#4 of 95 30A Restaurants

Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant

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Treat Yourself at Bud & Alley's Waterfront Restaurant & Bar
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

As one of Seaside's original establishments, Bud & Alley's Waterfront Restaurant & Bar boasts a long history of bringing great food, drinks, and laughs to the 30A region. Stop in for a Gulf-oriented meal, a festive drink, and an equally satisfying conversation.

- The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team

Gulf views, enticing food, and friendly vibes exemplify the typical lunch or dinner experience at Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant & Bar. For several decades, this beloved restaurant has brought a sense of community to the 30A region. As one of the area’s original dining destinations, it was a local staple long before tourists discovered the once-sleepy seaside town.

Named after a very important dog and cat, this quirky establishment is bursting with personality. This is evident not only in the decision to name it after four-legged friends but also, in the present-day friendly service. Don’t be surprised if the staff members chat you up. The wait can be lengthy at times, but the view and comfortable environment make the leisurely dining experience enjoyable.

Seafood dominates the main menu, with a variety of fresh ingredients incorporated to great effect. Salads, sandwiches, and steak are also available. In addition to its standard breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, Bud & Alley’s boasts both taco and pizza bars. These have their own separate menus, which are worth checking out if you’re in the mood for a more casual take on Mexican or Italian cuisine. 

No matter what you order, you’ll find your meal that much more satisfying if you pair it with a fancy drink. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, you’ll be pleased by the selection, with several specialty options available to make your visit feel like a noteworthy occasion. Favorites include the Horse Soldier Blackberry Smash and the Cucumber Lime Martini. Additionally, the restaurant maintains an impressive wine list worth checking out.

A few of our favorite menu items include the following:

Blackened Grouper
If you’re yet to integrate seafood into your favorite breakfast dishes, it’s time to start. After you order this morning-oriented take on blackened grouper, you’ll realize that seafood can be delicious at any time of the day. This breakfast entree includes crawfish pico de gallo, white cheddar grits, scrambled eggs, and a biscuit.

Grilled Veggie Sandwich
A wonderful lunch option for vegetarians, this produce-heavy sandwich is loaded with red peppers, red onion, zucchini, eggplant, and portobello mushroom. It also includes basil pesto and the perfect amount of mozzarella cheese. 

Shrimp & Grits
Southern comfort food is always a wise choice. This fun take on a Gulf classic includes white cheddar, scallions, diced tomatoes, and, best of all, cherrywood smoked bacon.

Grilled Pork Porterhouse
If you’re in need of a refined dining experience that takes your carnivorous tendencies into account, look no further than this delectable pork dish, which also delivers plenty of southern appeal. It’s served alongside braised collard greens, apple butter, and a unique crawfish and cornbread dressing.

Seared Diver Scallops
Seafood lovers will gravitate towards this delectable option during the dinner hour. It comes with cremini mushrooms, fried capers, roasted peppers, and, of course, tasty scallops. Creamy grits grant this entree a homey feel. 

Enjoy a quintessential 30A experience at Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, where you’ll quickly fall in love with all that makes the town of Seaside special. Find a table and settle in as you enjoy the view and nosh on seafood favorites.

Insider Tips:
– If you’d like a preview to get a better sense of the view you can expect when visiting Bud and Alley’s, feel free to take a look at the webcam on the official website. The site also offers a virtual tour of the restaurant’s interior. 
– Online ordering is available through the Toast Takeout app. Separate ordering pages are maintained for the main restaurant, the taco bar and the pizza bar.
– Given the establishment’s canine and feline namesakes, it should come as no surprise that it’s a pet-friendly location. This makes it an appealing option for dog lovers, although some visitors have complained that too many pooches are present.