SouthWaltonDiningScene.com™ Blog - South Walton, 30A Restaurant Directory, Ratings, Reviews, Dining Guides and News

Six {fun and lively} Places to Catch the Big Weekend Game in South Walton, Florida

Shades at the Loop Family Restaurant and Sports Bar
10952 E County Highway 30A # 1, Inlet Beach, 32413 | 850-231-9410 | website

"Good Food. Cold Beer. Hot Wings." is their tag and Shades doesn't disappoint for those on the east end of Scenic 30A looking for a spot to watch the big game.  With several flatscreens throughout the bar, they offer the "largest draft beer selection in N.W. Florida" for you beer aficionados as well as weekend bar specials to sweeten the deal, including $3 domestics, $13 buckets of beer, $8 pitchers and a food special to keep your energy levels up during your favorite game!   Shades is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week, from 11am - midnight 

JamBone Beach Barbeque and Raw Bar JamBone has closed.
3906 US Highway 98 W, Santa Rosa Beach, 32459 |850-267-1497 | full info
Drive by JamBone on a weekend afternoon during football season and chances are the parking lot will be bustling with the die hard football fans amongst us. Championship BBQ, slap your mama good specialty burgers, cold beer, flatscreens throughout and premium sports channels ... yeah, this is definitely a popular spot to watch the game.  They are open daily from 11am - 2am, and offer Sunday brunch featuring sinfully delish egg "bennies" offered 9 different ways, an buy-one-get-the-rest-free build your own bloody mary bar and endless champagne from 11am - 2pm.

Ballyhoo Bar and Grill
3711 W Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, 32459 | 850-622-4092
Located on 30A, Ballyhoo offers football fanatics a fun and lively sports bar atmosphere to enjoy the game!  With 7 flatscreens and the Direct TV NFL package, there are always 4 of the big games on the boob tub at any given time.  Enjoy drink specials - $1 drafts and $2 bottles o' beer - as well as rotating food specials and a full menu to satisfy everyones craving for carbs and grub.  Open daily at 11am.

Foodie News You Can Use!

Really neat idea!!  World Dining Series at Chan's Wine World - Destin Travel through Chan Wine World's "World Dining series" offered each Tuesday night from 5-9pm at Chan's in Destin [MAP]. Discover France, Argentina, Italy, Spain and all of the world’s greatest wine & culinary regions. A traditional one dish meal perfectly paired with a wine from that region will allow your taste buds to experience the world. It’s like we say, “If it grows together, it goes together.”  Better yet?  Two can dine for only $29.99!  That's a deal!  Reservations encouraged but not required at (850) 269-2902.

Here is a peek at the latest event menu (which took place last night!)

September 15 – Italy/San Francisco
Cioppino – served family style.  Served with an 08 Lagaria, Pinot Grigio or 02 Formulae, Chianti. Add $10 and try one of these: 07 La Tunella, Pinot Grigio or 06 Badiola, Red Blend. Add $20 and try one of these:08 Santa Margherita, Pinot Grigioor  05 Ruffino Riserva Ducale, Chianti

Foodie News You Can Use: Labor Day BBQ and Wine Event at Courtyard Wine and Cheese; "WinesDay" Wednesdays at La Botana and more.

Courtyard Wine and Cheese asks, "What is better than college football, smoked meats, and wine?"  Courtyard Wine and Cheese in downtown Rosemary Beach are bringing the trifecta straight to your palate this Labor Day weekend at their first annual Labor Day Weekend BBQ and Wine Event   Here are the details:

What:  Courtyard's first annual BBQ and Wine Event
When:   Labor Day Weekend (Saturday and Sunday, noon-until)
Where:  Courtyard Wine and Cheese, 66 Main Street, Rosemary Beach [MAP]
Why:  If you have tried pairing wines with smoked meats, you know what a great match it can be.  The ribs, sausage, and beef will be smoked a minimum of six hours by an award-winning BBQ master on a trailer sized smoker.  We will then pair wines to match the meats that will be available as a sampler platter with several wines.  Live music will be going on both nights from 7-10 pm, and College Football will be on the TV.
Contact: CourtYardWineandCheese.com, 850-231-1219.

