Another broken egg, Pandora's; Good choices?

[gilesdad]

This is our 7th trip to SoWal and we've made the Donut Hole and Bruno's pizza two of our regular stops. But we're trying to find something new each trip. Can anyone offer advice on the Wednesday night Prime Rib at Pandora's? And is it true Another Broken Egg has the best breakfasts?

Wish the water was better this trip. But we're staying at Gulf Place so we at least have three pools to choose from.

[sowalgayboi]

Pandora's recently went thru a rebirth and I would recommend it, not a fan of prime rib here so someone else can chime in.

Another Broken Egg is a wonderful breakfast, but be prepared to pay more for breakfast than you ever have in your life. Check out the Red Bar's breakfast. It's basic, good, and cheap.

[Mango]

Another Broken Egg is one of my favorite breakfast treats. They have a wide selection of pancakes, waffles and French toasts. if you're a pancake chow hound like myself, don't pass it up. :biggrin:

May I recommend the banana pancakes topped with pecans. :drool:

[seasidebride]

Another Broken Egg is expensive but delicious! I also recommend the Red Bar if you're looking for something quick, good and cheap.

[cherijean]

Don't forget to visit Hibiscus for breakfast. Here's our menu:http://www.hibiscusflorida.com/menu.html

HUGS!

[jdarg]

Don't forget to visit Hibiscus for breakfast. Here's our menu:http://www.hibiscusflorida.com/menu.html

HUGS!

Mexican quiche.:wub:

[tsutcli]

Don't foget the eggs benedict at Another Broken Egg. One of our favorites but crowded a lot of the time.

[goodwitch58]

Mexican quiche.:wub:

Waffles and french toast

[Smiling JOe]

If you are used to eating at Bruno's (bless your heart), Pandora's and Another Broken Egg will be gems. As mentioned, Another Broken Egg is ridiculously expensive. I've eaten there twice, and the food didn't match the price. For breakfast, I'd stick to Donut Hole (although their breakfast is fairly pricey, and there is usually a wait for a table), or try a different taste of 30A and go to Hibiscus, tucked away in Grayton. I have not eaten at the Red Bar for breakfast, but hear that it is cheap. I've yet to hear people bragging on the quality of the food or service, but they rave about the price.

Pandora's ? Haven't eaten there since the make-over, and hear mixed reviews. The bar outside can be funn when they have a good band playing.

[John R]

Pandoras = 30A Special

[NancyEsq]

For breakfast: I agree with those who that that Broken Egg is expensive and crowded. Truthfully, I feel the same way about Donut Hole. My favorite breakfast in the area is Silver Sands at Harbor Docks - the biscuits are made by a 90-something year old man and they are something very special.

http://www.sowal.com/bb/picture.php?albumid=256&pictureid=1973
Silver Sands Breakfast - Biscuits! Feb 2008

http://www.sowal.com/bb/picture.php?albumid=256&pictureid=1974
Breakfast at Silver Sands February 2008

My favorites! Freshly made biscuits, gravy (w/o sausage, though you can have sausage gravy), cheese grits.

http://www.sowal.com/bb/picture.php?albumid=256&pictureid=1975
"Popeye Scramble" at Another Broken Egg, February 2008

This was good, but expensive for what you got. And - the fried potatoes came out of a food service bag.

http://www.sowal.com/bb/picture.php?albumid=256&pictureid=1976
Banana Pancakes at the Original Donut Hole, Feb 2007

While there was nothing not to like - there was nothing special enough to bring us back again.

Also - I have only had lunch at Fabrice, but I expect that their breakfast is excellent.

My husband had the prime rib special at the FWB Pandora's in February 2006 and it was fantastic and a great value for the money.

Report back!

[Dune-AHH]

For breakfast: I agree with those who that that Broken Egg is expensive and crowded. Truthfully, I feel the same way about Donut Hole.


NancyEsq I wholeheartedly agree...

