There is nothing better in the summer than hitting up the closest beach and relaxing for a few hours. Of course, after a few hours of being at the beach you are sure to get a little hungry especially when vacationing in Fort Walton Beach. This is the perfect time to get out and try some of the local eateries here in the area. Try something new and find the vacation you have always wanted. Here are some of our favorite summer places to eat in Fort Walton Beach:
Crab Trap
During your visit to Fort Walton Beach, you are sure to spend plenty of time out on the Okaloosa Island Beach Boardwalk. Right here at the boardwalk you can enjoy a meal over at Crab Trap. This restaurant has been known as the first and last stop for those visiting the Boardwalk. This restaurant features stunning views of the beach along with fresh seafood. If you stop by for lunch you will find that their basket specials are a treat. Enjoy hand breaded and lightly fried seafood along with fries and coleslaw. You can also enjoy a sandwich for a lighter meal allowing you to quickly head on back to the beach after you finish up. Go a little more decadent for dinner with some hot meals that will fill you up. Options like the raw oysters, mahi mahi, grouper, and red fish are freshly caught for your delight. The Crab Trap entrees are a feast of crab that includes pounds of different crab including Norwegian snow crab, Alaska Dungeness, king crab, and more with plenty of sides. Adults will find the full-service bar to create anything they wish but Crab Trap’s specialties include a variety of frozen drinks such as Mai Tais and Daiquiris. This is the perfect spot for those relaxing over at the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk!
AJ’s on the Bayou
For a more traditional meal experience head on down to AJ’s on the Bayou where you can find all kinds of delicious food waiting for you. AJ’s on the Bayou is appropriately named as the restaurant is found right by the water’s edge giving you plenty of great views from the patio perfect for the summer. Once you have sat down you can order up plenty of fresh seafood to kick off your meal with. We highly recommend the raw or steamed oysters, they are what has put AJ’s on the map here in Fort Walton Beach! Additional appetizers also include peel and eat shrimp, crab cake balls, and more. AJ’s on the Bayou is ready to serve you for any meal of the day. Stop by the morning for brunch complete with a hearty breakfast and tasty cocktail. The lunch menu features a variety of fried specialty baskets including oysters, shrimp, fish, clam strips, chicken fingers, and more. You can also order sandwiches, steaks, pork chops, chicken, and burgers too for those who are picky seafood eaters. Pair your meal with one of their specialty cocktails such as the Sunset Margarita or Cinco Stress Relief for some libations. Kids will also be able to order from the kids’ menu so they can enjoy something they like.
Ivy and Ale
Many of the restaurants here in Fort Walton Beach are like AJ’s and Crab Trap in that they focus on casual seafood eating. If you are on the lookout for a romantic date night, consider heading over to Ivy and Ale. This is our local farm to table restaurant that offers a charming interior and even has a boutique plant nursery. The menu changes with the season focusing on what is being grown by local farms. Ivy and Ale is a great spot for dinner where you can find oven roasted chicken or a seasonal fresh catch of the day along with sides. Try something fresh with the fresh catch tacos or have a healthy salad. Ivy and Ale is also open for lunch later in the week where you can grab burgers and sandwiches along with a variety of appetizers. On the weekends you can catch brunch so you can start off your day with something delicious. Breakfast items include French toast, breakfast bowl, biscuits and gravy, and more. As the name suggests, Ivy and Ale has plenty of draft beer on tap perfect for any occasion along with handmade cocktails and wine by the glass. This is the perfect spot when you want to dine somewhere that is not covered in beach décor.
More Fun in Fort Walton Beach
There is more than enough fun waiting for you here in Fort Walton Beach this summer. These local places to eat in Fort Walton Beach are sure to keep you from going hungry. Simply find your favorite vacation rental and get to booking.