Food seems to taste better when it’s accompanied by a beautiful view, don’t you think? 30A might be famous for its architecture, but it’s also home to award-winning restaurants and unforgettable dining experiences.
What’s not to love about a bar with panoramic beach views, live music, and local seafood? Popular with tourists and locals, Shunk Gulley enjoys views of the Gulf and the beach access at Ed Walline Park. And the best part? You can cross 30A after your meal and dip your toes in the Gulf.
At the top of The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach is a delightful rooftop lounge with views of the Gulf and downtown Rosemary. Enjoy a full lunch menu or evening light bites while relaxing on comfy sofas or sitting near fire pits in the evening.
It doesn’t get much “beachier” than feasting on a pound of steamed Gulf shrimp while staring at cresting waves with white sand between your toes. Walk up and order at The Shrimp Shack window and enjoy your food along the Seaside Boardwalk. See if you can spot a dolphin between bites!
Crabby Steve’s Gulfside Bar & Grill
Shhh… Crabby Steves is a bit of a local secret for a good reason: you can only reach it on foot (unless you’re staying at High Pointe Resort). Located at the top of a dune walkover, it doesn’t get much more scenic than Crabby Steve’s Gulfside Grill. After walking along the beach to reach it, reward yourself with a cocktail, a delicious fish sandwich, and some spicy tuna dip. You earned it!
The Bay Restaurant & North Beach Social/Farm & Fire
The Bay Restaurant & North Beach Social/Farm & Fire
At the base of the 331 bridge are two restaurants: The Bay Restaurant is on one side of US Hwy. 331, and North Beach Social/Farm & Fire restaurants are on the other. Owned by renowned Chef Jim Shirley, these two restaurants are popular with locals for the food and the views.
The Bay specializes in sushi and Southern coastal cuisine and has lovely views of the Choctawhatchee Bay and a sand beach. A few tables dot the small sand beach, and a large covered deck houses a bar and additional seating.
Across the way is North Beach Social downstairs, and Farm & Fire upstairs. North Beach Social is an outdoor bar and restaurant with a large sandy beach, a play area for children, a dock, firepits, and live music. Upstairs is Farm & Fire, which enjoys bird’s eye views of the Bay and has a varied menu with sushi, brick-oven pizzas, steak, and local seafood.
This relaxed, family-style restaurant overlooks the Gulf from inside the award-winning WaterColor Inn. Flip flops and hair damp from the beach are welcome because the focus at FOOW is on the experience, not a dress code. Offering daily brunch and dinner, FOOW serves classic Gulf fare with an extensive and fun drink menu— like the mocktail “Georgia Peach at the Beach” or a fully loaded “Swim to the Second Sandbar” cocktail. Dine inside or out, or order food to go!
The Red Bar in Grayton Beach is an absolute must-do when visiting 30A. While it doesn’t overlook the beach, it does offer a feast for the senses inside. The original Red Bar was destroyed by fire in 2019 but re-opened in 2020 with all the energy and funk that made the original so unforgettable. From the legendary decor to the outstanding live music to the divine crab cakes, stop by and discover this slice of magic for yourself.
Don’t let the name fool you. There’s nothing stinky about this beautiful Dune Allen Beach restaurant! Stinky’s is serious about serving local Gulf seafood and is built along the shores of Lake Allen, one of the rare coastal dune lakes found along 30A. A public beach walkover is right across the way, making it easy to enjoy a walk along the beach after your meal.
Without a doubt, Vue on 30A has some of the most incredible beach views on 30A. Fine dining at its best, this Gulf-front restaurant in Dune Allen Beach has a wall of windows that take full advantage of the incredible views from high atop the dune. If the weather’s nice, request a table outside and enjoy warm breezes and the sounds of crashing waves while you dine.
Right across the street from The Red Bar is Chiringo, a lively, open-aired restaurant and bar with Gulf views and delicious food. A surf-inspired menu has classic combinations like Baja fish tacos with a side of plantains, fried shrimp baskets, and snapper dip. Head upstairs for beach views. Chiringo rolls up five bright yellow wall panels to transform the upstairs dining space into an open-air experience if it’s not raining.
Bud & Alley’s Rooftop Deck Bar
This Seaside classic is beloved by both locals and tourists. Founded by two surf buddies, Bud & Alley’s has incredible views of Seaside and the Gulf. Enjoy smoked tuna dip, a po’boy, or the grilled fish of the day, before celebrating sunset with the ringing of a vintage bell.
What can you expect at Old Florida Fish House? How about oysters, fresh fish, a sushi bar, and gorgeous views across Eastern Lake to the Gulf? Head outside to toast the sunset from a deck overlooking the lake, enjoy live music, or relax with a cocktail in an Adirondack chair while the kids play along the lake’s shore.