My favorite breakfast in the area is Don Pedro's in a strip center (Santa Rosa Center ?) on north side of Hwy 98, west of 393... the center where Balls Out & Gugliemo's used to be.

Reasonably priced, really good food & service, both Mexican & American menu choices. Also good for lunch & supper. I've always enjoyed good food & experience, and personally think Don Pedro's is one of SoWal's best kept secrets.

[InletBchDweller]

Another Broken Egg has some good items but is not my favorite. I love HIbiscus and Red Bar. To me, Mom and Pop places take the cake for B-fast.

I have not been to Pandoras since their re-birth. However, in the past the prime rib special was nothing to write home about. To me, you get what you pay for. The other food items I have had there are good and the outside bar is funn, especially when a band is jammin out.

[Amy@Avalon]

Amore' at Gulf Place or Fat Clemenza near Sandestin. Both good, more like real Italian style than Bruno's.

[yummy]

if you like pizza, skip bruno's and try pizza by the sea - the best crust EVER!! dittos on comments about another broken egg - price and crowd not offset by yum factor. try flipflops - wonderful!! (we are looking forward to trying red bar for breakfast).

as for pandora's - never had a meal there that we liked, and we tried several times. but to be fair - we haven't gone back since the rebirth, and probably won't unless we hear that it is totally "fixed" - there are too many really good places to eat up and down 30A - no need to take a chance! try yanni's, or D&K, or red bar, or bud and alley's instead. or borago. or hurricane oyster bar. or stinky's! :biggrin:

[JB]

I'll throw in a pizza plug for Spicy Noodle. Not really feasible if you aren't staying at Seacrest or Inlet, but IMO, the best pizza in the area.

...And I miss Seacrest Cafe for breakfast.

[elgordoboy]

I second Dune-AHH on Don Pedro's. Try the chilaquiles as a side with the juevos mexicanos..corn tortillas of course and request the bottle of salsa picosa.
As for Pandoras I , unlike Yummy, have never had a bad meal there personally. They atrociously overcooked my mom's steak once but made it right quick enough, the kitchen was a little smart assed about it but the waitress never should have passed that on to me.

[gilesdad]

:doh:
With Amore about 50 feet away from our front door we'll give that a try instead of Bruno's this trip. And current plans have us switching from Pandora's to Elmo's. Not sure we'll make it anywhere for breakfast. Probably just some donuts from Donut Hole II . I prefer to try local establishments also but they're so hit and miss it's hard to know which places to try. We used to love the Gumbo at Grayton Corner Cafe until the Hurricane (Opal?) took it away. We thought we'd found a nice Italian style restaurant just east of where Amore's is now but two years later when we returned there was a crater there. Everything changes so quickly around here, it's hard to know what's good and what's average (or worse).

[Mango]

Don't forget to visit Hibiscus for breakfast. Here's our menu:http://www.hibiscusflorida.com/menu.html

HUGS!

Looks like I have a new banana pancake house. :clap:

[NightAngel]

Oh no, NOT Elmos unless you have kids, the food sucks. Sorry Elmos but it is the truth. Red Bar Eggs Benedict and a Momosa, yum yum! I don't go there too much anymore because I always feel like they want me to hurry and eat and leave so someone else can have my seat but the food is great.


:doh:
With Amore about 50 feet away from our front door we'll give that a try instead of Bruno's this trip. And current plans have us switching from Pandora's to Elmo's. Not sure we'll make it anywhere for breakfast. Probably just some donuts from Donut Hole II . I prefer to try local establishments also but they're so hit and miss it's hard to know which places to try. We used to love the Gumbo at Grayton Corner Cafe until the Hurricane (Opal?) took it away. We thought we'd found a nice Italian style restaurant just east of where Amore's is now but two years later when we returned there was a crater there. Everything changes so quickly around here, it's hard to know what's good and what's average (or worse).

[Miss Kitty]

Looks like I have a new banana pancake house. :clap:

:eek:...you've never been? Get over there, stat!

