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Miles of gorgeous beachfront, the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and world-class fishing – Panama City Beach has it all. It’s the ideal vacation destination, whether you’re looking to relax or reel in some fish. And if you end up doing the latter of the two, there are several restaurants in Panama City Beach that can cook your catch to perfection when you’re done casting.
If you’re interested in the hook-and-cook experience, dive into the list below with us and discover four places in Panama City Beach where you’ll get a meal fit for kings. Each of these establishments will prepare the fish you bring with finesse, so you can end your day on the water with a proper refuel. When you’re ready, read on!
Table of contents:
- Hook and Cook Restaurants in Panama City Beach
- J. Michaels
- The Deckhand Social
- Capt’s Table Fish House Restaurant
Hook and Cook Restaurants in Panama City Beach
J. Michaels
Address: 3210 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Located across from Capt. Anderson’s Marina, J. Michaels has been operating in Panama City Beach for almost 50 years. They offer a mix of creole and southern cuisine, based primarily on fresh seafood. The atmosphere in J. Michaels is casual and relaxed, making it the perfect place to hang out after your fishing trip.
If you end up reeling in some keepers, feel free to bring your catch to J. Michaels to prepare it. However, before you do so, make sure your fish is fileted and deboned. The restaurant will then grill or fry your catch. Alongside every portion, you’ll get a medley of vegetables and two side dishes.
In case you’d like to eat something besides fish, rest assured there are plenty of options on the menu. From shrimp and oysters to burgers, steak, and pasta, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste at J. Michaels.
The Deckhand Social
Address: 3901 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
The Deckhand Social is an easy-going seafood restaurant, situated adjacent to the Pirate’s Cove Marina. With an open pool giving it a beach vibe, it’s suitable both for families and groups of friends. The restaurant organizes Pirates & Mermaids shows every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, which only adds to the already great atmosphere.
For anglers fishing aboard charter boats, your captain can often leave you at the marina dock, only a few steps from the Deckhand. The restaurant can then cook your catch for $15.99 per person, which includes up to 8 ounces of fish and two sides. Just make sure you clean your fish beforehand or ask– we suggest you ask your guide for help.
On a typical charter in Panama City Beach, you can expect to reel in Snapper, Grouper, Redfish, and Mackerel, to name just a few. All of these are excellent table fare and the Deckhand Social will gladly rustle up whatever you end up catching.
Capt’s Table Fish House Restaurant
Address: 1110 Beck Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Capt’s Table Fish House Restaurant sits opposite St Andrews Marina. And while it technically falls under the jurisdiction of Panama City and not PCB itself, the restaurant’s waterfront location makes it accessible to all anglers fishing the area. They serve a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, crab claws, peel-and-eat shrimp, as well as delicacies such as Grouper throats.
This Panama City restaurant will gladly cook your catch, however, we’d recommend calling ahead and asking about the prices since you won’t find them online. What you can be sure of, though, is that your fish will be prepared with utmost care. To go along with it, you’ll get to choose from a variety of sides, and there are also tasty desserts on offer after the main course.
Hunt’s Oyster Bar & Seafood
Address: 1150 Beck Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Located right next to our previous entry, Hunt’s Oyster Bar & Seafood is another restaurant close to St Andrews Marina that’ll cook your catch. Their main specialty is delicious, fresh oysters, but you’ll also find an extensive selection of seafood and meat dishes on the restaurant’s menu.
If you bring your catch to Hunt’s you’ll be able to pair it with a number of sides, including baby potatoes, steamed vegetables, corn on the cob, and more. As for fish, you can count on them cooking it just the way you like it. And if you’re wondering about how much this will cost, contact the restaurant beforehand.
Panama City Beach Hook ‘n’ Cook: The Best Way to Eat Your Catch
Besides the restaurants we’ve highlighted, you’ll likely find plenty of others that’ll offer to cook your catch. But you can consider these four to be safe bets! They’re well-versed in preparing fish, and they all advertise the hook-and-cook experience online. So now that you have a few restaurants to choose from, all that’s left is to find a fishing charter to put you on the fish. Do that and you’ll soon be eating a delicious meal in beautiful Panama City Beach!
Have you ever had your catch cooked in any of the Panama City Beach restaurants we’ve named? What’s your favorite way to eat your hard-earned fish? Tell us in the comments below!
Marko
From a young age, Marko has been a nature buff. His first contact with fishing came through his dad who’d take him to the Danube River. It’s where Marko got his basic angling education, landed his first catch (an Ide), and learned how to cook a mean fish stew. Marko also enjoys hiking, running, traveling, and writing about it all.
