Reasonably priced seafood in Destin

[dcmontgo]

I will be in Destin in about 3 weeks for 3 nights. I really love seafood and don't get good, fresh seafood where I live. I really like raw (and cooked) oysters, broiled fish, shrimp. What are some choices for reasonably priced (fresh) seafood, both for lunch and dinner? I am staying at San Destin but don't mind driving. I would like to keep the lunch prices around or under $10-$15 and dinner prices less than $25-30. (on an expense account). Would appreciate any advice. I really like "hole in the wall places" off the beaten path and am not too fond of chains.

[Hurricane]

Check out www.hurricaneoysterbar.com

[ShallowsNole]

And after Hurricanes, if you decide to head into Destin, check out Dewey Destin's. Last street north off 98 before you cross the bridge to Okaloosa Island; follow the signs. Right on the bay.

That is, if you are not looking for atmosphere. Order at the window, pickup at the window. Food's good, though.

[srich3]

Have to say that I have been to both Dewey Destin and Hurricane Oyster Bar and have nothing but good things to say. Dewey Destin is definitely off the beaten path. The first time we were there wasn't quite sure what we stubled on to. Now it is our first stop once we hit Destin.

[Hop]

hard to beat red bar...

[mrs.rocket]

Stinky's Fish Camp for crab legs and Blue Orleans for fried shrimp.Goooooood stuff!

[beachpirate]

Say what you will. I still love the back porch. A little touristy, but hey, what the hell.

Dewey's for shizzle.

[DD]

And after Hurricanes, if you decide to head into Destin, check out Dewey Destin's. Last street north off 98 before you cross the bridge to Okaloosa Island; follow the signs. Right on the bay.

That is, if you are not looking for atmosphere. Order at the window, pickup at the window. Food's good, though.

Have to say that I have been to both Dewey Destin and Hurricane Oyster Bar and have nothing but good things to say. Dewey Destin is definitely off the beaten path. The first time we were there wasn't quite sure what we stubled on to. Now it is our first stop once we hit Destin.

Love Dewey Destin. I think I've said that once or twice.

[InletBchOwnr]

Dewey's Destin where you can watch the action at Crab Island, boat traffic, bird action, minnow action and eat some freshly caught, simply-prepared seafood. Cheap. Prepared from the trailer out back while you wait, delivered to your picnic table while you sip one of the three beers it takes to watch, eat and enjoy the sightseeing. A local place. Keep it quiet. Other than that we only eat on 30A except for the Spicy Noodle on 98 near Lake Powell, and Dusty's on the Beach Rd in Panama City Beach just west of Pier Park's chaos. I like their oysters anyway they wanna fix'em. Then there's Red Bar, still cooking and still reasonable; had the seafood salad and seafood gumbo last night, both PRIMO. We're gonna try FlipFlops, and some others real soon, after we go to our usual places - Bud N Allys, Fish Outta Water, Cafe 30A, Criollas, Borago's, Old Fla Fish House on 30A in Seagrove. Sorry that Sandor's closed some time ago and now they've moved the damn thing! Anyway, that's our two cents worth - oh, yeah, we buy at Coccon's for indoor eating and npicnic stuff and Goatfeather's Mkt in One Seagrove Place for our fish and scrimps. Oh Yeah!!!! Eat often and drink well me hearties!

[beachmouse]

I've got to dissent here a bit on Dewey Destin's. They've been rather hit or miss over the winter. Not horrible, but at times rather ordinary, and they tend to over sauce their grilled offerings at times.

We gave up on the Back Porch because there were times their grouper tasted more like Vietnamese catfish than grouper.

In Destin proper, Harbor Docks does well on the fresh seafood front. They also supply fish for a number of other area restaurants, including La Paz (some interesting Mexican style fish offerings there)

If you're looking for really off the beaten path, take FL 20 (the road on the north side of Choctaw Bay between the Mid Bay Bridge and the 331 Bridge) to Nick's on Basin Bayou. Cement block and 70s furniture charm, and the sides are rather ordinary. But they really know their fish, and the view over the bay is beautiful.

[ShallowsNole]

beachmouse is correct about Nick's. If fried shrimp is your thing, Nick's can't be beat.

[Scooter]

Love Dewey Destin for lunch. Go to Louisiana Lagniappe in Sandpiper Cove for dinner. I believe it has re-opened. It was closing in October for renovations. Their fish dishes are amazing! Back Porch s*cks!

[Scooter]

If you're staying in Sandestin, go over to Baytown Wharf and have lunch or dinner at Acme Oyster House. The oysters are brought in from Louisiana and are the best!!!! Watch out for their horseradish - it's the hottest around!!!!!! Also try the charbroiled. Yummy!!!!!!!

[Plays With Food]

I've got to dissent here a bit on Dewey Destin's. They've been rather hit or miss over the winter. Not horrible, but at times rather ordinary, and they tend to over sauce their grilled offerings at times.

