Shorty's Surfside & Topside - Grayton Beach

peaboy · 05-17-2009, 07:58 PM

We just finished eating a wonderful meal at the former D&K's in Grayton. The new restaurant Shorty's features a nice lunch and dinner menu. To start we had a hit with the Lime Soup. Just as the menu said, it was light and refreshing, great taste, great presentation.

Our second course featured the Surfside West Indies Salad and the Grilled Fresh Black Grouper. The salad was huge with Romaine hearts topped with a generous portion of fresh, Jumbo Lump Blue Crab meat with bell peppers, tomatoes and scallions. It was a meal by itself. The Grouper was simple, well cooked and very Fresh. It was prepared with a lemon butter sauce. The sauce was not over powering. You could taste the fresh fish. For sides, we picked the Asparagus w/ Balsamic Glaze and the Zucchini & Yellow Squash prepared with Dill. The vegetables like the rest of the meal were done well. Our compliments to the Chef.

To finish it off, being in the old D&K's, we had to have Kathy's Key Lime Pie. As always, it was incredible. It was a nice touch having the former owners creation still on the menu.

Shorty's will open to the public on Monday and we recommend giving it a shot. The staff has some of the area's best and most recognizable faces. The owner Henry Patterson has assembled a winning team.

Bobby J · 05-17-2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peaboy

We just finished eating a wonderful meal at the former D&K's in Grayton. The new restaurant Shorty's features a nice lunch and dinner menu. To start we had a hit with the Lime Soup. Just as the menu said, it was light and refreshing, great taste, great presentation.

Our second course featured the Surfside West Indies Salad and the Grilled Fresh Black Grouper. The salad was huge with Romaine hearts topped with a generous portion of fresh, Jumbo Lump Blue Crab meat with bell peppers, tomatoes and scallions. It was a meal by itself. The Grouper was simple, well cooked and very Fresh. It was prepared with a lemon butter sauce. The sauce was not over powering. You could taste the fresh fish. For sides, we picked the Asparagus w/ Balsamic Glaze and the Zucchini & Yellow Squash prepared with Dill. The vegetables like the rest of the meal were done well. Our compliments to the Chef.

To finish it off, being in the old D&K's, we had to have Kathy's Key Lime Pie. As always, it was incredible. It was a nice touch having the former owners creation still on the menu.

Shorty's will open to the public on Monday and we recommend giving it a shot. The staff has some of the area's best and most recognizable faces. The owner Henry Patterson has assembled a winning team.

Nice review Peaboy! Look forward to trying it out!

ItzKatzTime · 05-17-2009, 09:27 PM

Hmmmm I didn't know my Key Lime Pie was going to be on the menu.

But I do wish them great success! So glad to hear great review on the food.

swantree · 05-17-2009, 10:31 PM

always looking for a new place to reco to my clients who are here for the week.

Miss Kitty · 05-18-2009, 06:00 AM

Sweet! Did they open the windows back up? That would be fantastic!

peaboy · 05-18-2009, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItzKatzTime

Hmmmm I didn't know my Key Lime Pie was going to be on the menu.

But I do wish them great success! So glad to hear great review on the food.

I must have been mistaken that the pie was made by you. They were saying that your key lime pie was the best, so I assumed. This one was very good though. Sorry if I mis-spoke.

Allifunn · 05-18-2009, 07:35 AM

Sounds FANTASTIC!!!!! What are the prices like? Hours? Do they serve liquor? Can a lunch & dinner menu be posted?
I heard that it is upstairs and downstairs dining?

Yzarctoo · 05-18-2009, 08:24 AM

Will be interested in seeing how the limited parking between the Red Bar, Shorty's, and the Zoo, and the folks wanting to visit the Beach share those limited compact cars parking spaces. As a full time Grayton resident, am also wondering how the flow of traffic during the evening hours will move through our Grayton community as Hotz is almost a one way traffic street when cars are parked on both sides.

