Dusty's Oyster Bar — Restaurant in Panama City Beach

Dusty's has very good ratings overall. While in Panama City Beach, we decided to find and try the restaurant.

The restaurant is very informal. Dollar bills adorn the ceiling and the walls. There are carnival type games in against the wall where a patron can insert money and try to grab a small stuffed bear or other toys. Neon beer signs are along the walls—reminiscent of the "Neon Moon" song by Brooks & Dunn (a reference for country music fans).

It is not a large restaurant. We were there about 2 PM and it was full. We were seated fairly quickly. Ordering food and drinks took about 20 minutes or so. The servers were working hard but probably not enough wait staff for the number of people there. As with most restaurants along the Gulf Coast, there are not enough people applying for jobs when they can sometimes make more money staying at home with the extra unemployment benefits recently approved in Congress.

No one wore masks which is becoming increasingly common now with more vaccinations. People to the left and right of us were coughing the whole team which was a distraction. They sounded more like smokers' coughs than anything else but did not improve the ambiance.

The steamed oysters were good. There were a dozen of them. They were very small (about the size of a nickel) but tasted good with butter. I asked to have no seasoning added and that was how they were served.

We often have fried clams at seafood restaurant and tried those on this occasion. There was a large serving. Unfortunately, they were small clams and the only flavor was the breading. I have experienced that with frozen clams that are quick fried. These had the same taste but no idea of they were frozen and quick fried. In any event, the taste was a disappointing.

The scallops were also very small but had good flavor.

The servers were so busy it was hard to get drinks refilled. Whenever we were able to spot out server and ask, she brought the refills as soon as she could.

Overall, the food was something of a disappointment for a restaurant that specializes in seafood. No doubt, the lack of adequate staff was a factor in some areas but my overall impression was that the seafood entrees were not up to par for a...

We were there on Monday night7/8/24. While waiting for a table. The hostess said we could sit in the bar. I went ahead and sat at a table all the way in the back right corner. I have a small service dog with me. The bartender was a tall blonde skinny muscular woman. She came over saying Honey, No you can’t sit here and the dog has to go! No animals allowed. First off, my name isn’t Honey and I showed her his badge. He is a registered service dog that services me. She went on to say that only the hostess can seat people here. I’m sorry but this was my second encounter with her. I was at the bar waiting to place an order for a drink and she purposely ignored me and then she ignored my boyfriend as well. She has got to be one of the most rudest person that i’ve come across in the hospitality business. If you’re unhappy in your job, then maybe you shouldn’t be in hospitality business. The hostess did get us a seat quickly and we had a very good waiter. Conner. He made sure the beers were kept cold and coming and the food was served in a timely manner. He was a very good waiter. The food was ok. I am not much on fried foods but they didn’t really have much for grilled. The raw oysters were good as the shrimp. Will not return to this place as I didn’t appreciate the way I was first treated by the blonde bartender calling me hey honey no animals allowed. I guess I’m just not used to the Blunt Florida attitude of some people who are not happy being in the...

We just happened across this place while on vacation and BOOM, instant favorite!

I'm sure most of you can relate, but there always seems to be something wrong when you happen to find a new place to eat. Bad food, poor service, overpriced, disappointment, etc...you never really find a place that checks all the boxes...well, here you go...this place does! The menu hosts a fabulous selection and even those on restrictive diets can dine with a satisfying meal and walk away content and happy. Fried, Grilled, Blackened... They cook everything the way you want.

We have eaten here three times in two days, we just can't get enough of this place... Open 7 Days A Week, full menu available for both lunch and dinner, kid friendly with an "Ankle Bitter Menu LOL", and there is even a place out back on their deck overlooking the pond where you can purchase fish food and feed the fish!

The quality of their fresh seafood is A+++, NO Regrets Here. The best we've had in years!

The place is clean, the staff is absolutely fabulous and they work non-stop to serve you fast and efficiently. They are super attentive...Big Tips for these guys and gals!

On a side note, they must have two insurance policies for this place, one for the business and another for the thousands of dollar bills covering the walls and entire ceiling!!! It's an amazing place where you just feel at home. Like being a local, miles from where your local comfort zone exists...

Check this place out,...