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.
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 are 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
Savor the South’s favorite comfort food at The Wicked Wheel, where tender and juicy hand-breaded chicken tenders – available with a spicy kick, served “hot” – are perfectly paired with two fluffy Belgian waffles and a side of pure maple syrup for a match made in heaven.
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!
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.
Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q
14501 Panama City Beach Pkwy, PCB | (850) 588-1996
rudysbbq.com
The same original recipes that built Rudy’s reputation in Leon Springs, Texas, are now available throughout the South. Come in and enjoy our famous Texas-style Bar-B-Q, beans, chili, corn on the cob and much more. Celebrate the next holiday Texas-style.
The Pancakery
13800 Panama City Beach Pkwy, PCB | (850) 588-5077
thepancakery.com
Shrimp is a Southern staple and when you stuff it in a baked potato, now you’re whistling dixie! Grilled Gulf shrimp dripping in butter and melted cheese…mmm. We’ve got many of your favorite Southern breakfasts, brunches and lunches from grits to BLTs and so much more. Y’all come back now, ya hear.
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.
