Destin, Florida

Destin, FL

Dining in Destin

Fort Walton Beach · Okaloosa Island eateries are out to impress one thing. . . the taste buds. From rackety-shack oyster bars to salt-air cafes, restaurants shrug off sophistication and celebrate local seafood superstars with simple zest. Fruitful fishing waters yield the freshest, and largest, variety of seafood in Florida (except the Keys) with at least 20 tasty types of fish available for savoring during any one season. Whether blackened, broiled or butter-drenched, sea specialties from red snapper and amberjack to yellowfin tuna and triggerfish come straight from the harbor docks of the largest charter boat fleet in the state. Tastes of the South spotlight such mouthwatering favorites as authentic Louisiana Cajun crawfish gumbo, beer-battered fried mullet, hush puppies, pecan pie -- and even boiled peanuts roadside. More than 400 easy-going eateries, mostly bordering gulf, bay, bayou or sound, are simple in atmosphere yet spiced with character, serve to-die-for dishes and stick to one strict dress code. . . casual.

Attracting bikini-covered crowds, the Back Porch is a cedar-shingled seafood shack with a sweeping sugar beach view. Its claim to fame is as the originator -- and most scrumptious supplier -- of the local favorite "fish dish," chargrilled amberjack. Dangling along the bustling Destin docks of the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," tiki-topped AJ's cooks an angler's fresh catch straight off the line. From fried blue crab claws to spicy steamed shrimp, it's also the perfect place to devour buckets of deep sea favorites.

The Lucky Snapper offers the best of both worlds with indoor and outdoor dining. Savor exotic specialties inside while enjoying a view of the Destin Harbor or a tasty burger and fries in the salty sea air while watching boats go by and soaking up the sun. The Crab Trap restaurant is simply sensational seafood served with pure Southern hospitality -- nestled in the beautiful James Lee County Park and overlooking the area's famous waters. Angler's Beachside Grill and Sports Bar -- located on the boardwalk on Okaloosa Island -- serves sumptious seafood creations. Choose from eating on the boardwalk and enjoying the breathtaking view to catching up on the latest sports happenings while watching one of two large screen TV's located in the sports bar.

The first Emerald Coast restaurant, Staff's, is a 1913 barrel-shaped warehouse adorned with original pressed tin ceilings and collectibles such as a 1914 cash register and an antiquated phonograph lamp. The Seafood Skillet -- yellowfin tuna, shrimp, scallops and crabmeat stuffing broiled in melted butter and drizzled with cheese -- is served with baskets of homemade wheat bread fresh-baked from Pop Staff's 70-year-old secret recipe.

For an unforgettable dining experience, Fudpucker's is anchored in two locations -- Okaloosa Island and Destin. Obvious from their name, both restaurants brim with vitality and a fun-filled atmosphere amidst unique decors and architectural designs. With menu items from delectable appetizers to tantalizing entrees, Fudpucker's is sure to top off any family's Emerald Coast getaway. Opened by Big Top trapeze artist -- "Flying Harry T" -- Harry T's Boathouse thrills with eccentric circus collections, Stretch (Harry's beloved giraffe now stuffed for posterity -- honestly), and treasures from the sunken luxury liner Thracia. The restaurant delivers 110 daring menu items.

The Marina Cafe and Flamingo Cafe are two area rarities of waterside elegance. With preludes of imported baby escargot and smoked Norwegian salmon, classics are accented by Italian and Louisianne influences, such as fettuccini dotted with andouille sausage, baby shrimp and spiced crawfish tails -- all complemented by tuxedoed servers, soft candlelight and piano interludes.

For Cajun cookery, Louisiana Lagniappe earns rave reviews with its savory Seafood Lagniappe, pannéed fresh filet of grouper topped with lobster medallions and smothered in garlic beurre blanc and hollandaise sauce.

Winner of Destin's First Place Gumbo Award, Boathouse Oyster Bar is ironically best known for its colossal cheeseburgers. Located on the Gulf, the restaurant boasts a calming view with a brisk taste of flavor and savvy.

Area nightlife ranges from tiki hut hangouts to hot spot nightclubs. On any one night, the little sea town rocks with more than 20 live bands as sizzling sunburns "cool down." Dockside, AJ's Club Bimini boasts the Bimini Bash, a lethal mix of cranberry, orange and pineapple juices with a five-rum kick.

Three different bars under one roof, sprawling Nightown -- awarded acclaim by Southern Living and the Atlanta Journal Constitution -- contains a pulsating dance club, rowdy saloon and Jimmy Buffet-style reggae bar. Live music is king at Grand Isle Skybar -- located upstairs from Café Grazie's -- featuring live bands nightly. A mixture of tunes hypnotizes guests while the splendor of spirits invigorates the dance floor.

Disco lives again at Harry T's -- reviving polyester pants and platform shoes. Weekly ladies nights paired with the setting sun guarantee large crowds and lively music. Theme nights and crowd participation are required at Howl at the Moon. From '50's be-bop to '90's hip-hop, dueling pianos entice music lovers and audience members are encouraged to join piano players on-stage for renditions of favorite hits. free of charge. The Terrace conference center at the Pelican Beach Resort offers approximately 1,000 square feet of additional meeting space.

Accessible by Okaloosa Regional Airport and nearby Pensacola Regional Airport and ground travel made easy along primary feeders: U.S. 98, Highways 331 and 85, and Interstate 10, the Emerald Coast is surrounded by more than 18,000 reasonably priced, Gulf-edged accommodations. Dining diversions spotlight some of the freshest seafood in Florida, which can be found at more than 450 culinary characters, most overlooking views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Some Content Courtesy Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau