Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant In Seaside Celebrates 40 Years On Scenic 30A

As the sun touched the horizon on the Gulf of Mexico on a recent evening in Seaside, a familiar sound echoed from the rooftop deck—but this time, the bell wasn't just signaling the sunset. It was a toast to 40 years of "Good Food, Good People, and Good Times."

To celebrate four decades as the heart of Scenic Highway 30A, the entire staff of Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant gathered on the rooftop for a celebratory toast, honoring a legacy that began with two friends and a dream.

Founded in 1986 by Dave Rauschkolb and Scott Witcoski, Bud & Alley’s opened its doors when Seaside consisted of barely a dozen houses. The name itself reflects the light-hearted spirit of the founders, named after Seaside founder Robert Davis’ dachshund, Bud, and Witcoski’s cat, Alley. From that first dinner on Jan. 20, 1986, the restaurant established itself as a pioneer of the farm- and sea-to-table movement, long before those terms became culinary buzzwords.

“As Seaside has grown over the years, it’s truly enhanced Northwest Florida in so many ways,” says Rauschkolb, founder and owner. “It’s been wonderful to be able to play a role in everything that’s happened up to this point. And I couldn’t be more excited than I am about all the new changes, all the new things, and the transformation that’s happened over all these years.”

Over the years, the original restaurant has expanded into a family of favorites, including the Taco Bar and The Pizza Bar, all sharing the same rooftop view and relaxed coastal vibe. Beyond the menu, Bud & Alley’s has served as the community's living room, hosting traditions like the Seeing Red Wine Dinner and the Harvest Moon Celebration benefiting the Point Washington Medical Clinic.

Hundreds of employees through the years have enjoyed working at the restaurant and rooftop bar, helping millions of South Walton visitors make memories, celebrating weddings, birthdays, holidays, births, memorials and every occasion imaginable. Dave has been a community leader and has donated space, food, and drinks to hundreds of community events, charities, celebrations, and auctions for our SoWal community.

Rauschkolb credits the milestone to the people behind the scenes. “I’m incredibly grateful to our dedicated staff, past and present, whose talent and commitment define this place every day. I’m thankful to my founding partner, Scott, to my wife, Carol, and our daughters for their constant support, and especially to the generations of loyal patrons who have gathered here with their families — and now their grandchildren."

The restaurant’s shelf is crowded with accolades, including the Florida TrendGolden Spoon Hall of Fame and a recent nod in Southern Living as one of the “17 Most Legendary Restaurants in Florida.” While the staff celebrated privately this month, the public is invited to join the party during a grand 40th-anniversary celebration planned for Spring 2026.

Bud & Alley’s is open daily for lunch and dinner, with breakfast served seasonally. For more information or to make a memory of your own, call (850) 231-5900 or visit www.budandalleys.com.