The moment you have all been waiting for is here! Maybe some of you. Maybe just my mom. Maybe no one has waited for? But no matter, it’s here! My list of what and where are my favorites in the Santa Rosa Beach area. We’ve just returned from two weeks of relaxation but also work, and rest but also research so we had plenty of opportunities to explore the sips and eats in the area.
On our very last evening, we had a cute little conversation with an adorable young couple (wait, doesn’t everybody make friends with surrounding tables by talking about Big 12 football??) and they asked what restaurants we would recommend while they were on vacation from their three kiddos back in Georgia. Which got me thinking…why haven’t I put together a Top Five list before? Well, I’m going to rectify that gross omission right here, right now. And p.s., I’m giving away all the secrets…
Top 5 Dinner Restaurants -
The Great Southern Cafe - this Seaside mainstay has long been the spot for the Butterfield Family’s arrival dinner. “It’s tradition, Mom!” Even last year when we had four grandchildren in tow (our first vacation with such) and dinner was relegated to take-out on the first night, we ordered from The Great Southern. It’s that good. Out of 15 days, we visited this establishment 7 times! (Lunch, brunch, dinner, happy hour) There’s indoor seating (for those who crave a/c), a lively outdoor bar with tenured bartenders and an outdoor tented area on the square that is perfect for large groups and families.
Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar - pizza is pizza you say? I beg to differ. My mouth waters every time I think about their Spicy Clam pie and did I mention the gi-normous platter of blistered Brussels sprouts that we shared as a starter/side? Ooof. The vibe is beachy, service is great and the pizza crust is thin and irresistible.
Cafe 30A - our original date night spot is so consistently delicious, reservations are an absolute must. The wine list is HUGE and reasonably priced, the entrees are always on point and if you plan your week right, you can grab a $6 martini in the bar on Tuesday or Thursday before dinner and maybe after dinner as well, because it’s an All-night special!
George’s at Alys Beach - also a favorite couples place but this establishment does NOT take reservations and they do NOT have a full bar which can make your wait for a table not as relaxing. However, the dishes are usually stellar - we always find a new and tempting appetizer to try and service is chatty and relaxed.
Surfing Deer - definitely the most formal of all our haunts, reservations also required. Best atmosphere if you’re looking for something close to an urban experience with outdoor seating that is elegant and yet close to the beach. Our appetizer and salad were just ok but both entrees really shined. On another occasion we sat in the bar and had a yummy dessert and nightcap.
Honorable Mention: Borago in Grayton for when you’re craving Italian!
Top 5 Brunch/Lunch Restaurants -
The Great Southern Cafe - duh! As noted above, we enjoyed every imaginable meal service at this favorite and were NEVER disappointed, which says a lot! For brunch, their variety of Eggs Benedict dishes was too tempting not to enjoy on two different occasions!
Black Bear Bread Company - located in Grayton, this was a 2.5 mile bike ride (each way) from our Seaside home-away-from-home and we made the trek 3 times. Enough said? The good news: they’re opening a Seaside location right on 30A…expect long lines! The pastry selection is unparalleled in the area.
The Red Bar - also in Grayton, but we drive here for lunch. It’s everything a dive bar should be: funky, featured live music, menus displayed on portable chalk boards and great food. We prefer their lunch menu vs. dinner because their fish & chips and sandwiches are hard to beat. This 30A institution burned down in 2019 but they rebuilt and brought back all the funk + they now accept credit cards! (Previously checks and cash only!)
Seagrove Village Market - established in 1949, they’re doing something right! A great spot for lunch on your way back from the beach, especially if you’re staying in Old Seagrove or Watercolor Crossings. Fried oyster basket is a midday indulgence with Broccoli salad. Yum!
The Perfect Pig - we visited the location next to Publix on 395 for a take-out lunch and it was very good. The space is super cute with a bistro-feel and I’d like to return on another visit.
Top 5 What to Eat!
Blackened Fresh Fish of the Day - really, blackened anything! I had the blackened mahi, blackened grouper and blackened shrimp all on separate occasions. So delish and one of my all time craved southern seasonings!
Fried Anything! - this is the South, people! Hush puppies, fried oysters and fried okra are all personal faves and can best be found at, you guessed it, The Great Southern. However, best fried fish and chips is at The Red Bar and Cafe30A’s fried oyster spinach salad is outstanding.
Asian-inspired dishes - I had three amazing meals with Asian flair over two weeks. Sweet & Spicy Snapper @SurfingDeer (almost licked my plate clean); Tandoori Salmon @Cafe30A (I know, salmon, right?); and Spicy Salt & Pepper Shrimp @George’satAlysBeach. All delicious and I would highly recommend.
Biscuits - as Southern as it comes, I always have to try biscuits if they’re on a brunch menu. I loved the Biscuits and Gravy at The Great Southern but the Biscuit breakfast sandwiches @BlackBearBreadCo were worth every pedal revolution on that bike!
Grits - The Great Southern is famous for their Grits A Ya Ya — Blackened Shrimp, smoked bacon, spinach, portobello mushroom all served on a bed of smoked gouda cheese grits. The. Best.
NOTE: fresh lump crab meat was in short supply in the area this summer so any crab cakes we sampled were sorely disappointing, filled with shells, etc. Other years, crab cakes would definitely be on the above list.
Sips and Happy Hours -
Cafe 30A ‘Tini night - Tuesdays and Thursdays ALL NIGHT LONG available in the bar only - $6 martinis (straight up price, no tax??) and my personal favorites are The James Bond and The Manhattan. The bartenders have been behind that bar so long, don’t get on their black list! Also as mentioned above, best wine selection.
Mojitos - The Great Southern has the widest selection of this refreshing rum drink and my personal favorite is the Mango, where little chunks of yellow fruit come slurping up my straw and fool me into thinking I’m drinking healthy. (Rum is the reason Pirates never rolled the World!) Also, happy hour is 3-5, a very small window of opportunity, however, the drink specials and reduced price oysters = worth it!
FOOW - located in Watercolor Inn, we liked the bartender and the wide array of spirits available to make our favorite mixed drinks.
Surfing Deer - ditto for this chic bar where everyone chats with everyone and the wide open space makes you feel comfortable sitting at the high bar for dinner or drinks.
Local brews - available all over, but especially at The Red Bar
If you’ve made it this far, I applaud you and I thank you for indulging me in my list of favorite foods, drinks and restaurants. And if you disagree or have something you’d like to add, please reach out or comment below. I love to hear your feedback!
