Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant: Your Go-To Spot For Authentic Florida Flavors

Are you searching for a place where the seafood tastes like it just came from the water, and the atmosphere feels like a warm, genuine hug from Old Florida? Then, honestly, you're probably looking for Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant. This isn't just a spot to eat; it's a piece of local history, a place where generations have enjoyed meals by the water. People often talk about finding that one special place, and for many in Destin, Florida, this is it.

When you think about eating out, particularly for seafood, you want something real, don't you? Something that stands apart from the usual tourist spots. Dewey Destin's offers just that, with two distinct locations, each bringing its own special charm to the table. You can pick the original spot, where it all started, or the harborside setting, both promising a truly memorable meal. It's about getting fresh catches and enjoying the coastal air, you know?

So, as you read on, we will explore what makes Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant such a beloved part of the Destin experience. We will look at the different places to visit, the kinds of food you can find, and the overall feeling you get when you step onto their property. It’s pretty clear this place has a story, and we are going to share some of it with you, more or less, to help you plan your next great meal.

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Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Flavor
• The Original Location: A True Old Florida Experience
  • Ordering Your Meal at the Original Spot
  • Views That Take Your Breath Away
• Dewey Destin's Harborside: Another Taste of the Coast
• A Look at the Menu: Fresh and Filling
  • Fried Baskets and Platter Choices
  • Seafood Entrées and Sides
  • Other Options for Every Taste
• The Overall Experience: More Than Just Food
• Important Details for Your Visit
• Frequently Asked Questions About Dewey Destin's

The Story Behind the Flavor

Every great restaurant has a beginning, and for Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant, it really all started with a deep understanding of the ocean's bounty. The person named Dewey, it appears, possessed a special kind of wisdom about fish. He knew how to prepare it so it tasted its absolute best, which is quite something. This knowledge, honestly, was a big reason why the Destin area's food scene grew. It led to the creation of this small, very specialized place to eat.

This establishment, you see, was born from a desire to share truly good seafood with everyone. It wasn't just about cooking; it was about honoring the catch and serving it in a way that highlighted its natural goodness. That commitment to quality, in a way, has been a guiding principle from the very start. It's a place built on tradition and a passion for fresh, local ingredients, which is pretty cool.

The Original Location: A True Old Florida Experience

If you are looking for where it all began, the original Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant is the spot. It is located at 9 Calhoun Avenue in Destin, Florida, and it truly embodies a specific kind of charm. When you drive down the gravel path to get there, you are, in a sense, immediately taken back to a time that feels older, a bit simpler, like the Florida of long ago. It’s a feeling that, quite frankly, sets a special tone for your meal.

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This particular place, it's true, might look like a simple building right on the water. Some might even call it a shack, but that description, honestly, adds to its unique appeal. Despite its humble appearance, this location offers some of the most stunning sights you can find. You get to see Crab Island from a fantastic angle, which is a pretty big deal for many visitors. It is, by the way, also known for having the best seafood in town, according to many who visit.

Ordering Your Meal at the Original Spot

Something different about this original Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant is how you get your food. Here, you won't have someone waiting on your table in the usual way. Instead, you place your order at a window, which is kind of neat. This setup, you know, adds to the casual, relaxed feeling of the place. It's all about enjoying the setting and the food without a lot of fuss.

This approach, in some respects, means you get to experience the meal in a very direct way. You walk up, tell them what you want, and then you find a spot to settle in. It’s a very laid-back process that fits the whole Old Florida vibe. You can, for instance, just relax and take in the surroundings while your food is prepared, which is a nice change of pace.

Views That Take Your Breath Away

The original Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant, as mentioned, really shines when it comes to the scenery. You are right on the water, and the views of Crab Island are, like, truly something to behold. Imagine sitting there, eating fresh seafood, with that beautiful water stretching out before you. It's a setting that, quite frankly, makes the food taste even better.

Stepping outside, you can enjoy the sounds of the beach, which is pretty calming. This is also where you can enjoy a fresh cocktail or a craft drink. The combination of good food, a gentle breeze, and those expansive water views creates an experience that's, you know, very memorable. It's a place where you can genuinely unwind and soak up the coastal atmosphere.

Dewey Destin's Harborside: Another Taste of the Coast

Beyond the original spot, there is also Dewey Destin's Harborside, located at 202 Harbor Boulevard in Destin, Florida. While the original has its rustic charm, the Harborside location offers its own unique appeal. Both places, by the way, open daily at 11 a.m., making them a great choice for lunch or dinner. This gives you options depending on what kind of setting you prefer for your meal.

This Harborside spot, like its counterpart, focuses on delivering really fresh seafood. The details provided do not specify the exact differences in dining style here compared to the original, but it is part of the same family, so you can expect the same commitment to quality. It's another chance to experience the flavors that Dewey Destin's is known for, just in a slightly different setting, perhaps with a different kind of water view.

