The Locals Eatery — Restaurant in Niceville

My husband and I drove over 50 mins to have lunch in the pouring rain to be treated like second class citizens. We stood waiting at the hostess station for 5 mins with no one to greet or seat us. So we walked into the bar area which was empty with the exception of one table consisting of three people, where we normally sit and the bartender was talking to two patrons sitting at the bar about COVID. She looked over at us and kept talking. 10 mins goes by when she finally came out from the bar area to ask us if we had spoken with the hostess. Our reply was there was no hostess to greet us. She then asked us how many people in your party, we replied just us two. She went and got menus and placed them on the table. Our waitress came over named Betty and took our drink order, upon returning we placed our food order, my husband told her that he would be taking his order to go. She returned with the food all of which were in to-go containers in a bag. My husband asked why all of it was in to-go containers that only he had specified to get his to-go. Betty, our server, at that point seemed to be annoyed and a facial expression to display the same. As she walked away me and my husband both observed one of the other customers seated at the table near us looking at Betty. The customer looking at Betty made a facial expression to acknowledge something she had either mumbled under her breath or a facial expression she had made. I wanted to say something at this point but my husband convinced me to let it go. Once I finished eating my husband asked for the check when she came over to check on us. As Betty walked away we both observed the same customer making eye contact with Betty smiling and making similar facial gestures as we saw prior. At this point I’m furious but once again my husband convinced me to just leave. Just so the management and future patrons know I do NOT repeat DO NOT appreciate this behavior or attitude from your staff. Needless to say I will not be...

The Locals Eatery provides a pleasant dining experience with reasonable prices and a welcoming atmosphere. During my recent visit, I tried a few items from their menu and found a mix of hits and misses.

Firstly, I ordered their cheeseburger, and I must say, it was delicious. The meat was of good quality and cooked to perfection. The price was reasonable considering the portion size and the taste. However, when it came to the kids' meal, the cheeseburger didn't quite meet the same standard. While it was okay, the meat tasted like a typical frozen patty, lacking the flavor and quality of the adult version.

Similarly, the kids' chicken strips were decent but clearly made from frozen ingredients. They were acceptable, but nothing exceptional. On the brighter side, the BLFGT (Bacon, Lettuce, Fried Green Tomatoes) sandwich was a standout dish. The combination of flavors was delightful, and it was evident that care was put into its preparation.

Accompanying all the dishes were French fries, which were tasty but didn't stand out as anything extraordinary. They served their purpose well as a side, but they didn't elevate the meal significantly.

On the service front, I found the staff to be attentive and friendly, contributing positively to the overall dining experience. The location of The Locals Eatery is also commendable, with a great atmosphere that adds to the enjoyment of the meal.

In summary, while there were some minor shortcomings with certain dishes, The Locals Eatery is still a decent option for a meal out. With reasonable prices, delicious offerings like the cheeseburger and BLFGT, and good service, it's a place I wouldn't hesitate to...

The Locals hostesses greeted us kindly & informed us of our 30min. wait for lunch on a workday of a Tuesday around noon. We waited outside in the lovely weather staring across the docked boats at the marina watching guests dine at the coveted outdoor seating area. After our wait, we were seated indoors near open "garage doors" facing the outdoor covered eatery. We had half & half sweet tea which was JUST right in proportion for us (Although, neither of us ever places ice in our beverages). As an appetizer, we enjoyed warm pita bread sliced in typical triangular fashion with some smoked tuna (It was "ok", but wr have had better on 30A). For lunch entrée I had grilled Copia (fish) while he had Portobello Mushrooms topped with a crab stuffing. Both entrées were fine. Our biggest 2 regrets were, nit having specifically asked for outdoor seating and in nit getting their sooner in their lunch hour for the day. Maybe, next visit we can arrive sooner in the day to ask for outdoor seating. All in all, it was a good visit but bcz. it was my first visit with my husband during a lunch workday, it felt a bit rushed and not as relaxing as I had expected with bayside views. Maybe the hostess can begin asking arrivals, if it is their FIRST visit and save certain outdoors seating for a "newcomer" (ie: I). The locals already enjoy the views and can "make way" for newcomers to...