Goatfeathers Twin Markets Have Freshest Seafood On Scenic 30A

After 29 years in business, Pat Miller’s Goatfeathers Seafood Markets are still a main draw here in South Walton. On the Scenic 30A “west side” in Santa Rosa Beach, the market opened at the same time as his Goatfeathers Restaurant in 1988. The newer Seagrove location opened in 2000, giving residents and visitors on the “east side” of Scenic 30A a closer option for their fresh seafood.

Both locations offer fresh fish and seafood daily, and all Goatfeathers condiments - cocktail, remoulade, and tartar sauces; tuna, artichoke, and crab dips; lemon butter and minced garlic combinations; and smoked tuna dip are made fresh daily. New items include an incredible West Indies Salad (lump crabmeat salad), Ceviche, Carrot Salad, Cucumber Salad, and Deviled Eggs - all of which are currently selling like hot cakes.

According to Pat, by far the biggest seller is the fresh-from-the-gulf shrimp, straight off the boat in Apalachicola. They can be ordered in a variety of sizes, either raw or steamed. TIP - get them steamed with a bit of Bay seasoning and some tangy Goatfeathers homemade cocktail sauce and hit the beach! All Goatfeaters shrimp and fish can be steamed while you wait free of charge. Bay seasoning can be added for another buck.

Also in high demand are succulent Apalachicola oysters available shucked or in the shell by the bushel. Scallops too are a popular item when they are available. Popular take-out fish include Red Snapper, Grouper, Tuna (Yellow Fin or Sashimi), and Cobia when in season. Also on hand are Florida lobster tails, fresh lump crab meat and stone crab claws.

Grocery items available include a variety of vegetables, spices, sauces, noodles, crackers…the usual fare to complete the seafood experience. But don’t stop there…what’s better to finish off your “takey outey” then a fresh-made key lime pie? These pies literally fly off the shelves and are just the ticket to top off your Goatfeathers seafood meal.

Pat started the first market way back when - he says all he did was fish in those days and he caught so many he had to start selling them. A South Walton institution was born!

The Goatfeathers Markets have been successful primarily due to Pat’s hands-on approach to doing business. He can shuck and filet with the best of them and he makes it a point to rub elbows with his employees on a daily basis. His emphasis on food quality, service, and reasonable prices along with a genuine appreciation for his clientele have “kept the doors open” for almost 30 years now. Says Pat, “we have a knowledgeable, friendly, and courteous staff and our customers appreciate it.”

In the near future, hopefully this Fall, the Goatfeathers Markets hope to add online ordering to their list of options. This move will help speed up the process for today’s “gotta have it now” customer.

Pat says Goatfeathers will continue their annual tradition of “selling out” their Market fish and seafood on the first Sunday after Thanksgiving. On this day, at the Santa Rosa Beach location, all fresh seafood goes on sale AT COST at 8 a.m. Lines will form and the “sold out” sign usually goes up before noon…just another way for Pat to say “THANK YOU” to his loyal patrons.

Goatfeathers Market locations:

• 3865 W.Co. Hwy.30-A (Santa Rosa Beach), 850-267-2627, open daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
• 4042 E.Co. Hwy. 30-A (Seagrove), 850-231-4004, open daily 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Also at the Santa Rosa Beach location is the ever-popular Goatfeathers Seafood Restaurant with the freshest grilled, steamed, and fried seafood in South Walton!