What are your Top Sowal Restaurants?

**scooterbug44** · 05-25-2011, 04:34 PM

I was asked for recommendations, so I tried to make a list of ones that I truly love/crave. Wondered what other Sowaller's top 10 places are.

In no particular order, mine are:
1) Fire
2) Caliza
3) Smiling Fish
4) Basmati's
5) Gravel Road
6) Vintij
7) Stinky's Fish Camp
8) Pickle Factory
9) Royal Orchid
10) Bloom's

What are yours?

**ReginaR** · 05-25-2011, 06:54 PM

To avoid picking my absolute favorite (next to impossible) I chose to go from west to east. These are the places I crave most:
1. Fat Clemenza's
2. Stinky's Fish Camp
3. Christiano's
4. Smiling Fish
5. Fire
6. Basmati
7. Fish Out of Water
8. Old Southern Cafe
9. Bud n Alleys
10. Cafe 30a
We haven't tried V or Vue on 30a yet so we will see if my list changes in a couple weeks.

**kurt** · 05-26-2011, 05:43 AM

Those are some great lists.

**Douglas the Intrepid** · 05-26-2011, 06:43 AM

I think top ten might be too many! lol

1. Stinkys
2. Fire
3. Caliza
4. Gravel Road
5. Bud N Alleys

I have a couple of least favorite as well, but decided not to share them on this particular thread. We are truly blessed to have so many amazing places to eat in such a tiny area! :)

**Beach Runner** · 05-26-2011, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

I was asked for recommendations, so I tried to make a list of ones that I truly love/crave. Wondered what other Sowaller's top 10 places are.

In no particular order, mine are:
1) Fire
2) Caliza
3) Smiling Fish
4) Basmati's
5) Gravel Road
6) Vintij
7) Stinky's Fish Camp
8) Pickle Factory
9) Royal Orchid
10) Bloom's

What are yours?

Thanks for starting this thread. We haven't been to most of the restaurants on the list, and two of them only once. We always go to Stinky's each time we're in town.

Our top 10? Let us think about it.

**Plays With Food** · 05-26-2011, 08:36 AM

I noticed that none of you mentioned Cafe Tango. Has anyone been there since it changed hands? It used to be our favorite, and we did not get to it this year.

**bwaller** · 05-26-2011, 08:56 AM

1. Basmati's
2. ..firecracker..
3. ..grouper!

**ray** · 05-26-2011, 09:47 AM

suprised nobody mentioned the most popular restaurant on 30-a red bar. i've eaten at every estabishmenet on 30-a and red bars shrimp po boy is much bigger and as tasty as any on 30-a. also there burger is the best i've had.as far as pizza i think enzo's has the best

**scooterbug44** · 05-26-2011, 10:00 AM

I haven't tried Fat Clemenza's, Cafe Tango, or Christiano's (just heard about them recently). Did take a great cooking class from chef at Fat Clemenza's, so it has been on the "want to try" list for a while.

Red Bar is a great place, but feel like it is overrun with hordes of tourists most of the time, so I don't go there as often.

**cooper** · 05-26-2011, 09:34 PM

Best shrimp po boy on 30a sounds like a great poll. My vote there is bud and allys but very willing to sample any other suggestions!

Tango remains terrific. Great and friendly owners and staff.
Gravel road, Onano, and cafe 30a fabulous.

Nicks should not be overlooked and I'm so glad they are back.

Modica also wonderful. Have them cut some steaks for you to grill at home and you now have a top 10 place of your own.

Passing through Montgomery now on way down for weekend and getting very hungry!

**Andy A** · 05-27-2011, 09:26 AM

Let's do this list a bit diferently. These are places that are easy on my wallet and have a specialty I like. They are also places I can go into wearing my usual attire of a baseball cap, tee shirt and shorts and feel perfectly at home and not necessarily part of the elite crowd. Anyway, here they are.