Here4Good · 05-18-2009, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yzarctoo

Will be interested in seeing how the limited parking between the Red Bar, Shorty's, and the Zoo, and the folks wanting to visit the Beach share those limited compact cars parking spaces. As a full time Grayton resident, am also wondering how the flow of traffic during the evening hours will move through our Grayton community as Hotz is almost a one way traffic street when cars are parked on both sides.

We wanted to stop by the Red Bar for a drink about sunset on Friday - we had already had dinner. Between the dinner crowd, the folks on the beach and the fishermen ending their day, it was madness. People were parking in front of the houses on the side streets, and cruising around waiting for a spot. We went home and had a drink.

I guess there are no slow weekends anymore....

Green Knight · 05-18-2009, 09:45 AM

That's why we always ride our bikes to The Red Bar...no parking issues when you do that and you get great exercise!!

ItzKatzTime · 05-18-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peaboy

I must have been mistaken that the pie was made by you. They were saying that your key lime pie was the best, so I assumed. This one was very good though. Sorry if I mis-spoke.

Absolutely no problem...I understand....especially with the opening of a new restaurant. Those first weeks are so hectic. I wish Henry and all of Grayton the very best!!!

Tootsie · 05-18-2009, 10:57 AM

thanks for the review Peaboy! and best of luck to the new restaurant owners and staff - you've chosen an outstanding location for people to gather and enjoy freshly prepared/wonderful food and a drink or two...

sarahmonster · 05-18-2009, 04:25 PM

I'm so glad shorty's is finally open!!!
i hear the food is great (and that's from two of the pickiest foodies i know! ;) )
i'm definitely trying the delicious lime soup!! i'm going tonight around dinner time so i will post a review later. parking has always been bad in grayton so just ride a bike... great idea green knight!

i am just one of the many people who are excited for a new place to be open in grayton :) cheers to shorty's!

carmen · 05-18-2009, 05:07 PM

Regarding drinking and (bike)riding -- a monumentally bad idea. But maybe the bike riders control their thirst at the Red Bar and environs better than I do.

ItzKatzTime · 05-18-2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carmen

Regarding drinking and (bike)riding -- a monumentally bad idea. But maybe the bike riders control their thirst at the Red Bar and environs better than I do.

Take a taxi!
Designated driver.

Walk if you can.

Please don't drink and drive!!!

As for the parking, the owner of the building Jay Odom, created I know at least 10 new parking spaces for Shorty's on his own property and I think two nice handicap parking spaces right next to the side with the stairs go up. How great though that you can now go through the front door!!!!

For about 15 years parking has always been an issue. If people will work together on Hotz Avenue and come up with some alternative parking solutions that benefits everyone, then I believe all would be well in Grayton's little world. Think how far out you have to park in Baytown...or get shuttled in.

Good luck to all!!! Hotz Avenue is such a unique place and there should be something for everyone. Just a suggestion. I can't wait to see the new restaurant and dine...but I'll wait a while.

jdarg · 05-19-2009, 03:29 PM

Will finally got around to getting his license yesterday, and I sent him on his first errand- down to Shorty's to grab a menu. I will tell y'all- it looks great! Perfect at the beach food, reasonable prices. The scanner is not hooked up right now, but here are a few highlights (in my book at least

)...

Ceviche- Fresh Gulf grouper or shrimp marinated in lime juice with onions, peppers, and cilantro. It's a cool delicious bite for a hot day. Served with crispy tortilla chips. $8.50

Lime Soup- Tangy veg and chicken soup made with lime juice and served over tortilla chips. Light and refreshing. cup 3.50 bowl 5.50

There are 3 big salads- garden, crab and grilled shrimp- house citrus vinaigrette or ranch, and mini muffins.

For entrees, it runs the gamut from fired or grilled shrimp, fried grilled or blackened grouper, shrimp n' Grits, crab n'grits, grilled veggie pasta with pistachio pesto, steaks, cheeseburgers, poboys, chicken sandwich- prices range from $7.50 to 23.50. The sides are great looking- lots of choices, and a kids menu with the highest priced item being $4.50.

If the food is as good as everyone is saying it is- winner!

Green Knight · 05-19-2009, 04:58 PM

Nice.....will definitely be trying this place this weekend..it sounds solid!!

