ETicket Tour and Travel – I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but in general the food here is quite bland. In fact, as you might guess, the only type of food that is pretty good here is the Seafood. Now for the most part I can’t rightly claim that fried seafood is not good because to me all fried food is neither good nor bad. There is simply just no skill in cooking it that way. So, if you really like fried seafood then you are in great luck. We have a ton of it here in Panama City.
So, excluding the fried stuff, the fast food, the franchises, and the huge collection of other garbage that the beach is riddled with, I will try to give you a rundown of the places that you should visit during your vacation here. Also, I’m going to try to avoid the typical tourist traps of the area too, so if you see one on here then the food there is actually good.
Number: 10 — Captain Anderson’s —
To many people’s surprise I’m going to start the list off with what a lot of people around here would call number 1. It simply isn’t. The food is really good, some of the time. Most of the time it just a good place to eat, nothing spectacular and certainly not for the price. It is probably the most expensive place in town, by far. You will hear people give this rave reviews when in town. I recommend going there, of course, but it isn’t a place that you should feel bad about not making it to during your trip.
Number: 9 — Andy’s Flour Power —
This place is spectacular and the only reason it’s not higher on the list is because it simply doesn’t serve dinner. That’s right only Breakfast and Lunch here. But that’s okay because it is awesome. It also has a bakery full of some of the best stuff you can imagine and you can take home. If my memory serves there really isn’t anything over 10 bucks in here, so it is quite reasonable. Definitely a better alternative for breakfast over the innumerable Waffle House’s here.
Number: 8 — Captain’s Table —
Unlike the other Captain above this one continually serves Grade-A quality and is never hit or miss. Reason its low on the list? It’s across the bridge in town and not directly on the beach. That counts a lot for me as I do not like to drive for my food, and who’s kidding, no one wants to do that while on vacation.
Number: 7 — Black Angus —
Like the Captain’s Table it’s across the bridge so it gets bumped up the list a bit. However, If I were offered to go to the Captain’s Table or this I’d always choose Black Angus just because I love the Steak. No more stuff across the bridge I promise.
Number: 6 — Triple J’s —
This place is pretty comparable to the Black Angus, in fact the Black Angus is probably better more often, mainly because the portions at Triple J’s are relatively small. The main reason this beats out Black Angus is because of its location on the beach. It’s closer to most of the things I do here and will shave off a trip across the bridge. If your trying to drive across that thing at dinner time you could be looking at some bad traffic getting to Black Angus. So, save yourself a possible headache and eat at Triple J’s.
Number: 5 — Coconuts —
This place is really new on Thomas drive, but it has a pretty awesome bar inside it and the food has been on target every time I’ve gone, especially for the price. The location its in has had many restaurants come and go over the years so I was afraid they’d go too. However, I talked to the people that run the place and they’ve told me that the owner has decided to run his own restaurant there now so it should be around for quite some time.
Number: 4 — Scampy’s —
This place is awesome! Hands down. It has never inflated its prices to rip you off and it consistently delivers the best dinners in my immediate area. Out of all the places on this list I probably eat here most often, other than Andy’s. I like the steak and shrimp dinner here a lot. Last time I had that I believe it was like 13 bucks. The same dinner at Applebee’s: $15. Needless to say the franchise quality is sub-par.
Number: 3 — Boar’s Head —
This place is awesome. It’s all the way on the west end so if you’re not already staying down that way prepare for a drive. It’s worth it. If you plan to stay out on the west end then you probably will hear about no other restaurants but this one and you will most certainly eat here and love it.
Number: 2 — Angelo’s —
Angelo’s has been a staple of Panama City Beach FOREVER! and its always awesome. When your not inside enjoying the awesomely delicious dinner you can be outside taking pictures of the kids on the 20 foot tall bull statue next to the road. I can’t tell you how many pics I’ve seen from years and years ago with kids on it that are now here as adults taking pictures of their own kids.
Number: 1 — Saltwater Grill —
I’ve heard many people claim that Saltwater Grill and Captain Anderson’s are the best place in town hands down. For the most part they are right. I’ve already given you the reason’s why I believe the Captain fell from the top. Now let me tell you why I think this one will rock your socks off. First of all the food quality is awesome. From the steak to the fish to the oysters it’s all spectacular. Beyond that the prices are half of that of the Captains, most of the time. Secondly, be lazy and get your car valet parked so you don’t have to be fat and full searching for your car later. And most importantly they have a 25,000 gallon aquarium in the center of the restaurant full of the most magnificent fish you’ve ever seen along side a pianist to serenade everyone all night. Sounds classy huh? Dress is casual though. Walk inside in your flip flops and shorts and no one will say a thing. A definite must visit if you’re coming to Panama City Beach.
Well, that’s my list. I’m sure over time some of these may fluctuate or even cease to exist, cross your fingers for Coconuts, but I stand by this list and glad to hear any all comments or suggestions as to your opinions. By the way, the winter time is so horrendously boring here that there is nothing to do here but eat, so I know my food!
