Favorite restaurants

[taterbaby]

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!!!

[RiverOtter]

That's ok, I'm not a teacher but I way over plan everything :wink: . This thread could go on for days so here's my .02

The best and most expensive that I have eaten at are Cafe 30A and The Terrace. Cafe 30A has an ever changing menu and great atmosphere We have taken our kids there but they were armed with Gameboys and new games . You will need reservations. I have heard several times that A Fish Out of Water is the best but I haven't eaten there .

2 or 3 trips ago Graytonbound and I discovered The Smiling Fish Cafe at Gulf Place. 40% less than Cafe 30A and the same type of food and quality. Make sure you sit outdoors. The staff there is sooooo nice .

Angelinas is a great, casual, itallian restaurant. They serve everything from pizza to sea food. We always go there sometimes twice per trip. :oops:

[Smiling JOe]

Search thru the pages and you will find numerous posts on this topic.
However, some of the restaurants are now out of operation. By the way, your new affirmation needs to be, "relax, I am at the Beach."

[kurt]

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.

[RiverOtter]

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


There is a small cafe serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in Rosemary Beach. It's real good.

[Smiling JOe]

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


There is a small cafe serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in Rosemary Beach. It's real good.

That would be Summer Kitchen / Blue by Night.

[RiverOtter]

Thanks SJ and Kurt, I knew Blue By Night but Summer Kitchen never sticks. anyway... both very good. Blue By Night was a great surprise. Very good food and service but also expensive.

[Waterman]

Search thru the pages and you will find numerous posts on this topic.
However, some of the restaurants are now out of operation. By the way, your new affirmation needs to be, "relax, I am at the Beach."

I like the food at Snapperheads, not to mention the beers!

[SGB]

Don't forget Yianni's Seagrove Grille. Very reasonably priced and great food. Good kids' menu too!

[RiverOtter]

Don't forget Yianni's Seagrove Grille. Very reasonably priced and great food. Good kids' menu too!

This is good to hear. We have driven by that place 100 times and have yet to stop. What are their specialties?

[Camp Creek Kid]

The restuarant at Rosemary Beach, Summer Kitchen/Blue by Night, has two names for a reason. For breakfast and lunch Summer Kitchen has casual food like muffins, wraps, sandwhiches, and salads. People who frequent the restaurant are usually in flip flops and swim suits. For dinner it becomes an upscale bistro with great food and a more dressed up atmosphere. Having two names makes a distinction between the two very different types of food served.

Those who come to or live on the East end of 30A, use both names. It isn't a big deal for the restaurant to have two names.

[RiverOtter]

The restuarant at Rosemary Beach, Summer Kitchen/Blue by Night, has two names for a reason. For breakfast and lunch Summer Kitchen has casual food like muffins, wraps, sandwhiches, and salads. People who frequent the restaurant are usually in flip flops and swim suits. For dinner it becomes an upscale bistro with great food and a more dressed up atmosphere. Having two names makes a distinction between the two very different types of food served.

Those who come to or live on the East end of 30A, use both names. It isn't a big deal for the restaurant to have two names.

:laughing1 Imagine our surprise when we walked up to Blue By Night in our right off of Grayton Beach attire :oops: . They were so great though. Seated us outside at a candle lit table and served us a wonderful meal.

[susiesurf2004]

One of the most elegant, and most delicious seafood dinners I have ever had was at the restaurant in the Embassy Suites in the evening on Scenic 98.....Really, really excellent!

SUSIESURF2004

[Smiling JOe]

This is good to hear. We have driven by that place 100 times and have yet to stop. What are their specialties?

Yianni's is good and reasonably priced. Great real burgers and fries, calamari, and pizza.

FYI -Snapperheads, has the best apple smoked bacon on their burgers, but keep in mind it is a local dive -- don't dress up. They have good oyster po-boys. Snapperheads is also for sale, so get here fast.

[RiverOtter]

Seagrove Wheel House??... Anybody.... Anybody... Passed it 100 times and never stopped. Is it any good?

[SGB]

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.

[kurt]

The Wheel House is basic and cheap. Big breakfast and lunch crowd - lots of pickups. They have a lunch buffet that's usually fried chicken, fish, a few veggies, salad, soup, desert. The menu is burgers, fried seafood, etc.

[Smiling JOe]

The restuarant at Rosemary Beach, Summer Kitchen/Blue by Night, has two names for a reason. For breakfast and lunch Summer Kitchen has casual food like muffins, wraps, sandwhiches, and salads. People who frequent the restaurant are usually in flip flops and swim suits. For dinner it becomes an upscale bistro with great food and a more dressed up atmosphere. Having two names makes a distinction between the two very different types of food served.

Those who come to or live on the East end of 30A, use both names. It isn't a big deal for the restaurant to have two names.

Yes, but as you can read on this board, people typically remember only one name, and for advertising, it pays to hit people with one name. Fortunately for Blue by Night (I forget the other name), the have a captured audience in Rosemary. By the way, I have eaten lunch there, while pricey, the food was great. I never knew they had anything different for dinner, even with the different name.

