I need restaurant suggestions for Panama City.
 

I made my reservations at the Ambassidor Condos across from Gulf World. Has anyone stayed there before that can give me some imput? I would like restaurant suggestions for this area or other activities that would interest 2 teenage boys, myself and my husband. We have a deep sea fishing trip planned for one day. I would appreciate any help. thanks

<BR>Eat at Captain Andersons and watch the deep sea fishing boats unload their catch. Another favorite is Allens for seafood. The Greenhouse restaurant on Grace Ave in the downtown area has wonderful food. ..a local favorite.

To Cindy: I could not find Allens on the restaurant list on the Panama web site. Where is Allens located? I did find the website of Captain Andersons and it looks great. We will try that one out for sure. Thanks for the info.

Allen's Seafood restaurant burned to the ground several months ago and has not been rebuilt. The Greenhouse restaurant hasn't been on Grace Avenue in several years. It is now on Harrison Avenue, one block to the east of Grace Avenue, and isn't nearly as popular with anyone as it used to be. The drive from PCB to downtown Panama City will take at lest 30 minutes. During the summer months, it may take even longer because you have to cross Hathaway Bridge. <BR> Cpt Anderson's is a great chioice, as is Hamiltons. These two restaurants are across the street from one another, on the Thomas Drive area. It will take you at least 15 minutes to get there from the Ambassador. By all means, take Back Beach Road from the Ambassador to Thomas Drive. You can easily get directions from any local. Avoid using Front Beach Road for any drive over 1/4 mile. If you are going dep sea fishing, you will probably be heading out from one of the marinas within a 1/2 mile from either Hamiltons or Cpt Andersons. Another good restaurant is the Boar's Head, which will be the closest to your condo. It is west of Front Beach Road and HWY 79, which is locally referred to as thge "Y". If you have any other questions, you can email me directly.

Thanks Jean for the info. I may email you later with more questions. For one, just wondering if you know anything about the Ambassador and what is surrounding it within walking distance. Thanks again.

The Ambassador seems nice from the outside. Shuckums' Oyster Pub and Seafood Grill is the only restaurant within walking distance. I don't know how it is. Sharkys' and Seven Seas are not very far to drive. I dont' know about Seven Seas, but Sharky's is good and fun, right on the Gulf. <BR> Other choices, which go further and further away from your condo, heading east are: Sweet Basil's Bistro, at the shops at Edgewater. Thomas Drive area: Schooners and Runaway Island are popular with locals, and are both on the Gulf. <BR> Across Hathaway Bridge, in the St. Andrews area: Canopies, casual, expensive, on the Bay. Uncle Ernies, on the Bay. Le shack is popular, but I've never been there, expensive. <BR> If you go into Panama City proper, the 23rd street/Mall area has many chain restaurants: Outback, Texas Roadhouse, Applebees, TGIFridays, Olive Garden and Ruby Tuesdays. <BR> My personal favorites are the Gulf Club Cafe on 15th street and Rodeo on Highway 98 in Parker. The seafood and service are great, and the prices reasonable. However, these two choices will be a drive from the beach. Crossing Hathaway Beach can be a pain. <BR>Warning, if you head west to Carillon Beach, Seaside, or Grayton Beach, you will find some gourmet type restaurants. However, the prices wiil be much higher than in PC or PCB.

I drive down to the panhandle every year and my 3 favorites would be Captain Anderson's,and Runaway Island.Both are very different.Captain Anderson's has been a winner of the Florida Silver spoon award for many years...If it's seafood,they know how to do it.I'd even order a steak there,I think they do all dishes well.Runaway island has a Carribbean look and feel to it.It's on the beach and has all the typical carribbean dishes,jerk chicken,ect.Your teens would probably enjoy this better.WARNING about all PCB resturants in summer-the crowds/waiting for a table can be long,have waited 2 hrs at Captain Anderson's...still it's worth it.

Shelia, I forgot to mention another restaurant you may enjoy -- Pineapple Willie's Restaurant in the Thomas Drive are, also waterfront. I don't think it is associated with Pineapple Beach resorts, which an earlier post mentioned.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I plan to try some of these out. Is there any public transportation in Panama City such as a trolley from one end of the strip to the other. We will be away from alot of the action and we have 2 15 old boys with us that would enjoy doing some things on their own. Any ideas?

Shelia, the Baytown Trolley (850-769-0557)serves Bay COunty, including downtown Panama City & the Panama City Beach area. For rides on the Beach, it is $.50. If you cross the Bridge into town, it costs $1. The trolley goes from the Thomas Drive area to Front Beach Road, as far west as the "Y," (the intersection of Front Beach Road and Highway 79.) I've never ridden it, but it looks like fun. Try the PCB Visitor's Burea for add'l info. (800) 722-3224, or www.pcbeach.org.

Thanks again Jean for all your help.