Wayne and Leesa Day’s entry into the restaurant business began with a mission: introduce the people of Panama City Beach to breakfast tacos, which a few years ago were still an anomaly on the Emerald Coast. That all changed due to the efforts of the self-described ‘taco bandits,’ who delivered dozens of their delicious tacos throughout the beach area. They regarded these tacos as ‘muy bueno’ — Spanish for ‘very good’ — and added the founder’s first name and middle initial ‘O’ for good measure to create a truly memorable name. Muy Wayne O’s.
Today, regular visitors have another name for Wayne Day: Dr. Tastebud. While his family’s restaurant adventures began with breakfast tacos, they now specialize in another specialty from Wayne’s native state of Texas: brisket. At Muy Wayne O’s, you’ll find brisket served in enchiladas and sandwiches, along with all of the usual Tex-Mex recipes. The restaurant thoroughly abides by Texas tradition, going heavy on both meat and cheese.
If you’re accustomed to munching on free chips and salsa before eating the smallest order you can find, don’t expect to pull off this tactic at Muy Wayne O’s. Much to the chagrin of many guests, complimentary chips and salsa are not provided. However, they are available for a charge and fans claim that they’re well worth it. Better yet, order queso — it’s the very best you’ll find in Panama City Beach.
Options abound for young diners, who can either select a half order off the regular menu or choose a specially designed dish from the children’s menu. In addition to kid-friendly classics such as chicken tenders and corn dogs, Muy Wayne O’s serves quesadillas and tacos created just for the youngsters in your party.
If you regard TexMex meals as incomplete without margaritas, you’re in luck — affordable drinks are served both frozen and on the rocks. If you’re in the mood for wine, ask your server about the current selection. Both imported and domestic beers are available, as well as refreshing Mexican Coca-Cola made with real cane sugar.
A few of our favorite menu items include the following:
Muy Wayne O’s Special
Start your day off on a high note with the best Tex-Mex breakfast in town. This hearty dish features sausage, bacon, potato, egg, onion, and jalapeno wrapped in flour or corn tortilla and topped with cheese. For an extra charge, you’re welcome to add steak or chicken.
Pepillia’s Fajita Taco
Described by the Muy Wayne O’s staff as a secret recipe, this delectable dinner entree comes with either grilled flank steak or chicken with veggies. Either way, it’s served with a side of beans and rice. Like many entrees on the Muy Wayne O’s menu, the fajita taco is available as a full or a half order.
Enchilada de Leesa
These unique brisket enchiladas are absolutely worth a try. Prepared in an onsite smoker, the brisket is undeniably flavorful. The enchiladas can be topped with a smoked jalapeno sauce or a medium red sauce. Brisket is also available in the restaurant’s ‘Dog Bowls,’ which include all of the ingredients but the tortilla — ideal for low-carb diners.
Sloppy Vegan
Panama City Beach restaurants of Muy Wayne O’s ilk are typically not all that accommodating of those with restricted diets, so it’s refreshing to find both vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. The Sloppy Vegan, in particular, is sure to please healthy eaters, who will encounter an array of perfectly prepared veggies.
Sopapilla Basket
Try your best to save room for dessert. There’s only one option on the menu, but it’s so good that there’s no need for more. This basket is chock full of sweetness — perfect for splitting with a friend.
While you could order almost any Muy Wayne O’s entree and be satisfied, the brisket dishes are definitely the restaurant’s claim to fame. No matter your order, you’ll want to relax and take your time — this is not an experience worth rushing.
Insider Tips:
-Beware if you struggle with spicy foods: both the salsa and the jalapeno sauce have a definite kick. When in doubt, go mild.
-It’s no secret that dogs are beloved at Muy Wayne O’s. The windows even feature Pedro the Chihuahua. Feel free to bring your pooch and take advantage of the outdoor seating.