Endless sun and sand, endless alcohol, and endless freedom—this is probably what comes to mind when you think of Panama City Beach as a spring break destination. Don’t get me wrong, fashioning beer pong tables out of sand on the beach for an entire week is certainly great, but I personally wouldn’t be satisfied unless I got to down some serious eats at some of the best restaurants in Panama City Beach.
What if I told you that in addition to the standard spring break essentials, PCB is home to some of the best dang beach eats in the nation? You better sit down, relax, and get ready for some intense tummy growling after reading this list.
1. Saltwater Grill
The only two words you need to know: firecracker shrimp. Your taste buds will for sure thank you for the crispy fried shrimp covered in a creamy spicy sauce served over slaw. This gem is definitely on the pricier side, so make sure you and your squad take advantage of the early bird specials from 4-5:30 pm.
2. Firefly
Firefly is the place to go if you’re looking for a fancy, creative dining experience to round out your not-so-well-mannered vacation. Get the Cajun pasta, it’s loaded with shrimp, sausage, and crawfish tails, all smothered in amazingly creamy Cajun sauce. Once again, this one’s definitely expensive, so order from Sunset Special menu from 5-6:30 pm to get some steals.
3. Eat My Pasty
Best. Fish. And. Chips. Ever. You really can’t go wrong with ordering here. Eat My Pasty serves up the most mouthwatering British meals from scratch. Traditional dishes include bangers and mash, cornish pasties, shepherd’s pie, and many more.
4. Liza’s Kitchen
Liza’s Kitchen is always full of locals, and that’s how I decipher if a restaurant is good or not. They make everything from scratch—and I mean everything; from focaccia to mayonnaise, it’s all homemade. Try the Hippie Chick sandwich—I’m drooling just thinking about the warm roasted chicken, goat cheese, spinach, roasted red pepper, and spicy mayo on the classic focaccia, of course. This is the perfect lunchtime or brunch spot.
5. David’s Sno-Balls
First thing’s first, lemme tell ya what a sno-ball is. Sno-balls are fluffy balls of thinly shaved ice flavored with different syrups and toppings. AKA heaven. They even have ice cream-stuffed sno-balls. But if you come here, and don’t try the roast beef po-boy…well that’d just be a shame.
6. Muy Wayne O’s
This place has mastered the recipe for a successful spring break restaurant: homemade margaritas, a friendly atmosphere, and super fresh delicious food. You’ve gotta try the beef brisket tortilla, just please do it.
7. Another Broken Egg Cafe
Yes, this is chain, and yes, it’s still amazing. I’m probably not supposed to do this, but I’m just going to give you a list of some of the brunch menu items because they’re that good: blackberry grits, biscuit beignets, monster cinnamon rolls, black bean benedict…I could keep going on and on, but you get the point.
8. Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill
Anddd anotha one…another early bird special, that is. Come hang out at Runaway Island from 3-5:30 pm and enjoy the stellar beach views with some drinks. If you’re between two dishes, go with the grouper tacos, they’re packed with fish and flavor.
9. Wine Knot Tapas
First, this hidden find is actually in Panama City, a short bridge ride away from PCB. And let me tell ya, it’s worth the ride. The staff is incredibly friendly, the prices are a bargain and the tapas are to-die-for of course. Keep the sangria flowing, devour the bacon-wrapped dates and ceviche, and top the night off with finger lickin’ churros.
10. Gypsea Crepes
Honestly, who wouldn’t want gobble up a crepe on the beach? Gypsea dishes out sweet and savory crepes, so there’s definitely something for everyone. You can’t pass up the opportunity of trying their strawberry cheesecake Nutella crepe (yes, it actually exists).