My aunt has lived in Niceville for over 30 years and strongly recommended this place when we were discussing dinner options. Due to the heat, we asked to be seated inside, though the patio was quite large. The staff was so, so kind and accommodating. I can't have gluten and asked about specific menu items that would be okay. Anything fried is in shared oil with breaded items, so there's a risk of cross contamination. The waiter recommended the shrimp boil as an option, and oh my gosh. It was SO good. My husband and mom each had a hamburger. My aunt had the redfish, and my dad had the Reuben. All of our food was excellent. My meal took the longest to eat since I had to peel my shrimp. I wouldn't mind sitting outside once the weather cools off a bit. This was a terrific suggestion from my aunt! Also, you can buy t-shirts for $20 each. We got ours. We will definitely be back! read more

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Tried TLE for lunch on a Sunday, after flying in FL for work... Nice outdoor bar and table area right on the water with good/friendly service and respectable food... I didn't want anything heavy so I got the spinach salad with blackened redfish. The food came out really quick and it was alright... Not the best salad I've had, but solid. My one gripe (which is a big one) is that the bill was $37 (w/ tip) for just the salad and and iced tea... Yikes. read more

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My wife and stepson got off a plane and I had to take them somewhere scenic with seafood in the town of Niceville. The Local's met both criteria. The restaurant is out on the bay with lots of yachts and tables set outside for those photos with your wishing to be yours yacht. Inside, the decor would make you think of a good Ole bar and dining room on the sea. The menu is diverse enough for seafood and non-seafood lovers, like myself. I debated between the meatloaf and reuben. It seems like the Reuben is one of their signature dishes and you can have it made with meatloaf, brisket, or redfish. I decided to have the best of both worlds and went with the meatloaf on the reuben. Excellent choice as the meatloaf was wrapped in bacon, nice and thick, and paired well with the Russian dressing. The best part of the sandwich was the provolone cheese. The rest of my party ordered the redfish reuben, shrimp plate, and fish tacos and seemed to be pleased. Sweet tea was fresh-brewed and refreshingly sweet! I wish I had room for their homemade key lime pie but had to skip on it. The Local's is sure to please everyone with their menu and scenic view. read more

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We dined here at the recommendation of family. Fior appetizer we had the hot krab dip and the burnt belly. Hot krab dip was tasty. The burnt belly was a bit tough and dry. I honestly didn't know that a Philly sandwich could be made to taste so poorly, but this place did it. I got the Locals Philly with shaved rib eye. The sandwich was complete mush void of any decent flavor. My partner got the loaf. The added bacon was the only flavor. The meatloaf alone was flavorless. Service was just ok. We had to ask for additional cocktails/refills rather than be asked if we'd like another. When server would bring additional so drinks they'd leave the previous glasses on the table which did nothing but crowd the table. I'm honestly not sure I'd go back. read more

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I'm always looking for small cafes off the beaten path, and ChatGPT put this on our thrifting path and what a gem!! Right on the water with beautiful scenery! It was a little chilly to sit outside so we sat in the covered patio for the best of both! We ordered the fried green tomatoes which was absolutely amazing! My daughter and I ate every last bite, the sriracha aioli was the kicker! I asked our waitress for recommendations and I ended up with the brisket tacos which were heavenly! The brisket was cooked perfectly and sliced so thin! Amazing combination! My daughter got the fried fish sandwich and said it was amazing!! If we are ever back in the area, we would definitely go again! Highly recommend!! read more

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We love going here, I crave the hot crab dip! I have not had any other crab dip that compares to this one. In fact other restaurants' crab dips are a huge let down compared to this one! Quick service, wide menu variety and great views of the water. read more

The Local's Eatery - Crab dip and pitas are amazing! - Gastropubs Near Me - Niceville, Florida

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Cool spot on the water/yacht club. Inside and outside seating with views of the boats.water. Service was very pleasant and attentive. Outside has some picnic tables and regular tables. Inside has 2 separate bar areas with tables - clean and mix of modern/ocean. Food was both presented well and tasted well. Fish was fresh. Tacos could use a little more kick of flavor. read more

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Food and service is always wonderful. Crab dip is phenomenal as well the redfish with a lemon-butter sauce!

