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 - locals are often lined up waiting for them to open. 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/

Dustys. Oysters! Any way you want them! And other seafood. Sit at the counter and watch them schuck ‘em. Be sure to check out the turtles and maybe an alligator? out back from the deck. A locals favorite.

MEXICAN

After much research, Autentika Mexican Grill is the best we've found. It’s a hidden gem in the corner of a strip mall - often the best places, right? 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

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! Try the frozen Irish coffee!! 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! Look for the newlyweds there for brunch on Sunday, Oct. 5!

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/

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!

Firefly - Considered one of the best restaurants in PCB for fine dining.

Ambrosia - It’s about 20 minutes west from the beach, but it’s a really nice place. Also check out the Caymus happy hour.