Opinions needed on Nick's and Bayou Bill's

[Andy A]

To be candid, I never liked the old Bayou Bills. The new one is something else! The old one was a favorite of a friend of ours and he drug us to the new one. The food was fantastic and we have been back three times. The decor is beautiful. It opens again in Feb.

 

[Teresa]

To be candid, I never liked the old Bayou Bills. The new one is something else! The old one was a favorite of a friend of ours and he drug us to the new one. The food was fantastic and we have been back three times. The decor is beautiful. It opens again in Feb.

really??? well, we'll have to give it a try! we used to really like the old BB's about 20 years ago when we were tourists. we haven't been there since then. except for the newer one at PCB - went once - its good for families but I just did not like the food and have never returned.

 

[Will B]

I hadn't ever eaten at either location at all until this past Christmas. We hit the SRB location twice. It was great both times!

 

[poppy]

More details- are we talking fish or shrimp? It's hard to find US shrimp on the menu in a lot of places these days, and I wouldn't hold that against a restaurant. As for fish...There is nothing on their menu that is identified as Vietnamese catfish. If you're convinced they're substituting fish, file a complaint with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The story just sounds odd to me because in every case of fish substitution I've heard about in these parts, both the invoices and boxes do not identify an Asian point of origin- it's mislabeled that it's domestic.

I crossed paths with Dewey on a work project a few years back, and I like him because he's one of the few people in Destin politics that seems to have both head and heart in the right place, and I don't like to see him accused of something like that.

I did not say he substituted, mislabeled, or was trying to hide anything because the menue doesn't state country of origin. I'm also not accusing him of anything, I'm telling you what I and everyone in our party saw. If you don't like it take it up with him.

 

[Plays With Food]

Where is Bayou Bills? Sounds like it ought to go on our "try it" list.

 

[Andy A]

Its on the North side of Hwy 98 between the post office and the stop light for 30A. It about midway between the two.

 

[Plays With Food]

Thanks Andy!

My opinion on Nicks - well, not mine, exactly; I copied this from another poster on another board a few years ago - but it's still true!

Classic old seafood restaurant and worth the short drive across. 7585 Hwy 20, Basin Bayou, Freeport, 835-2222. Nick's on the Bayou (take the Mid Bay Bridge, go east on Hwy 20 to Basin Bayou) reopens after Christmas. Well worth the drive for the seafood, and it's one of those Old Florida places where the developers gather to plot out New Florida. You can watch the owners' chickens wander around out back while listening to a $500 million land deal plan the next table over. GO EARLY (4:30pm); L, D, closed Monday.

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We always go there when we are in town, but we've learned to order carefully - ask questions about what you're getting if it isn't obviously local. Love the fried alligator and especially the crabs, but I've had great (and so-so) fin fish. Sides are ok - but you go for the seafood (I'm sorry to hear they aren't using local shrimp).

 

[Teresa]

Thanks Andy!

My opinion on Nicks - well, not mine, exactly; I copied this from another poster on another board a few years ago - but it's still true!

Classic old seafood restaurant and worth the short drive across. 7585 Hwy 20, Basin Bayou, Freeport, 835-2222. Nick's on the Bayou (take the Mid Bay Bridge, go east on Hwy 20 to Basin Bayou) reopens after Christmas. Well worth the drive for the seafood, and it's one of those Old Florida places where the developers gather to plot out New Florida. You can watch the owners' chickens wander around out back while listening to a $500 million land deal plan the next table over. GO EARLY (4:30pm); L, D, closed Monday.

​

We always go there when we are in town, but we've learned to order carefully - ask questions about what you're getting if it isn't obviously local. Love the fried alligator and especially the crabs, but I've had great (and so-so) fin fish. Sides are ok - but you go for the seafood (I'm sorry to hear they aren't using local shrimp).

they may use fresh shrimp when available. I know they use a lot of fresh local seafood. all I know is the shrimp is always wonderful. they know enough to serve the best - wherever it may be from.

I happen love the old fashioned type sides: baked potato (yummy with fried seafood) or french fries (good ole crinkle cut diner fries - you cannot beat 'em), and the cole slaw has always been a favorite of many (people have been known to go pick up a big order to serve at home with supper). they also have basic salads. and quite a few appetizers such as fried crab claws.

 

[lms47]

FYI-Trey Nick is closed on Monday and Tuesday and OPEN on Wednesday-Sunday for rigth now.

 

[ShallowsNole]

My best friend from high school will quite possibly be your server at Nick's, and Bayou Bill's has some handsome busboys. And both have some excellent fried shrimp.

Word - if someone in your party is allergic to eating shrimp, I'd lean toward Nick's for fish. They have awesome mullet at times (the vegetarian fish, not the hairdo).