Posted on 12/19/2014
One of the most often asked questions from our Ocean Reef Resorts guests is, "Where do the locals eat?" Luckily our reservation team is made up entirely of locals who love to eat! So we took a vote and here are a few Destin Restaurants that Destin locals (and our staff) enjoy eating at.
McGuire's is a lively bar and restaurant that happens to be an Irish Pub. Besides great food, the atmosphere is always delightfully fun since their long standing motto is: "Feasting, Imbibery and Debauchery"! This local favorite Destin restaurant is located within the heart of town right across from Harborwalk Village and the bridge that connects Choctawhatchee Bay to the open gulf. Their upper covered deck has views of Crab Island and the sunsets from this location are spectacular. Live musical entertainment is often featured here which adds to the festive feel. McGuire's brews Ales, Porters and Stouts right on the premises using classic oak and copper brewery techniques. These beers are quite popular since they use the finest imported hops and malted barley to create their own house specialties. They also have one of the largest wine cellars in Destin and have received the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for a number of years. The first thing you will notice at McGuire's if you have never visited before is that the walls and ceilings are plastered with single dollar bills placed there by happy patrons. It is quite a look! In fact there are so many of them that the restaurant has them insured. The interiors are charming and very "pub-like" which invites diners and imbibers to enjoy a fun laid back evening. Besides the great brews and wine there is also fantastic food. Their specialties include steaks and one of the best prime ribs around. In fact they have received numerous accolades for their food over the years which include: The Golden Spoon Award, (eleven times!); the Florida Trend Magazine Award for Excellence and the Beef Backers Award for the Best Steaks in Florida. If you are in the mood for a burger get ready for a feast since theirs are ¾ pound each and come with just about any trimming you can imagine. McGuire's also has a number of seafood dishes that are excellent as well as a long list of appetizers. Be sure to try their bargain 18 cents per cup "Senate Bean Soup" which was introduced in 1977 when the U S senate cafeterias charged the same price. It's actually quite tasty.
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Callahan's is another local favorite and is locally owned. It has received numerous awards among readers of Emerald Coast Magazine over the years as "Best Locally Owned Restaurant," "Best Deli", "Best Salad", "Best Casual Dining" and "Best Value." In addition to the restaurant they also have a full take out deli and butcher shop on the premises. In fact you may select one of their delectable steaks right from their meat case and they will cook it for you. They are located in Destin just north of Highway 98 and just west of Main Street. The atmosphere is casual with simple booths and tables spread throughout. They have nine different salads to choose from and many receive rave reviews from guests. Their menu consists of wonderful down home cooking which includes chicken, beef, pasta dishes and seafood. All generous portions for their entrees include your choice of soup or salad along with dinner rolls. It's hard to beat their beef dishes and comfort foods like Pot Roast or Chicken Fried Steak with gravy. You will not leave hungry. They also serve twenty-three different types of tasty hearty sandwiches which come with chips and a pickle. Daily lunch specials for delicious sandwiches and fries cost less than a burger would at some fast food place.
Cuvee Bistro is one of famed local chef Tim Creehan's latest restaurants and is located on the south side of Emerald Coast Parkway east of Destin Commons and Regatta Bay. Since opening in 2010 this awesome restaurant has been the recipient of over thirty awards for excellence among various magazines and reviewers. In 2014 alone Cuvee Bistro has received Finest on the Emerald Coast, Best in Destin and the Opentable Diner's Choice Award. All of their entrees are prepared from scratch and per order which creates such fine cuisine. They also have a stunning wine list and have received the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for three years in a row. A variety of inspired dishes are available including: Creehan's Signature Black Pepper Yellow Fin Tuna; New Zealand Venison Steak; Pan seared Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast; Pecan crusted Grouper Vince; Tomato Braised Lamb Shank; Tanglewood Farms Roasted Half Chicken and Oven Roasted Chilean Sea Bass to name a few. Sides include Sautéed Garlic Spinach; White Cheese Grits; Mashed Sweet Potatoes; Yukon Gold Potato Cakes; Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Pommes Frites with homemade ketchup. Tasty appetizers include a variety of popular flat bread pizzas, a wide assortment of fresh seafood, spring rolls, braised pork bellies and even fried green tomatoes. Cuvee Bistro has become "the place to be" during their popular Happy Hour Specials which start at 5:00 pm. Besides regular discounted wine and cocktail pricing, you can get a Martinis for only $5 each. There are over a dozen special martinis to choose from with every flavor from Pomegranate to Godiva Chocolate. There is also a discounted Bar Menu during Happy Hour which includes their famous crispy Flat Bread Pizzas, Escargot, Beef Quarter Sliders, Grouper Quarter Sliders and Asian Noodles to name a few.
Vin'tij is located just east of Destin in Miramar Beach off the Emerald Coast Parkway and right across from the Silver Sands Premium Outlets. This locals favorite restaurant opened in 1998 and bills itself as a wine market, bar and bistro. They have regular wine tasting events as well as even celebrity dinners for worthy charities. It receives consistent 4.5 Star Ratings from patrons who share their reviews on Trip Advisor, Urban Spoon and Yelp. The atmosphere is casual and colorful in a certain Floridian way. They serve tasty salads, "pizzettes" and sandwiches for lunch. If you want to try something delicious and out of this world try their Oyster BLT for lunch. There's nothing like it! The menu evolves but dinner entrees often include: Angus Rib eyes; Griddled Crab Cakes; Pecan Roasted Chicken; Marsala Pork Roast Tenderloin; Garlic Seared Yellow Fin Tuna, Mango Roasted Atlantic Salmon; a Vegetable Roast with Feta Cheese and the Fresh Catch of the Day. All entrees are served with their suggested wine pairing to truly enhance the flavor of each dish. Unique appetizers include: Butt Rubbed Grilled Carolina Quail; Shrimp & Grits; House made Pate; Griddled Sea Scallops; Tuna Poke Sushi and Fromage Trois Manieres with special bends of Goat, Mozzarella and Blue Cheeses.
Enjoy trying some of these wonderful favorite Destin restaurants on your next trip down and eat where the locals hang out. Here at Ocean Reef Resorts it is always our pleasure to help you find fine distinctive vacation rentals anywhere from Destin to Panama City Beach. A quick review of our user friendly website will help you find exactly what you need. Enjoy your stay and by all means "Eat, Drink & Be Merry!"
