Schooners
Beachfront, east end
A beach bar and restaurant that calls itself the last local beach club. It has been Schooners since 1985, and a cannon fires at every sunset.
Good for: Sunset, live music, feet in the sand
Eat and drink like a local
Short answer
For sunset, go to Schooners for the cannon. For seafood, go to the Grand Lagoon (Capt. Anderson's or The Grand Marlin). For a deck over the sand, Pineapple Willy's. For breakfast on the west end, Thomas' Donut & Snack Shop.
Long-running local favorites
Places that have been part of a PCB trip for years. Nobody paid to be on this list. Hours change by season, so check before you go.
Pineapple Willy's
Beachfront, Thomas Drive
A long-running beachfront restaurant and bar with a deck over the sand. Famous for its frozen drinks and Jack Daniel's ribs.
Good for: Lunch with a Gulf view
Capt. Anderson's Restaurant
Grand Lagoon
A waterfront seafood institution on the Grand Lagoon, known for its grouper. Reservations are a good idea.
Good for: A special-occasion seafood dinner
The Grand Marlin
Grand Lagoon, off Thomas Drive
Seafood with an open-air upstairs deck overlooking the lagoon and the boats coming in.
Good for: Seafood with a breeze
Firefly
Thomas Drive area
Dim lighting, twinkle lights and private booths. The town's classic date-night spot.
Good for: Anniversaries and date nights
Saltwater Grill
Front Beach Road
Steaks and seafood around a 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium. Kids love the fish; adults love the swordfish.
Good for: Dinner with the family
Thomas' Donut & Snack Shop
Laguna Beach, west end
A small, beloved donut shop on the west end. Go early; popular flavors sell out.
Good for: Breakfast before the beach
Tips for eating out in PCB
- Eat dinner early or late in summer and on holiday weekends; 6 to 8 pm is the rush.
- Ask what came off the boat today. Grouper, snapper, shrimp and oysters are the local stars.
- Many beach bars are seat-yourself. Check whether kids are welcome after dark.
Questions people ask
What food is Panama City Beach known for?
Gulf seafood, especially grouper, shrimp and oysters, plus casual beach bars with frozen drinks.
Where can you watch the sunset with dinner in PCB?
Schooners, right on the sand, fires a cannon at sunset. Beachfront decks along Front Beach Road and Thomas Drive face the same sky.
Do I need reservations for dinner in Panama City Beach?
For popular seafood restaurants in summer, spring break and holiday weekends, yes, or plan to wait. Beach bars are usually walk-in.
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