Unpretentious waterfront restaurant offering Southern-style breakfast & fried seafood platters.
Lacey Ellis
Bayou Joe’s is a whole vibe. ️
The food was great, the service was absolutely phenomenal, and the atmosphere was relaxed and fun. Sitting by the water with views of the boats just takes it to another level. We had drinks, appetizers, two entrées, and dessert and it was under $100 for two people, which honestly felt like a steal for the experience. Highly recommend if you’re looking for great food, great service, and a laid-back waterfront spot you can really enjoy.
… moreAmy Kay Furtys
We were visiting Panama City and were looking for a seafood restaurant near our location. Bayou Joe’s came up and the menu looked appetizing. I was impressed with the flavors and freshness of the food. We had the fried pickles with their homemade ranch, mahi, a salad and crab cakes. Our server was kind and we enjoyed the conversation. It was a rainy day, but there was still a nice view of the marina. We will definitely come back when we visit next time!
… moreValerie Nation
Over all I’ll give it a 5 star. However, the fried grouper was over cooked that night. I enjoyed the atmosphere and our waitress was nice and attentive. I enjoy being able to look over the water. The waiting area was nice but we didn’t have to wait to be seated the day we went which was a Sunday night. The crab cakes were excellent, highly recommend!
… moreSchnookie913
Oh my goodness, where do I start? This was one of the best experiences I think I’ve ever had at a restaurant.
On 9/12 we boated here for dinner while we were visiting Shell Island. Three of us were in the party, and two of us had never been here. The service was out of this world (I wish I remembered our server’s name ). I ordered my food, but I couldn’t decide on the fish selection. I told her to surprise me. Boy, she made the perfect decision! We had never tasted trigger fish. Yes, it was fried, but let me tell you, it was PERFECT! None of the fried food was greasy or over-breaded. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Then the server brought me a “slice of sunshine” pie and sang Happy Birthday! I wanted to cry.
We can’t wait to come here again!
… moreBilly Hadley
First time to Bayou Joes and loved everything about it. Jennifer was our server and she was excellent. We had the fried Shrimp-Grouper basket, Crab cake app, house made bacon-cheese chips and key lime pie. We try to go to a different restaurant in PCB area every month. Will be going back here often. really cool caribean vibe on the water and all the entree’s are different and look delicious. I would get the fried corn instead of sliced tomatoes as a side.
… moreDorothy Kowalsky
We shared a fish basket with extra fish added and drunk and ugly for dessert. The portions were small and the extra fish (catfish) was quite dry and tough, probably overdone but the dessert was excellent. Would come back just for that!
… morePaul Blount
If you are disappointed in this hangout, your taster has to be broken. Excellent food, service and atmosphere! It’s been a favorite for many years.
… moreMitchell Burdick
Amazing food and fun place to eat dinner rignt on the water. The wait staff anf hostess were amazing.
… moreRobert Lawrence
Locals recommend. We ate breakfast/brunch so can’t speak for anything else. So here we go. Dockside cafe looks like a dive but so what it’s a dockside resturant. It’s clean and run by very nice people. Wait time for seating 15 minutes and 15 minutes to get food. Not too bad. Nice view of boats in bay. Too the food. “Garbage” o let with biscuit was excellent. Others had pancake which was huge, eggs, grits and bacon were good. Lastly person getting “garbage” potatoes cleaned his plate. Enough said great place for breakfast.
… moreSheila Hauser
If you’re looking for that hidden spot with true Key West vibe you have to experience Bayou Joe’s Marina & Grill on the Bay in Panama City.
We ordered the shrimp & grits — and let me just say… absolute perfection. Creamy, cheesy grits topped with beautifully seasoned shrimp, and finished with just the right kick of flavor. Add the buttery toast on the side and it’s comfort food with a coastal twist.
But the real magic? The setting. ⚓
Sailboats gently rocking in the marina. Sunshine reflecting off calm water. It feels like you’ve escaped to the Keys — relaxed, salty air, zero rush.
It’s casual. It’s authentic. It’s waterfront dining done right.
If you want fresh seafood, laid-back charm, and that “let’s stay a little longer” feeling… Bayou Joe’s is it. ☀️
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