Florida’s Gulf Coast is famous for it’s miles of sugar white sand beaches, glistening emerald green waters and its abundance of seafood that lands on the plates of locals and visitors passionate about eating the best and freshest.
That is delicious news for those finding themselves in Okaloosa County as the Hangout Hospitality restaurant group that is behind The Gulf in Orange Beach, The Hangout Restaurant and the popular Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, has introduced Okaloosa Island’s newest family friendly restaurant destination, The Gulf Okaloosa Island.
Nestled on the corner of Marler Avenue and Siebert Drive, the two-story waterfront space is constructed with recycled shipping containers and features indoor and outdoor dining, two unique bars, and a fantastic gift shop filled with a curated selection of lifestyle items. Serving lunch and dinner daily, The Gulf Okaloosa Island offers a chalkboard menu that is constantly evolving and features seasonal options crafted with locally sourced ingredients from neighboring regional farmers as well as the Gulf of Mexico.
Menu staples gaining popularity include the crisp grouper sandwich with lemon dill sauce, the hand cut fries with the perfect amount of crunch, and The Gulf Burger with garlic aioli served on a brioche bun. Patrons like myself crave the daily taco selection like those made with NoWal Farms pork that is served with a house tomatillo relish, as well as the popular Apalachicola oysters offered at the raw bar. The Gulf Okaloosa Island also serves a brunch menu each weekend, and a unique selection of mojitos and craft beers.
The expansive flexible floor plan with relaxed environment allows The Gulf Okaloosa Island to accommodate events of all sizes, from intimate dinner parties, to full-scale weddings. Future plans include a dock for those mariners who want to arrive by boat to enjoy a day of lounging on the sandy beach, a game of Ping-Pong on the lawn, or an incredible dining experience. Shaul Zislin, a partner in the restaurant said, “Our staff is genuine, passionate, and well-trained. We truly want to provide an experience that is unique and memorable to those visiting us at The Gulf.”
Hours of Operation : Open Monday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Modus Photos)