[Smiling JOe]

Seagrove Wheel House??... Anybody.... Anybody... Passed it 100 times and never stopped. Is it any good?

I bet I have passed it more times than you, and I, too, have never stopped. People tell me that they go there to eat, but the food is very average (filler food). I guess these people are hungry, and the Wheel House is open and serving. Until I hear differently, the Wheel House will not be on my list, unless they are the only place serving after a hurricane. If that happens, they may become my favorite restaurant.

[UofL]

Great list. I've copied and pasted to Word to take with us in June. Some of the places we've tried. Like to try new places each time plus at least have a drink and appetizers at the same places we enjoy.

Did you mention Elmo's? Kids will love it. Very nice people. Have even run into people I know. It's not on the beach, but they have some nice specials. All you can eat crab legs one night. (Don't tell me they are for sale, too.)

[wbb]

Had to be ten years ago or so. We came accross a small little twon that had a bunch of shops and was really close to the water and I can't remember where it was. If i said we were looking for a town or area to walk to dinner, maybe has some night life, shops and wabsn't too large, any idea of a place like that. Can be upscale or just plain , just want a great family vacation.

[RiverOtter]

Had to be ten years ago or so. We came accross a small little twon that had a bunch of shops and was really close to the water and I can't remember where it was. If i said we were looking for a town or area to walk to dinner, maybe has some night life, shops and wabsn't too large, any idea of a place like that. Can be upscale or just plain , just want a great family vacation.

Grayton Beach. It's only 1 maybe 2 miles west of Seaside and Water Color. Check Kurts listings for houses though.

[seagrovelover]

HEY taterbaby, our family really likes Pandoras in Grayton Beach for steaks. The fun part about the resturant is the outdoor tiki bar , a local man Gene Mitchells plays music. He is a Jimmy Buffet type guy and super nice, we have gone to see him every year. The twiced baked potato there cant be beat and our kids love going have fun in the sun!!!!

[RiverOtter]

HEY taterbaby, our family really likes Pandoras in Grayton Beach for steaks. The fun part about the resturant is the outdoor tiki bar , a local man Gene Mitchells plays music. He is a Jimmy Buffet type guy and super nice, we have gone to see him every year. The twiced baked potato there cant be beat and our kids love going have fun in the sun!!!!

This is another one I've seen and never stopped at. Next time it's a must

[Camp Creek Kid]

The Wheel House is basic and cheap. Big breakfast and lunch crowd - lots of pickups. They have a lunch buffet that's usually fried chicken, fish, a few veggies, salad, soup, desert. The menu is burgers, fried seafood, etc.

Kurt,

I don't know if you have been the the Wheel House lately, but I would NOT recommend it. We've been there several times through the years. The last time was a few weeks ago for lunch. The food was beyond disgusting. The lunch buffet is popular with construction workers in the area because it is quick and convenient. However, the food is quantity, not quality. You are better off eating a peanut butter sandwhich.

[FoX]

Kurt,

I don't know if you have been the the Wheel House lately, but I would NOT recommend it. We've been there several times through the years. The last time was a few weeks ago for lunch. The food was beyond disgusting. The lunch buffet is popular with construction workers in the area because it is quick and convenient. However, the food is quantity, not quality. You are better off eating a peanut butter sandwhich.

I like their fried chicken when it's hot. It's all pretty mediocre and they do a ton of lunch business. It could be sooooo much better. SoWal is lacking some of the really good family style restaurants they have in say, Birmingaham. Catfish Cabin, Hamburger Heaven, Lloyd's, etc. A good buffet on 98 would be packed packed packed.

[kurt]

I like their fried chicken when it's hot. It's all pretty mediocre and they do a ton of lunch business. It could be sooooo much better. SoWal is lacking some of the really good family style restaurants they have in say, Birmingaham. Catfish Cabin, Hamburger Heaven, Lloyd's, etc. A good buffet on 98 would be packed packed packed.

If I lived in Birmingham I would have an extra 50. :oops:

[RiverOtter]

Just saw Kurt's pics of the 331. Is it any good? I always thought of it as a tourist trap kind of a restaurant and never stopped there. Doesn't the Red Bar guy own it?

[kurt]

Just saw Kurt's pics of the 331. Is it any good? I always thought of it as a tourist trap kind of a restaurant and never stopped there. Doesn't the Red Bar guy own it?

Yes it is very similar to the Red Bar food with a few extra items and a Sushi bar. Great Bay views from inside and the outdoor decks.

[RiverOtter]

a Sushi bar.

I'm there!

[Waterman]

[QUOTE=kurt]Yes it is very similar to the Red Bar food with a few extra items and a Sushi bar. Great Bay views from inside and the outdoor decks.[/QUOTE

Yeah, check out watermans pics for a deck view :laughing1 ]

[SGB]

We ate at Cafe Tango last night - the food was awesome and the service outstanding. Try the pistachio encrusted grouper and save room for dessert. The entrees with salad are about $20-28. Not really a place for kids.

