The Bay - Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Donna P.

We so love this place. We were a group of 11 and when we checked in Chad, the manager, was wearing an Eagles sweatshirt - we are all KC Chiefs fans. He told us (with a grin) that it would be a 3 hr wait - then proceeded to give us the best table in the house outside near the pier! We also had Douglas as our waiter - and he was truly epic. All of our orders and bills were accurate and everything was delivered timely and hot.
Chad told me to get the ravioli - which normally I wouldn't have. OMG, one of the best dishes I have had on the Gulf Coast! The group ordered fried, grilled and blacked shrimp - each person thought their version was the best. We ordered hamburgers and the chicken sandwich - perfect! And several people got the cabbage and bacon side - it was drool worthy! On top of that the Old Fashioned, Margaritas and the selection of Beers added greatly to the meal. We can't wait to come back - but probably not on Superbowl Sunday!

Courtney K.

We came here twice during our stay in 30A. Lunch and dinner were both amazing. The views are so pretty. Snapper was great, crab cakes were delicious and their Montgomery potato casserole side was phenomenal! Waiter was on top of it, and we loved the gluten free options.

Kristin L.

As much as I want to keep this gem to myself… after 4 years I guess I’m ready to share. This is one of our most fav places to eat when we’re in town. Our go to items are the cheese curds, point Washington rolls made in house, blackened grouper or triple tail, and Sandors Ravioli. When the weather is nice sit outside and enjoy the bay views, play some corn hole… Make a reservation if you wanna eat her in the summer! We always have great service and will keep coming back

Luci -. B.

If you are looking for a cool place to eat with great atmosphere, this is it! If you are looking for a traditional seafood restaurant, this isn’t it. The food we ordered was average and the sides were unique. We ordered fried shrimp with green beans (excellent) and potatoes Montgomery (a mix of sweet & russet potatoes with cheese, but mostly sweet potatoes….ok, but would not order again). Our 2nd order was the fried grouper (one average size piece) which was way over priced ($45) and it was over cooked (a bit tough) with braised greens and bacon braised cabbage (both were way too sweet tasting for me and the cabbage had little to no bacon flavor) - wouldn’t order these again either. The atmosphere was great! We sat on the covered patio which was right on the water with great views. There was a beach side stage where they have scheduled entertainment (we arrived at 3:20, so there was no entertainment at that time). The have a big sushi menu and, if the timing of guests is any indication, most must come for the sushi as the place was packed by 4:00 when they began serving sushi. They had happy hour from 3-5 on the Thursday we visited. The handmade margarita ordered was ok, not the best homemade margarita ever tasted. Service started out great but waned quickly. After ordering, our server checked in once after our order arrived, but the we had to ask someone else for drink refills twice and there was a delay getting our ticket. If you are looking for a unique, non-traditional seafood restaurant this might be what you’re looking for, but if you are looking for a really good, traditional seafood restaurant, this would not be your best choice.

Next day: Ate at Schooners in PCB and ordered Grouper and got two large pieces cooked just right for only $33.00.

Jeffrey C.

We were pleasntly suprised by finding the Bay. The view is nice and service is great. Robert, (our server) was so helpful, friendly and knowledgable. We had salads and sandwiches. Both were perfectly done. The fish was fresh and blackened perfectly. The greens were fresh and tasty. Both sandwiches were tasty and well done. Drinks were cold and came quickly from the bar.... Overall we very much enjoyed our lunch and will definitely come back on our next trip.

Urnam Cowgill
October 2024

Vince W.

This is truly a hidden gem. I have been driving by this place for years and not anymore. The food, atmosphere and service were fantastic. Our waitress “JoJo” recommended every single thing we ordered including the drinks and it was all amazing. We topped off the meal with the key lime pie and it was fantastic.

Jeremy S.

My wife and I love The Bay! The food, the atmosphere, and the customer service was amazing! Our server, Jay J was hands down one of the best servers we’ve had since moving to the area. He was very attentive and friendly and couldn’t ask for a better experience. I loved the layout of The Bay which I was skeptical about since we eat at North Beach Social often. If you haven’t eaten at The Bay you’re missing out!
Highly recommended.

Jessi G.

The Bay is absolutely delicious! We had a large party of 10 and the service, atmosphere, and food were great. I got the Faux La La, which is their version of shrimp and grits and it’s hands down the best shrimp and grits I’ve ever had. My husband got the seafood platter and he said it was all so fresh and flavorful. The side Caesar salad was also fresh and so good!
Everyone loved their food. A few others with us said the side cabbage was the best they’ve ever had.
This place is definitely worth a visit, or two or three, during your stay in the area.