Great food, no frills?

We are newcomers to the South Walton area and would love to find “hole in the wall” spots with good food and reasonable prices. So far, we are finding average food at above average prices. We like places that aren’t overrun with tourists. Especially would like to find local (fresh) fish options! Any suggestions? Or do these places no longer exist? We are good at keeping secrets thank you!

Welcome to SOWAL!

We just got a Burger King

Many of us have manicured a list of local secrets and hidden gems. Unfortunately most of us aren't going to post those tidbits here on a massively public tourist centric website.

Many of us have manicured a list of local secrets and hidden gems. Unfortunately most of us aren't going to post those tidbits here on a massively public tourist centric website.

And that list has dwindled more and more.

We do have excellent restaurants with very good food but you have to learn not to look at prices. It's the cost of living in "paradise".

Heck, even the seafood market fish prices are hurtful but a better choice if you're on a budget. Better yet - learn to fish!

Many of us have manicured a list of local secrets and hidden gems. Unfortunately most of us aren't going to post those tidbits here on a massively public tourist centric website.

I get that. I didn’t realize this site was so touristy…we will just learn, I guess.

And that list has dwindled more and more.

We do have excellent restaurants with very good food but you have to learn not to look at prices. It's the cost of living in "paradise".

Heck, even the seafood market fish prices are hurtful but a better choice if you're on a budget. Better yet - learn to fish!

We used to live in Venice and that was equally as lovely, but there were places to go that didn’t break the bank, mostly away from the water, which was fine by us. We will figure it out. Thanks!

I get that. I didn’t realize this site was so touristy…we will just learn, I guess.

We used to live in Venice and that was equally as lovely, but there were places to go that didn’t break the bank, mostly away from the water, which was fine by us. We will figure it out. Thanks!

The rent and real estate prices drive up the price of food at restaurants and everything else.

This site is like Facebook, Twitter and the street. For every local there are 20 tourists or 2nd homeowners.

I get that. I didn’t realize this site was so touristy…we will just learn, I guess.

We used to live in Venice and that was equally as lovely, but there were places to go that didn’t break the bank, mostly away from the water, which was fine by us. We will figure it out. Thanks!

It’s not. Just some jump at their own shadow ‍‍

Many of us have manicured a list of local secrets and hidden gems. Unfortunately most of us aren't going to post those tidbits here on a massively public tourist centric website.

I’m a local for 4 years. Can you email me some suggestions please?

I’m a local for 4 years. Can you email me some suggestions please?

Winn Dixie has a pretty nice buffet. lol

Winn Dixie has a pretty nice buffet. lol

Actually their bar is a nice little cheap secret. $3 draft and cheap ass growler refills.

Grayton Corner Cafe
Mi Casita
The Outpost
The Caf
Black Creek Diner
South of Philly
Nick's Seafood
Boondocks
The Oar House
Sweet Southern Comfort

You're So SoWal if you ever ate at Bloom's.

Grayton Corner Cafe
Mi Casita
The Outpost
The Caf
Black Creek Diner
South of Philly
Nick's Seafood
Boondocks
The Oar House
Sweet Southern Comfort

You're So SoWal if you ever ate at Bloom's.

Thank you! Will give some of these a try!!

Thank you! Will give some of these a try!!

You're welcome. Results will vary. :wave:

I plan on trying out crab Island BBQ on Black Creek. There's a thread on it.

Grayton Corner Cafe
Mi Casita
The Outpost
The Caf
Black Creek Diner
South of Philly
Nick's Seafood
Boondocks
The Oar House
Sweet Southern Comfort

You're So SoWal if you ever ate at Bloom's.

3 Sons BBQ

Bloom's was never without frills.

3 Sons BBQ

Bloom's was never without frills.

3 Sons has gone upscale. Not a hole. Not cheap. Of course nothing is around here. Except your Winn Dixie and Sacred Heart cafeteria.

3 Sons has gone upscale. Not a hole. Not cheap.

I think you're confusing new/clean with upscale.

BBQ in general has gone upscale. Growing up in the 50s/60s it seemed more affordable. It wasn’t priced much higher than fast food.
My family didn’t have much money for restaurant meals but we could always afford a takeout pack containing meat, buns, slaw, sauce, and beans that allowed you to assemble your meal at home.
Used to buy this from Love Meat Tender in Miramar Beach but sadly he closed years ago.

I think you're confusing new/clean with upscale.

I ate at their portable location in Freeport and was impressed.
I will certainly try their new place.

I ate at their portable location in Freeport and was impressed.
I will certainly try their new place.

I don't get the pricing comment. A brisket platter for $20 with two sides is affordable in my book.