[RiverOtter]

So what we have so far is: (in no particular order)

Cafe 30A $$$$
The Terrace $$$$
Fish Out Of Water $$$$
Smiling Fish Cafe $$$
Summer Kitchen / Blue By Night ( 2 names ) $$ and $$$$
Criollas $$$$
Royal Orchid
Angelina's $$
Cafe Tango
Bloom's Cafe
Piccolo's Restaurant (Red Bar) $$$
Basmati's
3 - Thirty - 1
Luna Del Mar $$$
Yianni's
Snapperheads
Pandora's

[Paula]

Responding to WBB's request for information on a vacation rental in this area, for virtual tours of places to stay on 30A and nearby, see http://www.emeraldcoasttours.com. It's a great way to see different properties and contact owners directly.

Hope this helps.

[taterbaby]

Thanks everyone-what a great thread this turned out to be!!!!! Let's keep it going-as people visit as the weather gets warmer-let us know what wonderful food you have enjoyed and great places you have visited!!!! I can't wait-July can't get here fast enough!!!

[Waterman]

Thanks everyone-what a great thread this turned out to be!!!!! Let's keep it going-as people visit as the weather gets warmer-let us know what wonderful food you have enjoyed and great places you have visited!!!! I can't wait-July can't get here fast enough!!!

Great job with the post.

[RiverOtter]

Thanks everyone-what a great thread this turned out to be!!!!! Let's keep it going-as people visit as the weather gets warmer-let us know what wonderful food you have enjoyed and great places you have visited!!!! I can't wait-July can't get here fast enough!!!

This was a great idea for a thread Taterbaby. We love trying new restaurants but usually end up at the same places we have had success. Also a great idea by Kurt to make this thread a "sticky" so it will stay around for a while.

[kurt]

I'm working on a dining page. I'm thinking of including reviews and reader reviews. Similar to:
http://bhamdining.com/Listings/location_mtnbrook.html

Anybody that would like to add a review can post it here or e-mail it to me. It can be short and simple if you like, or more detailed. I may have to edit a bit to fit. Include your name and hometown, and month and year you visited the restaurant. Thanks!

[RiverOtter]

I'm working on a dining page. I'm thinking of including reviews and reader reviews. Similar to:
http://bhamdining.com/Listings/location_mtnbrook.html

That would be great. Have rankings for:

Price $$$$
Kids Friendly
Quality
Reservations
Atmosphere
Staff

Edit: Good link BTW

[taterbaby]

I'm working on a dining page. I'm thinking of including reviews and reader reviews. Similar to:
http://bhamdining.com/Listings/location_mtnbrook.html

Anybody that would like to add a review can post it here or e-mail it to me. It can be short and simple if you like, or more detailed. I may have to edit a bit to fit. Include your name and hometown, and month and year you visited the restaurant. Thanks!

I love that idea!!!!!!!!! Man, by July I will have EVERYTHING planned and derive my husband CRAZYYYYYYY!!!! He hates my planning!!!!! hehehehehhe

[RiverOtter]

I love that idea!!!!!!!!! Man, by July I will have EVERYTHING planned and derive my husband CRAZYYYYYYY!!!! He hates my planning!!!!! hehehehehhe

I can relate

[Philip_Atlanta]

For something a little different, I really like Luna del Mar - the Mexican place in Seagrove on Eastern Lake.

PS - where is some good Sushi???

[RiverOtter]

For something a little different, I really like Luna del Mar - the Mexican place in Seagrove on Eastern Lake.

PS - where is some good Sushi???

Fish Out Of Water - But take your American Express Kurt said that The 331 also has a Sushi Bar! That's a must stop for me on the next trip down. We have a couple of condos right beside you at High Pointe. Love the area!

[Sheila]

Yep, what River Otter said. I like the laid back atmosphere at 331. If you are there at the right tome you can also get

A. Great seat for beautiful sunset on the bay

or

B. If you go a little, enjoy some great music.

Both places are good though. You can't go wrong.

[RiverOtter]

How about the (not sure this is the name) Seagrove Market and Deli?? It's a store and restaurant combined. Anybody....

[kurt]

For something a little different, I really like Luna del Mar - the Mexican place in Seagrove on Eastern Lake.

PS - where is some good Sushi???

Sushi:
Publix
Blue Buddha
331
Basmati's
Fish Out of Water
Cafe 30-A
Thai Cafe

[RiverOtter]

Sushi:
Publix
Blue Buddha
331
Basmati's
Fish Out of Water
Cafe 30-A
Thai Cafe

Cafe 30A Where? At the bar?

[Kim Smith]

Hey WBB. My husband and I have a beachhouse in Seagrove, 2 miles from Seaside in a quiet family neighborhood on the south side of 30-A. I have 3 children myself and the house is equipped for small children. We are about 50 yards from the beach and about 10 steps from the pool. If interested you can look on Kurt's website www.emeraldcoasttours.com/33southryanstreet or leave me a PM number to contact you.

[cnestg8r]

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.

[RiverOtter]

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.

Market Cafe - What's good there? Driven by several times but never stopped.

Luna Del Mar, Cafe Tango and 30A made the list. :wink:

Bud and Alley's has completely disappointed us too many times.

Shades was good.

Tell me about Fishbones and Barago? Never been to those either.