This restaurant probably exemplifies the vibe of our home town more than any other. Casual, laidback, and romantic when the sun sets over the water, AJ’s on the Bayou is a popular choice for a special occasion—or for a Wednesday, because even the most mundane of activities becomes a special occasion when celebrated at AJ’s!
AJ’s on the Bayou – Located at 200 Eglin Parkway NE
Built of wood, stone, and a cute thatched Tiki-style roof, AJ’s on the Bayou is easily recognizable with its two concrete lions serving as guard dogs placed right outside the door. Inside, large windows let in the light and views of the water, while an outside dining area allows guests to get even closer to the beauty they could see from the inside. Offering a friendly vibe and aromatic scents that will have your mouth watering before you take one step inside, you’ll soon discover why this beloved eatery has the hearts of nearly everyone in town!
The Menu
The seafood-oriented menu at AJ’s on the Bayou has rapidly become our favorite reading material, even managing to drag our teenage daughter’s attention away from their phones. Starting out with oysters served steamed, raw, or baked, we’ve never understood why they would need to offer any other appetizers, but we are so glad they do! The crab & spinach dip is a creamy delight served with hot tortilla chips; it’s currently our favorite, but probably not for long. We have fickle tastes and their fried pickles are looking pretty tasty! The menu also features delicious salads that can be made into meals, creamy soups that taste like your grandma made them, and an extremely large menu featuring specials from the surf, the turf, and of course, a combination of both. Offering Signature Sandwiches that include seafood po-boys, Southern Specials like shrimp and grits, Land Lubber specialties (steaks and chicken) and Seafarer dishes straight from the bayou, we have no favorites, but the Run of the Kitchen contains just about every seafood item they offer in one dish and satisfies the largest of appetites!
Dine in Style at a Place With Savory History
These days, AJ’s on the Bayou has become a fan favorite stop that seems like it’s always been around serving up sensational seafood in style. While it’s certainly a treat when you’re in the mood for a great meal, AJ’s on the Bayou has a rich history that makes a dinner here even more of a treat! This restaurant has been serving up impeccable fare in Fort Walton Beach since 1981. It started out as a small, local hangout that built a reputation around it’s cold beer selections and wonderfully fresh oysters. Locals would find their way here daily to spend time in good company on Destin Harbor in a place where friendly service and fun would always collide. Today, the ambiance and flavor remains but the popularity of AJ’s on the Bayou has certainly grown! Locals and visitors alike now convene at this hot spot culinary stop regularly. The restaurant has grown to the point where there are now multiple locations to choose from and enjoy along the beautiful Emerald Coast. The growth is exciting and well-deserved. At AJ’s on the Bayou, you can always count on amazing fare, an inviting space to settle in, beautiful views and music too. What more could you ask for?
Book Your Group Event at AJ’s on the Bayou
With the amazing views waiting to greet you and a mesmerizing menu of options at your disposal, AJ’s on the Bayou proves to be the perfect place for a meal enjoyed with family and friends as well as a locale where you can book an incredible large group event too! The team at AJ’s on the Bayou is more than happy to accommodate requests for private events and can easily accommodate small groups and large groups alike. This is the ideal destination when you’re looking to plan a wedding reception, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, birthday party or something more! There’s plenty of space available, the menu is made to inspire and the view comes free of charge. Hoping to have some live music to liven up the moment? The restaurant can help with that detail as well.
Enjoy Live Music Every Friday Night
Of course, live music is kind of this restaurant’s thing every Friday night of the week. If you find yourself in the mood for an amazing meal paired with a great vibe, swing by on a Friday and enjoy the performances that grace the agenda. Local and big name bands make their way here to thrill audiences and add tons of fun to a dining experience. It’s a moment you just won’t want to miss.
Leftovers Again!
No matter how hard we try to clean our plates at AJ’s, the large portions ensure we have leftovers to enjoy the next day. And when you bring home your own leftovers to your condo at The Breakers, we think that somehow the cozy décor and breathtaking views help to make yesterday’s dishes taste even more flavorful! Reserve your 2-bedroom condo today and enjoy all your meals, leftovers, and late night snacks in comfort and style!
