By Jack Smith
Southern cooking has some international roots showing. Fried chicken, rice and gravy, sweet potatoes, collard greens, and spoon bread – all good, old-fashioned, down-home Southern foods, right? Wrong. The fried chicken and collard greens are African and the rice is from Madagascar. Southern cooking, as it turns out, was born out of survival techniques, like frying and salting meats to keep them edible. We can thank Native Americans for that. So Southern food was not invented by your grandmother. Sorry, Paula Dean.
American Charlie
473 Richard Jackson Blvd., PCB | (850) 238-8340
americancharlie.com
At American Charlie Grill & Tavern, we specialize in delicious fried chicken in various flavors. The perfect snack for game day or any day, our fried chicken will delight your friends and family. No matter what flavor you choose, our food will always be served fresh and hot to appease any craving. We also serve burgers, shrimp and more. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. But don’t take our word for it, come see for yourself.
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant
5551 N Lagoon Drive, PCB | (850) 234-2225
captandersons.com
In almost every great memory we Southerners hold close, food was there. Capt. Anderson’s Three Cheese Shrimp and Grits is a version of a Southern Classic. Creamy grits with fresh shrimp. Simple and genius.
Schooners
5121 Gulf Drive, PCB | (850) 235-3555
schooners.com
Southern cooking is as diverse as those who cook it. The “Drunken Shrimp” Bowl at Schooners combines flavors truly diverse! Seared shrimp drizzled with tequila lime sauce is served over a Southern staple, yellow rice and black beans, then topped with pico de gallo and grated cotija cheese and served with a stunning view of the Gulf!
The Wicked Wheel
10025 Hutchison Boulevard, PCB | (850) 588-7947
thewickedwheel.com
Put some South in your mouth with the Wicked Wheel’s award-winning Southern fried chicken! After an overnight brine, this chicken is battered in a special blend of spices and deep fried in a cottonseed oil blend. With crunchy skin, juicy meat, and lots of flavor, there’s a reason this chicken has won Best of Bay 8 years in a row. If you’re feeling spicy, try the Wicked Wheel’s HOT chicken, with just the right amount of heat to make you sweat!
Boon Docks
14854 Bay View Circle, PCB | (850) 230-0005
boondocksfl.com
Located under the mighty oaks on the Intracoastal Waterway just 5 minutes from the beaches in West Bay, Boon Docks offers you a delicious array of local and regional seafood prepared in a variety of ways. We use a special blend of spices that gives our grilled items a taste like no other! Our unique breading recipe gives our fried seafood a special and original flavor. And we’re always serving ice cold beer and the best Southern food on the beach!
The Deckhand Social
3901 Thomas Dr., PCB | (850) 238-8575
thedeckhandsocial.com
If it’s Southern food you crave, come and enjoy the best on the coast. We ain’t just whistling Dixie. Try our Pork Chops with okra and tomato gravy, served with cheese grits and collards. Mama’s Chicken topped with cream gravy, Shrimp and Grits, Gator Bites and Chicken Salad are always favorites, too. Your favorite Southern sides, including Mac and Cheese, Green Beans, Sweet Potato Soufflé, Collard Greens and more, are on the menu.
Teddy’s Spaghetti and Pizza
7010 Thomas Drive, Panama City | (850) 234-5000
teddyspcb.com
Try the best from Southern Italy! At Teddy’s, fresh ingredients are coupled with decades of tradition. The lasagna is a family recipe taught by the owner’s mother. The recipes used to create the house-made pizza dough date back more than 40 years. The pizza of the month for December is the Bananas Foster Dessert Pizza! It’s amazing – trust us – you don’t want to miss this. 10” pizza with brown sugar, cinnamon, bananas and a drizzle of icing.
Señor Frogs
15005 Front Beach Road, PCB
senorfrogs.com/panama-city-beach
We’re a restaurant where the perfect mix of fun and flavor converge, just like the sand and the aquamarine sea. Have a great time with your family and friends while enjoying delicious dishes and the iconic Señor Frog’s yards. Try our pulled pork burger with BBQ sauce, crispy onion and a side of slaw, served in a brioche bun with wedge potatoes.
San Marcos Mexican Grill Pier Park
101 Bluefish Drive, Suite 105, PCB | (850) 708-3097
www.sanmarcosmexicangrillpierpark.com
Our best dishes are from Southern Mexico! 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 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.
