I'm planning on making another excursion to Destin, Florida this Summer,
and I always consider it a good idea to see what advice people are
willing to offer when it comes to restaurant recommendations.

I've made this query in the past, and have had a few places recommended
to me. Last time, I was able to visit one called The Back Porch. While
I felt the atmosphere was somewhat cheesy (loud, soft drinks served in
plastic cups, etc.) I can't really complain about the food. The dish I
ordered was some sort of blue crab pasta and it was incredible. I'll
probably make a point of having the same dish at the same place. (I
should mention that there is a very slight possibility that I got the
name of the restaurant wrong. It may have been The Crab Trap. Anyway,
it was right next to the beach. Basically on the beach, in fact.)

I'm sort of counting on Destin locals to offer some suggestions. I
can't go to a place like Elephant Walk or Marina Cafe. (Those are the
expensive picks.) It'll have to be a place that is reasonably priced.
Perhaps this means it has to be a place that is little-known. The other
must is that it needs to be semi-convenient. I'll be staying in a place
towards the eastern edge of Destin. It probably wouldn't work to have
to drive as far as the bridge on the western edge. I remember traffic
being pretty bad last time, and it can't have improved.

Other than restaurants, I'm hoping for recommendations for low-priced
sellers of fresh shrimp, as the preparation of shrimp is sort of a
tradition whenever I visit Destin. Experience suggests that there is a
noteworthy difference in prices between various merchants. Last time,
I ended up paying a visit to a small shop all by itself, several miles to
the east of Destin proper. I don't recall its name. Anyone think they
know who has the lowest prices?

Thanks in advance!

Far as I can tell, someone wrote:
>Other than restaurants, I'm hoping for recommendations for low-priced
>sellers of fresh shrimp, as the preparation of shrimp is sort of a
>tradition whenever I visit Destin. Experience suggests that there is a
>noteworthy difference in prices between various merchants. Last time,
>I ended up paying a visit to a small shop all by itself, several miles to
>the east of Destin proper. I don't recall its name. Anyone think they
>know who has the lowest prices?

Destin is pretty well-to-do and prices reflect that. I live in Gulf
Breeze, 40 some odd miles west of Destin.

I was shocked by some of the fish prices ($10 per pound for flounder,
whole fish) there, and won't be bothered to look again.

In Pensacola there is a place called Joe Patti's that has fantastic fish
at great prices. Several types of fresh caught shrimp in all sizes.
Huge lovely flounder filets at $4.79/pound. Grouper is about $7.99.

God I'm getting hungry.

Anyway, the restaurants in Destin are quite changable. What was great
last year may not be so good this year, so you'll do best to ask around
when you get there.

I hear a place called Lenny's is very good for huge sandwiches that are
made well.

Petey the Wonder Dog > wrote:

>Anyway, the restaurants in Destin are quite changable. What was great
>last year may not be so good this year, so you'll do best to ask around
>when you get there.
>
>I hear a place called Lenny's is very good for huge sandwiches that are
>made well.

No one misses The Donut Hole for breakfast! Makes my mouth water just
thinking about the place.

Harbor Docks is a great place for lunch....and beers.

There's an Acme Oyster in Destin - inexpensive and good.

This spring I ate at the Crab ___ (Shack?/House?) with 2 teenaged
boys and they liked the food so much that we returned a second time.
It was recommended by locals, who also recommended the Back Porch
(which we didn't try).

I think the cups were plastic!!

The food was good and we had a table overlooking the Gulf. It may be
closer to the bridge than the east end, though; we came from the other
direction and did not drive all the way through.

Probably The Crab Trap - one is Destin and one about 12 mi W (we liked that one
better). Both of them look out on the Gulf and you can eat outside at either
one - great grilled group sandwiches.