Catch and Cook
From boat to table, let local chefs turn your fresh catch into a memorable meal
A day on the Gulf is reward enough, but the real payoff comes later. Instead of heading home to clean and cook, let one of the Emerald Coast’s restaurants take it from here. With cook-your-catch options, your fresh haul becomes a chef-prepared meal worth every cast.
Before you go, keep a few details in mind: Most restaurants require your fish to be cleaned, filleted, and bagged, and may set limits based on weight or party size. A quick call ahead is always wise, especially during peak season.
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, Destin
Primely located right on the Destin Harbor, AJ’s is known for its water views and a laid-back, friendly atmosphere, along with regular live entertainment. The dockside restaurant welcomes guests to bring in their fresh catch to be cooked to order and paired with your choice of sides. The killer view and cocktail selection don’t hurt either. Located at 116 Harbor Blvd., Destin. For more information, visit AJsDestin.com.
Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer, Destin
Known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood, Brotula’s waterfront restaurant overlooks the Destin Harbor and offers guests the option of bringing in their own catch after a fishing trip or when they stop in to dine. Leave your filleted fish and your name with the hostess, and the staff will keep it on ice until you order. The chefs in the kitchen will fry, grill, or blacken the fish and serve it on a platter alongside a generous helping of coleslaw, French fries, and hush puppies. Located at 210 D Harbor Blvd., Destin. For more information, visit Brotulas.com.
Photo Courtesy of Dewey Destin’s Harborside Restaurant
Dewey Destin’s Harborside Restaurant, Destin
Long revered for knowing their way around seafood, Dewey Destin’s restaurants offer a cook-your-catch option at their location on the Destin Harbor. Bring your fresh, cleaned, and filleted fish, and they will prepare it fried, grilled, or blackened, served family-style with coleslaw and two sides of your choice. Sit inside or on the deck where you can enjoy the results of your hard day’s work, and relax as the sun sets over the water. Located at 202 Harbor Blvd., Destin. For more information, visit DestinSeafood.com.
The Deckhand Social, Panama City Beach
With a waterfront location adjacent to the Pirate’s Cove Marina and its own pool, the Deckhand Social offers a relaxing place to spend an afternoon or unwind after a day on the boat—and you can bring your own fish. The hook-and-cook option includes two sides and various methods of preparation, from frying to grilling and blackening. While you wait for your meal, enjoy a pirate or mermaid show, running every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Located at 3901 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach. For more information, visit TheDeckhandSocial.com.
Feature image: Photos by Patrick Wilson / AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
