AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
Since 1984, AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar has been serving cold Gulf Coast oysters and cool libations. What began as a popular local hang out known for fresh oysters and cold beer has grown into one of the most iconic “hot spots” on the Destin Harbor. From its humble beginning shucking oysters off the deck behind a small trailer on the Destin Harbor, it has grown to four locations along our Emerald Coast, serving fresh seafood, live music and exciting water activities in the Destin area. For sports fans, AJ’s boasts the one and only Jumbotron on the Destin Harbor. AJ’s serves up delicious daily specials, mouth-watering drinks plus entertaining live music all month. AJ’s summer live music and events: See ad in this issue of Destin Life and check Facebook for details.
116 Harbor Blvd.
ajsdestin.com
Austons on 98
Offering an amazing raw oyster bar and the best happy hour in town, Austons is the place to be and home of the 102-foot bar, including 32 beers on draft. Some of the specialties include little neck clams, freshly shucked raw oysters, New England-style clam chowder and jumbo shrimp cocktail. With big screen TVs all around, there’s no bad seat in the house for any season’s sports. Happy Hour Specials from Monday-Friday, 2-5 p.m., $2 off all bar drinks and Monday-Friday from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. $3 off a dozen raw oysters. Bucket Specials All day every day. Auston’s on 98 is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and features its own “Real Deal Nashville Hot Sauce.” View full menu at austonson98.com.
(850) 842-3200
125 Poinciana Blvd.,
Miramar Beach
Austonson98.com
Boathouse Oyster Bar
Oysters, live music and a local vibe, the Boathouse is where the locals go with live music every night. Located in the heart of Destin on the Destin Harbor, the Boathouse specializes in making oysters a delicacy. Boathouse’s gumbo recipe was written by Mama Gumbo herself. And, of course, the oysters are raw, steamed or baked, just the way you like ‘em. The first Friday of each month, The Boathouse hosts locals on the Destin Harbor from 5-7 p.m. Listen and move with live entertainment daily. See ad for bands and times. Music schedule subject to change. Follow on Facebook for updates. (850) 837-3645
288-B Harbor Blvd., Destin
Boathouseoysterbardestin.com
Café Destin
Looking for dining the entire family can enjoy? Looking for a place to work with free WiFi while enjoying your cup of coffee? For breakfast and lunch, Café Destin offers an expanded menu serving breakfast staples such as pancakes, waffles with Nutella, omelets, eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy and more. For a lighter take, it also has a variety of fancy toasts (avocado, salmon and more), along with pastries and muffins. For lunch, choose from a variety of burgers, sandwiches and salads. You will love the full-service coffee shop, offering everything from hot or iced fresh, local Amavida coffee to espresso and lattés. And there are diverse fresh fruit smoothies and a variety of tantalizing teas. Check out the special kids menu, too. Indoor and outdoor seating on the large covered patio are both available. Book after-hours for private events or special occasions. Open for breakfast and lunch every day, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
(850) 424-6777
985 US-98 E, Destin
cafedestin.com
Emerald Coast Olive Oil
Enjoy some of the world’s tastiest and healthiest Olive Oils and Vinegars. Olive Oils are 100% ultra premium-certified extra virgin (without defect). Emerald Coast Olive Oil’s certification means they can trace the olives from the tree to the bottle, and every oil is independently tested to be sure they are free from fertilizers and pesticides. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a friend, need a customized gift or interested in learning more about quality flavors and tastes, visit Emerald Coast Olive Oil for the highest quality olive oils and aged vinegars, spices, pastas, sauces, jams, and other gourmet specialties. Accessories include an array of cutting boards, utensils, bowls, towels, aprons, pillows and more.
(850) 460.2210
34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin
emeraldcoastoliveoil.com
Melting Pot Destin
Soak up the last few days before school begins at locally-owned Melting Pot Destin with the Back To School Family Special! A family of 4 receives a three-course meal of Cheese Fondue, Petite Entree and Chocolate Fondue for just $120 from August 1st to August 13th! Daily, enjoy several fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées, salads and unforgettable desserts such as a warm fondue bowl of fresh melted chocolate of your choice. There’s also “fast fondues” and one-course fondues with cheese, salad, entrée or chocolate. Beat the heat and take a break midday for lunch every weekend! Bring your friends, family or come in for a lunch date Saturdays and Sundays at Noon at Melting Pot Destin. All of your favorite Fondue items such as creamy cheese fondue, fresh salads, premium meats and veggies, and decadent chocolate fondue are now available for lunch! Enjoy every moment together at Melting Pot this August.
