Over the past few years, Panama City Beach has seen the arrival of numerous great new restaurants – from well known favorites to one-of-a-kind eateries. Throughout this exciting gastronomic evolution one restaurant remains a beach staple and thankfully, hasn’t changed a thing. Captain Anderson’s Restaurant and Waterfront Market remains as superb today as it did when the Patronis family opened the doors back in October of 1967.
This Panama City Beach landmark restaurant was named among America’s Top 50 restaurants, was the recipient of the “Best Seafood Restaurant” award from Southern Living, and received Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence.” Additionally, Captain Anderson’s won Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Award for 15 years before being inducted into the Restaurant Hall of Fame in 2005. It’s easy to see how the restaurant earned such high honors along with its excellent reputation. Located waterfront on Grand Lagoon, Captain Anderson’s boasts some of the best views in town, along with a warm, family atmosphere and out-of-this-world cuisine.
As soon as you walk through the doors, it becomes apparent that this is no ordinary dining experience. You feel welcome immediately thanks in part to the casual ambience, however the restaurant exudes the vibe of an elegant, fine dining establishment. The menu is outstanding and the wine list extensive. Everything is fresh, light, and bursting with flavor. Johnny Patronis explains, “Nothing should drown the natural goodness of fresh, fresh fish. Just let it absorb a little of the aroma of oak from the coals, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and maybe a touch of oregano, and serve it while it’s still hot.” The Greek influence can be found throughout the menu, from the seafood, chicken and steak right down to the crisp salad and aromatic bread. Add a shot of ouzo for an authentic kick to your meal.
There’s a dish for all tastes at Captain Anderson’s. Try the oven broiled stuffed jumbo gulf shrimp baked with homemade crab meat stuffing, the grouper marguerey baked en-casserole with shrimp, oysters, scallops and topped with a rich mornay sauce, or perhaps the signature certified Angus beef grilled churrasco steak, a seasoned tenderloin Nicaraguan cut with grilled Bermuda onions. My Greek family and I have dined here countless times over the years, and I can say with the utmost conviction that everything on the menu is fresh, delectable, and will delight even the pickiest eater at your table.
Captain Anderson’s is extremely popular with both locals and visitors, and therefore wait times can be a little long during the summer season. The key is to keep with tradition and dine early, and experience the fishing fleet unloading their daily catch on the docks. After your meal, browse the waterfront market, where you will find unique gifts and souvenirs, plus fine pastries and Greek specialty foods. Pick up a copy of the famous Captain Anderson’s cookbook and make your favorite dish from the comfort of your own home! The restaurant is open from 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, from 3:30 pm on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays. Prices for an entree start at $13.95 and can go up to $43.95. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
Check out the official Captain Anderson’s website and be sure to experience this beloved Panama City Beach restaurant for yourself.
Captain Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market is located at 5551 N. Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408. For more information please call (850) 234-2225 or (888) US-TOP-50.