

[Beach House 25]

OK- heads up - COCO'S IS CLOSING. I asked the owner about a specific date, and he said "day by day". So sad- we love going to Coco's with the kids and other families. We were told that they just aren't making it, and the final straw was all the new chain restaurants going in up around Sandestin. Too much competition for the ever shrinking dining out dollar.

The owner also said he knew of several local INDEPENDENT restaurants that are not doing well and maybe closing right behind him. So if you like to frequent locally owned restaurants, now is the time. Apparently it wasn't the greatest summer and now we are into the off season. I hate to see the day where all we are left with is Applebee's, PF Changs, and Cheeseburger in Hell.



:eek:Thats not good....:cry: I just had supper there Friday night, the best Mexican food around so far. The manger (Owner) was so very nice and was very willing to help with our orders. This is sad. I hope the off season is not the end to this very nice Mexican food provider. :cry:

[kurt]

OK- heads up - COCO'S IS CLOSING. I asked the owner about a specific date, and he said "day by day". So sad- we love going to Coco's with the kids and other families. We were told that they just aren't making it, and the final straw was all the new chain restaurants going in up around Sandestin. Too much competition for the ever shrinking dining out dollar.

The owner also said he knew of several local INDEPENDENT restaurants that are not doing well and maybe closing right behind him. So if you like to frequent locally owned restaurants, now is the time. Apparently it wasn't the greatest summer and now we are into the off season. I hate to see the day where all we are left with is Applebee's, PF Changs, and Cheeseburger in Hell.

Sad - this should be in its own thread.

[ItzKatzTime]

OK- heads up - COCO'S IS CLOSING. I asked the owner about a specific date, and he said "day by day". So sad- we love going to Coco's with the kids and other families. We were told that they just aren't making it, and the final straw was all the new chain restaurants going in up around Sandestin. Too much competition for the ever shrinking dining out dollar.

The owner also said he knew of several local INDEPENDENT restaurants that are not doing well and maybe closing right behind him. So if you like to frequent locally owned restaurants, now is the time. Apparently it wasn't the greatest summer and now we are into the off season. I hate to see the day where all we are left with is Applebee's, PF Changs, and Cheeseburger in Hell.

:cry: CoCo's

This is so true jd....it is a well known fact amongst the local restaurants/cafes owners that times have changed. The pie has been cut too many times here on 30A, not counting along 98 from Grand Blvd to Bay Town on to Silver Sands and Destin Commons. I think it really hit me when I saw "The Melting Pot" put up their sign. Long gone are the days of the "Boutique" restaurants in South Walton. It is now no different then vacationing in Orlando. It has become "what's the most convenient". Why drive from Sandestin to 30A when you have 5 or more Chain Restaurants within a golf cart ride from where you live or are vacationing.

The 30A corridor is hurting....not only the food industry, but retail too. I'm leaving out real estate because that has already been discussed so much. My heart goes out to anyone in that industry!!!!

I make a point to drive from one end of 30A to the other both for lunch and dinner to see how other restaurants are doing. Sometimes you see busy other times dead. It's just not consistent....last spring and summer were not consistent either. It's a toss of the coin if one will be have business these days. Which, makes keeping a staff not only hard, but for them making any money waiting tables becomes pennies compared to other times.

We at D&K's applaud each and everyone one of you that dine with us......as YOU make the difference! I love you all so much...you make our restaurant live and breathe. I don't know if you know it or not but SoWallers are a incredible force in this area. Pat yourself on the back for helping to keep locals alive!

:clap::clap::wub:D&K's Kat, Doug, Jamie, Chris, Kelly, CR, Natalia, Sharon, Sarah, Chef John, sous Chef Robert and Kitchen help John!!!!

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[kurt]

Nice post Kat! You get the last word. I'm closing this thread since a lot of the info is old.