11394 US-Hwy. 98, Miramar Beach
(850) 269-2227
www.meltingpot.com/destin-fl
Ovide at Hotel Effie
For a dining experience like no other, Ovide, the first restaurant in Florida by James Beard Award-winning chef, Hugh Acheson (known for BRAVO TV’s Top Chef), embraces the fresh, forward flavors and local seafood of the Gulf Coast. The menu showcases celebrity chef Acheson’s creativity and passion for distinctive ingredients and cooking techniques by fusing coastal cuisine with a sophisticated French influence. Ovide embraces the fresh, forward flavors and local seafood of the Gulf Coast.
Mondays at 5 p.m., enjoy some of Chef Acheson’s favorite dishes with a seasonal prix fixe menu. Choose one starter, one entrée and one dessert for just $50. Ask your server about the wine pairing option. Breakfast: 7:00 am to 11 am
Lunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon-Fri
Dinner: 5 to 9 p.m. Sun-Thur, 5 to 10 p.m. Fri and Sat
Brunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat and Sun
(850) 351-3030
1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Hoteleffie.com
Pecan Jacks
Aficionados of sweet treats will find a new outlet for their passion as Pecan Jacks, a wildly popular ice cream and candy store in Destin. Owners, Tim, Ronnie, Dustin, Samantha and Shelby Wyatt promise a unique sugary atmosphere with creations of their own making. This is not your chain ice cream store. “We create an experience, not just an ice cream cone,” Tim said. “We’re here to make people happy.” With more than 40 flavors of homemade ice cream, specialties include Oreo ice cream, Bailey’s salted caramel and banana pudding. “These are vintage recipes from our parents,” Ronnie said. The Pecan Jacks candy is as singular as its ice cream. It includes southern praline, Caribbean Rum and lots of brittle. “We hand-stretch all our own brittle and package it,” Ronnie said. The candy, like the ice cream, isn’t just kids’ stuff. It includes flavors like Espresso, Amaretto and bourbon. The pralines come in flavors such as Traditional, Caribbean Rum, Bourbon and Sweet Heat, while the brittles embody Pistachio, Cashew, Bayou Pecan and Picante. You can find Theo the Turtle there, too! Hours Noon to 9 p.m. daily.
(850) 427-3080
535 Harbor Blvd. (98 West) in Destin
www.pecanjacks.com.
Tailfins Waterfront Grill
Looking for a locals’ favorite breakfast? Start your day off right with Tailfins breakfast from 8-11 a.m., seven days a week. Enjoy a classic breakfast with bacon and eggs, a seafood or Cajun omelet and even a kid’s smiley pancake. Be sure to order up a round of mimosas and bloody marys. Watch Tailfins’ sushi chef create right in front of your eyes. Enjoy some of your favorite food and drinks, including sushi rolls and sake bombs, scrumptious early bird dinner specials Monday to Friday, 4-6 p.m. Happy hour from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, featuring $20 domestic bottle buckets, $5 house wines and well drinks and $5 Long Island iced teas. Live music on the docks. Tailfins is a go-to destination for sports watching featuring more than 70 big screen TVs. Be sure to check out the new Video Wall upstairs, possibly the largest indoor TV on the harbor.
(850) 842-3333
On the Harbor in Destin,
172 Harbor Blvd.
tailfinsdestin.com
Tequila’s Sports Bar & Grill
Did someone say Wow! Margaritas? Tequila’s Sports Bar and Grill is a local favorite, with world class, jumbo-sized margaritas, Mexican food favorites inspired by years of tradition and authentic spices such as the Tequila’s Plate, chili con carne, The Three Amigos and the new Master Parrillada – a unique fusion of sports bar food and delightful Mexican dishes. Football season is coming up, too. So, don’t miss a game all season long. Celebrate Taco Tuesdays with 2-for-1 margaritas. Lunch specials are offered Monday-Friday for $8.99. “Our love lies in the food we make and the connections we create with our customers every day,” says Oni, Tequila’s owner. “Our goal is to have the widest selection of tequila brands in town. You’re sure to find your favorites here.” Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner or call ahead to place your take out and to-go orders.
EAT. DRINK. FIESTA!
(850) 279.6402
11225 U.S. 98 W.,
Miramar Beach
Tequilasmiramarbeach.com
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