Right off the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier is what’s sure to become your new favorite restaurant, Angler’s Beachside Grill. This Fort Walton Beach eatery has served as the top spot to go for delicious seafood and drinks since 1999. Over the decades, they have perfected all their menu items, optimized their service, and finetuned their atmosphere to create the perfect dining experience.
Upon arriving at this popular restaurant, you will always receive a hearty hello and a choice of seating options. You can pick a spot in the climate-controlled dining room, out on the covered porch, or directly along the pier. You can even sidle up to the bar if you wish. No matter where you sit, you cannot lose as there are spectacular views at all sides. You might even get a chance to spot turtles, dolphins, and sharks passing by as you enjoy your meal.
After you settle in, your friendly server will bring out a fantastic menu full of decadent seafood and more. The menu you receive depends on just when you arrive to enjoy your meal. They have a different menu for each meal of the day plus one that only comes out for Sunday brunch. You can catch that one weekly from 10 am to 2 pm.
The only menu that remains available all day is the one for the bar featuring specialty drinks galore, including their iconic Souvenir Bucket. Fill up your bucket with your favorite drink, such as Pier Punch, Pina Colada, or The Islander Mojito. Then, sip it down and fill it back up to your heart’s content. Once you are done, just take it on home for a memento of your trip.
Their must-try menu items at Angler’s Beachside Grill include:
Cream of Crab Soup
The Cream of Crab Soup brings in revelers from far and wide, eager to get a taste of the Gulf Coast delicacies. Although their recipe remains a well-kept secret, one thing is clear: it definitely contains a boatload of fresh lump crab. Whether you choose the cup or the bowl, be ready to come running back for more.
Grouper Reuben
The Grouper Reuben takes this classic sandwich to the next level and begs you to come along for the ride. You just have to decide if you want your grouper grilled or fried — or blackened for an extra charge — and they will whip you up a taste sensation to remember.
Catch of the Day
When you land a big catch off the pier, just drag it ashore and bring it on in to order the Catch of the Day. When you order this dish, the chef will cook up your catch as instructed, either grilled, blackened, or fried. You can also elect to add sautéed onion, mango, pineapple, and cilantro over top for an extra charge. Then, they will add two sides of your choosing to finish it all off right.
If you want to share the magic with your friends and family on your next special occasion, just reserve the entire top floor of the restaurant. With that move, you will have over 5,000 square feet of space saved just for your event. Before your party, their team will assist in building the perfect menu with the food and drinks you know your guests will love. If you are planning your wedding day, you might want to take it down to the beach instead — and they can help with that, too. Choose their beachfront wedding and reception package for a delightful time along the shores of the Gulf Coast.
Insider Tips:
– If you want to try your luck before getting a bite to eat, bring your pole and tackle to fish off the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier right out back.
– Expect long waits, especially on the weekend. You can order drinks and an appetizer to tide you over while you chill out in wait for the main course.