Local Dining, Drinks, Coffee & Entertainment Dec. 2023

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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, Christmas or New Year’s breakfast to accompany your holiday offerings!
Hours 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
(850) 737-6194
4652 Hwy. 20 East, Niceville
bigorangehousedesigns.com

LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant
LJ Schooners grouperSuds, 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.
Sunday Brunch: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Dec. 6: Chess Night 6 p.m.
Dec. 13: Prime Rib Night: 5-9 p.m., Wine Tasting 5-7 p.m.
Dec. 17: Brunch with Santa 10 a.m. -1 p.m.
Dec. 20: The Traveling Painter 5:30 p.m.
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!”
Dine-in, pick-up, to-go. Oyster bar hours: Monday-Tuesday closed. Wednesday-Thursday, 3-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, Noon-9 p.m. Happy hour daily, 3-6 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
Ovide interior at daytimeAn elegant, culinary adventure, Ovide brings together classic Gulf Coast flavors and southern culinary traditions. Every dish is fueled by a passion for sustainability and seasonality that gives each bite incredible flavor unlike anything you’ve tasted before—you will want to savor every bite, from an intimate meal for two to a get-together for 10 or more. Ovide embraces the local food and cherished flavors of the Gulf Coast and presents them with a sophisticated, refreshing French influence and southern flair. Embrace the Autumn season with the “Apples to Apples” cocktail. The craft drink is made with apple brandy (our mixologists prefer Conquerel Fine Calvados), Massenez Green Apple Liqueur honey syrup, lemon juice, apple bitters and cardamom bitters, garnished with a cinnamon stick and lemon wheel to top it all off.
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
Tisanos FoodTisano’s owner Trinity Coleman grew up in a restaurant family. Her mother and grandfather both owned restaurants in their hometown of Stroud, Oklahoma, and Trinity grew up working in their restaurants. After graduating college and marrying an Air Force man, Trinity left the restaurant business, but she’s always missed it. In 2021, the Coleman family was assigned to Hurlburt Field, and they moved to Niceville. Trinity fell in love with the community and decided it was time to get back into the restaurant business, so she and her husband bought Tisano’s, and she has poured her heart into it ever since. Her husband Trey recently retired from the Air Force. They have three children at Niceville High School and Florida State University. Today, Tisano’s has become a local favorite! Tisano’s makes almost all of their dishes from scratch. They focus on Italian food, but also bring in some country favorites and some international cuisine that they’ve learned to love from living around the world. They also offer several Gluten free options. Their recipe for success is simple. “We just want to provide a clean restaurant, with awesome food and friendly staff, at a fair price,” said Trinity. When you visit Tisano’s, Trinity and Trey want you to feel like you’re going to a friend’s house for a great meal and good company. We highly recommend you give the house-stuffed mushrooms and the homemade lasagna a try.
Monday: 25% off for active duty military
Tuesday: Two can dine for $39! Two entrees with salad and bread with two glasses of wine for just $39
Wednesday: $3 house wine by the glass and 1/2 off all bottles
Thursday: $5 Martini’s
Happy hour every day from 3-6.
(850) 353 2643
Tisanos.com
4506 E. Hwy. 20, Suite 150, Niceville