Posted on 4/19/2019
If we had to guess, we would say that your 30A vacation bucket list probably includes the following: go to the beach every day, eat fresh seafood, and make lasting memories. After all, that's exactly what ours would include- hours spent on the beach and hours spent eating the best local food South Walton has to offer. One of the Gulf Coast's most craved seafood items is small but mighty and comes hidden in between a rough shell. That's right, we're talking about oysters! Luckily for us, South Walton and 30A are in a prime location to easily source these highly sought after gems of the Gulf. Oysters in the area typically come from the West Bay of Panama City Beach, Apalachicola just a few hours away, and our neighboring Gulf states of Texas and Louisiana. Though they are traditionally enjoyed with hot sauce, saltines, and a cold beer - oysters are now being prepared in a wide variety of ways. However you decide to throw em back and slurp em down, be sure to visit one of these 30A hot spots for your oyster fix.
Stinky's Fish Camp
Oysters All Day, All Ways
Don't be deterred by the name! Stinky's Fish Camp is a long time favorite in Dune Allen Beach for fresh seafood and drinks. They also happen to be a renowned spot to get your hands on some oysters, and their Oyster Log adorned with 36 baked oysters is definitely something to write home about. A foot long piece of driftwood is topped with 3 dozen delectable oysters prepared in a variety of mouthwatering styles including BBQ butter, shrimp and crab, cheddar jalapeno, and smoked gruyere and bacon. Don't worry, your classic Rockefeller and garlic butter are there for the purists too. The log is a Stinky's signature for a reason and might even end up being the most memorable part of your trip.
Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar
Live music, great food, Gulf view
Shunk Gulley is one of 30A's newest restaurants and was just named 30A's Hot Spot for Best Raw Oysters. It sits in Santa Rosa Beach with an open-air concept overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and gets its name from a legendary fishing reef off the coast just across the street. Offering 40 feet of panoramic views, the upstairs open-air dining room is the perfect place to grab a casual bite to eat. Live music is frequent and showcases local artists adding to the fun and playful ambiance of this seafood spot. This is also one of the few places along 30A that you can enjoy your oysters fried. The fried oyster platter comes with house remoulade for dipping and crispy french fries. Just drizzle a little lemon on top, and you're golden. When you come to Shunk Gulley, you can count on two things: fresh oysters and a stunning view.
Hurricane Oyster Bar
The Pearl of 30A
Hurricane Oyster Bar is a long-standing funky restaurant that serves oysters in an impressive range of fashions. Raw? Steamed? Grilled? Baked? Head to Hurricane Oyster Bar in Grayton Beach and call it however you'd like it. Try the "World Tour," and you'll get a sample of five different styles of raw oysters in styles influenced by international foods from Mexico, Russia, Germany, Japan. Perhaps the most unique flavor on the tour is Japanese, which is a raw oyster topped with hot & sour sauce, seaweed, and ginger. Hold onto your hats, cause these flavorful oysters will blow you away! They also have a broad selection of baked options including crab, Cajun, Picatta, Casino, Crawfish, and more. Whether you like them served on the half shell or covered in bacon and cheese, Hurricane Oyster Bar is bound to have a flavor for every kind of oyster eater.
Shrimpers Seafood Market
Family owned and operated since 1977
This much-loved local seafood market is a staple in the South Walton community for providing locals and tourists alike the freshest seafood at fair prices. Jump up on Highway 98 and take a quick drive over to Shrimpers Seafood Market and pick up a bucket of freshly caught oysters to bring home. Get your oysters pre-shucked, or pick them up still in the shell and see if you can do it yourself. Impress your family and friends by getting your hands dirty and putting your shucking skills to the test (but maybe wear a cutting glove)! The great thing about Shrimpers is it's a one-stop shop; you can also get traditional seafood seasonings, soups, sauces, and sides. Don't forget to pick up a fresh made key lime pie so that you can reward your hard work when you're done.
30A Oyster Bar
"Always a great shucking time!"
It's time to step up your shrimp boil game and throw an oyster shucker into the mix. 30A Oyster is a locally owned company that brings the oyster bar to you! This private catering service can accommodate events, parties, weddings, and dinners of any size, shape, or style. Rick, the owner of 30A Oyster, is an oyster shucking champion who promises to deliver only the freshest quality local seafood via his oyster bar on wheels. He provides full service "oystertainment" and claims to be part-cook and part DJ. You can have your oysters raw or grilled, but either way, they'll be shucked right before your eyes. Chow down on shrimp, sausage, corn, and new potatoes while you enjoy watching the master at work from the comfort of your own home. Regardless if you hire Rick for a large gathering or just for a fun family dinner, 30A Oyster is guaranteed to provide a night you won't forget.
So what are you waiting for? Get on down here to the coast, you've got oysters to eat, and we've got a cold drink with your name on it. We have a massive selection of 30A homes and condos for you to choose from and no matter where you decide to stay, at least you'll know that you will never be far from the warm sand, the clear water, and the freshest seafood.
