Beaches of South Walton – Restaurant Spotlight
Delicious Dining on Scenic Highway 30A
One thing’s for sure, you will eat well on an Emerald Coast vacation. And while Destin and Panama City offer the usual seafood favorites and chain restaurants that you and the kids know and love, the Beaches of South Walton offer so much more than fried shrimp and hushpuppies to please your palate. The varied and exciting culinary scene here is bursting with locally-owned restaurants dishing up distinctive flavor and innovative cuisine in every type of atmosphere imaginable. From barefoot beach shacks to quiet, elegant restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic meal while overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, you will find old favorites and new experiences each time you visit the Emerald Coast.
The Red Bar
Photo courtesy of Coastal Living.com
Just down Hwy 30A in Downtown Grayton Beach is Picolos – The Red Bar. Simply known at The Red Barto patrons, this local landmark is the quintessential hotspot for pure, delicious food, great entertainment and some of the best people watching in town. The address is 70 Hotz Avenue and it can be a little tricky to find if you’re not familiar with the area, but once you arrive you’ll be more than glad you made the drive. First things first, reservations are not accepted, so either arrive early or plan to settle in for a potentially lengthy wait. And leave the plastic at home – cash and check only, an ATM is provided on the premises. Don’t let those minor eccentricities get in the way of what promises to be one of the most memorable meals you’ll have on the Florida Panhandle. The funky atmosphere and live jazz provide plenty of diversion while you wait. Once you’re seated your tastebuds are in for a tantalizing treat. The menu is small but each dish is thoughtfully prepared and incredibly well-planned. The crab cakes are truly unforgettable, but they’re only served on Friday and Saturday nights and often sell out early, so plan accordingly. Live jazz is played throughout the evening, but if you stick around after dinner the crowd heats up and the party really starts. Live acts often perform and you may even spot a famous face or two amidst the crowd, several celebs have homes around the area. With awesome food, a hip atmosphere and a laid back, funky vibe, it’s no wonder The Red Bar remains a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
Cafe Thirty-A
If you’re looking for something a little more refined but still casually elegant, Cafe Thirty-Ais the perfect dining companion. Opened in 1995, by Harriet Crommelin, Cafe Thirty-A is the premier casual-yet-upscale restaurant in South Walton. Located in Seagrove Beach on Scenic Highway 30-A, the tropical-chic atmosphere is the perfect compliment to a sumptuous meal and decadent dessert. The menu changes daily and features the freshest locally caught fish and seafood, but one thing remains the same – the mouthwatering martinis. There are too many to choose a favorite, sample a new concoction every time you visit. Or, choose a vintage from the exceptional wine list, which has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Private events are often held in the Fishbone Room, and the unique locale makes it a favorite spot for rehearsal dinners or for a Florida wedding reception. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a little something different while on an Emerald Coast vacation, Cafe Thirty-A is a can’t miss culinary destination.
UP NEXT: HOMES OF SOUTH WALTON
This entry was posted on Thursday, April 15th, 2010 at 9:08 am and is filed under Cyber Roadtrip 2010, Florida, Travel Tips, Vacation In Florida. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
One Response to “Beaches of South Walton – Restaurant Spotlight”
Amy April 19th, 2010 at 2:07 am
The Red Bar is one of my FAVORITE restaurants in the entire Florida Panhandle! Good call on that one, Elizabeth!
