Just-reeled-in-from-the-ocean fresh fish. Donut flavors like key lime pie that you can eat on the white sand beaches. A colorful taco spot with a patio for sunning. Dinners with views of the boats in the harbor. Restaurants in Panama City Beach are kid-friendly and mouth-watering delicious. Here are our top picks for where to treat your taste buds during your stay.
Breakfast
Thomas Donut & Snack Shop
Mosey on up to the ordering window and pick your tasty treat. Choose from traditional donut options like glazed and custard-filled, or try a unique sweet from their rotating menu of speciality donuts that include hits like red velvet and key lime filled. Once your sweet tooth is satiated, you can also try one of their fresh-made breakfast sandwiches that comes on a bagel or a homemade biscuit. The best part of this spot? It’s just across the street from the beach so you can take your breakfast and enjoy it while watching the waves roll in.
Andy’s Flour Power
A favorite among locals for breakfast and brunch, the staff and owner are extremely friendly and live music will serenade you during weekend meals. Kids will love the thick french toast served with real maple syrup and the rich gravy topping warm biscuits. On the lighter side, try one of the fluffy rolled omelets that can be customized. Don’t leave without savoring something from the daily bakery. One bite that’s always a crowd pleaser? The pistachio muffins.
Liza’s Kitchen
A small, funky restaurant located near the beach, stop in for a quick breakfast or to grab a sandwich before heading out to the water. Homemade is the name of the game here. Everything is made from scratch from the Focaccia bread to the mayonnaise. The extensive list of cold and hot sandwiches, plus the option to build your own sandwich, makes it easy to satisfy everyone in the family. It even serves a special Kids Lunch for children under 8. The weekend brunch serves up classic favorites like eggs Benedict, a savory chicken biscuit and a hearty breakfast burrito.
Lunch
Finns Island Style Grub
Famous for their fish tacos, every item at Finns is cooked fresh to order. A colorful joint that transports you to an island lifestyle, enjoy basking under the sun while sitting out on their large patio. Seafood reigns supreme with tuna dip, ceviche, fish tacos and salads featured on the menu, but there’s plenty to satisfy other tastes too. Quesadillas, nachos and wraps will fill up any hungry traveler. Plus, the kids menu for those 10 and under is just $5 for a meal. Coffee and tea enthusiasts can also wander next door to Finns Barista Bar where they also have several flavors of kombucha on tap.
Schooners
Enjoy views of the aquamarine waters Panama City Beach is famous for at this oceanfront restaurant. With everything from gulf-fresh grouper and crab cakes to burgers and wings you can’t go wrong popping in here for a reprieve from the Florida heat. It also features a kids menu with easy favorites like grilled cheese and chicken strips. Plus, parents can let the beach do the babysitting and watch the kids play from the table while they enjoy a refreshing frozen cocktail or a beer from the long list of craft brews available.
Dinner
The Grand Marlin
Soak in a sunset with ships bobbing on the Grand Lagoon in sight at this restaurant. Start off with a round of fresh oysters or crab claws before moving on to entree options like shrimp and grits, ribeye or lobster bisque. Parents can also sip on a glass of wine or try one of the signature cocktails.
Brass Tap
Located in Pier Park, take a break from strolling on the pier or shopping at this casual restaurant. Snack on a pretzel or flatbread or grab a burger with house-made tots. Parents can cool off with an ice cold beer, choosing from a long list including several local beers.