Sunday is the day that our family comes together, my parents included, either for Sunday Brunch at a local restaurant or at home. When the children were little I cooked a mean brunch after church that was filled with Southern favorites like biscuits and sausage gravy. As time went on and schedules changed, brunching became more popular. I love brunch and am thankful for the 19th century English for inventing it. Who doesn’t love leisurely noshing on sinfully delicious food between the hours of 10am to 3pm? With that, I give you a few favorites on 30A West. That would be restaurants on 30A, west of Grayton Beach proper, before Uptown Grayton (not included on this list). Look for 3 on 30A East for Sunday Brunch coming soon.
Having lived in New Orleans it is not difficult to choose Stinky’s Fish Camp as a favorite for brunch. With a motto stating, “It is what it is, and it ain’t what it ain’t”, Chef Jim Richard, Brannon Janca, and Todd Misenr and team, have captured the essence of South Louisiana’s bayou country and put it on a plate to savor. They even make their own boudin in house! Try the Grits & Griadlles, Rockstar Crawfish, Pie, and definitely the signature Bloody Mary.
Vue 30A in Santa Rosa Beach is next on the list. The menu at Vue on 30A offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for your senses and is the only restaurant on Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A that has been voted as having the Best Waterfront Dining by Florida Travel + Life Magazine, and most recently the “Best Place to Watch a Sunset” by the readers of Destin Magazine. Chef Giovanni Filippone brings his extensive training from the Culinary Institute of America, along with sixteen years of experience to the stunning restaurant space. Enjoy the Fried Oyster Eggs Benedict and sip on a Mimosa while taking in the gorgeous natural scenery.
I have written about and been to Oliver Petit’s Red Bar in Grayton Beach on countless occasions over the years with my family. It is the quintessential local’s hangout and it’s own church of sorts. The Red Bar pairs food and music together every Sunday morning beginning at 11am, mainly to the sounds of the legendary Dread Clampitt. Order the Shrimp & Grits from the chalkboard menu with the popular Bloody Mary or Double Mimosa on the side. It is cash only, but there is an ATM on site.
As an added bonus I’m pointing out another Sunday favorite, Local Catch Bar & Grill in Blue Mountain Beach. When you wrap up at the Red Bar, keep Sunday Funday flowing by heading a few miles west where Forrest Williams will be playing his tunes to a crowd of patrons who are also enjoying football on one of the many televisions. There are special deals on drinks and food, one of my favorites bring the finger licking good house made chicken wings.
Note: The Bridge at Draper Lake is under construction. To get to Local Catch Bar & Grill from 30A west or from Destin/Sandestin Hwy 98 you will need to use County Road 83. If you are coming from 30A east (Grayton/Seaside/etc.), there is no detour needed.