We tried a new local spot for lunch today! The staff was super nice, the food came out really quickly, and everything tasted great. Definitely recommend giving it a try! read more

The Local's Eatery - Gastropubs Near Me - Niceville, Florida

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The service was excellent at the Locals and the outdoors ambience, nice. I ordered the Reuben Sandwich with brisket which was fair at best. The meat was very dry and tasted like it had been reheated several times. The fries were good! The food gets a "B-". read more

Came in for lunch. We sat outside near the water. So peaceful. Service was excellent. We ordered and food came out literally less than 10 minutes. I had fish salad sammie and my husband steak philly. We both took 1/2 home. Food was delicious. This is our second time here and we will be back. read more

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Had the mahi bronzed it was great, a little over for me, but had great seasoning and the fries were seasoned amazing!! The garlic butter is so garlic forward but really good if you like stuff like that. The unsweet tea was perfect and you cannot beat the view. On the sound in Niceville, married to the marina and overlooking the water. Absolutely fantastic view. They could feed me horse chow with views like that, but they feed you great service and great food. read more

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Nice location right on the edge of the water, decent food. I had the fish tacos with catfish. Not the best fish taco I've ever had, but still tasty. read more

YUM!!!!!! I visited the Local's Eatery at lunchtime with coworkers on a weekday. The weather was gorgeous and the parking lot was packed full, but the service was still so fast! We were seated upon our request outside within minutes and our waiter was bright and friendly. Their outside tables outlook the marina area and it's a beautiful view. I ordered the local's tacos with fish and they were great! I think I would've preferred the fish slightly crispier, but that's personal preference and I still think the food was great. The fries were well seasoned and the water cold. My coworkers both got burgers which looked equally delicious. This was the perfect place to get away from work for an hour while visiting Florida. A quick drive from FWB or Destin and definitely a worthwhile one for anyone interested in checking this restaurant out! :) read more

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The food flavor was really good The serving size was small. The service was quick. Seating is up high with a view of the bayou. read more

The Local's Eatery - Gastropubs Near Me - Niceville, Florida

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Shrimp and grits were OUT OF THIS WORLD!! Such a nice place, great service. Will be coming back for sure. read more

The Local's Eatery - Gastropubs Near Me - Niceville, Florida

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What a great experience!. OK to write on the water with a beautiful view. Doesn't matter where you sit you will always have a great view overlooking the water and across the bay. This establishment is located down a side street next to behind a boat, storage and sales area. The food here is even better than the view. When I come here to town, I always make a point to stop here and order the fish tacos. They just can't be beat. The staff here is top-notch. They're always professional and eager to assist. This establishment is a must do if you're in the area. read more

Good food. Great service. Full bar with several local beer selections. The menu is pretty good as well with lots of local seafood choices. Laid back ambiance makes it a great place to visit! read more

The Local's Eatery - Gastropubs Near Me - Niceville, Florida

My friend suggested this spot for lunch today. Been here a few times before. Located right behind the marina. Parking is hit or miss but there are plenty of spots. We sat on the enclosed patio outside which was a very nice and quiet view. Big portions which I could have split. Everything tasted good and our waitress was amazing. Menu is limited but there is a lot on there. I'd def recommend a stop here. read more

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The tacos were amazing. I had a catfish taco and a brisket taco. They were both amazing!

Great food, friendly server. I am sure the view was nice too, but it happened to be dark and foggy that evening. We both had the blackened redfish, and it was very good. The meals coming out around us looked great also. We finished it off with a slice of key lime pie, and it was probably the best I have had! read more

This is my second time to the Local's Eatery. I ordered the fish sandwich first and it was fine over a lunch. I just ordered the seared ahi tuna and was very disappointed. It came out completely undercooked and very squishy in the middle almost as if I was going to a sushi restaurant (not sushi grade) to the point it could make you sick. The remake was the complete opposite and grossly overcooked like a tuna steak. Additionally, it was smothered in an overpowering sauce. Yikes. I posted photos of it all, including a screenshot of what I expect seared ahi tuna to look like. The service was fine, pretty normal/average. The restaurant is located along the bayou and on a nice, clear day it does provide a nice setting and probably what saves the restaurant from going out of business. I spoke with the manager, Lisa, and she became completely defensive on the feedback. Needless to say, I won't be back anytime soon. read more

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Fantastic food right by the bayou. Service made it easy on me, just walk up to host, tell them you have a spot outside you'd like to sit and you're good to go. Really enjoyed sitting outside while chowing down on fried green tomatoes & a fish salad sandwich. Seafood was perfect with their sweet tea, would comeback for some cocktails or beer :) read more

The Local's Eatery - Fried Green tomatoes - Gastropubs Near Me - Niceville, Florida

