We know our friends, like us, are always looking for a good place to eat. Below are some of our favorite restaurants and hangouts:

BEACHFRONT

Runaway Island - site of the wedding. Daily lunch specials and happy hour. We have yet to have a bad meal here! https://runawayislandpcb.com/

Schooners - a local's favorite. They fire a cannon at sunset each night. https://schooners.com/

Sharky's - a nice outdoor patio for drinks. https://sharkysbeach.com/

Margaritaville! - So it's across the street from the beach, but it has a large outdoor deck - a perfect spot to enjoy a margarita, boat drink, a cheeseburger in paradise, or volcano nachos! https://www.margaritavillepanamacitybeach.com/

Thomas' Donuts - Also across the street from the beach, but a fun place with a beach vibe to grab a donut or savory snack.

https://www.thomasdonutandsnackshop.com/

SEAFOOD

Grand Marlin - On the marina. Try the grouper piccata. Also, prime rib on the menu for Sunday brunch as long as it lasts. Daily happy hour. https://pcb.thegrandmarlin.com/

Capt. Anderson's - Also on the marina. Fish is said to be brought in daily off the boat. The grouper is good here, too. https://captanderson.com/

Runaway Island. (See above)

Dat Cajun Place - Extensive menu of seafood, cajun food, gumbo, poboys, oysters, etc. Good place to watch sports also.

https://datcajunplace.com/

American Charlies. Yummy clam chowder, Redfish, daily specials in an American-themed restaurant. Love of Food, Love of Country is their motto. Military and first responder friendly. Daily $10 specials, happy hour, and live music Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 6-9 p.m. https://www.americancharlie.com/

MEXICAN

After much research, Autentika Mexican Grill is the best we've found. Hint: ask your server to bring you the hot sauce and mix it with the regular salsa they bring to the table! https://www.yelp.com/biz/autentika-mexican-grille-panama-city-beach

Picos on Back Beach is pretty good. They have a limited menu, but if they have tamales, get them! https://picosonbackbeach.com/

Diego's on Front Beach Road - It's where the Sandbar Lane neighbors go to "church" at 11 a.m. each Sunday. Let them roll you a fat one (burrito). Good margaritas. But the camaraderie among the neighbors is the best! https://diegosburritofactory.com/

OTHERS

McGuire's Irish Pub - Just opened in PCB on March 17 this place has quickly become a favorite! Big portions at reasonable prices. Try the Shepard's pie - enough for two - and the 18- cent bean soup (with entree). Sunday brunch features 6-egg omelets (among other entrees) and bottomless mimosas for $9.99! Daily drink specials (margaritas are $3.99 on Mondays) and entertainment. See if you can find the dollar bill with David and Fran's names on it!

https://www.mcguiresirishpub.com/

Patches Pub and Grill - So named because of the first responder and military patches adorning the interior. Hint: See if you can find the CHP patch - wink, wink. Good food, daily music, happy hour, daily specials. https://www.patchespub.com/

Ford's Garage - Fun atmosphere resembling a 1920's service station featuring a Model T hanging over the bar and other memorabilia. Be sure to check out the bathroom sinks. Decent food at reasonable prices and lots of TVs to watch sports.

https://fordsgarageusa.com/

The Craft Bar - Good drinks, craft beer selection, and good food. Daily happy hour. Half off burgers on Monday nights.

https://www.thecraftbarfl.com/

The Brass Tap - Good selection of beer, lots of TVs for sports watching, and delicious food. Please order the Bourbon Maple Brown Butter Cake and thank Fran later! https://www.brasstapbeerbar.com/PierPark

BREAKFAST

The Waffle House! The world's leading server of waffles, T-bone steaks, cheese 'n eggs, country ham, pork chops, grits, and hash browns. Get yours scattered, smothered, covered, chunked, capped, topped, or country .... it's a southern institution! Several locations in Panama City Beach to choose from! HINT - OPEN 24 HOURS!

First Watch Cafe - Popular locale with healthier options than those above! https://firstwatch.com/locations/panama-city-beach

The Pancakery - Pancakes, crepes, omeletts and other goodness. Serving breakfast and lunch.

https://thepancakery.com/

A note about blue cheese olives and martinis. A certain subset of Fran's friends (and Fran) enjoy a vodka martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives. Fran has done extensive research in this area and has developed the following list:

Grand Marlin - Daily happy hour at 4:30.

McGuires Irish Pub - The bartender said they'd stuff some olives. This has not been tested yet! Martini night on Tuesdays - $4.99 each!

American Charlies - The Betty, named after the owner's mother.

Firefly - Conveniently located in the same strip mall as American Charlies so you can compare and contrast!

Ambrosia - Also check out the Caymus happy hour