Planning a vacation at Top of the Gulf in Panama City Beach? From fresh Gulf seafood and beachfront dining to Mexican favorites, pizza, and upscale restaurants, there are plenty of delicious places to explore.

Salty Turtles® Vacation Rentals offers three Gulf-front studio condos at Top of the Gulf, conveniently located on Thomas Drive. Here are 12 restaurants to consider during your Panama City Beach getaway!

Beachfront Dining in Panama City Beach

1. Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant – Seafood & Entertainment

15201 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach

Sharky's is a popular beachfront restaurant offering fresh Gulf seafood, tropical drinks, live entertainment, and beautiful coastal views.

Its relaxed atmosphere and Gulf-front location make it a fun destination for visitors enjoying Panama City Beach.

Website: https://sharkysbeach.com

2. Schooners – The Last Local Beach Club

5121 Gulf Drive, Panama City Beach

Located directly on the beach, Schooners is a longtime local favorite featuring fresh seafood, casual coastal dining, and stunning Gulf views.

Don't miss the famous sunset cannon celebration, a beloved Panama City Beach tradition!

Website: https://www.schooners.com

3. Pineapple Willy's – Iconic Beachfront Dining

9875 South Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach

One of Panama City Beach's best-known beachfront restaurants, Pineapple Willy's offers Gulf views, seafood, casual coastal favorites, and its famous barbecue ribs.

Enjoy the lively atmosphere and outdoor dining overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

Website: https://pwillys.com

Mexican Restaurants & Local Dining Favorites

4. Los Rancheros Mexican Grill & Bar – Mexican Favorites

11208 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach

Los Rancheros offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with Mexican favorites, including fajitas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and margaritas.

A great choice for a relaxed lunch or dinner during your vacation.

Website: https://www.losrancherospc.com

5. Pepper's Mexican Grill & Cantina – Mexican Cuisine

11580 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach

Pepper's offers a welcoming atmosphere with Mexican favorites, including sizzling fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and margaritas.

A popular option for families or anyone craving Mexican food during their Panama City Beach getaway.

Website: https://www.peppersmexicancantina.com

6. Patches Pub & Grill – A Local Favorite!

4723 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach

Want to eat where the locals go? Patches is a neighborhood favorite known for its award-winning chicken wings, burgers, homemade pizzas, and live entertainment.

With its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming crowd, Patches is a fun place to experience the local side of Panama City Beach.

Website: https://patchespub.com

7. Christo's Sports Bar & Grill – Hidden Local Gem

2903 Navy Boulevard, Panama City Beach

Don't let the gas station location fool you! Christo's is a local favorite known for delicious burgers, wings, seafood, and American comfort food.

With plenty of televisions for watching your favorite sports teams, Christo's is an unexpected gem worth discovering.

Website: https://christossportsbar.com

Fine Dining & Special Occasions

8. Firefly – Upscale Dining & Romantic Evenings

535 Richard Jackson Boulevard, Panama City Beach

Firefly offers an upscale dining experience featuring fresh seafood, steaks, sushi, and an elegant atmosphere.

Its beautiful dining room with an illuminated oak tree makes it a memorable choice for anniversaries, romantic evenings, and special occasions. Reservations are recommended.

Website: https://www.fireflypcb.com

9. Capt. Anderson's Restaurant – Waterfront Seafood

5551 North Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach

A Panama City Beach landmark since 1967, Capt. Anderson's is known for fresh Gulf seafood, steaks, and beautiful waterfront dining overlooking Grand Lagoon.

A longtime favorite for locals and visitors, it's an excellent choice for a memorable seafood dinner or special occasion.

Website: https://www.captanderson.com

10. McGuire's Irish Pub – Irish Fare & Steaks

17290 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach

McGuire's Irish Pub brings its distinctive Irish atmosphere to Panama City Beach, offering traditional Irish dishes, USDA Prime steaks, house-brewed beers, and entertainment.

Its spacious themed dining rooms make it a fun destination for a memorable vacation meal.

Website: https://www.mcguiresirishpub.com/pcb

Historic St. Andrews Favorites Worth the Drive

Take a trip across the Hathaway Bridge to Historic St. Andrews in Panama City, where you'll discover waterfront scenery, local restaurants, unique shops, and a charming coastal atmosphere.

11. Hunt's Oyster Bar & Seafood – Fresh Gulf Seafood

1150 Beck Avenue, Historic St. Andrews, Panama City

A longtime local favorite known for fresh oysters, Gulf seafood, fried shrimp, and seafood platters.

Hunt's offers a classic local seafood experience and is a popular destination for visitors wanting to explore beyond the beach.

Website: https://huntsoysterbarpc.com

12. St. Andrews Slice House – Pizza & Local Flavor

1127 ½ Beck Avenue, Historic St. Andrews, Panama City

St. Andrews Slice House serves oversized pizza slices, specialty pies, and creative topping combinations in a casual neighborhood setting.

Located near Hunt's Oyster Bar, it's a convenient stop while exploring the shops and waterfront attractions in Historic St. Andrews.

Website: https://www.slice.house/standrews

Dining Tips for Top of the Gulf Guests

From beachfront restaurants and casual neighborhood favorites to upscale waterfront dining, Panama City Beach offers something for every appetite.

Some restaurants are conveniently located along Thomas Drive, while others are worth a short drive. Historic St. Andrews offers additional local favorites across the Hathaway Bridge.

Restaurant hours, menus, and entertainment schedules may change seasonally. We recommend checking with each restaurant before visiting.

Stay Beachfront with Salty Turtles®

After exploring the area's dining scene, return to your Gulf-front condo at Top of the Gulf!

Salty Turtles® Vacation Rentals offers three privately owned beachfront studio condos on the 3rd, 7th, and 8th floors. Each accommodates up to four guests and includes access to resort amenities and complimentary seasonal beach chair service.

Ready to plan your Panama City Beach getaway?

Browse our beachfront condo rentals or check availability and book directly.

Book Direct. Stay Beachfront. Save with Salty Turtles®!