Thanksgiving at Panama City Beach: 15 Dishes to Elevate Your Coastal Celebration + Top Takeout Options for a Stress-Free Holiday

Thanksgiving at Panama City Beach: 15 Dishes to Elevate Your Coastal Celebration + Top Takeout Options for a Stress-Free Holiday

Thanksgiving is traditionally a day to gather with family and enjoy a home-cooked meal. However, spending the holiday at Panama City Beach offers the perfect opportunity to mix things up. You can create a fantastic coastal-inspired feast at your vacation rental or opt for a stress-free experience by ordering takeout from one of the area’s top restaurants. In this blog post, we’ll share some delicious Thanksgiving dishes to prepare yourself and explore takeout options to make your holiday meal even more special.

1. Starters: Setting the Mood for a Coastal Thanksgiving

• Creamy Crab Dip
• Florida Shrimp Cocktail with Citrus Sauce
• Sweet Potato Biscuits with Honey Butter

Tip: If you want to save time on appetizers, consider ordering a seafood platter from Shuckums Oyster Pub & Grill or The Grand Marlin. Both offer incredible selections of fresh, local seafood that can be picked up and served at your gathering.

2. Soups & Salads: A Light and Flavorful Start

• Pumpkin Coconut Soup
• Key Lime Caesar Salad
• Coastal Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Candied Pecans

Takeout Option: Firefly in Panama City Beach offers a delightful selection of salads, including their famous Caesar salad and fresh seafood options. Call ahead to order and enjoy gourmet starters without any hassle.

3. Main Courses: A Mix of Classic and Coastal

• Oven-Roasted Turkey with a Citrus Glaze
• Seafood Paella with Fresh Gulf Shrimp and Scallops
• Blackened Red Snapper with Mango Salsa

Takeout Options for Main Courses

If you prefer to let the professionals handle your Thanksgiving main courses, here are some excellent takeout options in Panama City Beach:

1. 1. 1. 1. Saltwater Grill
            • What They Offer: The Saltwater Grill is a fantastic choice for a seafood twist on Thanksgiving. They offer a special holiday menu featuring dishes like lobster tail, blackened grouper, and shrimp scampi, perfect for those who want to enjoy fresh, local seafood.
            • Pre-order Tip: Make sure to call ahead as their holiday specials tend to sell out quickly.
         2. Captain Anderson’s Restaurant
            • What They Offer: One of the most iconic seafood restaurants in the area, Captain Anderson’s offers takeout options including whole roasted turkey, smoked ham, and a variety of seafood dishes.
            • Pre-order Tip: Their Thanksgiving takeout menu is highly popular, so it’s best to place your order a week in advance.
         3. The Shrimp Basket
            • What They Offer: For a more casual Thanksgiving option, consider ordering a family seafood platter. The Shrimp Basket offers fried shrimp, grilled fish, hushpuppies, and coleslaw, giving your meal a Southern coastal vibe.

4. Side Dishes: Elevate Your Traditional Sides with Coastal Flair

• Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Stuffing
• Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
• Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
• Panama City Beach Sweet Potato Casserole
• Coconut Lime Rice Pilaf

Takeout Options for Sides

If you’re looking to supplement your home-cooked dishes with a few takeout sides, these local spots have you covered:

1. 1. 1. 1. Thomas Donut & Snack Shop
            • What They Offer: This local favorite often offers a special holiday menu with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and their famous homemade rolls.
            • Pre-order Tip: Call early to reserve your sides, as they typically have limited quantities.
         2. Bayou on the Beach Cafe
            • What They Offer: Known for its Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes, Bayou on the Beach offers unique side options like Cajun cornbread stuffing, spicy mac and cheese, and seafood gumbo. These sides can add an exciting twist to your Thanksgiving table.
            • Pro Tip: Order a variety of small portions to give your guests a taste of different local flavors.

5. Desserts: Sweet Endings to Your Beach Thanksgiving

• Key Lime Pie
• Pumpkin Cheesecake with a Gingersnap Crust
• Pecan Pie with a Touch of Rum

Takeout Dessert Options

For those who want to skip the baking and still enjoy a fantastic dessert spread, check out these local bakeries:

1. 1. 1. 1. David’s Sno-Balls
            • What They Offer: Famous for their beignets and sno-balls, David’s also offers a selection of seasonal pies and pastries, including pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and sweet potato pie during the holidays.
            • Pre-order Tip: Visit their shop to sample some of their options beforehand.
         2. Sweet Magnolia’s Deli & Bakery
            • What They Offer: Sweet Magnolia’s is a top spot for ordering a variety of holiday desserts, such as apple pie, chocolate pecan pie, and traditional pumpkin pie. They also offer a beautiful key lime pie that is perfect for a coastal Thanksgiving theme.
            • Pre-order Tip: Make sure to place your order a few days in advance, especially for large gatherings.

6. Beverage Pairings: Complementing the Feast

• Signature Cocktails like a Cranberry Mojito
• Mocktails for the Non-Drinkers (Coconut Cream Soda)

Takeout Option: If you’re looking to pair your meal with special drinks, Panama City Beach Winery in Panama City Beach offers a fantastic selection of wines, craft beers, and cocktails to-go. Their knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect pairings for your Thanksgiving meal.

Bonus: Pre-Order Thanksgiving Feasts

If cooking isn’t on your agenda this year, several restaurants in Panama City Beach offer full Thanksgiving feasts for pickup:

1. Liza’s Kitchen
   • What They Offer: Liza’s Kitchen prepares a complete Thanksgiving meal, including roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and dessert. It’s a fantastic option for families staying at vacation rentals who want a homemade meal without the hassle of cooking.
   • Pre-order Tip: Their Thanksgiving meals are made to order, so be sure to call at least a week in advance.
2. Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill
   • What They Offer: Runaway Island provides a Thanksgiving feast with a beachside view. Their takeout menu includes traditional options like turkey and ham, as well as fresh seafood options. The restaurant also offers individual plates if you’re looking for a more relaxed holiday meal.
   • Pro Tip: Enjoy your meal on their beachside patio for a unique Thanksgiving experience with an ocean view.
3. The Wicked Wheel
   • What They Offer: Known for its Southern comfort food, The Wicked Wheel offers a Thanksgiving menu with fried turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and cornbread stuffing. Their fried turkey is a must-try for those looking for a Southern twist on the classic bird.
   • Pre-order Tip: Due to high demand, it’s recommended to place your order well in advance.

Spending Thanksgiving at Panama City Beach gives you the best of both worlds: the opportunity to savor the traditional flavors of the holiday while also enjoying the fresh, vibrant tastes of the coast. Whether you decide to cook a full meal at your Shorelyx Properties vacation rental or prefer to order from one of the area’s top restaurants, you can create a memorable holiday experience that captures the spirit of Panama City Beach.

So, grab your loved ones, gather around the table, and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast like no other, surrounded by the beauty of the beach, the comfort of your Shorelyx Properties rental, and the delicious flavors of the Gulf.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving!