eat like a local

Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s best kept foodie secrets

By Gabriele Walkow

Destin-Fort Walton Beach serves up a diverse range of culinary options ranging from the freshest gulf-to-table seafood to mouthwatering steaks and barbecue. However, sometimes it’s fun to find those special hometown eateries and mix with the locals while savoring legendary fare.

DEWEY DESTIN’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Offering three family-owned and operated restaurants, Dewey Destin’s original location nestled off Choctawhatchee Bay is a hidden gem. Guests order at the counter window before grabbing a seat on the dock, taking in the incredible bay view and enjoying the best seafood in town.

The restaurant has grilled or fried fish, wild caught Gulf shrimp, soft shell crabs, sea scallops, tuna and oysters. Salads, grilled or fried chicken and hamburgers are other tempting choices. Fishers can have their fresh catch fried or grilled and served family style with a choice of two sides. destinseafood.com/seafood-restaurant

Destin Brewery

With slogans like, “If you’re here, you’re local” and “We put the local, in local craft beer,” Destin’s premier microbrewery is a gathering place for family and friends. At this brewery and taproom, tucked away on Mountain Drive, they have brewed a line of award-winning, small batch beers that reflect the style, flavor and fun of Destin. Flagship beers include the Destin Ale, a light blonde ale popular with the beach and boating crowd; East Pass IPA, a lighter style IPA to complement beach, pool and golf course activities; and Bote Beer, a lower alcohol content IPA perfect for standup paddleboarding excursions. An extensive draft menu, convenienced by can, bottle and to-go options, refreshing hard seltzers, recurring seasonal beers, coveted limited releases and experimental batches round out the offerings.

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The simple but tasty food menu includes flatbread Pepperoni and Cheese Pizzas and Wagyu Beef Hot Dogs. destinbrewery.com

Fun Fact: The first restaurant in Destin was opened in 1960 by Vernon “Bud” and Joyce La Fountain. Back then, a seafood platter cost just $2.50. Today, Destin is home to America’s largest fishing fleet and dozens of unique restaurants serving fresh Gulf to table cuisine.

ROCKIN TACOS GRILL & TEQUILA BAR

At The Boardwalk on beautiful Okaloosa Island, the locals hang at Rockin Tacos, home to fresh and authentic Mexican cuisine and an unbeatable Gulf view that goes well with a margarita.

Serving south of the border flavors, Rockin Tacos’ appetizers include Mexican Street Corn, Table Side Guacamole and Rockin Nachos. The gigantic Blackened Shrimp Burrito comes highly recommended, as well as the unique Gator Tacos, which were featured on The Food Network. Other specialties include Crab N’ Shrimp enchiladas and Baja Fish Tacos. Guests can build their own amazing tacos too.

With over 75 tequilas and house-infused handcrafted margaritas, every day feels like a fiesta! Margarita offerings include options such as the classic La Casa Margarita, the famous Rockin Rita and the spicy Jalapeño Rita. rockintacos.com

Blue Hole Falls