Destin, Emerald Coast, Okaloosa Newsroom

DESTIN • FORT WALTON BEACH • OKALOOSA ISLAND, Fla. – Destin • Fort Walton Beach • Okaloosa Island eateries are out to impress one thing…the taste buds. From rackety-shack oyster bars and salt-air cafes to upscale eateries, restaurants celebrate local seafood superstars with simple zest. Fruitful fishing waters yield the freshest and largest variety of seafood in Florida (with the exception of the Keys) with at least 20 tasty types of fish available for savoring during the different seasons.

Whether blackened, broiled or butter-drenched, sea specialties from red snapper and amberjack to yellowfin tuna and triggerfish come straight from the docks of the largest for hire charter fishing fleet in the United States, boasting more than 110 federally permitted charter boats. Tastes of the South spotlight such mouth-watering favorites as authentic Louisiana Cajun crawfish gumbo, beer-battered fried mullet, hush puppies and key lime pie. More than 400 easy-going eateries, mostly bordering the Gulf, bay, bayou or sound, are simple in atmosphere, yet spiced with character, serve to-die-for dishes and offer southern hospitality.

For guests looking for casual, yet fine dining restaurants while vacationing, the Emerald Coast offers various options for dining in style. BeachWalk Café at Henderson Park Inn earns rave reviews with its innovative cuisine – offering toes in the sand dining – and artful attention to detail. Contemporary dining found at Marina Café offers an extensive international wine collection to complement a Mediterranean, Pan Asian and American-influenced menu. Rutherfords 465, located at the Regatta Bay Clubhouse, presents customers with an award-winning menu while creating a unique ambiance with a spectacular view overlooking Lake Regatta.

The first Emerald Coast restaurant, Staff’s, is a 1913 barrel-shaped warehouse adorned with original pressed-tin ceilings and various collectibles such as a 1914 cash register and an antiquated phonograph lamp. The Seafood Skillet – yellowfish 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, The Magnolia Grill – a true historic home from the 1910-era – is located just off the Okaloosa sound. Once guests step inside, they are immediately surrounded by local history including owners Tom and Peggy Rice’s collection of black and white photographs that tell the story of the ‘40s era in Fort Walton Beach. With menu items from delectable appetizers to tantalizing Italian entrees, The Magnolia Grill, also known as “the museum that sells food,” is sure to top off any Emerald Coast getaway.

Attracting bikini-clad crowds, the Back Porch is a cedar-shingled seafood sensation 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 anglers’ fresh catches 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.

Poppy's Crazy Lobster offers the best of both worlds with indoor and outdoor dining. Savor seafood specialties inside while enjoying a view of the Destin Harbor or enjoy a tasty burger and fries in the salty sea air while you soak up the sun and watch boats go by.

Angler’s Beachside Grill and Sports Bar – located near The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island – serves sumptuous 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 TVs located in the sports bar.

Winner of Destin’s First Place Gumbo Award, Boathouse Oyster Bar is ironically best known for its colossal cheeseburgers. Located on the Harbor, 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.

Theme nights and crowd participation are required at Howl at the Moon. From ‘50s Be-bop to Hip-Hop, dueling pianos entice music lovers and audience members are encouraged to join piano players on-stage for renditions of favorite hits.

Additional visitor information about these and other area restaurants is available by visiting www.emeraldcoastfl.com or calling the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. at (800) 322-3319 or (850) 651-7131.

Year 2012
For More Media Information
Michelle Kelly / Anna Whiddon

The Zimmerman Agency
(850) 668-2222
media@destin-fwb.com



Resources Image Library News Releases News @lerts Search Contact Recent Press Press Kit General Overview Accommodations Meetings Activities Attractions Acclaims Dining Environmental Fast Facts Golf Weddings Special Events Trivia Spring Break	Press Kit: Dining Download PDF. Southern Samplings to Seafood Sensations DESTIN • FORT WALTON BEACH • OKALOOSA ISLAND, Fla. – Destin • Fort Walton Beach • Okaloosa Island eateries are out to impress one thing…the taste buds. From rackety-shack oyster bars and salt-air cafes to upscale eateries, restaurants celebrate local seafood superstars with simple zest. Fruitful fishing waters yield the freshest and largest variety of seafood in Florida (with the exception of the Keys) with at least 20 tasty types of fish available for savoring during the different seasons. Whether blackened, broiled or butter-drenched, sea specialties from red snapper and amberjack to yellowfin tuna and triggerfish come straight from the docks of the largest for hire charter fishing fleet in the United States, boasting more than 110 federally permitted charter boats. Tastes of the South spotlight such mouth-watering favorites as authentic Louisiana Cajun crawfish gumbo, beer-battered fried mullet, hush puppies and key lime pie. More than 400 easy-going eateries, mostly bordering the Gulf, bay, bayou or sound, are simple in atmosphere, yet spiced with character, serve to-die-for dishes and offer southern hospitality. For guests looking for casual, yet fine dining restaurants while vacationing, the Emerald Coast offers various options for dining in style. BeachWalk Café at Henderson Park Inn earns rave reviews with its innovative cuisine – offering toes in the sand dining – and artful attention to detail. Contemporary dining found at Marina Café offers an extensive international wine collection to complement a Mediterranean, Pan Asian and American-influenced menu. Rutherfords 465, located at the Regatta Bay Clubhouse, presents customers with an award-winning menu while creating a unique ambiance with a spectacular view overlooking Lake Regatta. The first Emerald Coast restaurant, Staff’s, is a 1913 barrel-shaped warehouse adorned with original pressed-tin ceilings and various collectibles such as a 1914 cash register and an antiquated phonograph lamp. The Seafood Skillet – yellowfish 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, The Magnolia Grill – a true historic home from the 1910-era – is located just off the Okaloosa sound. Once guests step inside, they are immediately surrounded by local history including owners Tom and Peggy Rice’s collection of black and white photographs that tell the story of the ‘40s era in Fort Walton Beach. With menu items from delectable appetizers to tantalizing Italian entrees, The Magnolia Grill, also known as “the museum that sells food,” is sure to top off any Emerald Coast getaway. Attracting bikini-clad crowds, the Back Porch is a cedar-shingled seafood sensation 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 anglers’ fresh catches 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. Poppy's Crazy Lobster offers the best of both worlds with indoor and outdoor dining. Savor seafood specialties inside while enjoying a view of the Destin Harbor or enjoy a tasty burger and fries in the salty sea air while you soak up the sun and watch boats go by. Angler’s Beachside Grill and Sports Bar – located near The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island – serves sumptuous 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 TVs located in the sports bar. Winner of Destin’s First Place Gumbo Award, Boathouse Oyster Bar is ironically best known for its colossal cheeseburgers. Located on the Harbor, 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. Theme nights and crowd participation are required at Howl at the Moon. From ‘50s Be-bop to Hip-Hop, dueling pianos entice music lovers and audience members are encouraged to join piano players on-stage for renditions of favorite hits. Additional visitor information about these and other area restaurants is available by visiting www.emeraldcoastfl.com or calling the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. at (800) 322-3319 or (850) 651-7131.

Year 2012 For More Media Information Michelle Kelly / Anna Whiddon The Zimmerman Agency (850) 668-2222 media@destin-fwb.com