#25 of 160 Panama City Beach Restaurants

Thomas Donut & Snack Shop

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Thomas Donut & Snack Shop: Line Up for Tasty Treats at PCB's Most Charming Shack
Local Expert's Rating:
4.5 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Thomas Donut & Snack Shop serves a diverse array of mouthwatering treats, including everything from donuts to hot dogs and even seafood. Whether you're in the mood for a quick snack or a hearty meal, you'll find it at this local gem.

- The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team

For years, Thomas Donut & Snack Shop has encouraged both residents and tourists to indulge in a variety of delicious treats. Enthusiasts from all walks of life view this quaint shack as the ultimate Panama City Beach tradition. The iconic pink box in which its donuts are served is instantly recognizable throughout PCB.

This adorable establishment offers a variety of donut flavors you won’t encounter just anywhere. From key lime to devil’s food cake, you can easily find a donut that lives up to the hype. No matter which option strikes your fancy, you’ll be impressed by the mouthwatering taste and the affordable price.

Donuts may be included in Thomas Donut & Snack Shop’s name, but they’re far from the only offering on its extensive menu. The kolaches and muffins are just as fresh and delicious as the donuts. These are perfect for breakfast, but when the afternoon arrives, you might want something a bit more substantial. You’ll find plenty of options, including a variety of sandwiches, hot dogs, pizzas, and seafood boxes. These are filling enough to go far beyond the ‘snack’ designation in the restaurant’s name, so be sure to arrive with a healthy appetite. 

If you visit for lunch, don’t hesitate to follow your meal with a sweet treat. On a hot day, you’ll likely opt for ice cream or a ‘sno ball’ style snow cone. A variety of flavors are available, with all easy to view from the window. Other top options include sundaes and milkshakes, both of which are refreshing when the heat hits.

No matter what you prefer to eat, you’ll likely face a line as you wait to order. Don’t be intimidated. The line at Thomas Donut & Snack Shop moves fast but provides enough time to survey your options so you aren’t at a loss when it’s time to order. Once you’ve received your donuts, ice cream, or meal, feel free to enjoy on the patio, where you’ll witness a lovely view. 

A few of our favorite menu items include the following:

Shrimp Melt
Combining the best elements of southern and seafood, this satisfying sandwich includes grilled shrimp and pimento cheese, both of which are served on toasted brioche. 

Fried Oyster Box
One of several hearty box meals available at Thomas Donut & Snack Shop to meet your seafood cravings. This tasty option comes with one dozen oysters. The quality is always high but may depend, to an extent, on the current market conditions during the day of your visit.

Alabama Catfish Box
Another seafood favorite, this box meal features tasty catfish that has been hand-breaded and battered to order. 

Chili Cheeseburger
Take your burger to the next level with a healthy dose of chili, which you’ll find alongside mayonnaise and dill pickle on this tasty sandwich. 

Buffalo Chicken Sub
A hint of spice helps this sub stand out from the other sandwich offerings at Thomas Donut & Snack Shop. Served on steamed French bread, this enticing sub includes thinly-sliced chicken breast, crumbled blue cheese, diced celery, hot sauce, and mayonnaise. 

Donuts and pastries may reign supreme at Thomas Donut & Snack Shop, but you’ll do yourself a disservice if you neglect the menu’s other highlights. Stop in at this legendary establishment to discover for yourself why it warrants so much hype.

Insider Tips:
– If you plan to visit when the nearby beach is busy, expect a wait. It may be worth your while to call in your order in advance. This will slash the wait time and make your visit far more enjoyable.
– Select donuts tend to run out quickly. If you’re dead-set on a particular flavor, phone in your order. Many regulars swear by calling the shop the night before they arrive. Otherwise, be prepared with a backup option.