Located at the foot of the Brooks Bridge on Okaloosa Island between Destin and Fort Walton is the Hightide Restaurant and Oyster Bar. This family-owned and operated restaurant and oyster bar has been in operation in the Destin and Fort Walton area for over four decades. Specializing in seafood, gumbo, chowder and shuck to order oyster on the half shell, steamed, grilled or fried, among other items, this destination is beloved by all who visit.
With indoor and outdoor seating along with curbside ordering, the Hightide Restaurant is a must-visit location when in the Destin, Fort Walton area. In addition to being a premium restaurant for locally sourced, fresh seafood like their “catch of the day” menu item, the diverse restaurant also has a reputation for being a nightlight hot spot thanks to its amazing adult beverages, including top-shelf liquor, cocktails, wine, and cosmetic beers. In addition, occasionally, the restaurant even features live music on-site.
Known as Okaloosa Island’s favorite seafood restaurant, the Highland Restaurant and Oyster Bar serves dinner Monday through Saturday. This, along with the full-service bar, has earned this destination a great reputation not only among those who visit the area but among the local residents as well, which often speaks even higher.
Reviewers who experienced the Hightide Restaurant themselves state that watching the oyster shucking is amazingly entertaining. They talk about the laid-back atmosphere of the bar area and how great the customer service was overall. Other reviewers further promote the idea that this location is a local hangout embraced by the residents who call the area home.
Many visitors comment on the fresh, locally sourced seafood and make note of the amazing oysters prepared on-site. More reviews highlight that beer prices, stating they are extremely good, even going as far as to say they are the best on 30A, which might hint to additional reasons it is so beloved by the locals.
When visiting the illustrious Hightide Restaurant & Oyster Bar, you must try the following signature items…
Oysters
You can’t visit this location without ordering some oysters. All oysters are shucked to order, and guest patience is appreciated (and rewarded with a fabulous experience). You can order Oysters on the half shell, Oyster Casio, which are baked oysters on the half shell with Colby Jack cheese and onion, Crabby Oysters, which include crab meat stuffing, the Oyster Royale, which are baked oysters with Colby Jack cheese, bacon, onion and jalapenos, and Steamed Oysters.
Seafood
Another must-try item when on site at the Hightide Restaurant is the fresh seafood. Choose the fresh fish of the day, which changes based on availability. You can opt for grilled or fried fresh fish of the day. You can also enjoy Mahi Mahi, Grouper, Shrimp, Scallops, Popcorn Shrimp, Devi Crab, Soft Shell Crab, Crab Legs, Crab Cakes, and more.
Sandwiches
Another option if you aren’t feeling as hungry or just want something a little different, is to try one of the many types of sandwiches offered by Hightide. This includes Fish of the Day sandwiches, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Big Tide Burger, Jumbo Hot Dog, Chicken Breast, and Fried Soft Shell Crab sandwiches.
Inland Entrees
While the seafood offers are noteworthy, the Hightide Restaurant also features some wonderful inland entrees for the landlubber. This includes steak, grilled chicken, hush puppies, rice, baked potatoes, and fresh salad, just to name a few.
Desserts
Last but not least, you have to finish off your visit with some of the suburb desserts, including Fried Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, and New York Style Cheesecake.
Insider Tips:
-If you wear the world-famous Hightide t-shirt when visiting, you can get a free piece of cheesecake.
-Parking is available on site.
-Happy hour drink pricing and oyster specials are available regularly.