A Look at the Menu: Fresh and Filling

When you visit Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant, you will find a selection of dishes that really highlight the fresh catches of the area. The menu is set up to give you good choices, whether you prefer something fried or a more substantial entrée. It's all about getting a satisfying meal, and they seem to have that covered, more or less, for different appetites.

Fried Baskets and Platter Choices

A popular option, particularly for those who enjoy classic fried seafood, is the fried baskets. These baskets come with french fries, which are, you know, a staple side. They also include hush puppies, those savory little fried cornbread bites that go so well with seafood. It's a combination that many people really enjoy, a bit of comfort food with your fresh catch.

For example, the gulf shrimp dinner portion in a fried basket is priced at 16.95. If you are feeling extra hungry, or just really love shrimp, there is a colossal portion available for 21.95. Beyond just shrimp, they offer platters that let you try a mix of things. The Captain's Platter, for instance, includes shrimp, mahi, and oysters, all for 20.95. There is also a Mate's Platter, which offers shrimp and mahi, among other items. These options, you see, let you sample a variety of fresh seafood.

Seafood Entrées and Sides

If you prefer a full entrée, Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant has those too. These come with your choice of two sides, which is pretty good for customizing your meal. You can, for example, pick from a selection of options to complement your main dish. One specific item mentioned is the pecan crusted grouper, which is described as seared and crusted, sounding like a flavorful choice.

For those who like to try what's freshest, you can substitute any entrée fish with a choice from their blackboard. The prices for these blackboard specials are based on market rates, which means they change depending on what's available and fresh. This is a good way, really, to get the very best catch of the day, something that is often a highlight for seafood lovers.

Other Options for Every Taste

While seafood is the main attraction, the restaurant also provides other choices. They mention that hamburgers, tuna, and steak can be cooked to order. This is helpful for those in your group who might prefer something other than seafood, or just want a different kind of meal. It means there is something for almost everyone, which is, honestly, a nice touch for a family outing.

It is worth noting that for dishes like hamburgers, tuna, and steak, you can request how well they are cooked. The menu does mention that consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may carry a risk. So, if you have concerns, you can always ask for your food to be cooked thoroughly. This is just a general piece of advice for dining out, you know, to be aware of.

The Overall Experience: More Than Just Food

Eating at Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant is about more than just the food on your plate. It's about the feeling you get, the atmosphere that surrounds you. At the original location, particularly, you are truly transported into a piece of Old Florida. It's not a fancy place, but it has a charm that many find very appealing. The simplicity of it, in a way, is part of its appeal.

Stepping outside, especially at the original spot, you can hear the sounds of the beach. This creates a very relaxing backdrop for your meal. You can also enjoy fresh cocktails and craft drinks while taking in the views. This combination of good food, a laid-back setting, and the natural beauty of the Destin coast makes for a very pleasant time. It is, basically, a complete sensory experience, from the taste of the food to the sounds and sights around you.

The commitment to fresh, local seafood is, apparently, a big part of why people keep coming back. It is about trusting that what you are eating is of good quality and has been prepared with care. This kind of authenticity is something many people seek out when they visit a coastal town. It feels like you are getting a real taste of the area, which is pretty important to some folks.

Important Details for Your Visit

If you are planning a trip to Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant, knowing a few key things can help. Both the original location at 9 Calhoun Avenue and the Harborside spot at 202 Harbor Boulevard in Destin, Florida, open daily at 11 a.m. This means you have plenty of time to enjoy a meal, whether it is for lunch or dinner. It's good to know their hours, so you can plan accordingly.

Remember that the original location has a specific ordering style, where you go to a window rather than having a server at your table. This is part of its unique charm and something to be aware of before you go. It contributes to the casual and relaxed atmosphere that many people appreciate. For more details on either location, you can learn more about Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant on our site, and link to this page for additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dewey Destin's

Do I need to make a reservation at Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant?

Based on the information, especially for the original location where you order at a window, it seems reservations are not typically needed or taken. It operates more like a casual, walk-up spot. For the Harborside location, it is not specified, but generally, casual seafood places in beach towns might not require them either. It's usually a first-come, first-served kind of place, so you just show up when you are ready to eat.

What are some popular dishes to try at Dewey Destin's?

Many people really enjoy the fried baskets, particularly the gulf shrimp, which comes in both dinner and colossal portions. The Captain's Platter, offering shrimp, mahi, and oysters, is also a very popular choice for those who want to try a variety of seafood. Don't forget to check the blackboard for the fresh catch of the day, as those are often highlights. The pecan crusted grouper is also mentioned as a good entrée option.

Which Dewey Destin's location offers the best views?

The original location at 9 Calhoun Avenue is specifically noted for offering "the prettiest views of Crab Island." While the Harborside location is also on the water, the original spot's description really emphasizes its unique vantage point for scenic beauty. If stunning water views are a top priority for your dining experience, the original location might be the one to pick, in a way, for that specific kind of scenery.