Keep it casual at the Islander Food Shack, which offers a delightfully unfussy atmosphere, complete with burgers and seafood favorites. Conveniently located near the Villagio Shopping Center, this cozy little restaurant is the perfect destination for a quick bite before hitting up nearby Perdido Key Beach or taking advantage of the Escambia Public Beach Access.
This restaurant certainly lives up to its name with its shack environment. It might not be fancy, but therein lies the charm. The best seating can be found outside, although a small indoor dining area is also provided. While the relaxed atmosphere makes onsite dining particularly enjoyable, you’re also welcome to order for curbside pickup.
The staff and service are pleasant, although the wait can prove surprisingly lengthy if you arrive at the wrong time. That being said, many people are fond enough of the shack’s seafood and burgers that they’re willing to stick around.
While a variety of non-alcoholic beverages are available, no Islander Food Shack meal is truly complete without a cold beer. The restaurant offers a great selection that is sure to please aficionados and casual drinkers alike. Both drafts and bottles are available to keep visitors happy regardless of personal preference.
While the adults chow down on seafood and drink beer, younger visitors can enjoy a variety of tasty items from the kid’s menu. This small selection includes all the usuals, such as chicken fingers and grilled cheese. Popcorn shrimp and fried fish are also offered.
A few of our favorite menu items include the following:
Mini Jamaican Meat Pies
One of the most in-demand items on the Islander Food Shack menu, these wonderfully fresh pastries are stuffed with juicy Jamaican jerk shredded beef. They come with a delicious house ranch for dipping. Order three for a personal appetizer or six if you’d like to share with your dining companions.
Garden Salad
If you prefer a healthy option, don’t hesitate to order this delicious salad. Featuring mixed greens, tomato, carrots, cucumbers, onion, and red cabbage, this salad is loaded with nutritious ingredients. It also comes with Colby Jack cheese and hardboiled egg. Feel free to add chicken, ham, or shrimp for a small fee.
Bring the Heat Burger
Not everybody is up to the challenge of tackling this spicy burger — but those who take on this endeavor are rewarded with an explosion of flavor. Like all burgers served at the Islander Food Shack, this version is centered around half a pound of handcrafted certified Angus beef. It also includes pepper jack cheese, jalapeno, lettuce, tomato, and spicy mayonnaise.
Grouper Basket
Few Gulf dining experiences quite live up to the seafood basket. The Islander Food Shack’s grouper basket certainly won’t disappoint. The grouper is fried in beer batter and served with tartar sauce.
Fried Seafood Platter
If you’re extra hungry and eager to sample a variety of seafood favorites, look no further than this filling platter. It includes fried oysters, shrimp, and fish, as well as a generous side of hush puppies.
Eat your fill of seafood and meat pies at the wonderfully casual Islander Food Shack. You’ll quickly fall in love with the chill vibes and tasty grub.
Insider Tips:
– Select appetizers — such as the jerk meat pies — tend to sell out quickly. If you’re determined to enjoy a specific menu item, do yourself a favor and arrive early.
– The parking lot at this restaurant is notoriously small. If you plan on visiting during a busy time, be prepared to wait for a spot, or, as some visitors put it, “get creative” with parking.
– If you have special food requests such as gluten-free versions of top menu items, don’t hesitate to ask. The chef is accommodating and determined to provide a meal that you will enjoy.