Need my annual restaurant recommendations

[Kirkus]

Dear beach family - we're a week away from our annual trip to Seaside, and we're looking for some more restaurant recommendations  We tend to have leisurely meals, sometimes comprised only of multiple shared appetizers and nice wine or cold Red Stripes, and always looking for a nice beachy vibe. 

Over the years, our regular spots have included Cafe Thirty-A, Jean Noel's Cafe Rendezvous (and Fermintations before that), Red Bar, the Roof Top Bar (Tarpon Club) and B&A's (and its Taco Bar). I sure miss D&K's, 331's, and the original Shades and Hurricane Grill in Seaside (and haven't seemed interested in trying the new locations).  Still haven't tried Cafe Tango for some reason.  We've moved away from Fish Out of Water, and similar "tuck in your T-shirt" places.  And I'm usually too lazy/sunburned/imbibed to drive all the way to Stinky's and Louie's. 

Last year we added Shorty's and Gravel Road to the "must go" list and loved them (Shorty's ceviche is terrific and Gravel Road has the most impressive "sides" selection i've ever seen, not to mention the crazy cheesecake inventions).  Any other places we need to give a go?

 

[DD]

Nick's. If you go on Friday, tell the bartender I said hey.

 

[Kurt]

Sounds like you are limiting yourself between watersound beach and blue mountain beach.

Marie's Bistro and Little Italy are relatively new, casual, and quite good.

 

[Lisa Ruby]

Just spent a week with family in Blue Mountain.
Top meal, a lunch at Shoo Mama's....everything was just delicious!
And whole crew was so, so happy to dine again at Nick's on the beach, best fried shrimp ever!!

 

[Jdarg]

The Latin menu at Amavida, available in the evenings. Empanadas, tamales, tortas, and more- everything she makes is delicious. The other night we took it out to the pavilion behind Perscipasity, had wine too- we created our own restaurant and it was perfect!

 

[nolaAB]

Go to cocoons! Little deli/grocery just pass cafe 30A across from the first seagrove high rise. Think modica market but without all the yuppy fussiness! Great BBQ, excellent tuna dip and fun new finds. Family owned (owner lives above the store). There's a small table or two inside and outside but he really crated it for food to go back to the beach or condo. Also Jonny Mctighes in blue mountain has a great menu with something for everyone! Best pizza, great burgers and a few good salads for when you start craving something healthier. I go with a big group that has little kids, 20/30 somethings and retirees, everyone loves this place b/c of the menu but they also have the bar scene room, a game room, and a dining room so everyone can go.
Also you must do hibiscus in grayton for breakfast! A slice of peace with a side of heaven!
Have fun!

 

[beasmiester]

Hey, come over to the East end of 30A. The Hartley's have two great restaurants in Seacrest Beach and of course the Seagrove Market behind "The V." We've got "Seagrill" in the Villages of South Walton and Rosemary Beach has "Wild Olives", "The Summer Cafe", "Paradise" and "Onano".
Check out "Seacrest Sundries" for inexpensive breakfast sandwiches and lunches, as well as some of the best burgers on 30A. We're the little Modica want to be on the East end!

 

[Kirkus]

Wow, its amazing how many new names I get every year, even for places that have been around a while. Is this the same Nick's I seem to remember from years ago? I guess we do need to try some of the east 30A options - I just haven't been sure where to start.

 

[beasmiester]

Yes, it's Nick's again. We need to warn you though, you'll fall in love with the East End!

 

[dunelover]

I love great southern cafe in seaside...grits a ya ya... Yum! Also, pandoras for a steak. The shrimp shack is great for walk up lunch of peel n eat shrimp with a great view. Enjoy your trip.