Pompanos

Whenever Panama City Beach tourists approach locals to find out the secret place where locals go to get the freshest and tastiest seafood, they learn that the answer is actually no secret at all. Repeatedly the response all the around the beach is Pompano’s. Located at the entrance to the strip on Front Beach Road, Pompano’s has been a staple on Panama City Beach for years perfecting the art of seafood, steak and sushi with gulf style and flavor. For those Panama City Beach enthusiasts Pompanos sits on the same popular spot where once the Kona Kai and Petticoat Junction stood, prime location for access to fun after a full belly and a few drinks.

Pompano’s’ atmosphere is a blend of intimacy and relaxation, deep wood colors and a nautical theme welcome you as you look out the back-wall window to a gorgeous lake view. When a patron was asked to give her best description of Pompano’s, she described it as having dinner on a rich buddy’s houseboat. It’s white-polo-shirt-deck-shoe dining at its best. Serving all the seafood favorites like shrimp, grouper, lobster, mahi-mahi (including signature dishes like the savory Shrimp Pompano) coupling that with juicy steaks and fresh sushi, the award-winning Pompanos has something for everyone.

Specs: Pompano’s is a surprisingly large restaurant. As you approach, the first thing you notice is the deck that overlooks a beautifully lily-padded lake. The string lighting accents around the deck are warm and welcoming. Inside the waiting area the walls are painted with rustic nautical colors and the seating consists of big comfy leather couches. To your right is the bar, a mellow wood-colored lounge perfect for a Martini with your friends or a glass of Pinot Noir with your significant other. The dining area has ample seating that can handle large parties. Within the dining area is the sushi bar, a local favorite, where snazzy booths allow you to enjoy your roll in comfort.

Appetizers: The appetizers at Pompan’os are plentiful. The local favorite is the Shrimp Pompano, a signature dish of big gulf shrimp wrapped in bacon, grilled and topped in Dijon sauce for only $9.99. Blue crab claws are perfect for the whole family at $11.99 or lumpy crab cakes at $13.99. The Oysters Rockefeller has a special gulf flavor and other fiery dishes like the spicy calamari and spicy Thai shrimp both for $9.99 are awesome pre-meal delights.

Seafood: The seafood at Pompano’s may be some of the best seafood you’ll ever taste. Every dish is just-caught fresh and the portions fill you up. Seafood La Costa, a unique dish on the menu will get your attention first. This dish, $22.99, consists of shrimp, scallops and crab meat in a rich casserole with cheese. As you scroll down the menu you’ll see lobster tails, snowcrab legs and oysters, but what will make your mouth water is the stuffed grouper. This dish, a big cut of grouper stuffed with a crabmeat dressing, broiled and topped with béarnaise sauce, is absolutely delicious at only $21.99

Steaks: Pompano’s’ steaks are a total surprise. With seafood and sushi on the menu, one might think the steak could easily be neglected, but the cuts are tops on the beach. Thick and juicy, the New York strip for $21.99 will have you walking out with a to-go box because it’s just so much food. But the king on the grill at Pompanos is the 18oz prime rib king cut for 29.99. Man, it’s so much tender juicy meat you’ll have to share that one with someone.

Sushi: The sushi selection is surprisingly vast and tempting. You’ll find all your favorites like the California roll, the salmon avocado roll, the spicy tuna and others. You’ll also find some special rolls like the J.T roll named after a longtime waitress and the Panama City roll named after our great city. The sushi is priced just right ranging from $6.99 to $11.99 for the super cali roll. They also have fresh sashimi and nigiri as well as big sample platter for big parties.

Etc…the service at Pompano’s is really professional and fast. The place is always packed and the parking stiff but it’s definitely worth a trip. It’s one of those places that you’ll brag to your friends and co-workers about once you get back home. Pompanos even made the top 10 reasons to visit panama city beach list.

Pompano’s is located at 10292 Front Beach Rd Panama City Beach, FL 32407. For reservations call 850-233-9080

[mappress] [flickr]set:72157618846189204[/flickr]