1. Shoomama's-great oysters and fish tacos
2. 98 Bar-B-Que-the name says it all. Best "feast for four" anywhere.
3. El Mercandito-great Cuban sandwich and tamales.
4. The Caf-best fried chicken around.
5. Bayou Bill's-try the paradise shrimp, my favorite.
6. Marie's-any dish is a treat!
7. Sally's Backside-the meatloaf is superb and morning breakfast biscuits a legend.
8. Nicks-fried seafood is always great.
9. House of Klaus-you can't beat his pastrami sandwich and it isn't on the menu.
10.Louis Louis-the pork tenderloin is to die for!

There are more that a local likes that are old standby's, I'm sure such as Angelina's which is wonderful for their antipasto salad and stromboli but these all are my favorites. Reasonable, good food and casual. I have found one thing for sure. It is almost unheard of to get a bad meal in SoWal.

**familyof3** · 05-27-2011, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by Andy A

Let's do this list a bit diferently. These are places that are easy on my wallet and have a specialty I like. They are also places I can go into wearing my usual attire of a baseball cap, tee shirt and shorts and feel perfectly at home and not necessarily part of the elite crowd. Anyway, here they are.

1. Shoomama's-great oysters and fish tacos
2. 98 Bar-B-Que-the name says it all. Best "feast for four" anywhere.
3. El Mercandito-great Cuban sandwich and tamales.
4. The Caf-best fried chicken around.
5. Bayou Bill's-try the paradise shrimp, my favorite.
6. Marie's-any dish is a treat!
7. Sally's Backside-the meatloaf is superb and morning breakfast biscuits a legend.
8. Nicks-fried seafood is always great.
9. House of Klaus-you can't beat his pastrami sandwich and it isn't on the menu.
10.Louis Louis-the pork tenderloin is to die for!

There are more that a local likes that are old standby's, I'm sure such as Angelina's which is wonderful for their antipasto salad and stromboli but these all are my favorites. Reasonable, good food and casual. I have found one thing for sure. It is almost unheard of to get a bad meal in SoWal.

I like your usual attire recommendatins. I like bayou Bills so I will try the paradise shrimp. Shoo Mamas is on the list to try as is Nick's and Louis Louis. As usual too many places not enough meals.

**STL Don** · 05-27-2011, 02:57 PM

Our list has to include Cafe Tango--the best--and Restaurant Paradis

**scooterbug44** · 05-27-2011, 03:02 PM

All on my list were "usual attire". I'm going out for good food and service, not a snobby fashion show. Not saying you should walk right off the beach in a wet suit or be dressed like a total slob, but none of them have a problem with my typical jeans/flipflop attire.

**seacrestgirl** · 05-27-2011, 04:18 PM

YUM! These are in no particular order....depends on my mood and my appetite!

*Onano
*Fish Out of Water
*Stinky's
*Seagrill
*PizzaBar
*Spicy Noodle
*Seagrove Market Cafe
*Barefoot BBQ
....now off to dinner as I am suddenly STARVING!!

**seacrestgirl** · 05-27-2011, 04:19 PM

Shoot! Forgot Gravel Road!!!! CAN"T forget Gravel Road!!!!

**wilcogal1974** · 05-27-2011, 08:34 PM

I don't agree much with Andy A much on SoWal, but you Sir are spot on with your list! :)

**vinniej3** · 05-27-2011, 09:07 PM

We went to Marie's tonight for the first time, and let me say I'm a huge fan! Incredible food and we were treated as if we were family. I will be going back often...

**Lake View Too** · 05-28-2011, 05:45 AM

Where is Marie's? I haven't heard of it.

**Ohio Girl** · 05-28-2011, 05:46 AM

I would add Hurricane Oyster Bar to Andy's list.

**kurt** · 05-28-2011, 06:14 AM

Originally Posted by Lake View Too

Where is Marie's? I haven't heard of it.

They are relatively new, moving over from Destin, and they are the newest SoWal partner!

There's a map on their SoWal Partner Page to their place in Blue Mountain Beach (in the old Blue Orleans location).
http://www.SoWal.com/restaurant/maries-bistro

**rosemarydreamer** · 05-28-2011, 07:11 AM

As a visitor, I have had the impression that I would need to dress more than usual attire at Caliza. What would be appropriate for dinner there?