* * *
In Destin proper, Harbor Docks does well on the fresh seafood front. They also supply fish for a number of other area restaurants, including La Paz (some interesting Mexican style fish offerings there)

If you're looking for really off the beaten path, take FL 20 (the road on the north side of Choctaw Bay between the Mid Bay Bridge and the 331 Bridge) to Nick's on Basin Bayou. Cement block and 70s furniture charm, and the sides are rather ordinary. But they really know their fish, and the view over the bay is beautiful.

I agree with Beachmouse on all counts. The fish on the sandwich I had had at Dewey Destin's this year was "off" - but that won't stop me from trying them again. Just shop carefully there! Their oysters have been nice the last two times we ate there.

Harbor Docks has the freshest fish. To keep it more affordable - go for lunch ($8-11) instead of dinner. They also supply fish to Camille's, which has lunch and dinner.

Nick's is awesome for fish and seafood, though as Beachmouse says, their sides are kinda ordinary. So what - you're here for the fish! We had fried alligator there this year, among other things, and it was so good!

I'm not a big fan of La Paz, and Louisianna Langianappe is owned by the same restaurant group that has Back Porch.

Gotta go to Stinky's Fish Camp! Another good choice woul be Vin Tij Boutique, which we didn't get to this year, but which has nice fish and seafood at fair prices with awesome wine pairings.

[shakennotstirred]

Go to Louisiana Lagniappe in Sandpiper Cove for dinner. I believe it has re-opened. It was closing in October for renovations. Their fish dishes are amazing!

I second this!

[Scooter]

I can't believe Louisiana Lagniappe is owned by the same restaurant group as Back Porch. If this is true, they are like oil and water. Louisiana Lagniappe has been in business for some 30 or so years. I have never had a bad meal there, in fact, always walk away awestruck. Not over the top fancy with grape leaves, etc., just delicious Louisiana seafood! I was born and raised in New Orleans for 30 years (yes, it took 30 years to raise me). Moved to Atlanta 21 years ago with my husband because of his career. Of course, we both go home a couple of times and year. Mostly to eat, but of course, to visit friends and family also!!!!!!! I actually had the fried shrimp at Dewey Destin. It was very good. I don't think I'd eat fish there.

[Plays With Food]

I can't believe Louisiana Lagniappe is owned by the same restaurant group as Back Porch. If this is true, they are like oil and water. Louisiana Lagniappe has been in business for some 30 or so years. I have never had a bad meal there, in fact, always walk away awestruck. Not over the top fancy with grape leaves, etc., just delicious Louisiana seafood! I was born and raised in New Orleans for 30 years (yes, it took 30 years to raise me). Moved to Atlanta 21 years ago with my husband because of his career. Of course, we both go home a couple of times and year. Mostly to eat, but of course, to visit friends and family also!!!!!!! I actually had the fried shrimp at Dewey Destin. It was very good. I don't think I'd eat fish there.

Scooter - I kid you not. Check out this link: http://srgcorp.net/.

[SWGB]

Head's up on the Back Porch.

They serve Ameri pure oysters. These are billed as safe pasturized oysters with no detectable difference. Let me tell you now that they are disgusting! It's like a chalk filled oyster.

[Scooter]

Wow! Nancyesq. Couldn't believe it! Still Louisiana Lagniappe is totally different!

[InletBchOwnr]

We dropped by Hurricane Saturday evening and it was not crowded. The oysters were quick and cold which means they were probably already shucked and sitting on ice which is ok but I'd rather watch'em shuck'em insuring they're all good. The boyo's cheese enchilada looked fine and his fries were so much better than mine. I had the fried shrimp w/fries and coleslaw. The fries were greasy beyond edibility, and the coleslaw was tastless other than cabbage taste while the shrimp breading was just awful and greasy to boot. My wife had fish tacos and reproted tham wonderful but her black bean sides were a bit too al dente for us. All in all not a terrific dining experience and this was our second try, too.

[StinkysFishCamp]

Come see us at Stinky's we usually have 5-8 different fresh local fish every night for dinner. We have raw and 5 different styles of baked oysters. Our lunch menu is awesome also. We are defintely in your budget as well!!

[Plays With Food]

Come see us at Stinky's we usually have 5-8 different fresh local fish every night for dinner. We have raw and 5 different styles of baked oysters. Our lunch menu is awesome also. We are defintely in your budget as well!!

We loved our brunch and dinner at Stinky's! Just remember - no credit cards (probably helps to keep the prices reasonable).

[seagrovegirl]

Head's up on the Back Porch.

They serve Ameri pure oysters. These are billed as safe pasturized oysters with no detectable difference. Let me tell you now that they are disgusting! It's like a chalk filled oyster.

Disgusting!!!! I heard they were going to come out with a purified oyster and was curious. I like them sraight out of the shell..Apalachicola oysters are the best!

