Have you ever been a little overwhelmed with all of the Seaside, Florida restaurants?
Seaside may be best known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear emerald waters. But, they also have some incredible dining options.
Whether you are looking for a quick bite before you head to your next activity or you want to dine as you watch the sunset over the water, Seaside has you covered.
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This post is all about helping you find the best Seaside, Florida Restaurants.
The Best Seaside, Florida Restaurants
Restaurants with a View in Seaside, Florida
Bud and Alley’s
Our Recommendation: BBQ shrimp, Shrimp and Grits, and French 75
Bud and Alley’s, the only restaurant in Seaside with a view, is definitely the most Iconic restaurant in Seaside and I would even go so far as to say all of 30A.
And trust me when I say this place is NOT a tourist trap. Their food is every bit as good as the view. I have loved everything I’ve ever ordered, food or drinks.
“Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in the heart of Seaside, Florida, Bud & Alley’s has been a popular gathering place since 1987 for good food, good people, and good times. A pioneer of the fish- and farm-to-table food movement, the award-winning menu features Gulf Coast classics paired with Southern-style cuisine. The sunset celebrations on the rooftop bar overlooking the Gulf have been a hallmark tradition for nearly 30 years. Lunch and dinner are served daily in gracious indoor and outdoor dining areas and on the roof terrace overlooking the Gulf.”
Counter Service Restaurants in Seaside, Florida
Shrimp Shack
Our Recommendation: Steamed Gulf Shrimp – if you get it steamed instead of chilled, it also comes with steamed corn on the cob, and potatoes.
This is where you find the freshest steamed seafood and ‘take in’ the views of The Gulf of Mexico. From oysters and shrimp to lobster and crab claws, The Shrimp Shack has it all.
After ordering your food it’s just a short walk around the shack where you can sit and enjoy the beautiful views of the Gulf.
Bud and Alley’s Taco Bar
Our Recommendation: Grilled shrimp or steak tacos and a top-shelf margarita.
You can’t go wrong with anything from the Taco Bar. Florida style. Baja fish tacos, homemade guacamole, burritos, top-shelf margaritas, and ice-cold Cerveza hit the spot for lunch or dinner, which is served daily.
Every day is Taco Tuesday at Bud and Alley’s Taco Bar!
See Also: The Best Places to Shop on 30A
Bud and Alley’s Pizza Bar
Our Recommendations: Pizza Margherita with Salami
Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar serves authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza and house-made dishes.
Their focus is on the traditional cooking technique–from the mixing of the dough and the shaping of each pizza to maintaining the proper flame in their wood-fired oven. Everything at Pizza Bar is made by hand, including the fresh mozzarella and naturally leavened sourdough baked daily for their seasonal bruschetta.
Their menu is complemented by a carefully curated list of handcrafted cocktails, wine, and craft beer. They strive daily to create a menu that celebrates Seaside, offering the best from both land and sea.
I have had some of the best pizzas in the world. Including eating at Cafe de Michelle in Naples, Italy. And I can tell you that this pizza ranks right up there with the best.
Their efforts to create an authentic pizza with a coastal influence have been a complete success.
See also: The Best Places to Shop in Seaside, Florida
Pickles Burger and Shake
Our Recommendation: A Burger of your choice and of course, an order of fried pickles.
Located in the heart of Seaside, Pickles offers traditional American Fare, Burgers, and Shakes. And don’t forget their World Famous Fried Pickles. After ordering at the counter you can either sit inside or outside on their deck.
The open-air dining is perfect for people-watching.
Sometimes it can be difficult for large groups to sit together at restaurants. But this is not an issue at Pickles. They have plenty of seating for larger parties.
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Air Stream Row Seaside, Florida Restaurants
The Meltdown
Our Recommendation: The Smoking Turkey and a bag of BBQ chips
Do not be put off by the long line outside of The Meltdown. There is a reason the line is so long and I can assure you that it is well worth the wait. They have every kind of grilled cheese from the most basic to the ultra gourmet.
The best way to enjoy a Meltdown Grilled cheese is either sitting at the bar by the Coleman Pavilion admiring the beautiful gulf views or sitting in an Adirondack chair listening to the live music.
Hero Gyro
Our Recommendation: Gyro Platter, Spicy Hummus, and a Lemonade
Gyro Hero is a relatively new addition to Airstream Row.
We typically get the Gyro Platter. It comes with two sides and is PLENTY of food for the two of us. Especially, if you are also getting the Hummus.
