Where the rippling, emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico meet miles and miles of sugary white sand, you’ll find Florida’s beautiful jewel, Destin. Located a mere hour from Pensacola, Destin is home to very fruitful fishing waters. Red snapper, amberjack, yellowfin tuna, and triggerfish are commonly caught off the coast of Destin. These fresh and savory daily catches are boasted about by local restaurants, who serve up some delicious ocean fare, as well as other great dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:
1) McGuire’s Irish Pub – 33 Harbor Boulevard, Destin
Billed as one of “America’s Great Steak Houses,” McGuire’s Irish Pub is designed to look like just that: Ye Olde Irish Pub. Everything is green here, including the neon lights that draw you inside the restaurant with the promise of “Feasting, Imbibery, & Debauchery Since 1977. Okay, so it’s not all that sinister at McGuire’s. In fact, it’s fun loving and family friendly – from the giant moose head on the wall and the long tradition of “kissing the moose” (perhaps after a little too much imbibery) to the thousands of dollar bills hanging from the ceiling all over the restaurant (a tradition of patrons writing their names on currency and tacking it on the ceiling in case the pub went belly up). The value here isn’t half bad either. When you order an entree here, be hungry because you are in for a huge portion of food – enough to feed the Irish farm boy in all of us.
Recommended dishes: New York Strip Steak ($31.99), Lamb Chops ($24.99), Smoked Gouda Cheese Steak Burger ($9.99), Authentic Irish Lamb Stew ($16.99), and Shepherd’s Pie ($16.99). The complimentary loaves of dark rye bread with honey butter brought to the table before your meal are well worth the visit.
2) Cheeseburger in Paradise – 9535 US Hwy 98 West, Miramar Beach
Island flavor served up Jimmy Buffett style – after all he is owner of Cheeseburger in Paradise. Escape from the ordinary with this little slice of paradise. Inspired by spicy flavors of traditional Caribbean fare, this restaurant is a welcome change. Food is fresh and bold with something on the menu for everyone. The fried sweet potato chips, as a side item, are a must taste. The family friendly atmosphere of the restaurant makes the visit almost as enjoyable as the food itself. Bright, colorful murals of tropical birds, palm trees, and ocean waves grace each and every wall. A bar in the center of the restaurant is designed to look like a tiki hut, complete with sea-grass thatched roof and metal stools. With a cold drink in hand and the sounds of Jimmy Buffett wafting in over the radio, let the island breeze take you away.
Recommended dishes: Mini cheeseburgers, Costa Rican Steak Wrap (with Sweet Potato Chips), Island Quesadilla, Island Lemonade (with unlimited refills).
3) The Donut Hole – 635 Hwy 93 East, Destin
This glorified roadside delicatessen serves up some delicious and affordable breakfast, brunch, and dessert dishes. Welcoming faces and the aroma of warm pastries draws you inside. Take a seat at one of a few window-side booths and scan the wonderful menu. Pancakes with maple syrup, french toast, scones, donuts, cookies, cakes of all shapes and sizes, and piping hot coffee. Everything is delicious, so making a bad choice here simply isn’t an option.
Recommended dishes: Buttermilk Pancakes. French Toast with Syrup, Blueberry-filled Donuts, Key Lime Pie.
4) Fisherman’s Wharf – 210 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Destin
Overlooking Destin Harbor and the boat docks, Fisherman’s Wharf is as much about the ambiance as it is the entrees. However, both are commendable. Dine on the outdoor deck with the sea breeze blowing through your hair or sit indoors in a well appointed dining hall, remniscent of an antique naval vessel. Offering a classic taste of Destin seafood with a twist of steakhouse fare. Anglers are welcome to bring their daily catch directly into the restaurant where it can be prepared by the chef and served fresh.
Recommended dishes: Fried Mahi Mahi, Blackened Yellowfin Tuna (with Roasted Vegetables), Ribeye Gorgonzola, Chicken Fettucine, and the Bushwhacker (Destin’s own concotion made with Grand Marnier, Kahlua, and ice cream).
5) Louisiana Lagniappe – 775 Gulf Shore Drive, Destin
Pronounced lan-yap, Lousiana Lagniappe has a newly remodeled location along the shores of Destin. An upscale dining experience serving seafood dishes with a Creole flair, Lousiana Lagniappe will not disappoint. Dress is casual here, but somehow the restaurant still maintains an affluent atmosphere with patrons, even when you’re just wearing Bermuda shorts and flip flops. Boasting a diverse menu and a moderately priced wine list, this restaurant is great for a family dinner or a romantic date for two.
Recommended dishes: Grouper Pecan, Chargrilled Chicken Fettucine, Tournadoes of Beef, and Red Beans and Rice.
www.mcguiresirishpub.com
www.cheeseburgerinparadise.com
www.fishermanswharfdestin.com
www.thelouisianalagniappe.com
