If you’ve never visited The Wicked Wheel Bar & Grill in Panama City Beach it may take you a few minutes to take in the eclectic décor. There’s a real hotrod leaning against a wall with a skeleton at the wheel, an old fuel pump in the middle of the floor, a stunning red custom chopper on a low base, and cut-down motorcycles as bar stools. To top it all off, there are televisions scattered around the restaurant for those hoping to catch their favorite team play.
The one complaint we have about The Wicked Wheel Bar & Grill is the inconsistency. There were dishes that we expected to be amazing that were just so-so, and others that surprised us by being so flavorful. For example, there are those who rave about The Wicked Wheel Bar & Grill fried chicken, but half our party found it bland and unremarkable. Still, there is plenty to like.
Here were some of our favorites at The Wicked Wheel Bar & Grill:
Fried Green Tomatoes
It was tough to choose between appetizers because frankly, they all looked pretty great. The Fried Green Tomatoes were particularly good, with ripe green tomatoes that are battered and fried, then topped with a savory shrimp creole sauce.
Dips
We really must mention the Buffalo Chicken Dip, a cheesy, creamy, spicy buffalo chicken dip served with homemade tortilla chips.
Cajun Seafood Mac
The Wicked Wheel Bar & Grill makes an incredible mac. Everything about this dish reminded us of why we like seafood (and enjoy Italian food). A cheesy blend of 5 different kinds of cheese mixed with onion, bell pepper, cajun andouille sausage, shrimp, scallops, and celery! What more could you ask for when it comes to a seafood, pasta combination?
Nola Thin-Cut Catfish
If you have a catfish lover in your party (and what party doesn’t?), they will be over the moon about this golden fried, thin-cut farm-raised catfish! Breaded with southern-style cornmeal breading, you’ll definitely want seconds and thirds when it comes to this dish.
Red Beans & Rice w/Andouille Sausage
It’s tough to visit Florida and not indulge in good Southern cooking. These slow-cooked red beans and andouille sausage are served on a bed of rice.
Country Fried Sirloin
When it comes to southern specialties, the Country Fried Sirloin at The Wicked Wheel Bar & Grill offers just what you need. It consists of tenderized meat that’s hand-battered in buttermilk, egg, spices, and flour. Get your fill of brown or white gravy to drizzle on top and you’ll be in Southern comfort heaven.
Mandarin Walnut Salad
The perfect meal for the vegetarian(s) in your group, or anyone who simply loves a great salad. The Mandarin Walnut Salad consists of fresh, cool Romaine lettuce, served with Mandarin oranges, walnuts, red onions, tomatoes, bleu cheese crumbles, and craisins (a blend of cranberries and raisins) with raspberry walnut vinaigrette on the side.
Everything about The Wicked Wheel Bar & Grill — from the cool decor to the fact that children’s meals are served in a replica of a ’57 Chevy — makes it worth a visit. The large menu makes it easy to find a meal you will enjoy.
Insider Tips:
-Lines are long, particularly during peak tourist season. Arrive early if you want to avoid the wait.
-Take-out service can be iffy, likely due to the volume of business the restaurant does. If you have the time, you’ll probably be happier eating in-house.
-We heard someone say that their server at Pineapple Willy’s, another Panama City Beach restaurant, recommended they eat at The Wicked Wheel Bar & Grill. Both restaurants are owned by the same company, so take anything you hear about one while visiting the other with a grain of salt.