Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Stewby's Seafood Shanty
SEAFOOD
( 850-586-7001;
www.stewbys.com
;
427 Racetrack Road NW, Fort Walton Beach; items $3-15;
10am-9pm)
Off the main drag, en route to Eglin base, this unpretentious, predominantly takeout res-
taurant is famed for its seafood gumbo and signature sandwiches, based on recipes passed
down over the generations. Increasing popularity means longer waits, but the food is both
top notch and affordable.
Donut Hole Café & Bakery
BAKERY
( 850-837-8824; 635 Harbor Blvd, Destin; items from $4; 6am-10pm)
This simple bakery-diner is a local favorite, serving sit-down breakfasts, fluffy takeout
buttermilk donuts and bakery items. Folks come from near and far for the generous
wedges of decadent Key lime pie.
Boathouse Oyster Bar
SEAFOOD
( 850-837-3645;
www.boathouseoysterbar.com
;
228 Hwy 98 E, Destin; items $4-18; 11am-late)
What looks like a waterfront shed is the most happening little place in Destin, with live
music from country to jazz and phenomenal Apalachicola oysters, crawfish and seafood
gumbo.
Dewey Destin's
SEAFOOD
( 850-837-7525;
www.destinseafood.com
;
202 Harbor Blvd, Destin; mains $9-22; from 11am)
Refreshingly human-scale compared to some of the corporate-behemoth restaurants on
Destin's main strip, this longtime local favorite serves up simple but delicious fried and
steamed seafood platters and cool rum drinks in a crowded old beach shack decorated with
vintage Florida photos. There's now a second
location
(
850-837-7575;
www.destinseafood.com
; 9 Calhoun Ave, Destin; mains $9-22;
from 11am)
overlooking Crab Is-
land.
Bay Café
FRENCH
(
850-344-7822;
www.baycafewaterfront.com
;
233 Alconese Ave, Fort Walton Beach; mains $16-28;
11am-10pm Mon-Sat, to 3pm Sun)
