Local Catch Keeps it Fresh

The crew at Local Catch Bar and Grill invited the SoWal Staff to sample their amazing new Fall menu and we were not disappointed! Local Catch is one of our favorite spots in South Walton for great food and service, and locals know it’s the place to go for good eats, tasty drinks and homegrown music in a fun-loving atmosphere.

Local Catch added four new items to their menu this season, and brought back an oldie but a goodie. “We always have three or four new items and a lot of red meat at Local Catch,” said owner Jimmy Hasser.

We can’t stop craving the Seafood Pie - a mashup of fresh Gulf shrimp, Louisiana Trinity and dirty rice in a savory tart. It puts all those chicken pot pies I ate during college to horrible, horrible shame.

Since college, I’ve taken a liking to food that doesn’t taste like cardboard and I’ve noticed something. Often restaurants take the Caesar in Caesar Salad quite literally and get overly ambitious by adding ingredients like artichoke hearts and onions in an attempt to conquer the known salad world. Luckily, Local Catch sees beauty in the art of simplicity. In doing so, they differentiate themselves from the slew of restaurants along Scenic 30A.

They start with a bed of cool, crisp romaine and toss it with delicate croutons and a dab (just a dab) of homemade Caesar dressing. On top, they rest a filet of fresh Gulf grouper that’s been blackened in a mix of spices for a dish that’s simple, healthy, refreshing and satisfying.  

Still, I do like to give my arteries a jolt about once a week by eating a thick, juice running down my hands, fist-full of burger. And whether it’s on top of a red enchilada or Local Catch’s new Double Burger with bacon, a fried egg ups the ante. Pair it with Grayton Beer Company’s Founder’s Ale for real local flavor.   
 

Grouper Lagniappe, Local Catch’s excellent take on the home cooked meal, starts with fresh Gulf grouper topped with two sautéed shrimp and citrus burre blanc and is served with mashed potatoes and green beans. And the ever popular Prime Rib French Dip has been brought out of retirement as a wonderful cool weather companion to Oyster City Brewery’s Hooter Brown. With 8.4% alcohol by volume, just be careful not to get drunk as you know who.
 

For dessert, get the Fried Oreos. Local Catch serves these sweet, crispy wonders with vanilla ice cream and drizzled in chocolate syrup. Restaurant Manager Tyler Townson, who started as a busboy and has worked every position in the restaurant, says, “This is what keeps me sane. I just grab a Fried Oreo and sit at the bar and…recover.”
 

Bob Marley’s War was playing as we found our way to the table, and by the time we got to the Fried Oreos we were down here at the Pawn Shop with Sublime. Even when there’s not a local act keeping the party going, Local Catch always plays great music and nurtures a laid back vibe.

On Sunday Funday, cars overflow from the parking lot and line the street as those in the know pack the building to satisfy their bellies and their souls with good food and good music. Every Sunday at 4 p.m. through Nov. 16, the Forrest Williams Band takes the stage. Starting Nov. 30 through the end of the year, Forrest Williams Band will play every other Sunday. 

Forrest Williams Band will rock the house this Halloween, so throw on your awesome costume and get ready to dance and compete for prizes. A free bar tab is up for grabs, people! Local Catch will be serving specialty shots and drinks all night long.

On Nov. 28 at 8 p.m., Forrest Williams Band will play the Thanksgiving Party and dressing like an Indian or Pilgrim is a must! Then on Dec. 26 at 8 p.m., Local Catch’s favorite band will provide the soundtrack to the Tacky Turtleneck Christmas Party. It’s going to be epic.

Enjoy Local Catch’s coastal cuisine with a Southern twist daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visit their location at 3711 W Scenic 30A in Santa Rosa Beach. Stay up to date with the latest Local Catch events on Facebook. For more information, photos, and reader reviews see Local Catch Bar & Grill in the SoWal Dining Guide.