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"WinesDay" Wednesdays at La Botana in Seagrove Beach La Botana located on Scenic Hwy 30A in Seagrove Beach [MAP] where the tag is "See Friends. Feel Love. Drink Wine." has a special Wednesday promotion going on every Wednesday from 5:00pm - 11:00pm where ALL bottles of wine are 50% off!  Pair that with some of their Mexican small plates and a group of your favorite people and you have a fabulous way to spend Wednesday evenings!  

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Prime Rib + Lobster Special at Santa Rosa Beach Club in Dune Allen Beach In the mood for some surf and turf?  Head on over to Santa Rosa Beach Club on Scenic Hwy 30A every Wednesday night where, for $28/per person, you can dine on prime rib, whole Maine lobster, a house salad and a starch-side.  Santa Rosa Beach Club is located at 4801 W. Co. Hwy. 30-A, Santa Rosa Beach, 32459. Reservations - 850-267-2305.

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Lunch Specials at Summer Kitchen Cafe in Rosemary Beach If you find yourself on the east end of Scenic Hwy 30A with an appetite for a good lunch, head on over to Summer Kitchen Cafe in Rosemary Beach [MAP IT] from 1030am - 3pm.  A sampling of this weeks specials? 

• Chicken Fajita Wrap - peppers, onions, chicken, sour cream, salsa & cheddar cheese and chips $6.50
• Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with our own hummus, fresh mozzarella and a roasted red pepper sauce with a side of pasta salad $7.95
• Pan Fried Mahi Mahi sandwich - remoulade, lettuce tomato on toasted Gambino bread with a side of Winky's potato salad $9.95   

Foodie News You Can Use! Morrocan Cuisine at Studio b : Dining Scene DEAL Alert : Spanish Wine Tasting with Free Tapas

I recently attended a culinary focused Studio b event and I must say it was a fantastic way for this foodie to spend an evening!  (see pictures here)  I spent a few hours learning new techniques, exploring new tastes (Cucumber/Bourbon cocktails!), and making new friends around the dinner table as we shared the fabulous meal we had all participated in creating.  Our hosts were a lovely couple from NYC - James Briscione and Brooke Parkhurst - who are blazing paths in the new generation of foodies and professional chefs.  Brooke is a published author and James has made appearances on the Food Network.  It was a treat rub elbows with the rising stars and to talk with them one on one. 

The next Foodie Event at Studio b is sure to be a crowd pleaser as well.  Enjoy a night of demonstration and tasting on Friday, September 5 at Studio b in Alys Beach.  And participants on Saturday, September 6, will immerse themselves in the cuisine of Morocco at an absolutely ideal location - the Caliza Pool at Alys Beach.  Full details are below.  Grab your friends and make your reservations soon as these events are limited in size.To register, email scoop@studiobthebeach.com.

Foodie News You Can Use: JamBone Express now open in Grayton Beach, FL; 5 for $ 'Til 7 Deal at Fleming's.

JamBone Express (aka The Little Bone) is Now Open in Grayton Beach! Now you can get your JamBone BBQ fix in Grayton Beach!  Owner Scott Alderson has opened a second JamBone Beachside Barbeque and Raw Bar location in Grayton Corners next to The Grayton General Store on the corner of Scenic Hwy 30A and 283.  Voted "Best Barbeque in South Walton 2009" by SouthWaltonScene.com readers, JamBone uses steroid and hormone free beef, pork and chicken smoked {to perfection!} over pecan wood and texas oak lump charcol.  The menu at JamBone Express (VIEW MENU) is a pared down version of the full JamBone menu and includes bbq sammies, burgers, foot long dogs, wings, salads, raw bar offerings, and bulk packed BBQ to go.  There are a few tables inside and outside if you want to eat there.  Ask about their daily special, too!  When I was in, it was a Bacon Cheeseburger with chips AND a drink for only $5.95! 

