Margaritaville - Panama City Beach — Restaurant in Panama City Beach

We went to Margaritaville tonight (10/14/2024) and there was a short line to check in. The couple in front of us said they wanted to sit outside, and they were told that they had to wait a couple of minutes while staff cleaned off some tables out there. When we stepped up, we told the hostess that we wanted the first available table. The hostess asked if we wanted inside or outside, and we again stated that we wanted whatever table was ready for us to sit in now. The hostess again asked if we wanted inside or outside and said there was no difference in the time to get seated, so then we said outside. The hostess told us that it would be a couple of minutes while they got the tables cleaned off. The couple behind us stepped up to the hostess, and the hostess asked them if they would like a table inside. They said that was fine, and while we, and the other couple were standing there, they seated the couple behind us. Right after they seated the couple behind us, tables became available outside. The hostess escorted us and the couple in front of to our outside tables at the same time, and our tables were next to each other. Neither of us ordered any appetizers, just drinks and our meals. We were sitting there for about an hour without our food, and I looked over and seen that not only did the other couple have their food, but they were also almost finished eating. While we were still sitting there waiting for our food, that couple finished their meal, got their check, paid for their check, and left the restaurant, and we still had no food. If this isn’t bad enough, there was another couple that were seated at another table near us that were seated about 30 to 40 minutes after we were seated. They got their food before we got our food. Our waitress tried telling us that our “ticket” was next in the kitchen and that our food would be up soon. How does someone that arrived 30 to 40 minutes after we did get their ticket ahead of us? When our food finally arrived, my wife’s food was cold. We asked for to-go boxes and our check. The chairs for the tables in the outside section facing Front Beach Rd are not that comfortable. As we were leaving, we noticed that the tables and chairs on the S. Pier Park Dr. side of the restaurant were different and looked more comfortable. We took our food back to the condo we were staying at and heated the meals up in the microwave. So, when it comes to rating this experience, I would say maybe a 2 out of 5. The service was horrible. From dealing with the hostess, to getting our food, totally not acceptable. When it comes to atmosphere, I would maybe give it a 3. A restaurant like this in a beach town should have live music, and they don’t (or at least the didn’t while we were there at dinner time). In rating the food, once we properly heated it, I would give the food...

Having never been to one before, we were not sure what to expect. The overall atmosphere of Jimmy Buffett’s Caribbean themed restaurant, based on his lyrics and life, was inviting and fun. It is like having Jimmy as your personal tour guide, and you have escaped to an island where it is 5 o’clock all day! Our server, Dawn, was attentive to our needs and helped give us recommendations of what to eat and drink. We started off with something we had seen on their menu, the Volcano Nachos. Little did we know just how BIG this plate of “molteny” goodness would be. Topped with chili, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, jalapeños, tomatoes, and scallions, this appetizer was erupting with flavor. Despite the best efforts of five, we couldn’t even finish this mound of nachos! It was MORE than enough for a family and then some. Margaritaville has quite an extensive menu with items that are sure to tempt your taste buds. My husband enjoyed the tender shrimp simmered in beer with lemon and Old Bay seasoning with their own Key West cocktail sauce and lemon. My husband described it as, “A wonderful taste of the sea without being overpowering.” The Spinach and Strawberry salad tossed in a Sherry Vinaigrette was my choice for an entree. Made with fresh baby spinach and topped with ripe strawberries, crisp apples, candied pecans, and bleu cheese crumbles was delicious. Every bite was the perfect combination of flavor. Our boys enjoyed the Bison Burger, which I like to call “Bison Cheeseburger in Paradise!” Served with french fries and a dill pickle, this scrumptious and mouth watering bison burger was topped with gouda cheese, tomato, lettuce and BBQ aioli. The burgers were moist, full of flavor, and very filling. From the Boat Drinks Menu, we chose the Last Mango in Paris and a Frozen Watermelon Margarita. The Last Mango in Paris was served on the rocks, and made with Margaritaville Last Mango Tequila, Cointreau® Orange Liqueur, a house margarita blend and cranberry juice. This drink was definitely smooth and sweet! The Frozen Watermelon Margarita, garnished with a fresh lime wedge, was beyond refreshing and served in the famous “Booze in the Blender” cup. Made with Margaritaville Silver Tequila, triple sec, watermelon purée and their house margarita blend, this specialty drink was strong, cold, and relaxing! Just what I needed because it was 5 o’clock somewhere! When life gives you limes, make margaritas at Margaritaville, Panama City Beach. Here you can set your clocks to island time and drift away! Relax for a spell on the Porch of Indecision while enjoying some refreshing beverages and delectable menu items. If you are in the Panama City Beach area,...

UPDATE WE REACHES OUT LIKE THEY ASKED SPOKE WITH THEM AND THEY ASSURED US THEY WOULD REACH BACK OUT . NOPE ONLY RESPONDED TO LOOK LIKE THEY TOOK CARE OF IT IN FRONT OF EVERYONE BUT REALLY JUST IGNORED US . SO DISAPPOINTED

⭐ 1 Star – Absolutely Disappointed and Heartbroken Experience

I rarely write reviews like this, but I feel compelled to share what was genuinely one of the most disappointing dining experiences I’ve ever had — especially at a place I was once excited to share with my family.

We dined at Margaritaville in Panama City Beach and spent over $130 for our family of four. Unfortunately, not a single aspect of the meal or experience lived up to the reputation or pricing.

Let me break it down:

Fish Tacos (my son’s meal) – Completely flavorless, dry, and unappealing.

Chicken Tacos (my order) – Advertised as grilled but arrived as clearly microwaved processed chicken tenders slapped into tortillas. Zero seasoning.

Kids Meal – My youngest tried to order their specialty “kids box chicken tenders,” but was instead given Easy Mac in a bag — and I mean literally the entire plastic cooking pouch was brought out still in the bowl. The fries? Limp, soggy, and cold.

Signature Burger (my wife’s order) – Somehow managed to taste like nothing. No beef flavor, no seasoning — just a watery, spongy patty.

The food was so underwhelming that none of us could finish our plates. And for $130+, this felt like a slap in the face.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, I went to use the restroom and was shocked by the dangerous condition inside. The ceiling was actively leaking, tiles were buckling and falling, and water was dripping from the ceiling light. The entire floor was flooded, at least an inch deep, with only a small “wet floor” sign placed as a warning. This is an extreme safety hazard, not to mention a terrible reflection of management priorities.

I had hyped this place up to my wife and kids — they’d never been before, and I was so excited to share the vibe and the story behind Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. But I left embarrassed, disappointed, and frustrated.

This was not a bad day — this was outright neglect. The food, the service, the safety — all unacceptable for a major brand name like Margaritaville.

I truly hope corporate steps in and turns this location around. Until then, I absolutely cannot recommend this to anyone, especially families looking for a memorable or...