The Best Seafood Restaurants in Panama City Beach: A Local's Guide

If you're looking for some of the best seafood restaurants in Panama City Beach, then look no further. We've put together a list of our favorite places to eat seafood, and each one offers something unique and delicious. Whether you're looking for casual dining or a more upscale experience, you'll find what you're looking for here.  

In this article, we'll highlight some of the best seafood restaurants in Panama City Beach. You'll find everything from crab houses to oyster bars, so there's something for everyone. So sit back and relax – we're about to take you on a culinary journey through PCB!

photo by: @bayouonthebeach

Bayou Bill's Crab House

Bayou Bill's Crab House is your one-stop shop for seafood and oyster lovers on the Emerald Coast. They've been a local tradition since 1986, serving up some of Florida’s finest catches directly from locally sourced suppliers. Bayou Bill's Crab House is a local favorite, and it's easy to see why. The seafood here is fresh and flavorful, and the prices are unbeatable.

With an extensive menu that features everything from Choctawhatchee blue crabs to lobsters, and from delicious shrimp to the finest oysters in the Emerald Coast.  Their knowledgeable staff will be more than happy help guide any visitors through their unique menu. If you're looking for a casual dining experience, this is the place for you.

photo by @backporchpcb

The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House

The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House is another great option for seafood lovers. The Back Porch has been serving up some delicious seafood with the best Gulf views for over 40 years. This restaurant has a more upscale vibe, but the prices are still reasonable. And the seafood is, of course, outstanding.

They invented their renowned Amberjack sandwich, which is made from a fresh piece of Chargrilled Amberjack fish served on an authentic hamburger or sandwich bun, and they are also well-known for their fresh Appalachicola oysters, which are sure to delight even the most demanding customers.  If you're looking to enjoy some great seafood with local flavor then make sure to stop by The Back Porch.

 photo by: @pompanojoes

Pompano Joe's

Pompano Joe's is a must-visit for any seafood lover travelling in Panama City Beach. This restaurant has won multiple awards for its delicious food, and it's easy to see why. The menu features fresh seafood that is caught daily, and the chefs here have a real passion for what they do.

Pompano Joe's offers a wide variety of seafood dishes with their specialty in serving local Gulf seafood. Their specialty dish is their famous "Seafood Gumbo", which has won several Gumbo contests or try their "Garlic Crusted Grouper with Lobster" – a platter of grouper and lobster served with croquettes and vegetables.

This is a great place to enjoy some fresh seafood while watching the Gulf waves roll in from their outdoor patio deck. It's also conveniently located in the Pier Park shopping center, so you can do some shopping before or after your meal.

 photo by: @schoonerspcb

Schooners

Schooners is a Panama City Beach institution. This beachfront bar and grill has been serving up cold drinks and fresh seafood since 1977. And with live music and special events seven nights a week, it's the perfect place to enjoy a sunset dinner or a late-night snack.

The menu features all of your favorite seafood dishes, sandwiches and food baskets as well as some unique specialties like the "Tuna BLT" and their "East End Fish Tacos". And of course, no visit to Schooners is complete without trying their delicious Gulf specialties like the Mahi-Mahi, Grouper or Shrimp.

If you're looking for a casual dining experience with a view, then Schooners is the place for you.

photo by: @saltwatergrillpcb

Saltwater Grill

Saltwater Grill is one of the newer restaurants that's making waves in the Panama City Beach culinary scene. This restaurant offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality and Florida flair.

As soon as you walk in, you'll be greeted with a 25,000 gallon aquarium with an incredible view of all things tropical. You can enjoy the view of the aquarium from either side of the restaurant while enjoying dinner or having drinks at the bar. It's a truly unique experience to watch these beautiful saltwater tanks full of exotic sea creatures from around world.

The menu features fresh, local seafood that is caught daily and prepared to perfection. Choose between fresh seafood or steakhouse dishes and enjoy some of Saltwater Grill's unique cocktails, like the "Saltwater Tequila Mule" and the "Seasonal Mojito".

If you're looking for a delicious meal in a beautiful setting, then be sure to check out Saltwater Grill.

photo by: deeshangout

Dee's Hang Out

Last but not least, Dee's Hang Out is a local favorite that has been serving up fresh seafood for over a decade. This family-owned restaurant is known for its friendly atmosphere and its delicious food. 

Their Southern coastal cajun menu features all of your favorite seafood dishes, as well as some unique specialties like the "She-Crab Soup" and the "Smoked Tuna Dip". And if you're looking for something truly original, try the "Po-Boys" – served on a Liedenhimer Brother’s French bread.

If you're looking for a casual dining experience with a home-cooked meal, then Dee's Hang Out is the place for you.

Summary

Panama City Beach is a great destination for seafood lovers. With its beautiful beaches, local attractions, and outstanding restaurants, it's easy to see why. So next time you're in town, be sure to check out one of these local favorites!