We've been going to 30A since way before it was "popular". Blue Mountain Beach in 1992....not much there at the time. We've been back off and on (mostly on) but there has been a shortage of casual dining options over all these years. I don't know, I don't want to go on vacation and have to dress up and impress people. I can do that where I live (if that's what I want to do) but I can't go to a seafood shack on the water. IMHO that's what's missing in the area.
OK, just my 2 cents!
Replies
10SoWal Guide
Hello and welcome Susan!

There are many casual options in South Walton. We eat out almost daily and believe me, we want casual most of the time. Some of our favorite spots:
The Red Bar
Shorty's Surfside in Grayton
Johnny McTighes in Blue Mountain Beach
Smiling Fish in Gulf Place
Wild Olives
La Cocina
Hurricanes Oyster Bar
Local Catch
Marie's Bistro
Great Southern Cafe
Shades
Nicks on the Beach
Aegean
Don Pedros
A Few Good Apples
723 Whiskey Bravo
Bruno's Pizza
Los Rancheros
98 BBQ
Bayou Bill's
Chanticleer Bakery
Crust
And so many more! Take a look at SoWal.com EAT Page for reviews, photos and Dining Guide.
SoWal is fortunate to have many great dining choices. Even the "dress up" places are pretty casual and relaxed - you seem to find a lot of various "beach casual" attire everywhere you go.
But, the above are some of the more casual dining places. I haven't listed all of my faves but tried to give a range of places available that you might enjoy.
There are also quite a few "dives" in Panama City Beach we love to drive over for on occasion.

There are many casual options in South Walton. We eat out almost daily and believe me, we want casual most of the time. Some of our favorite spots:
The Red Bar
Shorty's Surfside in Grayton
Johnny McTighes in Blue Mountain Beach
Smiling Fish in Gulf Place
Wild Olives
La Cocina
Hurricanes Oyster Bar
Local Catch
Marie's Bistro
Great Southern Cafe
Shades
Nicks on the Beach
Aegean
Don Pedros
A Few Good Apples
723 Whiskey Bravo
Bruno's Pizza
Los Rancheros
98 BBQ
Bayou Bill's
Chanticleer Bakery
Crust
And so many more! Take a look at SoWal.com EAT Page for reviews, photos and Dining Guide.
SoWal is fortunate to have many great dining choices. Even the "dress up" places are pretty casual and relaxed - you seem to find a lot of various "beach casual" attire everywhere you go.
But, the above are some of the more casual dining places. I haven't listed all of my faves but tried to give a range of places available that you might enjoy.
There are also quite a few "dives" in Panama City Beach we love to drive over for on occasion.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Come as you are to Edward's in Rosemary Beach where the atmosphere is relaxed, attire is casual (come from the beach or dress to the nines), and the food is amazing. We have courtyard, dining room and chef counter seating. Live music Thursday-Sunday. No reservations, come as you are. Open 5pm Tuesday-Sunday.
Beach Comber
Come to Nick's on the Beach in Blue Mountain Beach for casual dining. Our restaurant is open for lunch from 11:00 to 4:00 and dinner at 4:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday. We have our annual pot luck dinner Sunday, November 25th.
SoWal Guide
Come to Nick's on the Beach in Blue Mountain Beach for casual dining. Our restaurant is open for lunch from 11:00 to 4:00 and dinner at 4:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday. We have our annual pot luck dinner Sunday, November 25th.
One of MY top spots for seafood and casual dining with friends! Thanks for posting Nick's!
Beach Comber
#61
Check out Chanticleer Bakery and Eatery in Grayton Beach
Chanticleer Bakery and Eatery opened in Grayton Beach back in June. If you turn north onto 283 at the 4-way stop on 30A we are the first left all the way at the end across from Frank's. We are open Monday-Saturday for breakfast 7-10am and lunch 11-4pm. We offer sandwiches made on our baked fresh daily breads and a wide range of salads with season inspired ingredients. We also have from scratch-made soups on a daily basis. We have both indoor and outdoor seating. We aren't a casual seafood place, but we do offer a laid back atmosphere with terrific 'real' food. Hope to see you soon!
Chanticleer Bakery and Eatery opened in Grayton Beach back in June. If you turn north onto 283 at the 4-way stop on 30A we are the first left all the way at the end across from Frank's. We are open Monday-Saturday for breakfast 7-10am and lunch 11-4pm. We offer sandwiches made on our baked fresh daily breads and a wide range of salads with season inspired ingredients. We also have from scratch-made soups on a daily basis. We have both indoor and outdoor seating. We aren't a casual seafood place, but we do offer a laid back atmosphere with terrific 'real' food. Hope to see you soon!
SoWal Guide
Yes! Edwards and Chanticleer Bakery! Summer Kitchen is casual and delicious too.
Beach Fanatic
Angelina's is another great casual spot.
Beach Comber
Check out Basmati's for Lunch Monday thru Friday 11AM to 3PM, very reasonable and casual, or try the Happy Hour-Half price sushi or hot appetizers, beer and wine, and well drinks, every day from 5PM to 6PM
Beach Fanatic
It will be our pleasure to serve you at our very relaxed and casual Bistro & Barside, please call us 850-278-6856 or check our website http://mariesbistro.com/Dinner_at_the_Bistro.html
we run lots of daily special and a fun happy hour
we run lots of daily special and a fun happy hour
Beach Lover
Nick's on the Beach is my favorite go-to place for all visitng out of towners. All my friends love the atmosphere because it is very casual ahd the food is ALWAYS excelent. Thanks for coming back and providing a great place to dine anytime.
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