**Plays With Food** · 05-28-2011, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by kurt

They are relatively new, moving over from Destin, and they are the newest SoWal partner!

There's a map on their SoWal Partner Page to their place in Blue Mountain Beach (in the old Blue Orleans location).
http://www.SoWal.com/restaurant/maries-bistro

Marie's was our best find visiting Destin and environs this winter. Beautiful, fresh food prepared with love. This little place deserves everyone's support; you will not be disappointed!

**bluemtnrunner** · 05-28-2011, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by rosemarydreamer

As a visitor, I have had the impression that I would need to dress more than usual attire at Caliza. What would be appropriate for dinner there?

Caliza dress is casual. Be comfortable. Just like pretty much any place on 30A attire of the diners at Caliza runs the gamut Some folks will be decked out, some will be in vacation dressy slacks, dresses, deck shoes, high heels others in a summer dresses, shorts and flip flops. Remember, you are on island time here. Relax and enjoy.

**Paige** · 05-31-2011, 11:36 AM

Why is no one mentioning Borago? Its been my favorite but I haven't been to Seagrove in 2 years. I hope the quality hasn't falling.

**Teresa** · 05-31-2011, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by Paige

Why is no one mentioning Borago? Its been my favorite but I haven't been to Seagrove in 2 years. I hope the quality hasn't falling.

LOVE Borago! definitely a tradition with great food and such wonderful atmosphere!!!

here are my faves:

La Cocina
Aegean
Red Bar
Louis Louis
Onano
Fat Clemenza's
Smiling Fish
Borago
Summer Kitchen
Nick's (fried shrimp! fresh blue crab! fresh fish!)
98 BBQ
flip flops
shoomamas
A few good apples
Hibiscus
Seagrove Village Market Cafe
Don Pedros
Modica Market
Wild Olives
Gravel Road
Shorty's
Stinky's
Enzo's
basmati's
House of Klaus
Pandora's
Osaka Sushi Rocks
Bistro Bijou
Thai Elephant

Can't wait to go to Christianos, Georges, Caliza!

All of the above are my faves and they all belong in my top ten regardless of the total number (sorry). plus, there are a few more I am forgetting about at the moment...

beyond SoWal:
Oishi Thai (Panama City Beach)
Pepito's Mexican (Destin)
Nick's on the Bay (Freeport)

someday maybe I can really focus and try to do a top ten. I have a feeling it would be impossible though.

**Beach Runner** · 05-31-2011, 08:20 PM

Pizza Bar – everything on the menu
Borago – everything on the menu
Stinky’s – breakfast: crayfish étouffée with grits, bacon; lunch: Great Big Salad with shrimp, andouille po’ boy
Hibiscus – spinach-feta frittata, pancakes, served with love by Cheri
Shoo Mama’s – Diablo burger with fried jalapeños
Café Thirty-A – Maine Lobster in Paradise, wood oven roasted fish
Taco Bar – carnitas tacos, cheese dip, Texas margaritas
George’s – Salade Niçoise
La Cocina – Shrimp Diablo
Bruno’s – Mexican pizza

**L&PC@PW** · 06-02-2011, 11:39 AM

Adding to list of great places in sowal:

Great Southern Cafe -yummy baked oysters, the burger is awesome, fried shrimp, key lime pie!!!!

Caliza - Chef Ed Reese is the man, beautiful tasty food, great staff, incredible ambience

Fish out of water - raw bar, fresh fish, great bartenders

I am constantly reminded of how precious South Walton is to all of us blessed to step foot on it's soil and see it's starry nights. PLease remember to take care of our resources - the land, water, animals, people, local businesses & our beautiful stars (turn your lights off, enjoy the show in the sky)

**Beach Runner** · 06-02-2011, 11:49 AM

Caliza is definitely on my list to try soon.