JamBone Express
32 East County Highway 30-A, Unit B
Grayton Beach FL, 32459
Phone: Not available - Website: Jambone.net
Hours: 11am until 830pmish
(CONTINUED BELOW)

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**Awesome Deal Alert** at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar at Grand Boulevard Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar at Sandestin [MAP] (phone: (850) 269-0830‎), voted Best Steakhouse in South Walton 2009" by SouthWaltonScene.com readers, is now offering a Prime Sirloin Burger for $6 as part of it's "5 for $6 'Til 7" promotion!  The Fleming's Prime Sirloin Burger, with blackened sweet and spicy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, on a braided bun. Aaaaa ... Y.U.M!!  Here are the other $6 items offered at the bar until 7pm nightly:

5 COCKTAILS
WHITE COSMO, Ketel One Vodka
APPLETINI, Grey Goose Vodka
BASIL LEMON DROP, Ciroc Vodka
FLEMING'S MOJITO, Bacardi Limon Rum
DIAMOND RITA, Herrudura Silver Tequila

5 WINES BY THE GLASS
CHARDONNAY, Solaire by Robert Mondavi
PINOT GRIGIO, Luna Freakout Blend, Napa Valley
PINOT NOIR, Cartlidge & Browne, California
MERLOT, Red Diamond, Washington
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Five Rivers, Paso Robles

5 APPETIZERS
TENDERLOIN CARPACCIO, Creole Mustard Sauce
SWEET CHILI CALAMARI
WICKED CAJUN BARBECUE SHRIMP
SEARED AHI TUNA, Spicy Mustard Sauce
JUMBO LUMP CRAB CAKES, Red Pepper Sauce
NEW! PRIME SIRLOIN BURGER, Cheese and Bacon

Save Some Moola at These Seven Summer Restaurant Promotions Goin' On at Grand Boulevard!

Check out these seven money-saving promotions going on at restaurants in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin [MAP] right now:

Cantina Laredo
Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. is happy hour at Cantina Laredo, and on Thursdays, ladies can drink wine by the glass and house margaritas at half price.

The Cheese Bar at Wine World
Every Friday, Wine World hosts a lively wine tasting, featuring different wines from around the world.  Their knowledgeable staff is on hand to discuss the wines and answer questions. The wine tasting costs $10 per person and there is an instant rebate of $5 towards the purchase of wine. Cheese plates are also offered for $5.

Emerald Coast Coffee & Grille
For $5.95, you can purchase half of a sandwich and soup or salad with the lunch special.  With any food purchase at Emerald Coast Coffee & Grille, you can receive a 12 oz drink for free.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
“5 for 6 ‘til 7” special which offers a menu of five appetizers, five cocktails and five wines for $6 until 7 p.m. daily.  The appetizers featured on the menu include tenderloin carpaccio, sweet chili calamari, wicked Cajun barbecue shrimp, seared ahi tuna and jumbo lump crab cakes.  Additionally, the Prix Fixe menu at Fleming’s consists of a three-course dinner for $39.95.

Mitchell’s Fish Market
Savor the taste of fresh oysters at Mitchell’s every Monday at Oyster Night with discounted oysters and “Wine Down” every Wednesday with select wines half price.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
P.F. Chang’s is currently offering a “Chang’s for Two” dinner, which includes four courses for $39.95.  Beginning July 6, they will introduce a new summer menu with five entrees for $9.95.

Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Café
Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. enjoy “Island Time” with select $5 appetizers and half price drinks.   Their Tasting Menus, priced at $29 and $35, include a delicious three-course meal.  For $20 more, either menu can be paired with three wines chosen especially for each course. 

