Basil & Baxter's Kitchen and Cocktails — Restaurant in Niceville

Update 7.6.23: Recently, we were able to fly out to Florida for another visit and we just had to dine at Basil & Baxter's again. We loved it so much the first time, that we just couldn't pass up the opportunity. As we experienced during our last visit, the food was fantastic. There were a couple of new items on the menu, one of which was an appetizer called "Flexing Mussels". We shared an order of Flexing Mussels, Baxter's Bangin' Shrimp and Aioli Fries. All were super delicious. Including a couple bottles of Austin Hope Cabernet, I was feeling a bit full and decided to order a lighter dinner and went with the 8 oz filet w/mashed potatoes. I'll make this short and just say that all 5 of us really enjoyed our meals, the appetizers, the drinks, and each other's company. Heck, we were even lucky enough to meet the owner who was seated nearby and asked us how we like the Austin Hope Cabernet. Super great experience and we still highly recommend Basil & Baxter's!

We had our first long trip to Florida in late October to meet and celebrate our first grandchild. It was a wonderful visit. While in the Florida panhandle, our son mentioned a little place called Basil and Baxter's in Niceville. He and our daughter-in-law had rave reviews. So we decided to go as a family and celebrate.

It is a cute place, and something you might only find through word of mouth. The restaurant was rather plain-looking, but I will say that the food was just great. Parking is a bit cramped, with a gravel parking lot across the street and a few spaces in front. The restaurant had a front seating area and a larger, rear seating area. And down the hall from the rear seating area was a full bar. We started off with drinks, most of us choosing something different (Whiskey Sour, Kentucky Mule, Spicy Collins). But I ordered a bottle of Terra D'Oro Zinfandel to share.

We shared two appetizers: the Aioli French Fries and the Fried Mozzarella Sticks. The Mozzarella Sticks were really good: they came with 4 sticks, each was wrapped in a won ton, fried, and served with a cup of marinara. These were different than the usual fried mozzarella sticks found at most restaurants (the kind with the breading), and were really tasty. But the real treat was the heaping dish of Aioli French Fries. Absolutely amazing. And with just a party of two, this dish and a couple of drinks would satisfy any palate. The Fries were covered with a chipotle aioli sauce, really crispy thin bacon bits, and chives. I cannot emphasize enough how good these were. I also ordered a plate of BBQ Pork Mac & Cheese for the group which was met with mixed reviews. The reason for the mixed reviews was based on the BBQ flavor mixed with the cheese. I thought the dish was good. But they also serve other varieties of mac and cheese, which I'm sure are yummy as well.

Our entrées were varied among the group. Two ordered the Special which was a blackened grouper and shrimp over pasta, one ordered the Shrimp and Grits, one ordered the Mediterranean Steak Pasta, and I ordered the Ribeye with mashed potatoes. My dish was topped with three onion rings and came with a small cup of horseradish sauce and a side of green beans. The horseradish sauce was a bit creamier than I expected, maybe due to the mayo, and it wasn't as "biting" as I would have liked, but still, it was good. I ordered my Ribeye medium rare, but it was more on the medium side. That's ok, as it was still really good. And at 14 oz, I was more than stuffed.

Everybody loved their entrée. Our server was wonderful, not too intrusive, and she was very friendly. She gave us tips on what she liked which was very helpful. We didn't order dessert because we were all so full from our meals.

Wonderful place and very highly...

Best in Region. As the family chef, I am disappointed by 9 out of 10 restaurant experiences due to tasteless or over-salted food, poor service, or bad atmosphere. Not here. Finding this place was like rediscovering what it’s like to fall in love.

First, and to the point: The food was absolutely to die for. My wife enjoyed the Mediterranean Steak Pasta which was smothered in a rich and creamy sauce, and the kalamata olives, feta cheese, tomatoes, spinach and tender steak made a flavor profile complex enough to make each bite better than the last.

I ordered the sweet and sour chicken, which was perfectly seasoned (blackened chicken), the vegetables were sautéed properly to keep a satisfying crunch, and I was nearly licking my plate at the end because the sweet & sour sauce was so good. If I could be so bold as these entrées, I’d call them tantalizing tapestries for the tongue. I haven’t even gotten to dessert yet.

Of special note is that my two kids ordered grilled cheeses and fries which came out quickly (big plus for parents), and were so big and delicious that my wife and I had to commandeer a portion as an appetizer. At any other place, kids meals always disappoint. Not here. They also provided coloring books (more than just the single sheet you find at other places, so the kids were entertained longer) and crayons.

While they accommodated our children perfectly, this place now sits at #1 in my mind for a classy, fine-dining experience that you’d normally consider for a fancy date night or anniversary.

Finally, dessert. We were surprised by the waitress with an out-of-this-world chocolate chip bread pudding topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a caramelesque sauce that made the the whole family go “whaaaaaaat!” And it was big enough that the four of us could barely finish it. At this point it’s redundant but must be repeated—the flavor was quality. Hand made, not the frozen pre-made dessert you find at most places.

Our waitress was wonderful—she was attentive and inviting to chat with. A manager/owner came by and asked us how we were doing—always a sign of an establishment that cares about its patrons.

The dinner atmosphere was what I always hope for in a restaurant, but can never find. Warm lighting, candles, soft music that reminds you longingly of past travels and the mental conglomeration of the best restaurants you’ve ever been to. When a new place can compete with my top 5 Best Evers, I immediately recall those places as if they’re fighting to remain relevant in my memory. I think Basil & Baxter’s is moving into a top spot.

I don’t think I can eat at another restaurant in the FWB/Valp/Niceville area again, because this one just stole my food heart (aka stomach).

THANK YOU BASIL...

I have frequented this restaurant in the past (even when it was known as The French Quarter). I called and asked to make a reservation for four people at 6:30 pm on Friday night. I even asked if there would be a better time to reserve a table knowing it was mid-December and lots of people would probably go out for dinner. Was told by the person who took the reservation that 6:30 was fine and there would be no problem with getting a table.

Arrived at 6:25 pm and my wife was told, while I parked the car, there was no reservation. I thought that was strange so I checked in with the hostess. Sure enough, there was a reservation with my name on it and there were 3 empty tables. Good news-right? Wrong.

I was told our table was no longer available as it had to be used for a larger group who had not yet arrived. Apologies were issued by the hostess and our party of four were shuttled outside the building to a noisy bar/party area at the rear of the building. Drinks were ordered which came within 10 minutes and dinner was then ordered. Salads came within 10 minutes. However, cold but still tasty dinners did not arrive until an hour later.

Vickie, our server, was gracious and apologetic about the whole situation and tried to take care of us. I think the whole staff was kind of overwhelmed with the large group of diners and lost control over the course of the evening.

I rarely write reviews about restaurants. I have had good experiences at this restaurant in the past but did not appreciate being lied to and treated the way I was in front of my invited guests during this visit. Was kind of embarrassing for me, my wife,...