HeyJude · 05-19-2009, 05:26 PM

Ate lunch there today - YUM!!! Had the Grouper Sammy with fries and it was delish - fish was cooked perfectly and I could've eaten the accompanying tartar sauce with a spoon! Great lemonade, too. Loved the decor of the joint - very beachy with lots of aquas and whites. And was impressed with the size of the downstairs bar. Definitely could see myself enjoying a margarita saddled up at the bar after (or before) a trip to the beach. Appeared flip flop and suit casual. Way to go, Shorty's!

tuck · 05-19-2009, 06:33 PM

The "Off the Leash" Cheeseburger is the bomb. I ate there today and was really impressed. The burger was grilled perfect and the side order of Dawg Fries were a hit. I also tried the Lime soup that was written about earlier in this post. It was fantastic as everyone said.

I learned the place is named after the owners long time dog that passed away. Hence all the menu references to treats, biscuits, pups, rewards, ext.. I will gladly eat there again. The prices are good especially for the servings.

The staff was courteous, fast and attentive. I can see this place being a family hit. The kids menu is cool.

ray · 05-19-2009, 08:09 PM

are shorty's burgers grilled like red bars?i've been to flip flops and other places and imho none compare with the red bar. i actually ate lunch at the red bar today and it was empty and i saw shortys looked crowded. i'll try shorty's

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuck

The "Off the Leash" Cheeseburger is the bomb. I ate
there today and was really impressed. The burger was grilled perfect and the side order of Dawg Fries were a hit. I also tried the Lime soup that was written about earlier in this post. It was fantastic as everyone said.

I learned the place is named after the owners long time dog that passed away. Hence all the menu references to treats, biscuits, pups, rewards, ext.. I will gladly eat there again. The prices are good especially for the servings.

The staff was courteous, fast and attentive. I can see this place being a family hit. The kids menu is cool.

ItzKatzTime · 05-19-2009, 09:21 PM

Congratulation's Shorty's Surfside
Henry & Staff!

jdarg · 05-20-2009, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuck

The "Off the Leash" Cheeseburger is the bomb. I ate there today and was really impressed. The burger was grilled perfect and the side order of Dawg Fries were a hit. I also tried the Lime soup that was written about earlier in this post. It was fantastic as everyone said.

I learned the place is named after the owners long time dog that passed away. Hence all the menu references to treats, biscuits, pups, rewards, ext.. I will gladly eat there again. The prices are good especially for the servings.

The staff was courteous, fast and attentive. I can see this place being a family hit. The kids menu is cool.

Went last night- Henry and the staff are really great! Food was wonderful-we had the soup, fried asparagus with shrimp & crab, fried shrimp, red beans and rice, ice cream with a homemade butter sauce- all yum. Hotz Ave. was hopping last night, but Shorty's has not been discovered by the roaming crowds (yet). I would get there this week before everyone catches on to this place!

Awesome place for kids too.

Miss Kitty · 05-20-2009, 07:33 AM

BR, Big D, Mr. K and I arrived at Shorty's about 10 minutes before the Dargs showed up...that was good karma! Loved our server and it was great to meet the entire crew! Shorty's is the ultimate beach bar/restaurant....super casual and the downstairs, walk off the beach bar is just what Grayton needed! We sat upstairs and enjoyed the view...still wanted to open the windows

. Food was delicious...asparagus with crab and shrimp was outstanding! Loved my margarita (that right there is saying mucho!) I agree with jdarg...get over there this week...Shorty's will be packed!

Welcome to Grayton, Shorty's!

Beach Runner · 05-20-2009, 11:21 AM

We had fun visiting with the Kittys and the Dargs at Shorty's! Love the "so fresh and so clean" blue and white decor. Love the view. The asparagus looked great, and next time I will try shrimp and grits. The lime soup is very unique. A nice, reasonably-priced, casual menu.

