If you're planning a trip to 30A, you're in for a treat. Not only will you enjoy the stunning beaches, the turquoise water, and the coastal charm, but you'll also enjoy the incredible food.
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30A is a foodie paradise, with over 200 restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering a variety of cuisines, flavors, and atmospheres. You'll find everything from fresh seafood, to authentic pizza, to gourmet burgers, to mouthwatering tacos, and more.
But if you want to experience the true taste of 30A, you need to know where the locals eat. The locals know the best spots, the hidden gems, and the local favorites, that will make your taste buds sing.
They know where to find the freshest ingredients, the best service, and the best value. They know where to go for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between.
In this blog post, I'll reveal the best places to eat on 30A, according to the locals. I'll show you the most popular spots, the most underrated ones, and the most secret ones.
I'll also give you some tips and tricks on how to enjoy eating on 30A, like a pro. Whether you're looking for seafood, pizza, burgers, or tacos, you'll find it here. Let's get started!
What Makes 30A a Foodie Destination?
30A is a scenic stretch of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, between Destin and Panama City, in Florida. It's named after the road that connects the 16 beach towns that make up the area, County Road 30A.
It's a popular destination for beach lovers, nature lovers, and culture lovers, who enjoy the beauty, diversity, and charm of the place.
But what makes 30A a foodie destination? There are several factors that contribute to the culinary excellence of the area, such as:
The location
30A is blessed with a prime location, right on the Gulf of Mexico, which provides access to some of the freshest and finest seafood in the country. You'll find fish, shrimp, oysters, crab, scallops, and more, caught daily and delivered to the restaurants.
You'll also find local produce, such as tomatoes, corn, watermelon, and more, grown in the nearby farms and gardens. You'll also find influences from the neighboring states, such as Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia, which add some spice, soul, and sweetness to the food.
The diversity
30A is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and styles, which creates a rich and varied dining scene. You'll find restaurants that reflect the heritage, traditions, and tastes of the people who live and work here, such as Southern, Cajun, Creole, Mexican, Italian, Greek, and more.
You'll also find restaurants that cater to different preferences, diets, and occasions, such as vegan, gluten-free, kid-friendly, romantic, and more. You'll also find restaurants that offer different experiences, such as fine dining, casual dining, waterfront dining, rooftop dining, and more.
The creativity
30A is a hub of creativity, innovation, and passion, which translates into the food. You'll find chefs, owners, and staff who are passionate about their craft, their ingredients, and their customers.
You'll find chefs who experiment with new flavors, techniques, and presentations, creating dishes that are unique, delicious, and beautiful.
You'll also find chefs who collaborate with each other, with local farmers, fishermen, and artisans, and with the community, creating a sense of camaraderie, sustainability, and quality.
How to Find the Best Restaurants on 30A?
With so many restaurants to choose from, how do you find the best ones on 30A? There are several ways to find the best restaurants on 30A, such as:
Asking the locals
The locals are the best source of information when it comes to finding the best restaurants on 30A. They know the places that have been around for years, the places that have just opened, and the places that are worth a try.
They also know the places that have the best food, the best service, and the best value. You can ask the locals for recommendations, such as your hotel staff, your tour guide, your taxi driver, or your fellow travelers.
You can also look for signs of local approval, such as long lines, crowded parking lots, or stickers on the windows.
Searching online
The internet is another great source of information when it comes to finding the best restaurants on 30A. You can use web search engines, such as Google or Bing, to find information about the restaurants, such as their location, menu, hours, reviews, and more.
You can also use location search engines, such as Google or Yelp, to find the best restaurants near you, based on your criteria, such as distance, rating, price, cuisine, and more.
You can also use social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, to find the latest news, photos, and videos about the restaurants, and to see what other people are saying about them.
Exploring on foot
The best way to find the best restaurants on 30A is to explore on foot. You can walk, bike, or drive along the road, and stop at any place that catches your eye, your nose, or your stomach.
You can also explore the different beach towns, and discover the local gems and the hidden treasures that each one has to offer. You can also follow your instincts, and trust your senses, to find the best restaurants on 30A.
The Top 10 Restaurants on 30A According to the Locals
Now that you know how to find the best restaurants on 30A, let me share with you the top 10 restaurants on 30A, according to the locals. These are the places that the locals love, frequent, and recommend, for their food, service, and atmosphere.
These are the places that you don't want to miss, when you visit 30A. Here they are, in no particular order:
The Bay
This is a waterfront restaurant, located in Santa Rosa Beach, that serves Southern and Asian fusion cuisine. You'll find dishes such as sushi, fried chicken, gumbo, and curry, all made with fresh and local ingredients. You'll also enjoy the views, the music, and the vibe, of this laid-back and lively spot.
Chanticleer Eatery
This is a cozy and casual restaurant, located in Grayton Beach, that serves American comfort food. You'll find dishes such as salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas, all made with homemade and organic ingredients. You'll also enjoy the decor, the service, and the desserts, of this charming and friendly spot.
