Introduction
Embarking on a culinary journey to discover the best restaurants in Destin for 2024 promises an exciting exploration of flavours and experiences. This article is your definitive guide to places to eat in Destin, highlighting a selection of top dining spots that boast unique features and menus. From the comfort of casual eateries to the elegance of fine dining, these establishments cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. If you want to visit our other list like the best chinese restaurants in northwest suburbs then you can checkout.
As we delve into Destin’s vibrant culinary scene, prepare to be introduced to notable destinations such as The Beach House, Marina Café, Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House, Louisiana Lagniappe, and Primrose. Each featured restaurant will be meticulously analyzed based on cuisine, atmosphere, price range, and unique selling points, offering you a comprehensive overview of what makes these places the must-visit dining experiences in Destin for the coming year.
Sexton’s Seafood Market: Among the Best Restaurants in Destin for Fresh Seafood
Sexton’s Seafood Market in Destin is renowned for its fresh, high-quality seafood, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Here’s what you can expect when you visit:
Freshness and Variety
- Seafood Quality: Known for its exceptionally fresh seafood, Sexton’s offers a wide range of options including red snapper, triggerfish, sea scallops, and gulf shrimp.
- Staff Knowledge: The knowledgeable staff are always ready to offer cooking tips and recommendations, enhancing your shopping experience.
Pricing and Offers
- Cost-Effectiveness: With competitive prices, the quality of seafood here justifies the cost, providing value for your money.
- Special Deals: Keep an eye out for special offers and updates showcased through their informative videos.
Additional Features
- Atmosphere: The market features a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely visit.
- Location: Conveniently located near Destin’s harbor, it’s easily accessible for a quick stop.
Considerations
- Seating: Limited seating is available, so you might want to consider take-out.
- Travel Packing: Specializing in travel-friendly packaging, Sexton’s is ideal for tourists wanting to taste Destin’s home.
- Payment Options: Note that only cash and checks are accepted, so come prepared.
This combination of fresh seafood, helpful staff, and a welcoming environment makes Sexton’s Seafood Market a standout choice for seafood lovers in Destin.
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar at Destin Harbor
Overview and Location
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, a vibrant landmark since 1984, is situated on the bustling Destin Harbor Boardwalk at 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541. This multi-level complex offers both indoor and outdoor dining with a playful beach bar aesthetic, featuring buoys and sculpted fish decorations.
Cuisine and Menu
Specializing in seafood, the menu at AJ’s includes raw oysters, various fresh seafood options, soups, salads, tacos, burgers, and Cajun specialities. Standout dishes are the Firecracker Shrimp Tacos and AJ’s Bimini Bash, a potent rum punch. Prices for most dishes range from $15 to $30, with an average cost for a two-person meal around $80.
Features and Entertainment
AJ’s is renowned for its lively atmosphere, enhanced by live music from three different stages and the attached nightclub, Club Bimini, offering late-night entertainment. The Tiki Village adds a unique tiki-themed area with a dedicated bar and stage. Large outdoor dining areas and balconies provide excellent views, perfect for watching the sunset.
Additional Services
The restaurant’s charter fleet offers daily fishing trips, and the kitchen will cook your catch, adding a personalised touch to your dining experience. AJ’s Water Adventures also provides dolphin sighting cruises and sunrise boat rides.
Contact Information
For reservations or inquiries, contact AJ’s at (850) 837-1913 or via email. The restaurant operates daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM, ensuring ample time for both early dinners and late-night outings.
Harry T’s Lighthouse: A Beacon Among the Best Restaurants in Destin
Harry T’s Lighthouse offers a delightful dining experience in among the best restaurants in Destin, FL, with its unique circus-themed decor inspired by the trapeze artist Harrison Baben, also known as “Flying Harry T”. This restaurant is not only a feast for the eyes but also the palate, providing a diverse menu that includes American classics and seafood delights. Some of the favourite dishes among patrons are the Seafood Nachos, Sesame Tuna, Almond Crusted Chicken Salad, Baja Avocado Burger, Gouda Grits, “Fanta Sea,” and Grouper Florentine.
Located in the scenic Harborwalk Village, Harry T’s Lighthouse capitalizes on its prime location by offering stunning views along the walk-only harbor area. Note, however, that parking here costs $20. The restaurant is also known for its dog-friendly outdoor seating, making it a great spot for pet owners.
For those with dietary restrictions, Harry T’s provides a gluten-free menu, featuring options like Shrimp and Grits, ensuring everyone can enjoy their meal without concern. The establishment has garnered praise for its exceptional seafood and amiable service, though specific customer reviews were unavailable due to technical issues at the time of content provision.
To explore what other diners have to say or to add their own experiences, potential visitors can check out reviews on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor.
Harbor Docks
Harbor Docks, established in 1979, is a celebrated seafood restaurant among the best restaurants in Destin, Florida, known for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced seafood and its unique offering of sushi and Thai dishes. Positioned with a scenic waterfront view of Destin Harbor, it provides a casual and family-friendly dining atmosphere.
Menu and Cuisines:
- Seafood Specialties: Enjoy a range of dishes from raw oysters to crab legs and blackened tuna.