We'll be back.

sarahmonster · 05-20-2009, 01:01 PM

hey all! the red beans and rice with squash n' zuccini and dawg fries is where it's at! loved the spice level (spicey but not too spicey) and the sauce was soo good to dip the fries and veggies in... very fairly priced too! i think it was about 12$ for a heaping plate.. the soft blue hues of the walls also get me. love how breezy and casual it feels. :) the bartender was friendly and my drink was great too. my friend had the soft boiled crab n grits and loved the way the crab was prepared. grits weren't as hot as they should have been.. we'll be back though! ;)

freddyfoon · 05-20-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peaboy

We just finished eating a wonderful meal at the former D&K's in Grayton. The new restaurant Shorty's features a nice lunch and dinner menu. To start we had a hit with the Lime Soup. Just as the menu said, it was light and refreshing, great taste, great presentation.

Our second course featured the Surfside West Indies Salad and the Grilled Fresh Black Grouper. The salad was huge with Romaine hearts topped with a generous portion of fresh, Jumbo Lump Blue Crab meat with bell peppers, tomatoes and scallions. It was a meal by itself. The Grouper was simple, well cooked and very Fresh. It was prepared with a lemon butter sauce. The sauce was not over powering. You could taste the fresh fish. For sides, we picked the Asparagus w/ Balsamic Glaze and the Zucchini & Yellow Squash prepared with Dill. The vegetables like the rest of the meal were done well. Our compliments to the Chef.

To finish it off, being in the old D&K's, we had to have Kathy's Key Lime Pie. As always, it was incredible. It was a nice touch having the former owners creation still on the menu.

Shorty's will open to the public on Monday and we recommend giving it a shot. The staff has some of the area's best and most recognizable faces. The owner Henry Patterson has assembled a winning team.

Hey, Peaboy,
Thanks for the informative review. Heading down there this weekend and Shorty's is in the plan but I need to call them so I can arrange doing a writeup of the place and can find zero contact info. Tried the web, 411.

If you or anybody has a clue, sure would appreciate! Many thanks!

BeachARama · 05-22-2009, 03:47 PM

Just want to add my two cents to the praise for Shorty's: loved our lunch there mid-week, especially all the attention to detail--every morsel had been carefully prepared and all the vegetable matter was fresh/crisp/ripe--the tomato in my house salad was a lucious red! The lime soup is a definite Do Again and the burger my campanion ordered was so big I had no choice but to help her eat it--and it surpassed any I've ever had at the beach--sorry Flip Flops! Oh and the fries--outstandingly crisp and seasoned with a light touch. Decor is equally yummy. Welcome Shorty's!

shortys surfside · 05-22-2009, 05:51 PM

Hi Everyone! Thank you for all of your support and kind comments! We have enjoyed serving you and reading your comments here on Sowal. We opened quietly this past week so that we could try to work through some of the inevitable kinks before Memorial Day weekend.

A little background . . . our owner, Henry Patterson named the restaurant and bar in honor of his wonderful companion Shorty. Shorty was a Westie mix that a friend found in a storm drain. Henry adopted Shorty, who quickly became Henry's best friend and faithful companion. Shorty stole Henry’s heart with his Terrier spunk! Henry and Shorty did nearly everything together – where Henry was, Shorty was. Unfortunately Shorty was hit by a car several years ago and is no longer with us. Henry was broken hearted and since that time, has had a dream to open a restaurant and bar in honor of his faithful friend.

Shorty’s Surfside and Topside is a casual restaurant and beach bar with a theme dedicated to our faithful four-legged friends. Shorty’s Surfside, located downstairs, has a very relaxed “flip-flop” type atmosphere and Shorty’s Topside, upstairs, is a “bit” more elegant while maintaining the casual feel. Oh – and don’t forget the killer views of Grayton Beach from Shorty’s Topside! By the way, the menu is the same whether you are dining upstairs or downstairs.

I almost forgot – yes, we are aware that we need artwork on the walls.

We are working on it -- our walls will soon be filled with photos and paintings of our faithful four legged friends – which we feel is perfect for a place in Grayton Beach – as the saying goes, “Grayton Beach – Nice Dogs, Strange People!”