All restaurants are located in the Town Center.  For more information, call (850) 654-5929 or visit www.grandboulevard.com.

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Mi Cocina Coming to Seacrest - Happy Hour & More at Santa Rosa Beach Club - Dessert Anyone at Courtyard Wine & Cheese

Olé!  Mi Cocina Mexican Grill & Bar Coming To Seacrest

**UPDATE: JUNE 28** - View menu, hours of operation and read and leave reviews for Mi Cocina here

Ann and George Hartley, South Walton restaurateurs who own the iconic Seagrove Village Market and über-cool George's at Alys Beach are, in Ann's words, "still crazy after two restaurants" and will be opening a third to add to their growing brood - Mi Cocina Mexican Grill & Bar! 

Slated to open next Tuesday, June 23 or Wednesday, June 24 (keep your eye out for an OPEN NOW sandwich sign in front), the new restaurant is located in the Village of South Walton [MAP], between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach on Scenic Hwy 30A.  With Steve Carpenter at the helm (Chef of George's), the menu will feature authentic Tex Mex fare with a coastal twist, including tacos, enchiladas, Mexican Street Tacos, Flautas de Atun (tuna), and ceviche with pineapple and jicama.  A full bar will serve up top shelf margaritas. "Salud" Ann and George!  Can't wait!
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Check Out These New Specials at The Santa Rosa Beach Beach Club 

• Happy Hour on Wednesdays: Every Wednesday from 5-7 PM, get ½ price well drinks, house wine (cab, merlot, pinot noir, pinot grigio & chardonnay) and all domestic and imported beer.
• Sushi Night: Enjoy delicious sushi every Thursday night from 5-7:30 PM.  Chef Chuk will be offering rolls, sashimi and nigiri with Asian spirits to complement.  (All items are market price).
• Snow Crabs on Fridays: All-You-Can-Eat Snow Crab Legs return to Friday nights from 5-9 PM. The cost is only $19.95 and includes corn niblets and boiled new potatoes.

Santa Rosa Beach Club is located at 4801 W. Co. Hwy. 30-A, Santa Rosa Beach, 32459. Reservations - 850-267-2305.
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New Addition at Courtyard Wine & Cheese - Dessert!  Courtyard Wine & Cheese, an adorable and quaint wine bar tucked away in a courtyard on Main Street in Rosemary Beach is pleased to announce they are now offering dessert in addition to their current small plate menu of cheese and cured meat plates, fondues, and bread service.  Stop in after dinner or whenever a sweet attack strikes and enjoy such goodies as Ultimate 5 Layer Chocolate Cake, Classic Tiramisu and New York Style Cheesecake.

Don't forget about their special STEMulus plan which offers:

• All Retail Wine Sales To-Go receive a 15% Discount (Case Sales receive an additional 5% off for a 20% overall discount)
• Select Wines up to 25% off!.
• Fondue Fridays-- Every Friday Fondues are 1/2 price

Live music every Saturday with Bill Evett from 6-9pm. Courtyard Wine and Cheese, 66 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461, 850-231-1219, CourtYardWineAndCheese.com

Dining Deals at Pandora's Steakhouse in Grayton Beach

Check out these Dining Deals happening at Pandora's right now:

• Early Bird Special: Offered daily from 5 - 6:30pm
  Your choice of the Fresh Catch of the Day, Top Sirloin Steak, or Chicken for $14.95
• Prime Rib Special: Offered Wednesdays and Sundays
  $14.95 Prime Rib Dinner served with a bowl of French Onion Soup
• Daily Dining Specials are also offered - please inquire.

Pandora’s Steak House, with locations in Fort Walton Beach and Grayton Beach, has been in business since 1978, and is proud to be the Emerald Coast’s oldest family owned and operated Steak House, specializing in only the finest USDA choice heavy western beef and the freshest local seafood.  Music nightly on the 30-A Patio Bar.