**Will B** · 06-02-2011, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by Teresa

LOVE Borago! definitely a tradition with great food and such wonderful atmosphere!!!

here are my faves:

La Cocina
Aegean
Red Bar
Louis Louis
Onano
Fat Clemenza's
Smiling Fish
Borago
Summer Kitchen
Nick's (fried shrimp! fresh blue crab! fresh fish!)
98 BBQ
flip flops
shoomamas
A few good apples
Hibiscus
Seagrove Village Market Cafe
Don Pedros
Modica Market
Wild Olives
Gravel Road
Shorty's
Stinky's
Enzo's
basmati's
House of Klaus
Pandora's
Osaka Sushi Rocks
Bistro Bijou
Thai Elephant

Can't wait to go to Christianos, Georges, Caliza!

All of the above are my faves and they all belong in my top ten regardless of the total number (sorry). plus, there are a few more I am forgetting about at the moment...

beyond SoWal:
Oishi Thai (Panama City Beach)
Pepito's Mexican (Destin)
Nick's on the Bay (Freeport)

someday maybe I can really focus and try to do a top ten. I have a feeling it would be impossible though.

HA HA HA HA!!!!

What did you do? Google "restaurants in Sowal" and list every place?

Sorry...couldn't resist!

**Will B** · 06-02-2011, 12:04 PM

Post deleted...

Did some funky multiple copy and paste of the same thing above...

**Teresa** · 06-02-2011, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by Will B

HA HA HA HA!!!!

What did you do? Google "restaurants in Sowal" and list every place?

Sorry...couldn't resist!

No, I listed all my favorites (about 15) then looked at SoWal.com dining guide and realized there are some we visit frequently - we love them all for various reasons - could NOT leave them off. There are some that I visit for ONE thing, and some that we visit because they are so family oriented, etc. Flip Flops is my favorite local fast food! and its better than any fast food chains, for sure.

I am going to think about it and try to narrow it down to 12.

Now is a good time to go into the dining guide and do your ratings.

**30A Skunkape** · 06-06-2011, 12:15 PM

We got to try Fire in their new spot yesterday. The space is awesome, and the food continues to be cutting edge. We went for brunch, and I enjoyed one of their 'experimental' bloody marys (they infuse the vodka with pickled goodies) and had the chef's special sandwich, which was a grouper taco. Excellence.

Last night we went to Fish Out of Water, and I'm here to tell you, this place has just upped the ante on fine dining here. I had one of the best salads of my life there, a locavore/organic offering. Usually my eyes glaze over when they start talking about that kind of stuff, but this really sounded intriguing-it had wonderful heirloom carrots (purple!), all sorts of greens, wonderful asparagus, crisped squash and a tart basil infused dressing with a portion of local goat cheese. My main entree was a pappardelle pasta dish with a cream sauce that featured some simmered basil and primo tuna. Punzy had raw oysters (always good there) and an amazing grouper on polenta dish. The fish was flash fried with a perfect crunch and topped with a lump crabmeat sauce. Words can't do it justice.

The executive chef is new, I believe he was sous chef there previously. He is certainly ambitious. Everyone in the mood for high quality food and service should try it. We were actually going to go to Stinkys before we went to FOOW, but the wait for two was an hour and a half! I love Stinkys, but I just can't do it for dinner in tourist season-and I can't believe the food, service or prices are any better than what we enjoyed last night.

**Iris** · 06-06-2011, 04:05 PM

Thirty-A Café
Fish Out of Water
George’s
Smiling Fish Café
Tarpon Bar
Pizza – Bruno’s / Pickle Factory / Pizza Bar – It depends on what type of pizza I am craving, the atmosphere I am in the mood for, and whether I want a cocktail or not…
Shorty’s
V – but have only been there once, so I reserve the right to delete it off my top 10
Outside of SOWAL:
Gene’s Oyster Bar(best secret in the Panhandle)
Oisha Thai(best fresh to order Thai in the area)
Dee’s Hangout(best Roast Beef PoBoy outside of NOLA)

**Arkiehawg** · 06-10-2011, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by Andy A

Let's do this list a bit diferently. These are places that are easy on my wallet and have a specialty I like. They are also places I can go into wearing my usual attire of a baseball cap, tee shirt and shorts and feel perfectly at home and not necessarily part of the elite crowd. Anyway, here they are.

