By Jack Smith
When I was a child growing up on the Chesapeake Bay, we had a special word for shrimp: bait. My first experience with shrimp as a food source was in the ‘60s and it came in the form of a shrimp cocktail. Fried, blackened, steamed were all in my future. Today, shrimp is the most popular seafood dish in the United States. Marco Polo wrote about how important shrimp was to the Chinese diet in 1280 and it only took us another 800 years to discover how tasteful and nutritious this protein really is. According to Forest Gump’s friend Bubba, you can enjoy shrimp fried, steamed, blackened, broiled, raw, stuffed, in gumbo, BBQ, Kabobs, and Jambalaya. Feel free to add to this list.
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant
5551 N Lagoon Drive, PCB | (850) 234-2225
captandersons.com
Capt. Anderson’s Grilled Bay Shrimp is FAMOUS in the South. Perfectly prepared with our own special seasoning and resting in melted butter… you have to taste to believe! Try it as an appetizer or an entree and don’t forget to sop the seasoned butter with a fresh baked rice roll. Delicious! Dine early and watch the fleet unload.
Schooners
5121 Gulf Drive, PCB | (850) 235-3555
schooners.com
Enjoying fried seafood overlooking the white sand beach and emerald waters is CLASSIC. Schooners serves the tastiest trio of deep-fried Mahi-Mahi, Oysters and Jumbo Shrimp called the “Beach Party.” Add a chilled glass of wine, ice cold local craft beer or a vodka based “Beach Bum,” and you have the perfect makings of a lifelong beach memory!
Embassy Suites by Hilton
Panama City Beach Resort
16006 Front Beach Rd., PCB | (850) 328-5545
panamacitybeachresort.embassysuites.com
Directly across from Beach Access Point 54, our resort is just a few steps from white sandy beaches. We’re less than a mile from Pier Park, a movie theater, and Aaron Bessant Park and Amphitheater. Enjoy our outdoor pool, over 15,500 sq. ft. of event space, and three dining options.
Boon Docks
14854 Bay View Circle, PCB | (850) 230-0005
boondocksfl.com
Boon Dock’s grilled shrimp are seasoned to perfection with our proprietary blend of Cajun spices, bell peppers and onions, plus two side dishes and hush puppies. Thank you to all of our wonderful customers for 22 years. We look forward to many more!
Señor Frogs
15005 Front Beach Road, PCB
senorfrogs.com/panama-city-beach
Our Cilantro Garlic Shrimp is delelctable. Fresh shrimp sautéed in butter sauce, garlic and cilantro, served with white rice, fresh cut veggies and lime.
American Charlie
473 Richard Jackson Blvd., PCB | (850) 238-8340
americancharlie.com
You’ve got to try our Shrimp and Grits: jumbo pan seared shrimp with our own sharp white cheddar cheese grits, surrounded by a roasted tomato and grilled andouille low country sauce.
Hibachi Express & Sushi
9956 Hutchison Blvd. #500, PCB | ((850) 775-1480
www.hibachiexpresssushifl.com
We offer authentic and delicious tasting Japanese cuisine. A convenient location and affordable prices make our restaurant a natural choice for dine-in or take-out meals. Our restaurant is known for its variety in taste and high quality fresh ingredients. Come and experience our friendly atmosphere and excellent service. You can also order online for pickup or delivery.
Jaa’s Kitchen
9956 Hutchison Blvd, PCB | (850) 775-4493
jaas-kitchen.business.site
If you have never come across Caribbean cuisine, you should reserve a table now and sample the menu at Jaa’s Kitchen. You will find perfectly cooked chicken, pork, rice and peas, fried plantains and many other delicious items.
San Marcos Mexican Grill Pier Park
101 Bluefish Drive, Suite 105, PCB | (850) 708-3097
www.sanmarcosmexicangrillpierpark.com
San Marcos Mexican Grill is a family-owned and -operated Mexican restaurant. The family is committed to serving authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex fare including handmade corn tortillas and homemade, tableside-prepared guacamole! Pair the delicious dishes with a range of margaritas, or a draft or bottled beer. You can even have your furry friends join you on the pet-friendly patio! Any day is a good day to chill at the grill.
The Wicked Wheel
10025 Hutchison Boulevard, PCB | (850) 588-7947
thewickedwheel.com
Looking for the best Shrimp and Grits on the beach? The Wicked Wheel’s Backfire Shrimp and Grits features a bowl of their creamy, cheesy homemade stone-ground grits (yes, cheese grits are back and better than ever!) drizzled with their spicy backfire butter filled with herbs & seasonings, then topped with a dozen grilled fresh gulf shrimp.
