Adventures of Gus and Kim: Lunch in Seaside - The Great Southern Cafe

January 15, 2018

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A view of some of the shops and restaurants on the beach side of 30A in Seaside - you can also see the white tower with the steps leading to the beach.

Another new restaurant for us on our last trip to Destin was The Great Southern Cafe in Seaside. This restaurant, The Bay, and a few others are owned by Chef Jim Shirley. If you haven't been to Seaside, you should go. It's a great place! However, parking can be an issue - especially in the summer. Since we were there in October, parking wasn't a problem. The Great Southern Cafe is right in middle of all the action in Seaside; located across the street from the ocean.

A side view of The Great Southern Cafe in Seaside - wooden building with a tin roof, wrap-around deck with seating, and the brick courtyard with seating that leads to the restaurant

Part of menu from the Great Southern Cafe in Seaside!

It was a gorgeous day when we were there, so we sat out on the covered deck (there is also indoor seating available).

View of the street of Seaside from one of the deck/porch tables at the Great Southern Cafe in Seaside! You can see cars, tourists, bicycles...

One of my favorite dishes is beef short ribs, so when I saw the Grits and Grillades, I knew I had to try it. It's slow-roasted beef in a rich Shiraz stew, served over smoked Gouda grits (another favorite). If you're not a fan of grits, you can also get it served over mashed potatoes. What an explosion of flavor! Sooo good!

Grits and Grillades at the Great Southern Cafe

Gus had the fresh fish of the day (which was cobia) served with mashed potatoes and green beans. He really enjoyed it, and I thought it was tasty, too.

Fresh fish of the day (cobia) with green beans, mashed potatoes, hush puppies, and remoulade from the Great Southern Cafe in Seaside!

Buddy had the Grits à Ya Ya - which is blackened shrimp with sautéd applewood-smoked bacon, spinach, portobello mushrooms, and cream served over smoked Gouda cheese grits. He loved it! I thought it was good, but while I love shrimp, blackened is not my favorite version.

Grits à Ya Ya from the Great Southern Cafe in Seaside!

The food was just delicious, and the service top-notch, but I think the biggest joy of eating here was the ambiance. It's a fabulous location! Tip: If you like beer, I highly recommend Grayton Beer Company's 30A Beach Blonde Ale. It's so good, and pairs well with just about everything. If you like Gose-style beer, try their Salt of the Gulf!

Grayton Beer Company's 30A Beach Blonde Ale in a pint glass

The Great Southern Cafe
83 Central Square
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Hours: Daily - Breakfast 8:00am - 11:00am, Lunch 11:00am - 4:00pm, Dinner 4:00pm - at least 9:30pm
Phone: 850-231-7327

Pinnable image: photo of the white tower at Seaside at the top, photo of Grits a Ya Ya at the bottom. In the center is text "Adventures of Gus & Kim - Where to eat in Seaside, Florida: Great Southern Cafe

Have you been to The Great Southern Cafe? What is your favorite place to eat in Seaside? Let me know in the comments or talk to me on Instagram or Snapchat!