Uncle Ernie’s, a longtime local favorite that was forced to undergo significant renovations after Hurricane Michael, is back and better than ever. The location itself has a lot to offer: panoramic Bay views from both indoor and outdoor seating situations, quick proximity from the beach in St. Andrews, and Gulf breezes that invite diners to kick back and stay awhile. But the food doesn’t disappoint, either; fresh, light, carefully-prepared Gulf Americana fare leaves many other PCB restaurants in the dust.
When you first walk up to Uncle Ernie’s, you’ll get the impression of a classic bayfront guest house with expansive verandas wrapping around the waterfront side, offering wide open views. Inside, expect an elegant-casual atmosphere, with a variety of seating arrangements that work equally well for large families and intimate date nights. Choose to sit outdoors on the deck, inside, or at the bar, which serves up a wide variety of Uncle Ernie’s “famous cocktails” and a generous offering of craft beers.
A full kids’ menu and an array of steak, pasta, and burger options offer something for everyone–including the non-seafood-eaters in your group.
Some of our favorite menu items include:
Uncle Ernie’s Fresh Catch Sandwich
Uncle Ernie’s offers a huge variety of burgers and sandwich options, but a fan favorite is the Fresh Catch, which features a huge grouper or Mahi fillet either grilled or fried, and served up with fries, tartar sauce, a lemon wedge, and lettuce and tomato on the side.
Coconut-Pecan Shrimp
An unforgettable starter, Uncle Ernie’s coconut pecan shrimp takes things up a notch from the coconut shrimp you might expect. The sweet-savory flavors of the coconut-pecan breading, combined with a drizzle of honey mustard sauce, makes for a mouthwatering appetizer that’s guaranteed to whet your appetite for the next course.
St. Andrew’s Grilled Seafood Combo
For those who want to sample all the best grilled seafood on the menu, it’s hard to go wrong with a grilled seafood combo. Shrimp, sea scallops, grouper, and crab cake grace this decadent plate, which offers a little bit of everything that seafood aficionados love most about the Gulf Coast. Expect tender, perfectly-prepared scallops, and grouper, savory crab cake that practically melts in your mouth, and large, flavorful shrimp seasoned and grilled to perfection.
Uncle Ernie’s is located in St. Andrew’s Beach, just across the bay from the St. Andrew’s Marina.
Insider Tips:
– Uncle Ernie’s is one of the most popular restaurants in St. Andrew’s, so expect a wait if you’re arriving without a reservation at usual mealtimes.
– Sunsets from the deck are particularly spellbinding, so if you’re arriving at prime sunset time, don’t hesitate to ask for outdoor seating if it’s available.