#100 of 160 Panama City Beach Restaurants

Nathans Famous

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Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Set aside a few minutes during your next Pier Park outing for a delightful meal at Nathan's Famous. This small restaurant may not serve anything fancy, but its hot dogs, fries, and other classics are sure to hit the spot.

- The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team

Conveniently situated in Pier Park, Nathan’s Famous is perfectly suited for a quick stop during a busy day of shopping. The fast food establishment serves several iconic American meals, including hot dogs, hamburgers, and even Philly cheesesteaks. Nathan’s also maintains a small children’s menu, featuring kid-friendly meals such as chicken tenders, corn dogs, hot dog nuggets, and, of course, the iconic Nathan’s hot dog. Each of these meals comes complete with French fries and a beverage.

Adults will be just as thrilled with the offerings as kids — especially because this location serves wine and beer. No, the alcoholic beverages are not of exceptional quality, but yet, they are refreshing alongside a hot dog and fries.

No matter what you or your companions order, you’ll be impressed by how fresh it is when served. The tradeoff may be a bit longer of a wait than you might experience at some other fast food restaurants, but you’ll quickly find that the extra minute or two of waiting are worthwhile.

As with many Pier Park restaurants, Nathan’s offers excellent outdoor seating. Patio tables with umbrellas provide plenty of shade to shield you from the bright Panama City Beach sun. Enjoy the underrated fun of people watching as you chow down. Inside, the restaurant is small and rather cramped, but thankfully, you don’t have to stay long before heading outside to make the most of the beautiful weather. 

A few of our favorite menu items include the following:

Hot Dog
Nathan’s is famous for hot dogs, and for good reason: the brand’s 100 percent all-beef franks have been an American staple for over 100 years. Traditionalists can get a plain classic dog, topped with their choice of classic fixings, while more adventurous eaters may want to opt for a dog smothered in cheddar cheese, chili, or both.

Philly Cheesesteak
While Nathan’s may be synonymous, it’s also a great place to score a classic Philly staple. This tasty meal features thinly sliced steak, melted Swiss cheese, and plenty of onions piled inside a hoagie roll. If you arrive with an empty stomach, you’ll definitely want to give this sandwich a try.

Onion Rings
Despite their status as a traditional side order, the onion rings at Nathan’s are good enough to stand on their own. Beer battered and deep-fried to perfection, these are sure to induce cravings. 

Super Cheeseburger
Why settle for a regular cheeseburger when you could go for a super version? This all-American cheeseburger comes loaded with pickles, lettuce, onions, mayo, ketchup, and bacon. It’s sure to put a serious dent in your appetite.

Original Fish & Chips
Fried food fanatics will love Nathan’s version of a classic treat: fish and chips. This meal includes two deep-fried pieces of fish, as well as an order of fries, coleslaw, and two delicious hush puppies. 

Hot dogs might seem like a natural choice at Nathan’s Famous, but there are plenty of other options available to satisfy your cravings. Grab a quick bite and continue on with the ultimate Pier Park shopping expedition.

Insider Tips:
– If you’re in a hurry, don’t hesitate to order Nathan’s online to-go. The establishment’s hot dogs and other favorites are available via Grubhub and DoorDash.
– Customer experience can, unfortunately, be a bit of a mixed bag at this location. As such, it may be worth your while to examine the menu posted outside and figure out your order in advance to streamline the process.
– Feel free to request a Nathan’s paper hat, especially if you visit with kids. This makes for an excellent photo opportunity.