The Red Bar
This is a 30A institution, and a must-visit for anyone who loves live music, good vibes, and delicious food. The Red Bar is located in Grayton Beach, and it's known for its eclectic decor, funky atmosphere, and amazing menu.
They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes such as crab cakes, shrimp and grits, blackened grouper, and pasta. They also have a full bar, with beer, wine, and cocktails.
The best part is that they have live music every night, featuring local and national bands, playing jazz, blues, rock, and more. The Red Bar is always packed, so be prepared to wait, but trust me, it's worth it.
The Great Southern Cafe
This is a 30A favorite, and a perfect spot for anyone who loves Southern comfort food, with a twist. The Great Southern Cafe is located in Seaside, and it's known for its cozy and colorful setting, friendly staff, and mouthwatering menu.
They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes such as beignets, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and gumbo. They also have a full bar, with beer, wine, and cocktails.
The best part is that they have a happy hour every day, from 4 to 6 pm, featuring half-price drinks and appetizers. The Great Southern Cafe is always busy, so make sure to make a reservation, or arrive early.
Bud & Alley's
This is a classic and iconic restaurant, located in Seaside, that serves seafood and Southern cuisine. You'll find dishes such as oysters, crab cakes, fish tacos, and ribs, all made with fresh and local ingredients. You'll also enjoy the views, the ambiance, and the history, of this award-winning and legendary spot.
The best part is that they have a rooftop bar, where you can watch the sunset, sip a drink, and listen to the bell ring, a tradition that dates back to 1986.
Stinky's Fish Camp
This is a fun and funky restaurant, located in Dune Allen Beach, that serves seafood and Cajun cuisine. You'll find dishes such as oysters, crawfish, shrimp, and catfish, all made with fresh and local ingredients.
You'll also enjoy the decor, the music, and the humor, of this quirky and lively spot. The best part is that they have a bait shop, where you can buy some fishing gear, or book a fishing charter, and catch your own dinner.
Pizza by the Sea
This is a family-friendly and casual restaurant, located in WaterColor, that serves pizza and Italian cuisine. You'll find dishes such as pizza, pasta, salads, and sandwiches, all made with fresh and quality ingredients.
You'll also enjoy the service, the portions, and the prices, of this popular and affordable spot. The best part is that they have a gluten-free and a dairy-free menu, for those who have dietary restrictions or preferences.
La Cocina
This is a festive and authentic restaurant, located in Seacrest Beach, that serves Mexican and Latin cuisine. You'll find dishes such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas, all made with fresh and flavorful ingredients.
You'll also enjoy the drinks, the salsa, and the chips, of this spicy and tasty spot. The best part is that they have a happy hour every day, from 3 to 6 pm, featuring half-price margaritas and sangria.
The Perfect Pig
This is a cozy and charming restaurant, located in Gulf Place, that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You'll find dishes such as pancakes, omelets, sandwiches, salads, and pork, all made with homemade and local ingredients.
You'll also enjoy the coffee, the wine, and the cheese, of this delightful and delicious spot. The best part is that they have a bakery, where you can buy some bread, pastries, and cakes, to take home with you.
Cowgirl Kitchen
This is a fun and casual restaurant, located in Rosemary Beach, that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You'll find dishes such as biscuits, tacos, burgers, and pizza, all made with fresh and local ingredients.
You'll also enjoy the beer, the wine, and the cocktails, of this cool and quirky spot. The best part is that they have a market, where you can buy some groceries, souvenirs, and gifts, to take home with you.
The Best Tips and Tricks to Enjoy Eating on 30A
To wrap up this blog post, here are some of the best tips and tricks to enjoy eating on 30A, like a pro.
Plan ahead
30A is a popular destination, especially during the peak season, which means that the restaurants can get very busy and crowded.
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To avoid disappointment, frustration, or hunger, it's a good idea to plan ahead and make reservations, especially for the most popular or the most upscale places. You can also check the hours, the menus, and the reviews of the restaurants, to make sure they suit your needs and expectations.
Be flexible
30A is a diverse and dynamic destination, which means that the restaurants can change, evolve, or surprise you. To enjoy the best of what 30A has to offer, it's a good idea to be flexible and open-minded, and try new things, new places, and new flavors.
You can also be adventurous and spontaneous, and follow your instincts, your senses, or your recommendations, to find the best restaurants on 30A.
Be respectful
30A is a friendly and welcoming destination, which means that the restaurants are run by people who love their craft, their ingredients, and their customers.
To enjoy the best service and the best experience, it's a good idea to be respectful and courteous, and treat the staff, the owners, and the chefs, with kindness and appreciation.
You can also be generous and tip well, and leave a positive review or feedback, to show your gratitude and support.
Final Thoughts
30A is a dream destination for anyone who loves food. With so many amazing restaurants to choose from, you'll never get bored or hungry. But if you want to eat like a local, you need to follow this guide and discover the best places to eat on 30A.
Whether you're looking for seafood, pizza, burgers, or tacos, you'll find it here. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to 30A today and enjoy the culinary delights of the Emerald Coast.