This Beachfront Destin Restaurant Serves The Most Mouthwatering Gulf Seafood With Ocean Views

Imagine digging your toes in the sand while savoring the catch of the day.

That’s The Back Porch experience in Destin, Florida.

This iconic A-frame seafood restaurant sits right on the beach with waves practically lapping at your table.

Since 1974, they’ve been serving up Gulf seafood so fresh you can almost hear it calling your name.

What began as a humble beach shack has become the go-to spot for seafood lovers without losing its casual, kicked-back charm.

In many ways, every meal here feels like the Gulf Coast experience on a plate.

Menu Highlights

The Famous Amberjack Sandwich: As the pioneers of the chargrilled Amberjack sandwich back in the early 1980s, this signature dish remains a star attraction.

The fish is perfectly cooked with a light seasoning that enhances its natural flavor. But if you like shrimp then the shrimp in rum butter sauce that tops this dish might be the best part of the meal!

Bronzed Grouper: This one’s a true local favorite. The “bronzed” preparation gives this fish a light flavorful crust that locks in its moisture.

Slightly blackened and cooked on the grill, it’s a perfect medium between blackened and grilled styles.

Pair it with their lemon dill rice for a truly memorable meal.

Fresh Oysters: You can’t visit without trying their oysters, harvested fresh from the Gulf. Served with house-made cocktail sauce, a squeeze of lemon, and a dash of Tabasco, these briny delights capture the essence of coastal dining.

Firecracker Shrimp Tacos: These tacos pack a flavorful punch with perfectly seasoned shrimp coated in their signature firecracker sauce.

Loaded into generously-sized tacos, they’ll satisfy any seafood lover’s craving.

Crab Stuffed Shrimp: A decadent treat that combines two Gulf favorites – plump shrimp stuffed with savory crab meat.

The dish exemplifies the restaurant’s skill at letting quality seafood shine while adding just the right flavor enhancements.

Twice Baked Potato: While seafood is the star, don’t overlook this standout side.

Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, it’s the ideal complement to any of their fresh fish entrées.

Atmosphere & Setting That Can’t Be Beat

Stunning Gulf Panorama: Few restaurants can boast genuine beachfront dining like The Back Porch.

You’ll enjoy stunning views of the Gulf while feeling the sea breeze as you dine – catching the sunset here is an experience you won’t forget.

Beach-Ready Dress Code: Leave your formal wear at home before heading for dinner here.

The Back Porch embraces a relaxed beach-friendly atmosphere where flip-flops and cover-ups are perfectly acceptable attire.

The laid-back environment makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re coming straight from the beach or heading out for a special dinner.

Weather-Flexible Seating: Choose between their air-conditioned indoor seating or embrace the full coastal experience on their covered outdoor patio.

On breezy days though, just be vigilant when eating outside in case your napkins catch a gust of wind!

Surprisingly Short Wait Times: Despite often having a line of waiting guests (sometimes 50+ people), the restaurant’s efficient system moves surprisingly quickly.

Although most reviewers online have shared that they found wait times much shorter than expected, even for larger parties.

Pricing & Value

Mid-Range Seafood Prices: With most seafood entrees ranging from $20-30, The Back Porch sits in the mid-to-upper price range for casual dining for fresh seafood.

Generous Seafood Servings: You won’t leave hungry.

The portions are substantial and satisfying for almost any meal you get.

Premium Location & Fresh Catch Value: While not the cheapest option in Destin, the combination of prime location, fresh seafood, and attentive service makes The Back Porch worth every penny.

The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients—particularly their fresh-caught fish—provides excellent value.

Must-Try Key Lime Finale: Save room for their Key Lime Pie! This is Florida, after all.

This pie offers almost a cheesecake-like take on the Florida dessert classic. It’s the perfect sweet ending to a seafood feast.

Other Considerations

Kid-Approved: The restaurant warmly welcomes children, with easy beach access allowing kids to play in the sand between courses or while parents wait for a table.

Spacious Lot: There’s ample parking available, though it can fill up quickly during peak dinner hours.

Arriving a bit early or during off-peak times will make finding a spot easier.

Gluten-Free & Special Diet Options: Gluten-free options are available, including burger buns and several seafood preparations.

The kitchen is happy to accommodate various dietary needs beyond this as well – just be sure to mention them to your server.

First-Come Beach Casual System: The Back Porch operates on a first-come, first-served basis. In a way this contributes to its relaxed beach vibe.

While this means you might have to wait, the turnaround is surprisingly quick even during busy periods.

Tropical Cocktail Selection: Their bar serves up refreshing tropical drinks that complement the seafood perfectly. Try their strawberry margarita or spicy mango margarita for a perfect pairing with your meal.

Customizable Cooking Styles: One of the best features is the flexibility to have your seafood prepared several ways—blackened, fried, grilled, or “bronzed.”

This allows you to customize your meal exactly to your preferences.

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Whether you’re a Destin local or just visiting Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast, The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House deserves a spot on your must-visit list.

Especially for seafood fans!

With its unbeatable location right on the beach, consistently delicious fresh-caught seafood, and relaxed coastal atmosphere, it embodies everything that makes dining in this Gulf paradise special.

The Back Porch
📍 1740 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541
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