The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House in Destin, Florida, offers epic Gulf views, great food, and fantastic service.
The Back Porch
I found The Back Porch while watching Instagram reels before Christmas. There was a reel showing an unbelievable sunset with dolphins pulling Santa and his sleigh.
I instantly told my husband that we needed to visit before the holidays ended and experience this magic.
Thankfully we live a couple of hours from Destin and can easily hop in the car to spend the weekend exploring the Emerald Coast.
I am excited to say that not only did we get to see Santa with his sleigh pulled by dolphin reindeer we also had the opportunity to enjoy delicious food while at The Back Porch.
The food was so good we brought the leftovers home with us so we could enjoy them the next day.
Every single thing we have tried has tasted amazing! Our server was fantastic and made sure we were happy during our visit.
There is a fun gift shop at the front of the restaurant with branded products and seriously cute beach home decor.
I had a hard time not buying 8 million new beach frames for our house.
The Back Porch has been a favorite for locals and visitors since 1974. The first restaurant was an a frame building with the best gulf views.
Today's restaurant is a bit larger but still offers the amazing views we all dream of enjoying on the Gulf Coast.
Indoor Seating
The indoor seating consists of tables and chairs in varying sizes to fit couples or larger families.
Indoor Bar
There is a great indoor bar in the heart of the restaurant with bar-height stools.
Outdoor Seating
If you can get a spot on the back porch make sure to enjoy it! The views from the back deck are truly amazing.
If you are visiting during the day make sure to wear sunscreen and be prepared for the direct sun even in the winter.
I am going to admit that I ended up looking a little like Rudolph from sitting outside in the middle of the day. It was well worth it but the sun was warm even in December.
There are also picnic tables and beach chairs on the beach to relax in.
The Back Porch Menu
The Back Porch Menu is filled with delicious Gulf seafood, Oysters, Sandwiches, Steak & Chicken, and more!
Menu Highlights - The best fresh Gulf Seafood is available including jumbo shrimp, raw oysters, chargrilled amberjack, an so much more.
Back Porch oysters - baked and topped with crabmeat and cheese.
Signature Amberjack Sandwich - available fried, chargrilled, bronzed, or blackened.
Grouper Destin - Grilled Gulf grouper topped with shrimp.
Gulf Snapper Sandwich - fried, chargrilled, bronzed, or blackened. Served with lettuce, tomato, French fries, and coleslaw.
Amberjack paradise - Amberjack filet baked and topped with four jumbo shrimp and the house made rum-butter sauce.
Snapper Florentine - Gulf Red Snapper loaded with crabmeat and spinach.
Crab Stuffed Shrimp - Fresh jumbo gulf shrimp topped with their famous crab stuffing.
Kids' Meals Menu - The kids menu includes fried chicken tenders, fried popcorn shrimp, pepperoni pizza, fried fish toes, grilled fish, or a grilled cheese. Served with French Fries, mashed potatoes or mandarin oranges on a souvenir Back Porch frisbee!
Gluten-Free - There is a designated gluten-free menu available for guests with gluten sensitivities. Your server can bring you the separate menu.
Here are some of the highlights.
Seafood nachos, Crab Claws, Peel & Eat Shrimp, Smoked Tuna Dip, Oysters on the Half Shell, Shrimp & Spinach Salad, Honey Chipotle Salad, Beach Cheeseburger, The Angry Amberjack, Chicken and Swiss, Ribeye, Surf & Turf, and more!
Gulf Fish - Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, Shrimp & Scallops, and more.
Vegan - Salads with meat and cheese removed.
Vegetarian - Onion rings, cheese sticks, fried pickles, salads, vegetarian pasta
Signature Cocktails - The Ultimate Back Porch Punch, Paradise Punch, Coco Cabana, Makers Mark Splash, Beach Breeze, Watermelon Dream, Pineapple Sunset, and so many more.
The Raspberry Lemonade is delicious!
Make sure to order a slice of Florida Sunshine Cake! It is orange flavored and truly amazing!
Why you will love The Back Porch
- Destin location is right on the water with breathtaking Gulf views of the Emerald Coast
- Great indoor and outdoor dining options
- Fun for the entire family
- Great food and cocktails
- Best views from the Back Porch restaurant, hear the waves while dining.
- Perfect Gulf Coast vacation restaurant.
- Have I mentioned the spectacular view with an unpretentious atmosphere
- A Gulf Coast tradition with the best Gulf seafood
Things to know when planning a visit to The Back Porch
Address - Destin location - 1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
Panama City Beach Location - 16220 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Phone - 850-837-2022
Hours - Open daily at 11 am for lunch and dinner
Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.
Accessibility - There is a ramp leading into the restaurant with accessible parking spaces near the front entrance.
Plus Size Seating - The chairs do not have arms on them and are heavy-duty wood. They were comfortable.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual
Pets - Pets are not allowed in the restaurant.
Parking - There is a large parking lot next to the Destin location.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
The Pancakery - Enjoy delicious fluffy pancakes and a huge menu at this great breakfast and lunch restaurant.
Gulf Coast Burger Co - Check out their themed burgers and giant milkshakes
Okaloosa Donuts - The cutest donuts we have seen on the Emerald Coast! Sharks, mermaids, and so much more!
The Donut Hole Destin - Check out this bakery and restaurant that offers delicious food and baked goods.
Additional Gulf Coast Articles
Andy's Flour Power Cafe & Bakery, Panama City Beach - This great PCB restaurant has amazing breakfast food and a delicious bakery!
Whiskey Joe's Bar & Grill - Located in Pensacola Beach this beach restaurant has great food and epic views.
Flora Bama Yacht Club - On Perdido Key, Florida is a great restaurant for live music, fun, and delicious food.
Flora Bama Ole River Grill - located across the street from the main Flora-Bama and offers great food, friendly staff, and amazing water views.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
Check out our Facebook and Instagram and TikTok pages for more great ideas for the Gulf Coast.
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