[ShallowsNole]

Disgusting!!!! I heard they were going to come out with a purified oyster and was curious. I like them sraight out of the shell..Apalachicola oysters are the best!

How in the hail did you start eating raw oysters? That's one of the few southern must-dos I never could deal with. Fry 'em, bake 'em, steam 'em, wonderful, great. I can't do raw. I thought I'd overcome it when I grew up. Nope. Crackers and ketchup don't help.

[seagrovegirl]

How in the hail did you start eating raw oysters? That's one of the few southern must-dos I never could deal with. Fry 'em, bake 'em, steam 'em, wonderful, great. I can't do raw. I thought I'd overcome it when I grew up. Nope. Crackers and ketchup don't help.

Dad was shucking on the back porch, my brothers were eating them and dad handed me one. You think I was going to be a chicken with my two brothers there? Ate it....and I loved it. I'm a fast shucker too!

[JustaLocal]

How in the hail did you start eating raw oysters? That's one of the few southern must-dos I never could deal with. Fry 'em, bake 'em, steam 'em, wonderful, great. I can't do raw. I thought I'd overcome it when I grew up. Nope. Crackers and ketchup don't help.

Lots of liquid courage the first time! My favorite way now is lemon juice and a tiny dab of horseradish. Don't really need crackers.

[DuneLaker]

If you actually end up in South Walton and Walton County instead of Destin, had a fabulous shrimp sandwich for lunch at Fabrice located at WaterColor. The Old Florida Fish House is a fun stop for music and dinner.

[sonny]

What about Buster's happy hour oysters? Is that still happening? Been going there every year for 18-19 years. Love me some Dewey Destins colossal shrimp. I do LOVE the Back Porch because I was going there when there was nothing there but the Back Porch.---Sonny

[drsvelte]

Louisiana Lagniappe is back in Louisiana. After selling the Destin location in 2004-05 they returned to Baton Rouge and continue to serve fantastic seafood here.

I would avoid any chain that admits to operating Pompano Joe's.

Buster's! Probably the worst oysters in the SoWal area. Served dirty and warm. Please visit Hurricane's or ACME.

[Plays With Food]

If you actually end up in South Walton and Walton County instead of Destin, had a fabulous shrimp sandwich for lunch at Fabrice located at WaterColor. The Old Florida Fish House is a fun stop for music and dinner.

And - Fabrice kept their original location on 98 just past the new Donut Hole (and about 2 miles past the 30A turn-off) - though it is only open for lunch.

Love Fabrice!

[InletBchOwnr]

OK, gotta try all these places and get out of my ruts......so where is Stinky's? We are in Inlet Beach so where do I go to get some Stinky's?

Oysters? God's gift to those who wanna love longer....fish is God's gift to those who wanna live longer. Eat'em in tandem.

[Teresa]

we go to appalachicola or indian pass for our oysters... only 1.5 hours east of here. we will drive to PCB for oysters on occasion when we're short on time.

[Plays With Food]

OK, gotta try all these places and get out of my ruts......so where is Stinky's? We are in Inlet Beach so where do I go to get some Stinky's?

Oysters? God's gift to those who wanna love longer....fish is God's gift to those who wanna live longer. Eat'em in tandem.

Stinky's is the first restaurant on 30A if you are coming to 30A from Destin and you turn right onto 30A from 98. It is on your left, and small, so slow down! It will be well worth the visit!

[shellak]

i don't think you can put stinky's in the "reasonable priced seafood" category. we were disappointed when we ate there as the place had been touted as a "local's" type restaurant. when you live here year 'round, you can't afford to eat at places like criolla's, cafe 30a, etc., all the time - at least that's not where we choose to put our money. my daddy's cheesecake at gulf place qualifies as a very reasonably price restaurant with good food. no ambience and not alot of seating but good, affordable food.

[yippie]

I can't believe Louisiana Lagniappe is owned by the same restaurant group as Back Porch. If this is true, they are like oil and water. Louisiana Lagniappe has been in business for some 30 or so years. I have never had a bad meal there, in fact, always walk away awestruck. Not over the top fancy with grape leaves, etc., just delicious Louisiana seafood! I was born and raised in New Orleans for 30 years (yes, it took 30 years to raise me). Moved to Atlanta 21 years ago with my husband because of his career. Of course, we both go home a couple of times and year. Mostly to eat, but of course, to visit friends and family also!!!!!!! I actually had the fried shrimp at Dewey Destin. It was very good. I don't think I'd eat fish there.

Lagniappe was sold to Destin Restaurant Group by Kevin, a Baton Rouge native about 10 years ago. It is the ONLY restaurant of quality they own.

Someone mentioned the Back Porch, you probably were eating viet. catfis, their food is just horrible, along with Pompano Joes, Fisherman's Wharf and Gratzi's. All the same group.

If there is a place I am unsure of, I generally look in the parking lot for local license plates. That will tell you if it is good or not.