When you fish hard, you eat well. That’s just how it goes. Whether I’m on the boat all day or grabbing a bite with the family, these are the places I keep coming back to. They’re the ones that don’t need a dress code, don’t make it weird when you ask for extra sauce, and definitely don’t skimp on flavor.
South of Philly – Santa Rosa Beach
Let’s start with the sleeper hit: South of Philly. Tucked into a humble spot off 393, this place serves up cheesesteaks that would make a Philly native nod in approval (or so I would imagine). For this Florida Boy, you really can’t go wrong. The bread’s right, the meat’s juicy, and the toppings hit every time. Go classic with peppers and onions or for a lighter option, get the Philly bowl.
98 BBQ – BBQ Salad or Pulled Pork Sandwich
You might not expect a salad on this list, but hear me out. The BBQ salad at 98 BBQ is loaded with smoked pork, tangy sauce, and crispy fried onions — it’s not your average rabbit food. If you’re going sandwich, get the pulled pork and don’t forget the sauce. It’s right off 98 in Santa Rosa Beach and a solid go-to for that midday fuel between charters.
Fat Daddy’s Pizza – Supreme Pizza
Sometimes you just need a greasy, cheesy, loaded-up slice of pizza that drips down your wrist. Fat Daddy’s has been my pizza joint since forever, and the supreme with all the toppings hits just right. Bonus: it feeds a hungry crew without breaking the bank and the lunch buffet is hard to beat.
Kilwin’s – Grand Boulevard Superman Ice Cream
For a sweet treat, especially when I’ve got the girls with me, it’s Kilwin’s at Grand Boulevard. The fudge is solid, but the Superman ice cream? Wild colors, sugary blast, and always a favorite with the kids. (Okay, and with me.)
Watersound Village Market – Grouper Sandwich
Don’t sleep on the Village Market in Watersound. Same owners as the classic Seagrove Beach establishment that goes way back. It’s hard to find true Florida seafood made the old-fashioned way, but their blackened grouper sandwich is one of the best things going. It’s quality fish, the most delicious seasoning, great bread. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be.
T’s Catch Seafood – Shrimp Plate, Freeport
For old-school seafood done right, T’s Catch in Freeport is worth the short drive. Get the fried shrimp plate and eat it in the truck if you have to. I’ve ordered bags of crawfish, gotten grouper by the pound to cook at home and eaten my fair share of corn, potatoes, sausage and shrimp. Trent (who is the T in T’s Catch) and his family are doing it right and always make me want to go back for more.
For Something Fancy
When the occasion calls for it, George’s in Alys Beach makes a solid fish dinner. Or if I’m going fancy or doing date night, the steak at Paradis in Rosemary Beach is mouth watering. I’m not going to get cleaned up and spend extra for no reason so if I’m suggesting something really nice, you know it’s going to be worth it.
