re: Destin restaurant recommendations???

I have been to Destin numerous times but for the first time this year, we went to AJ's. My wife and I both enjoyed it very much, especially sitting on the patio.

Boathouse

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What service or web site did u find the chef on? Interested in setting something like this up

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Wife set it all up for my birthday. Total of 10 adults on the deck overlooking the beach was awesome. Name was Kyle something. Website, convientently enough is destinchef.com. Think she said she did some negotiating with him and the dessert was flaming bananas foster if I remember correctly.

Was 4 or 5 courses and had a waitress that did all the serving. Also place settings and clean up.

Think Martini mentioned he had hired a person to do chargrilled oysters which sounds awesome too.

Some pics...

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AJ's Always a great place to sit on the deck and drink but the food there leaves a lot to be desired. Much better choices elsewhere. Go to McGuire's.

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The food was excellent but this was the one time I've been there. We definitely will go back - hope it is as good next time.

FYI - I got a Ribeye and the wife got some chicken dish.

I got this list from the gal we rented a condo from. Have not been to Destin in a while so I can't even remember where I've eaten but will probably try a few when we go next month.


Restaurants
Crystal Beach – Walking Distance
Camille's – Breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Large sandwiches, unique dinner menu, great sushi bar. Also offers a small café for morning walks for coffee and breakfast pastries with small indoor or outdoor space.
790 on the Gulf – Walking distance from condo. Inn at Crystal Beach, great outside seating on the gulf with Cajun twist. Restaurant is open to the public. Directly on beach and delicious! A favorite!
Rick's Crab Trap – On beach, awesome gumbo. Walking distance from condo. Play area outside for kids too.

Seafood Legends
The Back Porch – A favorite. local staple, true fish house, awesome fried/broiled seafood, great smoked tuna dip, oysters, and Amber Jack. Gulf front, access to beach. Play area on beach for children while you wait for food. A Destin tradition. This is a MUST visit. Go for early lunch or dinner. The place gets packed. Can walk across the street to the Candy Maker for dessert. Kids can make their own sundaes, offers fresh taffy, or wide selection of candy treats. Parents can also grab a cup of coffee.
Dewey Destin – Locally owned seafood restaurant, 2 locations with outstanding outdoor, bayside eating.
Harbor Docks – Fresh seafood, incredible sushi, steaks, bayside eating with free valet parking.
Harry T's – New location on Harborwalk. Awesome menu. Great place to watch all the boats pass through the east pass.
The Boathouse Oyster Bar – Best oysters and gumbo in Destin, a local landmark, primarily adult atmosphere.
AJ's – Great seafood and atmosphere. deck overlooking the bay with live music.
Bayou Bill's Crab House – Delicious steamed seafood and oysters of all types.
Baytown Wharf & Harborwalk Area
This area is so much fun for parents and children. It will get packed! We do early dinners here, like 4:00 or 4:30 and then walk around. One of our favorite spots.

All below offer a New Orleans tradition in Baytowne Wharf and Harborwalk areas. Home of the steam seafood buckets.

The Crazy Lobster
Hammerheads
On the water. Can get packed. Good family spot.
Poppy's Seafood Factory

Local Spots – Breakfast Options
Another Broken Egg
We feel this is a little pricey, but fun to try.
Donut Hole
Probably the most popular spot to hit for breakfast. Great fresh pies to go as well.
Pancakery
Beware, pancakes are huge! Most likely can have kids share to avoid overspending.

Local Spots – Lunch/dinner options
Graffiti
2 Locations. We have been to both. We like the food better at the Destin location, but the other restaurant has water views in the Baytowne Wharf area. Just about a 15 minute drive from condo depending on traffic. Baytowne Wharf is one of our favorite places to visit. Very charming and fun for kids.
Callahan's Restaurant and Deli
Sarah K's Gourmet
McGuire's
Fat Celmenza's
Fudpucker's
La Paz
BBQ Legends
Jim and Nick's
Jim and Nick’s is our family favorite barbecue spot in Destin. There can be a wait during busy season, so consider aiming for an early dinner. Love, love, love the food!
The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint


Take home Cook or Heat Options
Blalock Seafood and Specialty Market
Sarah K's Gourmet
Close to condo. Tucked in the shopping plaza area where Thomasville furniture is. Next to Subway.

We ate at captain daves on the gulf and it was delicious!

I'm so sorry if they are bad I have no idea which ones are good but had the info and wanted to share.

They aren't all bad...some are better than others. And it depends on what your needs are.

AJ's is great for a beer...or a dozen beers...and maybe an app.

Just got back from Destin on Friday.

We had some very nice meals at Vin'tij and Bud and Allie's. For mexican we enjoyed Cantina Laredo where they have a table side guacomole preparation.

We also like to have wine and apps at Mitchell's Fish Market.

Fat Clemenza's is nice for Italian but go early.