Top 10 Local Favorites
10. Flamingo Joe’s
One the outside, by name and exterior, one might think Flamingo Joe’s transplanted right out of Key West. But the second you bite into one of their signature Grouper sandwiches, you’ll know the flavor’s all Panama City Beach. Loved for great food, laid-back atmosphere and the tastiest salsa West of the Mississippi, Flamingo Joe’s is basically a residential right-of-passage for beach lovers.
Flamingo Joe’s is located at 2304 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 233-0600
9. Ms. Newby’s
Every city has a local bar to which locals, after a night of fun or dinner, just gravitate. No matter what new bar opens, or what spot becomes a summer trend, Newby’s, for lots of PCB locals, is like home. What began as a liquor store has, over the years, transformed into PCB’s #1 good-times tavern. Bikers, breakers and locals all hanging out under one roof, that’s Ms. Newby’s.
Ms. Newby’s is located at 711 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 234-0030
8. Half Hitch Tackle
Half Hitch is the local destination for all things fishing. Whether you’re a tournament-tested fisherman or a guy who just likes to throw a line every now and then, Half Hitch Tackle has had the beach covered for years. With the most knowledgeable staff practically anywhere, locals go to Half Hitch to get all the gear, the bait and information on what’s biting where.
Half Hitch Tackle is located at 2206 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 234-2621
7. RockIt Lanes
Few places on Panama City Beach have more than enough space to include the locals and the tourists, but one place does and does so with style: RockIt Lanes. 50,000 square ft worth of absolute fun, PCB locals love RockIt Lanes because of the rows of billard tables, the bowling, the arcades but mostly because of Thursday night Bar Wars where locals get well drinks and domestic beer for $1.50.
RockIt Lanes is located at 513 Beckrich Rd Panama City Bch, FL 32407. Call Ahead at (850) 249-2695
6. J. Micheal’s
If you walk into J. Micheal’s you’re likely to see city officials, hotel GMs and even restaurant owners hanging out in the same place they’ve been frequenting for years. Although the location has changed, the great food and chilled atmosphere has not. If you’re in PCB, you have to go to J. Micheal’s and order the red beans and rice; it’s a world famous dish that can tell you all you need to know about PCB in one bite.
J. Michael’s is located at 3210 Thomas Dr. Panama City Beach, FL. Call ahead at (850) 233-2055
5. S. Rick Seltzer Park
Locals have several secret beach spots where they get away from the crowds of tourists. I can’t give away all those locations, but one of the most popular of those locations is S. Rick Seltzer Park.This 4.7 acre cut of gulf is absolutely impeccable, one of the best places to get your “tan on”. With lots of restaurants and shopping nearby, and no high-rises on either side, you really feel like you have the whole beach to yourself. So grab a swimsuit, a bite to eat and just lounge like the locals do.
S. Rick Seltzer Park is located at 7419 Thomas Drive
4. Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar
Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar is the season/off-season locals hangout simple because you get great food, live music, awesome drinks and sports on 360 degrees worth of HDTV. While tourists spend their time in the adjacent Pineapple Willy’s restaurant, locals are kicking back with a Fat Tuesday drink, listening to a great band rip the stage all the while watching their favorite sports team kick some butt. It’s the life, and it’s why we’re locals.
Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar is located at 9875 S Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408
3. Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop
If you were to go into Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop, you’ll know you’re in a PCB landmark the moment you see the wall of fame. Years of PCB residents and tourists are plastered on the wall, images of boys buying their first board only to, years later, take a photo with their son and his first board. Serving up the surf since 1980, Mr. Surf’s is the local stop for all things beach from surf and skim lessons to boards and bikinis. Surf’s is more than just a store.
Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop is located at 7220 Thomas DR Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at 850-235-2217
2. Spinnaker’s
When locals want to get out and party and don’t want to be mobbed by the crowds, they head to one spot and that’s Spinnaker’s Beach Club. During the day it’s an amazing restaurant, serving up treats at the Paradise Grill or the beachside Cantina taco & tequila bar. At night it transforms into one of the most exciting club experiences in NW Florida. The Groove Room, The VIP Lounge and the Rock Arena provide enough room to get your dance on all night long.
