Living on the coast means having access to an abundance of fresh, delicious seafood, and one of the Gulf’s standout treasures is grouper. Known for its tender, flaky texture, this local favorite is a must-try, and the restaurants along Panama City Beach know just how to prepare it. Whether it’s grilled, fried, or blackened, these perfectly cooked fillets are a true highlight of the area’s culinary scene. While grouper dishes are often served with gourmet flair and impressive pairings, there's something irresistibly satisfying about enjoying this flavorful fish in its simplest form—caught fresh between two soft buns.
Barefoot Hide A Way Grill
Barefoot Hide A Way Grill offers a refreshingly casual and laid-back atmosphere that makes both visitors and locals feel right at home. Far from being pretentious, the menu is all about straightforward, mouthwatering flavors—from juicy burgers to crispy fish and chips. A standout favorite is their Grouper Po’Boy, where you can enjoy the Gulf’s finest fish fried, grilled, or blackened. Whichever way you choose, the grouper is always fresh and delicious, sure to satisfy any craving and bring your hunger out into the open.
Dusty’s Oyster Bar
A Panama City Beach staple for over three decades, Dusty’s Oyster Bar was founded by its namesake and has since become known for its relaxed, welcoming vibe where live music is almost as essential as the food. While the fresh oysters are a major draw, it's Dusty’s grouper sandwich that keeps customers coming back. For more than 25 years, owners John and Callie Hicks have been perfecting this sandwich, using fresh, locally caught grouper fillets—fried, grilled, or blackened—and serving them on a po'boy roll at a great price. While Dusty’s is famous for its oysters, their grouper sandwich might just turn you into a devoted fan.
J. Michael’s
Since 1976, J. Michael’s has been a cherished spot in Panama City Beach, offering a menu bursting with bold Creole and Southern flavors. From rich seafood gumbo to succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and hearty red beans and rice, the restaurant has built its reputation on dishes that showcase the best of coastal cuisine. Owner J. Michael Stewart takes pride in serving up fresh seafood, flavorful “Surfer” sandwiches, and a variety of other tasty plates that consistently draw in hungry diners. A standout on the menu is the Fisherman’s Favorite Surfer sandwich: a perfectly grilled grouper fillet, nestled on a toasted onion roll with housemade tartar sauce. The sauce adds the ideal balance of creaminess, crunch, and tang, making this sandwich a true must-try that will leave you hooked.
Schooners
At Schooners, the menu is as diverse as the tides, with everything from cheese curds to jerk chicken, offering a laid-back mix of flavors that reflect the easygoing beach atmosphere. But no matter what dish you choose, one thing is certain: their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures each meal is simple yet full of flavor. A standout favorite is the Gulf Fresh Grouper Sandwich—a locally caught fillet that's either fried, grilled, or blackened to perfection, juicy and tender, and served on a fresh bun with crisp lettuce and tomato. While many restaurants spotlight the chefs in their kitchens, Schooners gives a well-deserved nod to the local fishermen who provide the exceptional seafood that makes their dishes truly shine.
