5 Places “In Town” Worth the Trip Over The Bridge
Hunt’s Oyster Bar
Hunt’s Oyster Bar serves up the best oysters in Bay County, PERIOD. Whether it’s done raw, Cajun style, sautéed or any other manner, there is simply no better place. But beyond the tasty oyster dishes and seafood, Hunt’s embodies the soul of Panama City. Within its walls lies a long history of the city and any day you visit you’re likely to see family generations all enjoying the oyster eating tradition together. The service at Hunt’s is southern and hospitable and the vibe is one you’ll be talking about long after you leave.
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Black Angus
Black Angus Restaurant is known for doing one thing and doing it very, very well; S-T-E-A-K. Black Angus is a Panama City staple, famous for its award-winning prime rib, but loved for its amazing service and atmosphere. And if you haven’t fallen head-over heels for the steak, toes will curl for the savory seafood that ranges from deep gulf tuna to the luscious fish crabmeat imperial.
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Tom’s Hot Dogs
If you were to head to Tom’s Monday-Friday anywhere around lunch time, chances are you’ll be waiting behind just about half the city’s residents all anxious to get their hands on the best hot dog in all of NW Florida. Tom’s sauce is so world famous and their chili-pies are so epic you may never even try the soups and the burgers. In fact, the hot dogs and chili dogs are so spellbinding most don’t even know they serve anything else.
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Mori Japanese Steakhouse
If you’re in the mood for good sushi or hibachi, there are a number of beachside places that might suffice, but few will provide the style at atmosphere as Mori. Great food, authentic settings and an intimacy you won’t find anywhere else in Panama City. Mori, in a short time, has become a favorite amongst Panama City locals.
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Downtown Panama City
Downtown Panama City is truly the core of PC culture. Sitting on the bayside Marina, as you walk the downtown area you smell the sea air and find yourself eased by the original fisherman town spirit. Downtown is littered with art museums like local artist Paul Brent’s gallery and the famous Visual Arts Center. Locally owned restaurants like “The Place,” which has been in business for decades, welcome you to sample the Panama City flavor. Antique stores at every turn, music, book shops, farmers market and, of course, the huge civic center, downtown Panama City is the perfect place for a cross-bridge outing.
Honorable Mentions: Chef Imondi’s, Martin Theatre, The Skate Factory, Sweetbay Wetlands and Oakland Terrace Park
[mappress]
Just ate at Hunt’s on Monday. It was fantastic! Due to an allergy, I couldn’t eat the oysters, although the triple cheese oysters at the next table did look good. I opted for grilled scallops, and they were delicious! Plus, the portion sizes are more than generous!
Jimmy’s has great burgers and onion rings, although the building could use a face lift inside and out. Tally-Ho is also a local favorite that’s been here for years. It’s an awesome drive-in alternative to the mediocre food at Sonic. Check ‘em out for your next article.
Great article – makes me want to head over the bridge as soon as possible!
J’s Seafood is a real hidden treasure. They moved — again — I’d thought they’d closed down this last time… They’re by the DMV on 15th near Jenks (Lincoln center, specifically).
They claim to have the world’s largest seafood platter – and I believe it. But they also have “Platter for [number of people]“. Divide that by two… (i.e. Platter for Two *easily* serves four hungry people) It has pieces of fried grouper, oysters, clams, shrimp, scallops, hush puppies, all on a bed of fries… and all of it is delightfully light and crisp.
For us, no trip to Panama City Beach is complete without going over the bridge and making a stop at The Captain’s Table and Uncle Ernies. Super!