When it comes to capturing the heart and soul of Destin, the Boathouse Oyster Bar does it better than anywhere else. This little slice of paradise, fondly nicknamed "Boat Home" by locals and visitors alike, is more than just a restaurant—it's a coastal retreat where great food, friendly faces, and stunning harbor views come together in perfect harmony.
First and foremost, the food is a celebration of Gulf Coast flavors. The baked oysters are nothing short of spectacular—each one is a perfect bite, combining briny freshness with melty, savory toppings that will leave you craving more. And the gumbo? It’s the warm, comforting hug your taste buds didn’t know they needed. Rich, hearty, and brimming with authentic Cajun spices, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves a bowl full of bold, flavorful goodness.
But the magic of the Boathouse Oyster Bar isn’t just in the food; it’s in the atmosphere. The rustic charm of this harborside gem feels like stepping into a cozy, weathered hideaway where everyone is family. From the lively crowd to the friendly staff, you’ll feel right at home the moment you walk in.
Add in the live music, a killer drink menu, and the unbeatable view of the harbor, and it’s easy to see why the Boathouse Oyster Bar has become a beloved fixture in Destin. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch or settling in for a laid-back evening, you’ll leave with a full stomach, a happy heart, and plans to come back as soon as possible.
The Boathouse Oyster Bar isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to feel at home. And once you experience the baked oysters and gumbo, you’ll understand why so many people call it their...
Read moreAfter spending the week deciding on the perfect place for my daughter's 23rd birthday dinner with friends, she ultimately chose The BoatHouse. She made her decision on several reasons, being we have visited this long standing establishment for 20+ years and loved everything about it, including the shack type, laid back style dining, local menu and of course her dad's favorite place to go every year!! WOW, What a disappointment!! The place was full (which is not unusual) but no one attempted to direct or speak to any parties coming in to eat, as to where they could sit to wait for an available table, or they would be seated by someone, Nothing. Most of these families were new to your restaurant and had no idea of your routine. They roamed back & forth not knowing what to do and eventually started asking other waiting families. When finally getting a table, you had two bartenders that tended a FULL load at the bar and attempted to take orders, deliver food to tables and bus the tables. EXTREMELY UNDERSTAFFED for the middle of summer crowds!! And lastly, I'm down for healthy meals, but the menu has completely changed including prices! There were no choices for someone such as kids for fried shrimp, fish of the day etc. We were told there are No friers. Not everyone can eat a dry palm sized blackened piece of Mahi Mahi, 1 stalk of broccoli, 2 small new potatoes & 1 corn ( No seasoning on any of it) for $21.99! I would have to say, $138.00 meal was a bust, not to mention my daughters expectations of going to an Ole Time Favorite! Very saddened that things changed for such a...
Read moreAbsolute terrible experience here. Will never go back. I went with a group of 3 girls and 7 guys and the guys got their drinks almost immediantly and the girls came up a minute after and we waited about 15 minutes to get approached (mind you, it was not busy- there were a group of guys at the other side getting all of the blonde bartenders attention) another 10 minutes to make the drinks for three people. Shouldn't take that long. My friend got her drink finally and there was a hole in the cup. The bartender took another 10 minutes to even come back, by the time she did a third of my friends drink was waisted. Didn't even say sorry just gave her a new cup. Should have offered her a shot or something. ANYTHING. Then we go back after some time, was waiting again longer than 10 minutes for drinks then decided to leave. But our one guy friend got service immediantly once we were leaving. And they definitely noticed us. Had debit cards proped up and everything. Terrible terrible bartenders. I understand you may wanna flirt with guys a little bit more to maybe make a better tip- doesn't mean you should neglect the ladies. I do customer service and would have tipped better than any of those men if you actually did your job. Seriously disgusted. Especially because we did have a big group you would think you would spend more time with us. We all collectively spent at least $300 at another bar between drinks and...
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