- Sushi and Thai Options: A diverse selection of sushi rolls and Thai plates caters to varied tastes.
- Southern Staples: Classic Southern dishes are also available, adding a local flavour.
Pricing and Meals:
- Affordable Dining: All menu items are priced at $30 and under, making it an economical choice for quality meals.
- Meal Times: Serves breakfast (7:00 am – 11:00 am), lunch (11:00 am – 4:00 pm), and dinner (5:00 pm – 11:00 pm) daily.
Features and Services:
- Dining Options: Offers both banquet and bar dining, with a bar/lounge area.
- Outdoor Seating: Features patio/outdoor dining with a view of the harbor.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, ensuring convenience for all guests.
For more details or to make arrangements for special events, you can contact Harbor Docks directly at (850) 837-2506 or visit their website.
Mcguire’s Irish Pub of Destin
Overview and Atmosphere
McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin brings a slice of Ireland to Florida with its authentic pub ambience and live Irish entertainment. Established in 1996, the pub is located at 9999 Highway 98 W, Destin, FL, and offers a cosy setting complete with traditional Irish decor.
Menu and Pricing
The menu at McGuire’s features a mix of Irish and American favourites. Notable dishes include:
- Fish and Chips: Priced at $15.99, this classic dish is a favourite among patrons.
- Shepherd’s Pie: A hearty option available for $13.99.
- Irish Wake Burger: Known for its robust flavour, it’s a must-try for burger enthusiasts.
Beverage options include:
- Guinness: At $6.50, it’s a staple for any Irish pub.
- Irish Coffee: Priced at $8.50, offering a warm, spirited blend.
Special Offers and Events
McGuire’s hosts a variety of events and promotions:
- Happy Hour: Daily from 4 PM to 7 PM, featuring 20% off appetizers and half-priced drinks.
- St. Patrick’s Day Festival: Scheduled for March 17, 2024, this is a highlight event celebrating Irish culture.
- Review Promotion: Patrons can write a review of their favourite dishes for a chance to win $500, with a submission deadline of May 1st.
Live Entertainment and Specials
McGuire’s is not just about food and drinks; it’s a venue for live entertainment:
- Concert: Featuring the band 12Eleven on May 9, 2024, adding to the lively atmosphere.
- Regular Irish Performances: The pub features ongoing live Irish music, enhancing the authentic pub experience.
This combination of traditional Irish fare, engaging promotions, and vibrant entertainment makes McGuire’s Irish Pub a destination in the best restaurants in Destin for locals and visitors alike.
Pompano Joe’s
Overview and Location
Pompano Joe’s is a vibrant seafood restaurant in the list of best restaurants in Destin located in Miramar Beach, Florida, renowned for its Caribbean-inspired seafood dishes and scenic beachside setting.
Cuisine and Menu
- Seafood Specialties: The menu features fresh, locally sourced seafood with a Caribbean twist, including popular dishes like Grilled Mahi-Mahi, Peel-and-Eat Shrimp, and Blackened Grouper.
- Diverse Offerings: Vegan and gluten-free options are available, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- Daily Specials: The restaurant offers daily catch specials and lunch specials, which vary based on seasonal availability and market prices.
Pricing and Happy Hour
- Entrée Prices: Meals are moderately priced, ranging from $18 to $32, making it an accessible option for various budgets.
- Happy Hour: Enjoy $2 off draft beers and house wines daily from 3 PM to 6 PM.
Customer Satisfaction and Recommendations
In 2024, Pompano Joe’s maintained a high customer satisfaction rate, with 90% of customers recommending the restaurant to friends and family.
Additional Dining Details
- Appetizers and Salads: Choices include Boiled Shrimp, Crab Claws, and a Caribbean Taco Salad among others.
- Seafood Sandwiches and Fried Selections: Offers a variety of seafood sandwiches and fried seafood options like Grouper and Scallops.
- Desserts: Dessert options feature Key Lime Pie, Creamy Coconut Cake, and more.
This section of the listicle continues seamlessly from the previous descriptions of other best restaurants in Destin, focusing on the unique Caribbean flair and customer-focused offerings of Pompano Joe’s.
Conclusion
Embarking on a culinary journey in the best restaurants in Destin offers an exquisite exploration of tastes, atmospheres, and unforgettable dining experiences. From the bustling harbor views at AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar to the cosy Irish charm of McGuire’s, each restaurant presents a chance to indulge in a variety of cuisines, from fresh seafood to traditional Irish fare, across different meals and features unique dining features.
These establishments not only highlight the culinary richness of Destin but also assure memorable meals for every occasion, whether you’re seeking the comfort of breakfast, the leisure of a lunch, or the intimacy of dinner under the stars.
As we wrap up our guide to the best dining spots in Destin for 2024, it’s evident that the city’s culinary scene is as vibrant and diverse as its picturesque landscapes. The array of options across these top picks ensures that whether you’re in for the casual atmosphere of a seafood market or the elegance of fine dining by the water, the best restaurants in Destin are ready to cater to your dining desires.
With their rich menus, assorted cuisines, and special features, each destination stands out as a must-visit, promising an enriching dining experience that beckons food lovers and adventurers alike to come and savour the flavours that make Destin a culinary treasure.