Pandora's Steakhouse at Grayton Beach is located at 63 Defuniak Street, Grayton Beach (on the corner of Scenic 30-A and Hwy 283), Phone: 850-231-4102.  Website: PandorasGraytonBeach.com. They open at 5pm Tuesday through Sunday.

Mother's Day Dining in South Walton

Don't forget...it's Mother's Day on Sunday! Here are some dining options if you are looking to take Mom out for a meal this year.

● Mother’s Day Brunch at Caliza at Alys Beach

Details: 10:00am – 3:00pm
For Reservations, call 850.213.5700
Located at: 147 LaGarza Lane, Alys Beach (off of East County Hwy 30A)
www.CalizaRestaurant.com | www.AlysBeach.com

On The Menu: A Special A La Carte menu just for Mom including: Smoked Salmon Benedict with Bacon-Chive Hollandaise Sauce, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Cilantro-Lime Cocktail Sacue, Shrimp and Grits with Shiitake Mushrooms, Corn and Green Onions, Grilled Grouper Nicoise, Creme Brulee, and much more.

● Mother’s Day Brunch at Fish Out of Water in the WaterColor Inn

Details: 10:30am – 2:00pm
$45/ Adult and $20/ Child (Age 12 & Younger)
For Reservations, call 850.534.5050
Located at: 34 Goldenrod Circle, WaterColor (off of East County Hwy 30A)
Website

On The Menu: Buffet Featuring Raw Bar of Gulf Shrimp, Apalachicola Oysters & Cocktail Crab Claws with Remoulade & Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauces; Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip Served with Crostinis; Assorted House made Breakfast Breads; Assorted Seasonal Fruit; Florida Vine-Ripened Tomato & Fried Green Tomato Salad with Sweet Corn and Green Goddess Dressing; Grilled Jumbo Asparagus with Lemon Vinaigrette; Creamy Anson Mills Grits; Applewood-Smoked Bacon; Breakfast Sausage Links; Omelet Station; Belgian Waffles with Maple Syrup & Fresh Berries; Traditional Eggs Benedict; Fresh Boneless Turkey with Andouille-Herb Stuffing & Gravy; Assortment of Sweet Treats.

● Mother's Day Dinner at Destin Chops 30A

Details: 1-8pm
$27/ Adult and $14/ Child (Age 12 & Younger)
For Reservations, call 850.231.4050
Located at: 10343 E County Hwy 30A, Village of South Walton next to Rosemary Beach
www.DestinChops30A.com

On The Menu: Complimentary Champagne, Bloody Mary's and Mimosas for Mom; 3-course meal with a choice of Starter - 30A Salad or Lobster Bisque; Entree - King Atlantic Salmon, Double Airline Breast of Chicken, Filet Medalions with Shiitake Mushrooms or Black Grouper; Dessert - Chef's Creative Cheesecake or Creme Brulee. Regular Menu also available.

Don't forget...it's Mother's Day on Sunday! Here are some dining options if you are looking to take Mom out for a meal this year.

● Mother’s Day Brunch at Caliza at Alys Beach

Details: 10:00am – 3:00pm
For Reservations, call 850.213.5700
Located at: 147 LaGarza Lane, Alys Beach (off of East County Hwy 30A)
www.CalizaRestaurant.com | www.AlysBeach.com

On The Menu: A Special A La Carte menu just for Mom including: Smoked Salmon Benedict with Bacon-Chive Hollandaise Sauce, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Cilantro-Lime Cocktail Sacue, Shrimp and Grits with Shiitake Mushrooms, Corn and Green Onions, Grilled Grouper Nicoise, Creme Brulee, and much more.

