SoWal Lunchtime - Seafood at Bud and Alley's in Seaside

Bud and Alley’s is the perfect place to grab a sunny table with friends for lunch this Fall. Small plates, sandwiches, and salads make for a light-yet-satisfying lunch before hitting up the shops around town. Whether you opt for a table inside the dining room (think wall-to-wall windows with an Old Florida cottage feel!) or a breezy seat on the deck, views of the dunes and Gulf are ubiquitous.

If you know us, you know that we love a good staff lunch. And now that the crowds are thinning and the temps are cooler, we take full advantage of beach life during the off season. recently we made our way to Bud and Alley’s in Seaside, where we scored a really close parking space and zero wait times to be seated.

Craving seafood? Bud and Alley’s proudly supports local fisherman, so we tested a four-course fete showcasing the bounty of the Gulf. (Not craving seafood? Bud and Alley’s has something for everyone on the menu. We made a conscious choice to theme it out. I know…we’re cool.)

For starters, Bud’s Smoked Tuna Dip is the stuff of legend. Seriously, people talk about it. Which might seem weird…until you taste it. The flavor is not too smoky, and the Lavosh crackers elevate the app. All respect to saltines, but artisan crackers are my jam.

An authentic Niçoise salad inspires heated debate among culinary traditionalists and innovators. I like Bud and Alley’s innovative version - Grilled Tuna Niçoise with boiled egg, snappy French green beans, potatoes, olives, roasted peppers, mixed with a Dijon vinaigrette. The tuna filet has a perfectly seasoned crust on the outside, while remaining tender and melty in the center. It’s hands down the best thing on the lunch menu.

The Fried Shrimp Po Boy comes with JUMBO shrimp served on French bread alongside coleslaw and a bag of chips for an easy mid-day meal. The tangy Remoulade Sauce honors the sandwich’s NOLA roots. IF you’re just plain hangry, you could opt for a hearty entrée like the Roasted Salmon served on a bed herbed white bean puree and wilted spinach.

Kids are always welcome at Bud and Alley’s and if you’ve hit that stage where your child will only eat 3 food groups – noodles, sandwiches, and chicken – then you’re in the right place. PB & J’s and Grilled Cheeses are served with a bag of Goldfish for the ultimate win-win.  

Desserts at Bud and Alley’s are sure to satisfy a sweet tooth. Opt for an iconic Key Lime Pie, Crème Brulee topped with fresh berries, or a tasty Tiramisu. If it’s that kind of lunch, you could always pair a sparkling Rose and toast to the sweet life.

Bud & Alley’s is located on Scenic 30A overlooking the Gulf in Seaside. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast (hours vary in the off season), lunch, happy hour, and dinner. For menus and more visit www.budandalleys.com, and follow Bud & Alley's on Facebook for the latest updates.

Bud & Alley's has two sister restaurants adjacently located along the Gulf of Mexico. Pizza Bar features authentic wood-fired artisan pizzas and Taco Bar mimics the authentic taquerias on the Mexican border. Also, Bud and Alley's Catering Company in Grayton Beach allows you to savor the flavors of the dishes you love while celebrating life's milestones and special moments.

Bud & Alley's is undergoing an expansion in Seaside - see info and photos >