Visitors on County Road 30A won’t have to travel to Destin to enjoy a dinner at Destin Chops 30A, one of Jim Altamura’s restaurants.
Altamura opened Marina Cafe in 1988 and Destin Chops in 1997. Last fall, he closed Destin Chops to concentrate on the completion of his new restaurant.
While keeping the familiar Destin Chops name, Altamura added 30A to identify the change in location,
Private preview parties on March 3 and 4 gave guests a chance to check out his newest restaurant, but on March 5, paying customers were finally welcomed to the upscale eatery.
Guests can settle down in a cocktail lounge that shimmers with distinctive blue and green backlighting. The elevated seating along one wall in the lounge offers the opportunity to check out new arrivals.
The steakhouse has a sushi bar and there are plans for outdoor dining when the weather warms up. In the dining room, Destin Chops 30A features traditional steakhouse fare including prime steaks, Maine lobster and fresh Gulf seafood.
Many staff members from the Destin restaurant are serving at the new restaurant. Chris Walling is the general manager and operating partner.
Dinner is available from 5 to 10:30 p.m., with early dining specials from 5 to 6 p.m. A two-hour happy hour begins at 5.
The restaurant is at 10343 East County Road 30A at The Villages of South Walton in Seacrest Beach.
Reservations are recommended and can be made at (850) 231-4050.
