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An abundance of seafood is served at coastal restaurants: oysters, crab, shrimp, scallops, and a variety of fish. Of course, that's not all there is on the menu. This part of Florida still impresses diners with old-fashioned comfort foods such as meat loaf, fried chicken, beans and corn bread, okra, and fried green tomatoes. You'll also find small-town seafood shacks where you can dine on local favorites such as deep-fried mullet, cheese grits, coleslaw, and hush puppies. Restaurants, like resorts, vary their operating tactics off-season, so call first if visiting during winter months.
This simple beach shack near the bridge serves solid, if predictable, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and appetizers, but the pizza is the star of the menu. Try a specialty pie like Shrimp Pesto Pizza, or choose from 16 toppings to build-your-own personal pie. There's beer on tap, and wine is available, too.
Tallahassee has its fair share of popular pizza emporiums, but many put Midtown's Decent Pizza at the top of their favorites list. A couple of Florida State University grads opened this simple pizzeria, which became an instant hit with those on an undergraduate budget: slices and salads start at $5.95 and $4.95, respectively. Choose from 35 toppings for red-sauce, pesto, or white pies. Bring your patience; lunchtime lines are out the door.
The Emerald Coast's worst-kept secret is the Donut Hole. Lines of customers appear at 6 am for scrumptious baked goods (which tend to sell out) to go. Breakfast, which is served all day, is supplemented by diner foods later on. There are two other Donut Hole locations: the original on Highway 98 in Destin and one inland in Santa Rosa Beach.
Locals in the know come to this counter-service spot for superb salads, homemade soups, and sandwiches. Opt for a chunky chicken melt, walnut gorgonzola salad, or garden vegetarian sub. The spearmint iced tea is a must-have, as is the chewy Congo Bar for dessert. A second location at 1660 North Monroe Street offers the same menu; a third location has also opened at 1208 Capital Circle SE.
Although this old-school ice-cream parlor and candy shop serves salads, sandwiches, and other savory dishes, it's best known for its extensive menu of sodas, frappes, and egg creams and its generous brunches featuring classic waffles and omelets, as well as a homemade hash that is deliciously different. The ice-cream choices are delectable, and it's hard to take your eyes off the candy makers as they hand-craft the confections. Lofty also sells jigsaw puzzles, toys, and board games, which customers have been known to play while dining.
If you're passionate about coffee, be sure to stop in at this or one of the five other branches of this local chain to find your new favorite brew. Friendly, knowledgeable staffers are happy to explain the flavor profiles of the different coffee varieties and roasts. Pastries and other edibles from Tasty Pastry, a local favorite bakery, are available, too.