I would recommend getting an extra pita and an extra tzatziki sauce. You will definitely have enough meat for more than one gyro.
Frost Bites
Our Recommendation: Whatever you get, make it large.
Nothing better to beat that Florida heat than a delicious snow cone from Frost Bites.
These are HUGE and fun for the whole family. One of our favorite things to do is to grab a couple of these snowcones and head to the grassy area and listen to the live music.
They have so many different and unique flavors, you are sure to find something for everyone.
Crepes du Soleil
Our Recommendation: Chantilly Dream and a Frozé
Sweet and Savory Crepes. Crepes aren’t just for breakfast anymore. Their menu has something that will hit the spot no matter the time of day.
If you’re looking for something more filling or a meal the Roasted Chicken Crepe is a great choice. The Sharried onions add a great depth of flavor that compliments the chicken perfectly.
For something a little sweeter I like to get their Chantilly Dream. A crepe with berries, and Chantilly cream drizzled with caramel, it just doesn’t get any better than that.
Be sure to grab a Frose to help you beat the heat:)
Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs
Our Recommendations: The Chili Queso Dog and a Jumbo Pretzel
We’ve all heard of the infamous New York Hot Dog. But now there’s a new kid in town.
Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs are taking Seaside by storm. There is typically a bit of a line for one of their beach dogs, and with good reason.
Made with Wagyu beef they are definitely the top dog on the beach.
The Green Stream Juice Café
Our Recommendation: The Acai Bowl is amazing.
This is the newest addition to Airstream Row offering Acai Bowls, organic fresh pressed juices, and smoothies.
If you are looking for a healthy option for a cool treat to beat the Florida heat, this is your place.
Cool Treats
It’s Heavenly Ice Cream
Our Recommendation: A cone or cup of Pistachio Gelato
Hand-dipped ice cream and Gelato. How good does that sound?
Walking in almost takes me back to the gelaterias we would visit in Rome.
What a treat it is to grab a quick cone to enjoy at one of their nice tables outside. It’s the perfect way to spend a nice afternoon at Seaside.
Frost Bites
See the description above under the Airstream Row heading.
The Green Stream Juice Cafe
See the description above under the Airstream Row heading.
Adult Beverages To Go
B.F.F.
My Recommendation: Piña Colada
B.F.F. is an open-air bar attached to Great Southern Cafe. It’s counter service only so, once you get your delicious libation head over to the square and relax in one of the Adirondack chairs.
I have had my fair share of frozen drinks in my lifetime. And I can say without a doubt they have the absolute best Piña Colad I have ever tasted.
I haven’t had the opportunity to try all of their drinks yet but everyone I have tried is amazing.
You can also get a kid-friendly option without the alcohol if you are looking for something lighter.
Bud and Alley’s Pizza Bar
Our Recommendation: All of their drinks are amazing.
Bud and Alley’s Pizza and Bar area is the newest renovation to Seaside. It took them quite a while to complete the project. But, it was totally worth the wait.
You can order your drink at the bar and drink it there. Or you can sit at one of their many tables that line the sidewalk of 30A.
This area is what I would call the heart of Seaside. Not far from Coleman Pavilion, there is always so much going on. You can also take your drink upstairs above the bar for an even better view of the town.
Sweet Treats
Dawson’s Yogurt & Fudgeworks
Our Recommendation: You really can’t go wrong with any of their fudge options.
Do not leave Seaside without first visiting Dawson’s Yogurt and Fudgeworks. Whether you are looking for something a little sweet to get you thru the day or a full-blown dessert, Dawson’s has what you are looking for.
Whether you are looking for Soft Serve Yogurt or Ice Cream, homemade fudge, milkshakes or old-fashioned candy Dawson’s has it.
Traditional Restaurants
Great Southern Cafe
Our Recommendation: Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Shrimp
One of the very few, if not only, traditional restaurants in Seaside. Great Southern Cafe is a mix of international cuisines with Southern cooking and local food -fresh produce from nearby farms and fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico.
They also have a great Happy Hour Everyday 3-5 – Half off cocktails – Half off house wines by the glass – $5 Rabid fox
Choosing where to eat when visiting Seaside can be a little overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.
You really can’t go wrong, no matter what you choose. Whether you’re looking for a place for a quick brunch or somewhere to have a nice meal with a beautiful view of the sunset, you can find it all in Seaside. You won’t be disappointed.
This post was all about the best Seaside, Florida Restaurants.
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