If you have any additional questions or comments, please either drop by or let us know by posting here or feel free to send us private message here on Sowal. You may also send us an email to shortysurfside@gmail.com. (We are still working with Mediacom to have our phone installed.

)

We will soon have some fun retail items for you and your pets. Right now, we still have a few T-Shirts left. (They have sold faster than we expected, which is good news because 10% of the proceeds of these items will be donated to Alaqua!)

Attached here are our Lunch and Dinner Menus. Please stop by to see us – whether for dinner, a snack or a cocktail! And don’t forget our Sunset Margarita Special -- Sunset Margarita for $5.00 from 5pm -7pm! Thanks again for your support – we love you Sowal!

P.S. We have our TV's for downstairs now -- Shawn is working to install them this evening -- So if not ready tonight -- we will definitely have TVs tomorrow! Three cheers for Shawn Somerset!

Dinner Menu - Take-out 052209.pdf

Lunch Menu - Take-out 052209.pdf

kurt · 05-22-2009, 07:44 PM

Romeosmydog · 05-22-2009, 07:47 PM

Sounds great, can't wait to try it.

Hope I can get the grits without sausage. ( hint: Southern vegetarians love grits and hate being offered salads as an entree) See you there this weekend for dinner.

Here4Good · 05-23-2009, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romeosmydog

Sounds great, can't wait to try it.

Hope I can get the grits without sausage. ( hint: Southern vegetarians love grits and hate being offered salads as an entree) See you there this weekend for dinner.

Check the menu - cheese grits as an appetizer, with sausage! Yuuum yum!

shortys surfside · 05-23-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romeosmydog

Sounds great, can't wait to try it.

Hope I can get the grits without sausage. ( hint: Southern vegetarians love grits and hate being offered salads as an entree) See you there this weekend for dinner.

Hi -- we are listening to our customers . . . you will be able to get the grits without sausage starting today!

ItzKatzTime · 05-23-2009, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortys surfside

Hi -- we are listening to our customers . . . you will be able to get the grits without sausage starting today!

You rock Henry!!!
Love your logo!!!

Kat

10% of Shorty's T-Shirt proceeds goes to Alaqua!

BeachbumAggie · 05-24-2009, 12:40 PM

We'll be seeing ya'll this week! The menu looks great and it sounds like it's really pretty inside.

T.Cline · 05-24-2009, 06:37 PM

YAY!!!,,the menu looks sooo good!..

ALSO...I am very honored that SHORTY'S SURFSIDE is allowing me to
show my original pet portraits, giclee prints and coming soon, ART DOG COMPANY TEES!! -- uber funky dog art tees...oh yea!....GET YOUR BARK ON!!

also a percentage of all sales are donated to Alaqua Animal Refuge!!

Plays With Food · 05-25-2009, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItzKatzTime

You rock Henry!!!
Love your logo!!!

Kat

10% of Shorty's T-Shirt proceeds goes to Alaqua!

Kat - your new avatar is making me hungry!

danhall · 05-26-2009, 01:12 PM

four of us ate there on Sunday... It was fabulous!!!
We all had entrees with great sides, we split an appetizer, and had six or seven draft beers for under $80.00 total. The atmosphere was light and airy, and the service was relaxed and excellent. The upper dining room had a great view of the gulf, and it looks like the perfect place to take a date. Downstairs seems like a chill spot to just stroll in for a drink without fighting the crowds. I'll be going back often...

one recommendation I would have (along with the no sausage thing addressed earlier) would be some sort of grilled veggie sandwich on the lunch menu. The veggies on the dinner menu were killer, slap 'em on a bun!!!

keep it up!!

CincyBeachGirl · 05-26-2009, 07:24 PM

We went tonight for dinner and loved it. Loved the beachy, laid back look. Good food. Liked the lime soup, nice and light. Husband loved his burger. Will be back again...... But..... still miss D&K's seafood dip!

shortys surfside · 05-26-2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danhall

four of us ate there on Sunday... It was fabulous!!!
We all had entrees with great sides, we split an appetizer, and had six or seven draft beers for under $80.00 total. The atmosphere was light and airy, and the service was relaxed and excellent. The upper dining room had a great view of the gulf, and it looks like the perfect place to take a date. Downstairs seems like a chill spot to just stroll in for a drink without fighting the crowds. I'll be going back often...

one recommendation I would have (along with the no sausage thing addressed earlier) would be some sort of grilled veggie sandwich on the lunch menu. The veggies on the dinner menu were killer, slap 'em on a bun!!!

keep it up!!