[kimbug]

Thanks to a very early rising, dedicated work-out fanatic in our group, at least 3 of us were on the town, exercised and hungry every morning by 7:30-8:00. So this vacation we had many breakfast "firsts." Since we were familiar with Modica Market and the strawberry waffles we visited there a couple of times; it didn't disappoint and always funn to watch the morning crowd in Seaside.

We went to Another Broken Egg as well. I had 2 consistently well prepared (but $$$) breakfasts there. My brother and sister-in-law enjoyed their meals as well. For some reason, I LOVED their bacon.

We also tried Great Southern Cafe in Seaside and although the food was ok (my son had sausage biscuits & gravy-tasted more like hamburger) there was nothing (maybe the smoked gouda grits) that would bring us back. And talk about expensive for breakfast...I think $68 for 4 :yikes:and the place was dirty. Also the hostess sat us in a small room up front with 4 tables and 2 single diners who were carrying on a conversation across the room the entire time. A bit rude. So I can't give a glowing recommendation about this place....sorry.

Next up...Flip Flops (doesn't open until 8 am) for a really good, basic breakfast served up with a smile and funn conversation from the manager. We tried their beignets for a special treat....yummy. I somehow think that definitely cancelled out our workout :roll:!! BTW...we had an excellent quick lunch here on our last day. Just jumped in the car with beach attire for tasty burgers and grouper po boys. Usually we go to Seagrove Market for a lunch but I'd say Flip Flops beat them out this year with one exception...the sweet tea could not compare. Since we're from the North sweet tea is one treat that we all look forward to on vacation :clap:!

I guess while I'm giving a report on our vacation eating extravaganza, I should mention we had a few other "firsts"....Stinky's Fish Camp was hands down EXCELLENT! Get there early or wait an hour or more. Definitely try it. Worth every second of waiting unless you need hard liquor with your meal, they only serve beer & wine. We chose not to wait the first time we tried and ended up at the Old Salty Dog. I'm pretty certain same owner as Stinky's and it used to be Snapperheads. It was good solid bar food and WAY better than Snapperheads....give it up for the REAL ONION onion rings!! Again all that workin' out is just not gonna cancel out the "bad" eating! But it's vacation!!

Another first...Shades @ the Loop. I think just because it was close (we were at Watersound West), everyone was hungry and our owners had a menu in their welcome binder. It was just OK. Some of us enjoyed our meals more than others, but I will say the atmosphere was good, so was service.

A big disappointment was Angelina's. Last year it was good but this year pizza tasted like chewy cardboard and they were not friendly on pick up. Maybe having an off day but too many other places to try for me to give a recommendation. We didn't just have pizza there either...chicken parm., seafood pasta, penne & meatballs.

Not a first but we also had a meal at Mitchell's @ Grand Blvd. I know it's a chain (we have one close by here at home) but we ended up there after making a reservation @ the Beachwalk Cafe (inside Sugar Dunes I think) and walking out. Not really what we were looking for. A little too fancy. But Mitchell's is always good and none of us were disappointed. Other people must love it too as it was packed with many waiting outside. Would prefer Stinky's or other local hot spots while vacationing but this place is consistently good and the food seems really fresh.

The Mitchell's night was our 1 and only night to Destin; we can't pass up go carting at the old Nascart place. It's just too much funn seeing my husband & bro-in-law both well over 6' tall squished into those little cars and acting like 14 year old boys :lol:. But my how our vacations have evolved into more relaxation time! We started out in Destin and have progressively moved down 30-a and will never go anywhere else...even the June grass can't scare us off :clap:!!

[Smiling JOe]

Don't give up Pandora's for a trip to Elmo's. From the skillet to the frying pan.

[sowalgayboi]

I tried Elmo's one night just for the crab legs. No amount of crab legs for any price can compensate for hearing the Macarena (sp?) and a conga line of small children. I actually still shudder thinking about it.