● Mother’s Day Brunch at Fish Out of Water in the WaterColor Inn

Details: 10:30am – 2:00pm
$45/ Adult and $20/ Child (Age 12 & Younger)
For Reservations, call 850.534.5050
Located at: 34 Goldenrod Circle, WaterColor (off of East County Hwy 30A)
Website

On The Menu: Buffet Featuring Raw Bar of Gulf Shrimp, Apalachicola Oysters & Cocktail Crab Claws with Remoulade & Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauces; Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip Served with Crostinis; Assorted House made Breakfast Breads; Assorted Seasonal Fruit; Florida Vine-Ripened Tomato & Fried Green Tomato Salad with Sweet Corn and Green Goddess Dressing; Grilled Jumbo Asparagus with Lemon Vinaigrette; Creamy Anson Mills Grits; Applewood-Smoked Bacon; Breakfast Sausage Links; Omelet Station; Belgian Waffles with Maple Syrup & Fresh Berries; Traditional Eggs Benedict; Fresh Boneless Turkey with Andouille-Herb Stuffing & Gravy; Assortment of Sweet Treats.

Don't forget...it's Mother's Day on Sunday! Here are some dining options if you are looking to take Mom out for a meal this year.

● Mother’s Day Brunch at Caliza at Alys Beach

Details: 10:00am – 3:00pm
For Reservations, call 850.213.5700
Located at: 147 LaGarza Lane, Alys Beach (off of East County Hwy 30A)
www.CalizaRestaurant.com | www.AlysBeach.com

On The Menu: A Special A La Carte menu just for Mom including: Smoked Salmon Benedict with Bacon-Chive Hollandaise Sauce, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Cilantro-Lime Cocktail Sacue, Shrimp and Grits with Shiitake Mushrooms, Corn and Green Onions, Grilled Grouper Nicoise, Creme Brulee, and much more.

● Mother’s Day Brunch at Fish Out of Water in the WaterColor Inn

Details: 10:30am – 2:00pm
$45/ Adult and $20/ Child (Age 12 & Younger)
For Reservations, call 850.534.5050
Located at: 34 Goldenrod Circle, WaterColor (off of East County Hwy 30A)
Website

On The Menu: Buffet Featuring Raw Bar of Gulf Shrimp, Apalachicola Oysters & Cocktail Crab Claws with Remoulade & Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauces; Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip Served with Crostinis; Assorted House made Breakfast Breads; Assorted Seasonal Fruit; Florida Vine-Ripened Tomato & Fried Green Tomato Salad with Sweet Corn and Green Goddess Dressing; Grilled Jumbo Asparagus with Lemon Vinaigrette; Creamy Anson Mills Grits; Applewood-Smoked Bacon; Breakfast Sausage Links; Omelet Station; Belgian Waffles with Maple Syrup & Fresh Berries; Traditional Eggs Benedict; Fresh Boneless Turkey with Andouille-Herb Stuffing & Gravy; Assortment of Sweet Treats.

● Mother's Day Dinner at Destin Chops 30A

Details: 1-8pm
$27/ Adult and $14/ Child (Age 12 & Younger)
For Reservations, call 850.231.4050
Located at: 10343 E County Hwy 30A, Village of South Walton next to Rosemary Beach
www.DestinChops30A.com

On The Menu: Complimentary Champagne, Bloody Mary's and Mimosas for Mom; 3-course meal with a choice of Starter - 30A Salad or Lobster Bisque; Entree - King Atlantic Salmon, Double Airline Breast of Chicken, Filet Medalions with Shiitake Mushrooms or Black Grouper; Dessert - Chef's Creative Cheesecake or Creme Brulee. Regular Menu also available.

La Botana in Seagrove Now Open For Lunch and Extended Late Now Hours

La Botana (voted "Best Mexican" in South Walton 2009 by SouthWaltonScene.com Readers!) is excited to announced they are now open for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays even better - 7 days! -  from 11am - 5pm.  They have also extended their nighttime kitchen hours from 5pm to midnight 7 days week.

Check out their other specials on the left.

La Botana
4281 E. Co. Hwy. 30-A,, Seagrove Beach, 32459 | 850-231-0716 | www.labotanallc.com