What’s For Lunch? Four Panama City Beach Restaurants to Try ~ Southern Vacation Rentals

Any foodie will tell you the best part of a vacation is an exciting new dining experience. When you travel, it’s fun to leave your regular dives at home and try something new! Although chains like Chili’s and Applebees are reliable, it’s fun to step out of your culinary comfort and try the local flavor! If a Panama City Beach condo is your vacation hotspot this season, let us expand your palate with four Panama City Beach restaurants – you won’t be disappointed!

1. Sharky’s

Sharky’s is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. What started as a dream over 30 years ago has morphed into a popular spot in Panama City, right on the Gulf of Mexico. The restaurant holds bragging rights to being the largest open-air “palapa” in the United States, hosted musical including Rick Springfield and Kansas, and has survived three Category 4 hurricanes and dozens of tropical storms. The menu itself is also something to brag about, featuring Redfish Antigua, Key West Garlic Shrimp, and the Original Beach Burger. You have to see it to believe it!

Sharky’s is located at 15201 Front Beach Rd.

2. Barefoot Hide A Way Grill

The motto at Barefoot Hide A Way Grill is “no shoes, no shirt, no problem!” There’s not a bad seat in this Gulf front bar and grill, complemented by stunning Gulf views and easy access to the sugar white sand. With menu items including the Barefoot Beach Club, Florida Grouper, and a breakfast menu to boot, we bet you’ll have a hard time choosing just one item! Be sure to stop by from 7 – 11 AM for breakfast, and 3 – 6 PM for happy hour Monday – Friday!

Barefoot Hide A Way Grill is located at 15405 Front Beach Rd.

3. Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill

There are few things we love more than dining with a view – good food, good view, good times! At Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill, they offer “real Panama City Beach flavor and style” with beachfront dining to boot. The menu boasts an array of local seafood, including Homemade Gumbo, Fish Tacos with Fresh Mango Pico de Gallo, and Smoked Tuna Dip & Provolone Cheese. Bring your fur babies, because Hook’d is pet-friendly!

Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill is located at 16201 Front Beach Rd.

4. Pier 77 Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Family owned and operated for over 35 years, this local Panama City Restaurant has it all! While you’re here, be sure to try their fresh Gulf seafood and famous oysters. Check out their Twilight specials, offered from 4 – 6 PM – happy hour included! Pier 77’s menu features House-Made Crab Cakes, She-Crab Soup (a local favorite), and Creamy Cheese Grits, so sign us up. They’re consistently voted “Best of the Bay” and “Best on the Beach,” so you know it has to be good! As a bonus, they offer to go orders for those who want to dine at home.

Pier 77 Restaurant & Oyster Bar is located at 3016 Thomas Drive.

Hungry yet! For more restaurants and things to do in Panama City Beach, visit our Gulf Coast Guide. Meanwhile, don’t forget to book your Panama City Beach vacation condo or home with Southern this summer, and try one of these amazing restaurants in Panama City Beach!