[foodie]

kimbug, it sounds like you all had a great vacation! hey, at least your exercising was helping you not gain more weight! it's vacation!

i agree with many of the posters above, hibiscus house it a great place for breakfast. we love going in the fall when there aren't as many people & sitting outside on the patio area. it is so nice out there! and the food is great!

[gilesdad]

As I'm sure you're all dying to know where we ended up eating I'll pass it along...

No Bruno's this trip. We opted for Amore which was very good. The kids split a 1/2 roni 1/2 sausage while my wife and I decided to stray from the ordinary. We had the Caramello which had roasted red peppers and carmelized onion. It was good but I've decided I would have liked something a little meatier. Next time.
Elmo's got canned in exchange for Stinky's Fish Camp. :clap:Wow! This turned out to be the best thing I ate all week. I had the Crawfish Pie which was like sampling the most perfect food. I can only explain the taste as being something that was specially prepared for me knowing my likes and dislikes. I don't think it could have been any better than it was. I love that peppery ettoufe flavor.
It was basically a crawfish pot pie with chunks of crawfish, veggies, a nice thick saucey spicy gravy and a perfect crust. And the contents of that bowl seemed to go on forever. It was like the loaves and the fishes everytime I sank my spoon down into it. Stinky's will always be on my list for future visits.
Had a great week except for the jellies :cuss: keeping us out of the water. But we learned about Blue Buttons and Cannonballs. These creatures are pretty beautiful when captured (momentarily) in a plastic sand pail and studied up close. I'm no hunter so only catch and release tactics for me.
Thanks to all for replying. My searches revealed that restaurant recommendations is a repetitive, recycling thread on this forum. Sorry, thanks for playing along.

[Miss Kitty]

Thanks, gilesdad! These are the follow up posts we all love to read! I have heard about the jellies keeping the kids out of the water and this confirms why families love the dune lake outflows so much!

[Smiling JOe]

Glad you had funn.

Kitty, last week as I was walking the beach through WaterColor, it was the June Grass, rather than the jellies, which kept kids out of the water. The reason I say this is because I passed a bunch of kids who were in and out of the water and scrambling up and down the beach, all returning to this one particular spot along the water's edge. They had set up a sorting station for Jellyfish, using buckets. Each bucket had a different type of Jellyfish and were half filled, with the numerous kids adding more. I was really surprised that the kids were picking up the jellyfish, without a care in the world. They seemed to take notes from each other, on which ones didn't sting and which ones did, and yes, they even had stinging jellyfish in one of the buckets. No Fear.

[sowalgayboi]

Grayt report, jellyfish are very difficult to mount.

Just in case no one has noticed Elmo's has added to the insanity in the form of a mechanical bull out front by the road. Anybody up for a ride?

[nodilberthere]

We have two nights to dine out. One we go to The Back Porch in Destin and then see a movie. The other night I've just decided will be at Stinky's.
Where is Stinky's located? I don't own a laptop and will be totally computer-impaired for 2 weeks. I need to get my ducks in a row now.

[Miss Kitty]

Glad you had funn.

Kitty, last week as I was walking the beach through WaterColor, it was the June Grass, rather than the jellies, which kept kids out of the water. The reason I say this is because I passed a bunch of kids who were in and out of the water and scrambling up and down the beach, all returning to this one particular spot along the water's edge. They had set up a sorting station for Jellyfish, using buckets. Each bucket had a different type of Jellyfish and were half filled, with the numerous kids adding more. I was really surprised that the kids were picking up the jellyfish, without a care in the world. They seemed to take notes from each other, on which ones didn't sting and which ones did, and yes, they even had stinging jellyfish in one of the buckets. No Fear.

Future marine biologists! :clap: That is how you go with the flow and make lemonade out of lemons.

What was the hole count? ;-)

[Dune-AHH]

Grayt report, jellyfish are very difficult to mount.

Just in case no one has noticed Elmo's has added to the insanity in the form of a mechanical bull out front by the road. Anybody up for a ride?