All things are possible Dan -- just ask Henry.

For now, we are happy to prepare a veggie sandwich when requested! We will add to our menu at the next printing.

danhall · 05-27-2009, 03:37 PM

sweet!!!

I'll be stopping in for a sunset margarita this evening.
you guys rock...

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortys surfside

All things are possible Dan -- just ask Henry.

For now, we are happy to prepare a veggie sandwich when requested! We will add to our menu at the next printing.

shortys surfside · 05-28-2009, 01:48 PM

For all Sowalers who love being connected, Shorty's provides free internet access -- simply ask your server or bartender for the password! Oh and don't forget the great view from the upstairs bar!

sbartoldus · 06-02-2009, 01:10 PM

Heard a tasty rumor that Shorty's will have a sushi bar downstairs. MMMMmmmm!

T.Cline · 06-02-2009, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbartoldus

Heard a tasty rumor that Shorty's will have a sushi bar downstairs. MMMMmmmm!

hey I heard the same rumor!! thats a terribly YUMMY kind of rumor!....they will have to put up with me all the time if they start making sushi!

peaboy · 06-02-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.Cline

hey I heard the same rumor!! thats a terribly YUMMY kind of rumor!....they will have to put up with me all the time if they start making sushi!

A sushi bar is in the works.....

shortys surfside · 06-03-2009, 12:26 PM

Please join us at Shorty's to watch the sunset! We have gorgeous views of Grayton Beach and the Gulf of Mexico. Our Sunset Special Premium Margarita is just $5.00 every day from 5 pm until sunset! (For newbies and visitors -- Shorty's Surfside and Topside is located on the corner of DeFuniak and Hotz Avenue in Grayton Beach.)

afoodieslife · 06-05-2009, 07:32 PM

I just came from Shorty's where I had one of the most wonderful burger's I've ever had! I highly recommend it. The staff is wonderful, atmosphere great and to top it all off they have free wi fi! Bring your laptop and saddle up to the bar!

Here4Good · 06-06-2009, 11:23 AM

We had the pleasure of dining at Shorty's last night - the shrimp and grits were fantastic, the ceviche was great.

The prices, also are quite reasonable. The view of the gulf from upstairs is absolutely wonderful.

shortys surfside · 06-07-2009, 12:44 PM

Hi Everyone!

We finally have our phone installed so I wanted to update our contact information:

Shorty's Surfside
63 Hotz Avenue
Corner of Defuniak & Hotz Avenue
Grayton Beach, FL 32459

Phone: 850-468-0417

Of course, we are mor than happy for you call us with your take-out orders!

Thanks again for your support. We have been having a great time serving you!

Henry

truluv · 06-07-2009, 05:33 PM

I remember Shorty! Henry used to feed him sausage on the front porch of Blue Orleans. Good luck Henry my man.....welcome to the beach!!!!

Allifunn · 06-08-2009, 07:40 AM

Tootsie, Franny and I ate at Shroty's for lunch last Wednesday. The place is painted funn. It is very beachy and casual. We sat by the window looking out at the gulf

It brought back memories of my first glimpse of the gulf 15 years ago while having an open air lunch with Kurt & Tootsie at the very same spot. I fell in love with SoWal right then and there.....sigh

well...lets move on to the lunch
I had lime soup (very simple and good) and an oyster po boy. Very simple food but quite well done. Tootsie had the grouper sandwich and enjoyed it. Being a french fry connoisseur, she did not have the coated fries. I, on the otherhand, do like starch coated fries, but I don't eat fries. Franny had the blackened chicken sandwich and said it was very good. I think Shorty's will do quite well in Grayton Beach.