Louisvillians love Destin and the Emerald Coast: thousands of us travel there each year. Dining on vacation can be difficult for Louisvillians because, honestly, it's hard to compete with one of the best culinary scenes in the entire world. Louisville diners have high standards: these are ten of the places around Destin that deliver the deliciousness.
Scroll all the way to the bottom of the article or click here to learn how you can enter to win a four-day beach vacation to Destin from Louisville.com and Newman-Dailey!
Donut Hole Bakery and Café
A long line of sunburned tourists snaking out of the front door at Donut Hole Bakery and Café is not an uncommon site: you will almost certainly have to wait for a table, but the wait will be worth it. During your stay in Destin you’ll be inundated with key lime EVERYTHING (from martinis to perfume) but the key lime donut at Donut Hole is the perfect tropical-tasting vacation treat.
Vue on 30A
The beach view from Vue on 30A is spectacular and the food, atmosphere and service are even more spectacular. Order the D.A. venison rolls and crab cakes; though of course crab cakes are offered at seemingly every Emerald Coast restaurant, these are truly standout. Desserts are fresh-made in house and selection varies by chef’s whim, so order one of everything.
Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer
Locally owned and operated, Brotula’s menu is focused on steamed and broiled seafood with different finishing seasons, flavored boiled water and finishing butter. Build your own boil and try warm water lobster tail, Asian boiled with miso and sake, with Asian spice and drawn butter. They also make a mean Old Fashioned.
The Other End
What do you get when you cross an Airstream food-truck with 16 beer taps and a deck on the docks? The Other End Restaurant and Beer Garden, which bills itself as Destin’s best-kept secret. The Other End has a great selection of craft beer on tap (including many of Florida’s local brews!), a late-night menu and hosts lots of local music.
The Craft Bar at Chan’s Wine World
Chan’s Wine World is THE PLACE for craft beer lovers to sample the best of Florida’s brews and wine lovers to enjoy an award-winning wine list. The gastro-pub-inspired menu at The Craft Bar uses fresh, local and artisan ingredients; and there’s a nice selection of cheese and small plates available for those who prefer to drink the majority of their dinner.
The Louisiana Lagniappe
The Louisiana Lagniappe has been serving fresh Gulf seafood with a Creole flair for more than thirty years in Destin. It’s a favorite with tourists and locals alike; a classic waterfront dining experience.
The Louisiana Lagniappe has been serving fresh Gulf seafood with a Creole flair for more than thirty years in Destin. It’s a favorite with tourists and locals alike; a classic waterfront dining experience.
Another Broken Egg Café
Louisvillians love brunch, and Another Broken Egg Café delivers: try handmade biscuit beignets, gourmet omelets, cinnamon roll French toast and six different signature benedicts.
Bric à Brac
The eclectic décor and down-home cooking at Bric à Brac will remind Louisvillians of Lynn’s Paradise Café: so will the down-home food. Go for the live music, on Friday and Saturday nights, the upstairs room transforms into a “high energy Latin” nightclub.
Jackacuda’s Seafood and Sushi
Ideally located in Destin’s HarborWalk Village, Jackacuda’s has a killer sushi menu, and it’s the perfect place to drop by for a lunch while you explore the HarborWalk.
Contest:
[2]Louisville.com is giving away a vacation package to gorgeous Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort [3], a Newman-Dailey property [4]: see all the details of the vacation and review the rules of this giveaway here! [5]
To enter, leave your name and email address below - by doing so, you agree to receive communication from Louisville.com and Newman-Dailey. Winner will be contacted March 1. Good Luck!
Images: Elizabeth Myers, except for The Other End, [6] Bric à Brac [7], Another Broken Egg Cafe [8] and The Louisiana Lagniappe [9]: linked.