Exploring a new city always starts with its food, and Panama City Beach makes that part easy. The area has a strong lineup of spots highlighting fresh Gulf seafood, Southern staples, and casual beachside dining. Instead of one style dominating the scene, each place offers something different: oysters served at a packed bar, steaks paired with live piano music, or shrimp baskets that arrive in minutes.
If you’re planning a move here or just visiting for a while, knowing where to eat can help you feel settled faster. The following guide introduces you to some of the best-known names, each with its own character and reasons locals keep going back.
Schooners
Schooners calls itself the “Last Local Beach Club,” and the name fits. Located right on the Gulf, this restaurant is known for its beachfront seating and casual environment. Diners come for fresh seafood and stay for the laid-back atmosphere that stretches from lunch through sunset. Favorites include the grouper sandwich, fish tacos, and fried shrimp baskets served with house-made sauces.
The bar offers cold beer and tropical drinks, making it a popular spot for afternoons that stretch into evenings. The daily cannon blast at sunset has become a local tradition, drawing residents and visitors to the beachside deck. Schooner’s is undoubtedly one of the more
unique drink experiences on the Emerald Coast.
The Wicked Wheel
The Wicked Wheel blends a Southern-style menu with a theme inspired by motorcycles and classic cars. The décor includes vintage bikes, rustic wood, and memorabilia, setting it apart from other dining spots in the city. Fried chicken is the highlight, prepared with a house recipe that has built a loyal following. Other staples include smoked ribs, burgers, and traditional Southern sides like collard greens and mac and cheese.
This restaurant also offers a full bar emphasizing bourbon and whiskey selections. The service style is quick and approachable, making it easy to stop in for a casual dinner without long delays. The Wicked Wheel has become a go-to spot for hearty food and distinctive character.
The Craft Bar — Panama City Beach
The Craft Bar brings a gastropub style to the coast, emphasizing quality beer, cocktails, and elevated pub fare. The interior features leather seating and dark wood accents, contrasting
the city’s prevailing aesthetic. The food ranges from burgers with house-ground beef to entrees like steak frites and Gulf fish paired with seasonal vegetables.
What sets this restaurant apart is its drink program. The bar rotates regional craft beers on tap and curates craft cocktails made with fresh ingredients and small-batch spirits. This makes it a popular spot for casual gatherings and evenings that call for something more refined.
Saltwater Grill
Saltwater Grill is best known for its large saltwater aquarium that fills the dining room with a constant backdrop of marine life. The menu focuses on seafood prepared with a fine-dining approach, including seared scallops, grouper imperial, and lobster tail. Steaks and prime rib also have a place here, giving the restaurant broader appeal.
Equally suitable for dinner with friends or a date night on a
couples’ retreat, the atmosphere leans toward upscale without losing its coastal charm. Piano music in the evenings adds to the dining experience, and service is attentive without being rushed. Many locals consider this a top choice for celebrations or a special night out.
Local Steamer Seafood Market
Local Steamer Seafood Market is not a sit-down restaurant in the traditional sense but rather a counter-service seafood kitchen. Customers order shrimp, snow crab, royal red shrimp, and other Gulf specialties by the pound, steamed to order with butter and seasoning. Picnic tables and outdoor seating keep the experience informal and focused on the freshness of the food.
This market is popular for those who want to enjoy seafood without the formality of table service. It is also a smart option if you plan to take food back to a rental, boat, or picnic area. The straightforward menu, quick preparation, and consistent quality have earned Local Steamer a strong reputation.
Salty Sue’s Restaurant
Salty Sue’s is a long-standing restaurant known for smoked meats and Gulf seafood. The menu features smoked ribs, pulled pork, and brisket alongside fried shrimp, fish platters, and crab cakes. Combination plates allow diners to sample multiple proteins at once, and the portions are generous.
Inside, the atmosphere is casual and comfortable, with sports on the televisions and live music on select nights. Locals often recommend Salty Sue’s for both barbecue and seafood, which is rare to find in one place. This versatility and reputation for quality make it a staple for those looking to try something beyond standard seafood-focused menus.
Dusty’s Oyster Bar
Dusty’s Oyster Bar has earned a reputation as one of the town's busiest and most energetic spots. It specializes in raw, steamed, and baked oysters prepared with toppings like cheese, bacon, or jalapeños. The casual, no-frills environment clearly shows that the focus is entirely on the food.
Lines often form at the door, especially during peak season, but the turnover is steady. In addition to oysters, Dusty’s serves grouper sandwiches, po’boys, and fried seafood baskets. Drinks are cold, service is efficient, and the experience is centered on straightforward Gulf Coast dining.
Shrimp Basket
Shrimp Basket offers seafood in a format that is simple, affordable, and consistent. The menu includes fried, grilled, and blackened shrimp served in baskets with sides such as hushpuppies, fries, or coleslaw. Other seafood options include catfish, oysters, and crab claws, prepared with the same casual approach.
The relaxed dining room and quick service make Shrimp Basket a practical option for a no-fuss meal on your way home from running errands or a day at
the Emerald Coast’s best spas. For a straightforward experience that delivers exactly what the name promises, Shrimp Basket is a dependable choice.
Pineapple Willy’s Restaurant
Pineapple Willy’s is a landmark on the beach, known for its pier extending over the Gulf and its signature frozen drinks served in souvenir cups. The menu features fried seafood baskets, ribs, and casual beach fare. One of its strongest draws is the open-air deck, which allows diners to eat directly over the water.
Live music and a lively atmosphere make this spot more than just a restaurant — it’s also an entertainment destination. Visitors often mention the frozen daiquiris and the pier itself as highlights.
Partner with Abbott Martin Group for Your Move
If you’re considering moving to Panama City Beach, the next step is finding the right team to guide you. That’s where
Abbott Martin Group comes in. Their team specializes in Panama City Beach real estate and brings firsthand knowledge of the area’s housing market, lifestyle options, and community dynamics.
Whether you’re interested in a Gulf-front condominium, an inland home with more space, or a townhouse close to entertainment and dining, their team can match your goals with the right opportunities.
Reach out to Abbott Martin Group today to start planning your next chapter on the coast.
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