All the Seafood You Want, Down-home Style

 

Just about any restaurant in the Navarre Beach area is going to have some worthwhile seafood offerings, but up the road a bit, in and around Milton, is where you’ll find several no-frills, Southern-style joints that serve up the real-deal stuff. You won’t find Bronzino Sous Vide or Swordfish Au Poivre, but you can get all the mullet, catfish, shrimp, oysters, gumbos, hushpuppies and other Panhandle standards that you’re lil’ ol’ heart, and stomach, desires.

Here’s a survey:

Cosse’s Place 
Cosse’s Place is a New Orleans style restaurant new to Milton. Cosse’s Place serves up traditional, bayou tastings such as alligator and frog legs – but don’t sweat it, their friend crab claws and fresh oysters are a real treat. (5365 Stewart St, Milton, (850) 626-2655)
CossesPlace.com

Gator’s Seafood Restaurant
This backroads place sits on a lake about 9 miles southeast of downtown Milton. Mullet, hushpuppies, cheese grits — all the authentic goods. An online reviewer raves: “Down-home, old-Florida seafood. The “hot filet mullet” will blow your mind.“Limited, seasonal hours. Best to call before you head out. (4030 Farrington Road, Milton, (850) 623-2661)
Facebook.com/Gators-Seafood-268374273199468/

Nichols Seafood
Big hearty portions of traditional down-home seafood dishes are the deal here. Long tables are great for family-style chowing. You’ll eat fresh fish, oysters and other stuff caught from this restaurant’s own boats. About 5 miles southwest of downtown Milton. (3966 Avalon Blvd., Milton, (850) 623-3410)
Facebook.com/NicholsSeafood/

Shrimp Basket
You can find locations of this casual chain throughout the Panhandle and up into ‘Bama. People line up for the all-you-can-eat shrimp, whitefish and catfish. Another specialty is Po Boys. Gumbo, crab claws and other regional delectables, too. (6389 US-90, Milton, FL 32570 (850) 626-6166)
ShrimpBasket.com/

Crazy Cajun
The name of the place pretty much sums it up. This small establishment makes you feel like you are in the heart of the bayou with their homemade chicken and sausage gumbo. Don’t forget to add a side of their lemon beignets for dessert.  (5168 Stewart St, Milton, (850) 564-0293)
Yelp.com/CrazyCajun