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Home » Blog

Where To Eat In Panama City, Florida

Published: Feb 16, 2021 · Modified: Sep 13, 2023 by Lynda · This post may contain affiliate links.

If you are searching for where to eat in Panama City, Florida, then look no further.  Here are four local restaurants in Panama City that serve fresh seafood and other mouthwatering dishes that you won't get anywhere else.

These four local restaurants not only offer delectable seafood but also capture the essence of the Gulf Coast's culinary traditions.

1.  Start the Day Off Right With Breakfast at Bayou Joe's

Bowl of shrimp and grits.

Bayou Joe's is a cozy little dive on a dock that overlooks the Massalina Bayou.  They open every day at 7 am and start feeding hungry guests who visit from all over the United States.   The Blackened Shrimp and Cheesy Grits are to die for!  Other breakfast items include omelets, French toast, pancakes, grits, catfish & eggs, and steak & eggs to name a few.  Bayou Joe's is also open for lunch and dinner and is a great place to chill out and relax.

Bayou Joe's is located at 112A East 3rd Court on Massalina Bayou in Panama City.  Their website is www.bayoujoes.com.

Fish sandwich topped with slaw.

2. For a Truly Unique Dining Experience, Go to Just The Cook

Just the Cook is a one-of-a-kind spot to grab lunch.  Located on a houseboat on St. Andrew's Bay, Just the Cook serves fresh food - it's never frozen, microwaved, or out of a can.  

Guests can order their food and eat at one of the nearby picnic tables. A sweet bonus about eating at Just the Cook - they don't have a liquor license, so if you order a beer with your meal, the beer is free!

Just the Cook is docked at 3151 W 10th Street in Panama City.  Visit them on the web at justthecook.com.

Woman holding an oyster on top of a cracker.

3. Get Your Oyster Fix at Hunt's Oyster Bar

Hunt's Oyster Bar has been shucking oysters for 50 years in Panama City.  Located across from St. Andrew's Marina in a yellow building,  guests can dine on raw, steamed, and cooked oysters, as well as steak, shrimp, scallops, tuna, frog legs, and chicken.  (And that's just to name a few of the things that they serve.)  Hunt's Oyster Bar is also where the US Oyster Shucking Champion, Honor Allen, learned his trade.

Hunt's Oyster Bar is located at 1150 Beck Avenue in Panama City.  

Plate with shrimp tacos and French fries.

4. For Dinner With a View, Eat At Uncle Ernies

Uncle Ernie's is a casual dining restaurant in historic St. Andrew's overlooking the bay.  Once the home to Uncle Ernie and Jessie Morris, the home was preserved and converted to a restaurant that serves as a landmark to the spot where Uncle Ernie made his livelihood.  

Nowadays, make sure that you have your cell phone with you.  People line up to eat at Uncle Ernie's and they use modern-day technology to page you to let you know that they have a table available.  

Menu items include fresh seafood from the gulf, steaks, pasta, soup & salad, and more.  The sunsets from the deck at Uncle Ernie's are dreamy.

Uncle Ernie's Bayfront Grill is located at 1151 Bayview Avenue in Panama City.  Visit the website at uncleerniesbayfrontgrill.com for more info.

View of sunset over water at Uncle Ernies in Panama City, Florida.

Hungry for more Florida travel inspiration? Be sure to check out the 10-day Florida itinerary from Stay Wild Travels. The guide will lead you through an unforgettable journey across Florida's diverse landscapes and attractions.

Where do you like to eat in Panama City?

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  1. Ummi | Ummi Goes Where? says

    March 31, 2021 at 7:59 pm

    Love these recommendations! But I'm most attracted to Just the Cook. Fresh food and free beer? I'm sold!

    Reply
    • SelfLynda says

      April 01, 2021 at 2:30 am

      Isn't that so cool?!

      Reply
  2. Bridget says

    March 31, 2021 at 9:21 pm

    Oh man they all look delish! We are hoping to visit next Spring Break and will definitely keep this list handy!

    Reply
    • SelfLynda says

      April 01, 2021 at 2:30 am

      Panama City and Panama City Beach are great Spring Break destinations. I know you will have a great time.

      Reply
  3. Destiny says

    March 31, 2021 at 10:21 pm

    Wow Bayou Joe's looks BOMB! I am planning on doing a big Florida road trip at some point and I will definitely be working these spots into my list!

    Reply
    • SelfLynda says

      April 01, 2021 at 2:29 am

      Breakfast at Bayou Joe's is pretty incredible! You will enjoy exploring Florida.

      Reply
  4. Tjasa says

    April 01, 2021 at 12:45 am

    They all look so delicious. And your photography makes the food even more appealing 😊

    Reply
    • SelfLynda says

      April 01, 2021 at 2:29 am

      Thanks. The food was a great subject to photograph.

      Reply
  5. Sarah says

    April 02, 2021 at 1:58 am

    These all look delicious! I think I would most want to try Bayou Joe's. Those breakfast options sound amazing.

    Reply
  6. Michele says

    May 08, 2021 at 4:32 am

    I would add Los Antojitos mexican restaurant to the list! Not your tupical mexican. Chips and queso are the best, strong margaritas, and food is delicious! Did I mention the outdoor dining? Eat under a large lighted tree with views of the bay and even a play area for the kiddos!!!

    Reply

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Lynda and Jeff

We're Lynda and Jeff, two Generation Xers making our way across the South - and wherever else our car, boat, or plane will take us - in search of beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and fabulous food.

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