Emerald Coast MastersTournament weekend is long. Three days of games. Two or three team dinners. A few family meals. This page is a working guide to where teams actually eat in Fort Walton Beach during the Emerald Coast Masters. Reservations recommended for parties of 8+ — most spots can handle it but want a heads up.
Note: We've included real, established restaurants in the area. We don't list specific prices because they change. Call ahead for current menus and reservations.
Team dinners (groups of 8–15)
Boathouse Oyster Bar — Destin Harbor
Classic Gulf seafood, oysters, and a lively bar. About 25 minutes from FCP Sports. Good vibe for a team dinner where the conversation gets loud. On Destin Harbor, so the views are excellent. Call ahead for large parties.
Pandora's Steakhouse — Destin
Old-school steakhouse, dark wood, big portions. A favorite for teams who want a "real dinner." About 25 minutes from the venue. Reservations recommended.
Magnolia Grill — Fort Walton Beach
Closer to the venue (about 8 minutes). Fine dining in a converted historic home. Better for the championship-night dinner than the Friday-night casual one. Reservations needed.
Old Bay Steamer — Fort Walton Beach
Casual seafood spot with steamed shellfish, fish, and reasonable prices. Close to the venue. Good for a Friday-night team dinner that doesn't require dressing up.
Casual / family meals
Stewby's Seafood Shanty — Fort Walton Beach
A local institution. Counter-service Gulf seafood — fish baskets, shrimp, gumbo. Very Fort Walton Beach. Cheap, fast, and excellent. Good for a quick lunch between games.
The Crab Trap — Okaloosa Island
Beachfront casual seafood with a deck overlooking the Gulf. Family-friendly. About 15 minutes from the venue. Great spot to bring kids and spouses.
AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar — Destin
Big, loud, fun. On Destin Harbor. Live music most nights. Good for a casual team night out.
Breakfast spots near the venue
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Reliable breakfast and brunch chain with a location in Fort Walton Beach. Pancakes, omelets, and Bloody Marys. Close to most hotels.
Cracker Barrel
Off I-10 / Highway 98. Doesn't need a description. Good for big team breakfasts at a predictable price.
Bar & late-night
Most of Fort Walton Beach is quiet after 10 PM. If your team wants nightlife, head to Destin's HarborWalk Village or the bars in Okaloosa Island. Both are 15–25 minutes from the venue.
Tips for organizing team meals
- Call ahead. Most spots want 24-hour notice for a 12+ party.
- Pick the spot before you arrive. Coordinating 8 hungry guys in real-time after games is harder than it should be.
- Eat early or eat late. The dinner rush is 6:30–8:00 PM. Reserve at 5:30 or 8:30 to get seated faster.
- Split checks at the door. Tell the host before sitting down — most servers can split for groups but want the heads up.