#35 of 95 30A Restaurants

Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill

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Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill: A Dive Bar with Upscale Tendencies
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill is a great place to stop if you're looking for laid-back fun paired with a flavorful menu and killer happy hour. The beers are cold, the staff is friendly, and the food is brought to you by the deep blue that lies just outside the kitchen window. Inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean and the Big Easy, this bar is popular with locals and tourists alike. 

- The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team

South Walton Beach has a lot of options for dining, but Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill has managed to stand out amongst the locals. The hot spot’s menu is brought to you by the plentiful bounty of off the Gulf Coast and the flavors of New Orleans and the Caribbean Islands. The atmosphere is as laid-back and casual, but the chefs are serious about their creations. 

This bar has a very generous happy hour policy, tempting hungry (and thirsty) patrons to stop in for a long neck and stay for a few sliders. The reviews for this place continuously highlight the friendly staff who are are highly efficient at multitasking without killing the relaxed attitude of the place. 

And as the name would suggest, the oysters are top-notch. Shucked on-site, the treat from the sea is excellent on a hot day paired with a cold drink. The bar also has an extensive liquor list, making this a classic dive bar with some impressive top-shelf options. 

When you’re here, keep an eye out for these suggestions:

Japanese Oysters
Raw on the half shell, the Japanese oysters are billed as hot and sour. The seaweed and ginger are there to spice up the flavor and bring a little more pucker to the dish. They’re a big hit amongst those who love this fresh seafood. 

Fried Pickles & Jalapenos 
Served with cooling ancho cilantro Ranch dressing, this is a perfect mixture of sour and spice.  Battered and fried, the extra flavor makes for an interesting spin on the popular veggies. The pickles are fresh and the jalapeno slices will have you reaching for another beer. 

Lobster Tacos 
Most people don’t think of this luxury food in terms of a taco, but maybe it’s time to change your perception. Blackened and served with avocado cream sauce and fresh cilantro, the spices balance perfectly with the sauce and make for flavorful bites. 

Ragin’ Cajun Pasta 
When you’re in the mood for a hearty meal but want to skip the seafood, the Ragin’ Cajun comes loaded with andouille sausage and blackened chicken. Rounded out with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan cheese, basil, and onions, the pasta is as hearty as it is tasty. The final step of this masterpiece is to toss it all in a white wine butter sauce.  

ChiliChangas 
When you’ve got a big appetite and don’t want to hold back, the ChiliChangas are stuffed with chili, cheddar cheese, and onions. After the large flour tortilla is fried, it’s topped with ancho cilantro Ranch dressing, lettuce, and of course, sour cream. 

It’s not always easy to stand out on the beach when there’s so much competition, but Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill has made a name for itself by focusing on the quality of their food and service. It’s hard to go wrong when you go where the locals go. 

Insider Tips:
– Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill is known for its daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
– This place can get crowded, but the staff keeps you in the loop and seats you immediately when a spot opens up.
– An excellent choice for large parties, there is plenty of available seating on the patio. 
– If you’re looking for a place the locals love, this is definitely the spot for you.