Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill
Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill in Destin has been locally owned and operated since inception in 1982. Fudpucker’s restaurant stands out by being dedicated to its owners’ three favorite “F” words: Food, Fun and Family. And, you can be assured that there’s plenty of each when you visit Fudpucker’s restaurant in Destin. Fudpucker’s is not just a restaurant, it’s not just a bar, and it’s certainly not just a “tourist” place – it’s a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, and one that can be enjoyed by kids and families of all ages.
(850) 654-4200
20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Destin
fudpucker.com
JoJo’s Coffee and Goodness
Owner and operator Angela “JoJo’’ Stevenson invites you to enter a cafe and relaxed coffee shop atmosphere for a daily dose of “goodness” this holiday season. Stop in for cinnamon rolls; scones: cranberry orange, chocolate caramel and cheddar thyme; strawberry coffee cake; cranberry orange muffins; red velvet cookies; brownies with espresso ganache or caramelitas. Try a breakfast special with a piece of quiche or kolache-hashbrown casserole. Breakfast burritos are rolled and ready daily. Choose from andouille, bacon, chorizo or veggie. Or tantalize your taste buds with a made-to-order breakfast sandwich on croissants or bagel with two eggs and cheese and then choose if you want to add Jojo’s homemade smoked jalapeño beef bologna, bacon, house smoked barbecue or ham. Cinnamon rolls and kaloches still hold the top spot for sell outs. Stop in for featured muffins, coffee cake or pound cake, which go great with maple cinnamon latte or caramel macchiato. And, oh, the freshly roasted coffee. Order ahead and pick up some for the office or New Year’s breakfast to start the year right!
Hours 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
(850) 737-6194
4652 Hwy. 20 East, Niceville
bigorangehousedesigns.com
LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant
Suds, Songs and Sunsets! Welcome to LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant at the Bluewater Bay Marina Complex. Named after “LJ Schooner” (the LJ is for Lazy Jack), a cherished four-legged icon on Bluewater Bay Marina docks, the open-air oyster bar and restaurant offers a magnificent view of the water, marina and unparalleled sunset any time of year. There are, of course, oysters and a delicious varied menu with dinner specials such as blackened mahi and grilled shrimp with hollandaise, served over cheese grits.
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Dinner Specials 5-10 p.m., Party with DJ Diamond Dan, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. “Roaring 20s!”
Sundays: Brunch 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursdays: Open Mic/Karaoke 6-10 p.m.
Jan. 3: Chess Night 6 p.m.
Jan. 10: Prime Rib Night: 5-9 p.m., Wine Tasting 5-7 p.m.
Jan. 13: 15th Anniversary Celebration! Food specials ALL DAY! Live music 6-10 p.m.
Jan. 17: The Traveling Painter 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 24: Prime Rib Night: 5-9 p.m.
Jan. 27: GUMBO TASTING! 4-6 p.m. Jody Lucas 6-9 p.m.
Dine-in, pick-up, to-go.
Oyster bar hours: Wednesday-Thursday, 3-10 p.m.
Restaurant hours: Monday-Tuesday closed. Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday brunch, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
(850) 897-6400
bluewaterbaymarina.com/schooners
290 Yacht Club Dr., Unit 200,
Niceville in Bluewater Bay
Ovide at Hotel Effie
Celebrate the New Year in style at a Poppin’ New Year’s Eve Dinner experience at Ovide at Hotel Effie. Savor a culinary journey with a specially curated 4-course prix fixe menu: $250 per person. From 5-9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, feast on a menu featuring New Zealand Lamb Rack, 12-Hour Slow Cooked Short Ribs and Poached Grouper among many more main dishes, appetizers, salads and desserts all along with a complimentary glass of champagne! Reservations are required via OpenTable. Reserve now and receive $50 off your ticket to Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge, where there will be a live band and an exclusive rooftop viewing of the fireworks at Sandestin from 7 p.m. – 1 a.m. The luxurious rooftop features a delicious menu of fine wines, hand-crafted cocktails and light bites, and boasts the best seats in the house overlooking both the 8 p.m. and midnight firework displays at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin with live music by locally loved musician Jared Herzog from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. General Admission: $125. Purchase on Eventbrite. After 9 p.m., Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge is strictly 21+.
Fuel up with brunch at Ovide on New Year’s Day, featuring a handful of Gulf Coast breakfast classics like deviled eggs and shrimp cocktails in addition to specialty brunch dishes like crab cake benedicts and steak & eggs. Keep the festivities going with a flute of bubbly or cure last night’s hangover with freshly squeezed juice. Reservations are encouraged via OpenTable.
Hours: Breakfast 7 – 11 a.m. Mon-Fri. Lunch Closed. Dinner 5 – 9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 5 – 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Brunch 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
(833) 873-3343
Hoteleffie.com
Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Tisano’s Garlic Grill
Tisano’s owner Trinity Coleman grew up in a restaurant family. Her brother, mother and grandfather all owned restaurants in their hometown of Stroud, Oklahoma, and Trinity remembers working in their restaurants from a very young age. Trinity and her family moved to Niceville when her husband, Trey, was assigned to Hurlburt Field in 2021. Shortly after moving to the area, Trinity purchased Tisano’s so she could pursue her dream of owning her own restaurant. Under her leadership, the restaurant has flourished. In 2023, Trey retired from the Air Force so Trinity could continue her passion. Today, Tisano’s has become a local favorite and a community staple. Tisano’s customers rave over the stuffed mushrooms, the giant portions of homemade lasagna, and the homemade tiramisu. Gluten free options are also available. Trinity’s recipe for success is simple. “We just want to provide a clean restaurant with awesome food and friendly staff, at a fair price.” All of the pictures on the wall are pictures Trinity and Trey took on different trips to Italy and the wine list features a broad selection of handpicked Italian wines. When you visit Tisano’s, Trinity wants you to feel like you’re going to a friend’s house for a great meal and good company. See the coupon section for 10% off any lunch-time purchase!
Specials include:
Monday: 25% off total bill for active-duty military (with ID) and $5 margaritas for everyone.
Tuesday: Two can dine for $49. Includes salad, bread, two glasses of house wine and two entrees (some exceptions).
Wednesday: $3 per glass of house wine and half off all bottles.
Thursday: 25% off total bill for teachers (with ID) and $5 martinis for everyone.
Happy Hour 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday: $1 off regular priced beer, wine and liquor.
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 4-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 4-10 p.m.; Sun. 12-8 p.m.
(850) 353 2643
Tisanos.com