:eek:
I don't run and I don't eat raisins. I USED to ride ... but not any more!
:lol:

[sowalgayboi]

We have two nights to dine out. One we go to The Back Porch in Destin and then see a movie. The other night I've just decided will be at Stinky's.
Where is Stinky's located? I don't own a laptop and will be totally computer-impaired for 2 weeks. I need to get my ducks in a row now.

The Back Porch is at best mediocre. Hit up Chan's Wine World bar for the grouper.

Stinky's is in Dune Allen on Oyster Lake. You can't miss it heading east from SanDestin on 30A. Just past the big curve start looking for the cars parked on the side of the road. It will be on the North side of the road and is a one story dark green building. Go early and be prepared to wait as the food is truly worth it.

[DD]

Thanks, gilesdad! These are the follow up posts we all love to read! I have heard about the jellies keeping the kids out of the water and this confirms why families love the dune lake outflows so much!

;-) Saved our trip for sure. Dune Lakes rock.

We have two nights to dine out. One we go to The Back Porch in Destin and then see a movie. The other night I've just decided will be at Stinky's.
Where is Stinky's located? I don't own a laptop and will be totally computer-impaired for 2 weeks. I need to get my ducks in a row now.

Stinky's is in Dune Allen on 30A. You can't miss it. I feel your pain with no computer. Have funn though!

[elgordoboy]

The Back Porch is at best mediocre. Hit up Chan's Wine World bar for the grouper.

Stinky's is in Dune Allen on Oyster Lake. You can't miss it heading east from SanDestin on 30A. Just past the big curve start looking for the cars parked on the side of the road. It will be on the North side of the road and is a one story dark green building. Go early and be prepared to wait as the food is truly worth it.
I went to the Back Porch when I had first moved into Destin and had a visitor down. She loves oysters and since the Back Porch had a big neon sign that said OYSTER BAR I fell for it. They gave us a table and then told me that they didn't have any oysters. I told them to unplug the sign and we wound up at Hooters.

[sowalgayboi]

I went to the Back Porch when I had first moved into Destin and had a visitor down. She loves oysters and since the Back Porch had a big neon sign that said OYSTER BAR I fell for it. They gave us a table and then told me that they didn't have any oysters. I told them to unplug the sign and we wound up at Hooters.

The oysters are D-I-S-G-U-S-T-I-N-G! They are pasturized (sp?) and they have the texture of wet chalk. I'd rather risk Hep C.

[nodilberthere]

Thanks for the directions. I liked the Back Porch. We've been many times and enjoyed it. And I'm not an easy please by any means. I wouldn't, however, eat an oyster if you paid me to.

[sowalgayboi]

Thanks for the directions. I liked the Back Porch. We've been many times and enjoyed it. And I'm not an easy please by any means. I wouldn't, however, eat an oyster if you paid me to.

To each his own, go to Stinky's first. ;-)

[nodilberthere]

I will go to Stinkys first then.

p.s., gayboi -- I usually get lots of viewing pleasure with your avatars, but I just can't enjoy your current selection. He looks like [a skinny] Pauly Shore to me.

[tsutcli]

;-) Saved our trip for sure. Dune Lakes rock.



Stinky's is in Dune Allen on 30A. You can't miss it. I feel your pain with no computer. Have funn though!
Right next to what used to be The Lakeplace rest. if that helps

[jwscfa]

Do not forget Blue Orleans in Blue Mountain Beach for a great breakfast with no lines (generally) and great atmosphere.

[sowalgayboi]

I will go to Stinkys first then.

p.s., gayboi -- I usually get lots of viewing pleasure with your avatars, but I just can't enjoy your current selection. He looks like [a skinny] Pauly Shore to me.

Yes, I'll admit it's a little odd that his pectorial muscle basically disappeared on the one side. I usually change them out every couple of days. ;-)

[kingfishn]

Breakfast...
Don Pedro's...

(look for the cop cars and fire trucks)....best...(but...*gasp*)...it's off the 'A'...