Spinnaker’s Beach Club is located at 8795 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 234-7882
1. Liza’s Kitchen
Over a relatively short period of time, Liza’s Kitchen has become Panama City Beach local’s favorite place. This eccentric gourmet sandwich spot on Panama City Beach makes the most original and tasty sandwiches on the entire beach. Everything is homemade down to the mayonnaise and everyday the delicious foccacia bread is freshly made. Serving lunch all week long, breakfast and tapas on the weekend, Liza’s is without a doubt, the local’s number one place. Oh, and did I mention the magical wine machine? Visit Panama City Beach and go to Liza’s. Thank us later.
Liza’s Kitchen is located at 7328 Thomas Dr # L Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 233-9000
I LOVE Flamingo Joes- I always order their homemade veggie burgers and lemonade. I still need to make a visit to Liza’s!!!
Agreed on Liza’s kitchen, but you left off the best local seafood spot: HUNT’S! Without a doubt the best seafood bargain in Panama City. Great taste, excellent prices and an atmosphere that most come to Florida to find.
Can you give the address for Hunt’s? Would love to try it on our next visit to PCB the end of July! We have been to PCB for many vacations and never knew about Hunts!!!!
-Marcene, You’re right, Hunt’s Oyster Bar is amazing. The only reason it didn’t make the list is because we tried to keep everything on the beach side of the bridge. Otherwise, it would have definitely been near the top. Great oysters.
-Audra, the address for Hunt’s is:
1150 Beck Ave Panama City, FL 32401-1468 – (850) 763-9645
Please, try some cajun baked oysters. They are fantastic.
On the beach, Dusty’s is the place to have oysters! It’s just west of Pier Park. Don’t believe their motto. Food is fabulous, oysters fresh and cold, as is the beer. Dusty’s has my vote!
Wow, you hit it right on the head. And there are still multiple others that should be included too. That is a good start to the top ten. Andersons is right there as well.
Venture west away from Thomas drive. Antonio’s has got to make the list
We live in Santa Rosa Beach, off 30-a, and are originally from Tx. We have yet to find a good Mexican restaurant in this entire area, including PCB!! For certain, no one seems to know what a break burrito is! Can anyone suggest a good Mex place?? Wick
Yea! Had Mexican for lunch today. Plaza Mexico is my fav. It’s located on Thomas Drive .
Also, is there a good “burger joint”, other than 3-Guys, which is too “touristie”?? Wick
Try a neat little sports bar on Thomas Drive called Time Out they are just before the lagoon bridge. They have great burgers and cheap. My wife loves there wings. Fun enviroment
Hey Wick, yes there is one fantastic Mexican place called Guadalajara. It’s located on the corner of Joan Avenue and Thomas Drive. Great food and atmosphere complete with a Mariachi band. As for burger joints, Roy’s in the Edgewater shopping center is great and Nip and Ernies on Thomas drive is new and has a really beefy burger.
Hope that helps
This would have been better titled the Thomas Drive tourist traps!
Liza’s Kitchen is NOT a tourist trap, by any means. Mike Meek, the chef, graduated from Troy State University with a degree in history and physical education, and he went on to get a culinary degree from Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, SC. His wife, Cat(herine) Meek got a degree from Florida State University, and she went on to become a certified sommelier. They are NOT running a tourist trap; they are serious restrantuers. Their business is consistent year round, and they are NOT dependent on tourists. They are establishing themselves as a significant local business that will be here for many years to come. Cat(herine) was born here, went to school here, and has many deep roots here. Mike is from Pensacola. Yes, they spent time in Charleston, SC, and Denver, CO, and Mike spent time in CA learning their cuisine. Cat also has deep roots in New Orleans cuisine through her father, who would be me. Liza, the namesake of their restaurant, would be my granddaughter. She told us Theo Patronis came to play with her last weekend. Think Captain Anderson’s. Think Rep. Jimmy Patronis. Theo’s daddy. Do you think Theo’s mother would bring him to Liza’s house to play if Liza’s Kitchen was a “tourist trap?” Man, get a life.
Tourist traps, indeed. You should be ashamed of yourself, Bob Baker, for insinuating Liza’s Kitchen is a tourist trap.
Yes, this was definitely all about Thomas Drive.
Its a good list, but not the best.