1. Shoomama's-great oysters and fish tacos
2. 98 Bar-B-Que-the name says it all. Best "feast for four" anywhere.
3. El Mercandito-great Cuban sandwich and tamales.
4. The Caf-best fried chicken around.
5. Bayou Bill's-try the paradise shrimp, my favorite.
6. Marie's-any dish is a treat!
7. Sally's Backside-the meatloaf is superb and morning breakfast biscuits a legend.
8. Nicks-fried seafood is always great.
9. House of Klaus-you can't beat his pastrami sandwich and it isn't on the menu.
10.Louis Louis-the pork tenderloin is to die for!

There are more that a local likes that are old standby's, I'm sure such as Angelina's which is wonderful for their antipasto salad and stromboli but these all are my favorites. Reasonable, good food and casual. I have found one thing for sure. It is almost unheard of to get a bad meal in SoWal.

AA, our polytics may differ, but our belly's like the same grub! IMO, I would add Fat Clemenza's....

**Teresa** · 06-10-2011, 08:31 PM

Had lunch at 98BBQ today: best french fries ever. great BBQ too - hard to come by around here!

**Andy A** · 06-11-2011, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by Arkiehawg

AA, our polytics may differ, but our belly's like the same grub! IMO, I would add Fat Clemenza's....

I haven't tried Fat Clemenza's but it is on my "to do" list. There are so many really good restaurants,as I've mentioned previously, it is almost impossible to get a bad meal. For that, I am eternally grateful and Arkiehawg, I'm pleased that are belly's are on the same page.

**Paula** · 06-12-2011, 06:36 AM

Georges at Alys Beach
Beignets at Flip Flops (wish they'd have them all year round not just during peak seasons!)
Brunch at Fire
Stinky's fish camp
Liars club for breakfast, especially if I get a table in the little back room on the lake
fresh fish caught off Seacrest Beach and eating them at home 15 minutes after they were caught (taste so delicate - like butter)
So many great places to eat, but these are our favorites (and I'm glad to hear Caliza is on the list, so we'll get there more often now, too)

**Beach Runner** · 06-18-2011, 03:23 PM

New top 9 list from going to FOOW last night after reading Skunky's rec:

Fish Out Of Water – see Skunky's list; also the beef tenderloin is fabulous
Pizza Bar – everything on the menu
Borago – everything on the menu
Stinky’s – breakfast: crayfish étouffée with grits, bacon; lunch: Great Big Salad with shrimp, andouille po’ boy
Hibiscus – spinach-feta frittata, pancakes, served with love by Cheri
Shoo Mama’s – Diablo burger with fried jalapeños
Café Thirty-A – Maine Lobster in Paradise, wood oven roasted fish
Taco Bar – carnitas tacos, cheese dip, Texas margaritas
George’s – Salade Niçoise

**Bell V.** · 06-18-2011, 05:25 PM

We love Gene's Oyster Bar -- it's such a quirky humble little place. I wish they sold beer. Otherwise, it's a MUST when the weather gets cold.

**Iris** · 06-21-2011, 07:57 PM

Week before last we had some raw oysters and they were soooo salty they were divine. This week had some fried ones, regular baked ones and someone next to me gave me half a dozen baked loaded(cheese, bacon and jalepenos) and all were tops. My friend always has the boiled shrimp which are also outstanding. It is worth it and they have a tiny little b&w tv(possibly not by design) But you are always welcome to either turn it off, on or mute it.

**Jdarg** · 06-21-2011, 09:35 PM

The order would change depending on my hunger, mood, dining company, and checking account

Borago
Little Italy
Pizza Bar
Shoo Mama's
George's
Nick's on Beach or Bay
Amavida's new Latin menu n Seaside (OMG best tamales ever)
Smiling Fish
Liars Club
Hibiscus
Great Southern porch

oops- 11!

Of course there are a few friend's kitchens that are the most amazing!

I am lucky to know some people who really love to cook.