Captain Dave's on the Gulf

Captain Dave's on the Gulf has been serving fresh Gulf seafood since 1968, making it one of Destin's oldest and most beloved restaurants. For over 50 years, locals and visitors have trusted Captain Dave's for consistently excellent seafood, generous portions, and that classic Old Florida atmosphere that's increasingly hard to find.

The Legacy: Founded by Captain Dave himself, this family-owned restaurant has maintained its commitment to fresh, quality seafood and Southern hospitality for three generations. The recipes and standards set in 1968 continue today, ensuring the same great experience that has made Captain Dave's a Destin landmark.

Signature Dishes:

• Fresh Gulf Fish - Daily catches prepared fried, grilled, or blackened
• Grouper Sandwich - A Destin classic done right
• Royal Red Shrimp - Local delicacy when in season
• Seafood Platter - Generous sampler of fried favorites
• Chargrilled Oysters - Fresh from Apalachicola Bay
• She-Crab Soup - Rich and flavorful
• Catch of the Day - Whatever's freshest that morning

The Menu: Captain Dave's keeps it simple and does it well. Fresh seafood prepared in classic Southern styles - fried, grilled, blackened, or steamed. They also offer steaks, chicken, and comfort food sides. The focus is on letting quality ingredients shine rather than complicated preparations.

The Setting: Located directly on the Gulf with stunning beachfront views, Captain Dave's offers both indoor dining and outdoor seating. Watch the waves roll in while enjoying your meal, and catch incredible sunset views if you time it right. The casual, unpretentious atmosphere makes everyone feel at home.

What Makes It Special:

• Over 50 years of consistently great seafood
• Family-owned and operated - personal pride in every meal
• Direct Gulf-front location with beautiful views
• Generous portions at reasonable prices
• Authentic Old Florida character
• Friendly staff, many long-term employees

Guest Favorites: "Been coming here for 30 years and it never disappoints! The grouper is always fresh and perfectly cooked." - "This is what Destin seafood restaurants used to be like before everything got touristy. Real food, real portions, real good." - "Best beachfront dining value in Destin. Amazing sunset views with your dinner!"

Perfect For:

• Families wanting quality seafood in a relaxed setting
• Sunset dinners on the Gulf
• Anyone seeking authentic, old-school Destin dining
• Visitors who want excellent food without the fancy price tag
• Repeat visitors who've made Captain Dave's a tradition

Location: Situated on Old Highway 98 (Scenic Gulf Drive), Captain Dave's is easy to find and offers plenty of parking. The location provides the Gulf-front experience without the crowds of some newer establishments.

Hours: Open daily for lunch and dinner. Hours may vary seasonally, so call ahead during off-season months.

Pro Tips:

• Arrive before sunset to watch the sky light up over the Gulf
• Try the daily specials - often the freshest catch
• The fried seafood is excellent, but don't overlook the grilled options
• Save room for key lime pie!
• Weekday lunches tend to be less crowded than weekend dinners

Dress Code: Casual beach attire is perfectly fine. This is a come-as-you-are, family-friendly restaurant.