The food was great but the service was not. We got there over an hour before closing and felt rushed the entire time. We order drinks and she asks if we are ready to order food. Mind you I haven't been able to look at the menu yet because we just sat down. I asked for a minute so she grabs drinks and comes back within 30 seconds and asks what we want for dinner. My husband and I were going to order an app so I asked for another minute. She sends someone else over to ask for her....Ok. We order and get our food and I've taken maybe two bites of my food and as I have food in my mouth she's asking if we want dessert. I said we were going to look and make a decision so we can take it home. They still had an hour before they closed so why are you rushing us so bad? Anyways, she comes back with the check ($60 for 2 people) which is not bad at all. We were going to order dessert but obviously she didn't ask again and brought the check. My husband gives $100 cash and she says "Do you need me to get you change"......our bill was $60 Yes please lol. Anyways the food was great and I can see how the atmosphere would be good but the service was very poor. We're super quick and easy going people too! Just don't show up at 6:45 when they close at 8! read more

This was one of our favorite places for a bite to eat with the family during our recent trip to FL. It's totally a hidden gem behind the Emerald Coast Yacht Club. Parking is upper limited in the dirt lot but you can park around the Yacht Club too. There is a beautiful view of the marina with some public parking places if you're arriving by boat. There are indoor and outdoor seats available with a waitlist usually during peak hours. Our party of 5 adults and 1 child got seated in the outdoor patio area which had fans to keep you cool. The menu features alot of the local ingredients in the region with very affordable casual dining prices. They do have a small beer on tap and seasonal beers available too with a small wine selection. For starters: The smoked fish dip with pita bread. This was absolutely delicious with the large chunks of fish/crab like mixture with a creamy cheesy mixture ontop of the toasted crispy pita bread. Entrees: Fish Sandwich can either be with the copia or redfish in your choice of either blackened, grilled or fried. This plate comes with a side of fries. We went with the fried copia version. The fish itself was cooked to flakey perfection with great seasoning on the batter paired with the brioche bun topped with pickles, creole mayo, shredded iceberg lettuce, and raw white onion slices. The fries were like a battered double fried type so super crispy like an Arby's seasoned fry! Super tasty! I did wish it came with a side of tarter sauce or extra aiole. But overall a delicious entree Seared ahi tuna: seared rare served with mash potatoes and side of sauteed asparagus. This is probably there top 3 best sellers since we saw it on many tables! This is the most expensive item on the menu at $22. The seasoning was again perfect with the classic plating sides. The locals taco: Your choice of either house spicy fish or shrimp served on a flour tortilla, shredded lettuce, pineapple pico de gallo, mixed cheese, sweet remoulade and a side of fries. This is not a traditional taco all all but fits the regional tastes. If you love a slightly sweeter taco you will love these. The service here was top notch with a very attentive waitress. Its also our local relatives favorite restaurant for lunch and we can definitely see why too. Highly recommended for those visiting the area for a bite to eat with fresh regional ingredients. read more

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It's pretty nice place. The night I went was very, very cold and windy. They had plastic, but it was still pretty bad. Service was great. They make wonderful craft drinks. The food portion size are huge. The only thing that I had a problem with this j I can't put my finger on it but it was kind of the menu mix. I know that sounds weird. Just couldn't find anything that really excited me. The place was very nice. I really don't have anything bad to say but anyway good luck to you guys. you've been around for a while. Glad to see that. I'll probably be coming back pretty soon thank you very much. read more

Food was excellent and service was exceptional. We ate outside and enjoyed nice weather. We will return.

Looked this place up on my way to VPS to fly out. Looked like decent food and drink at reasonable prices. It did not disappoint; I got the Local burger with an egg and it was cooked perfectly. The service was great and the ambiance was wonderful being right on the water at a harbor. You light even see some dolphins jumping around. read more

What a fabulous local spot! It's behind the huge marina, and for a non-local, it was a beautiful location to look out and see all the sweet boats! There's nothing to argue about it: it's great food, great, quick service and a great location. Apps: The fried green tomatoes app had lots of sauces and toppings - lots of flavor! And the crab dip was RICH and delicious. Kids: The cheeseburger meals had HUGE drinks, and we split two meals for three kids and had plenty of food. Meals: the Spinach Salad was fabulous, but I wish I would have remembered to ask for dressing on the side, because it was DRIPPING with dressing. And it was a very good call to add a piece of fish - I chose the copia fillet and it was delicious. The Philly steak was robust! Thanks Local's!! read more

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Food was on point and service was top notch! Little waterfront eatery with indoor and outdoor seating. Sat in bar area for a quick bite. Liba recommended the house smoke wings and they had perfect Smokey flavor with dry rub to enhance. The ahi tuna bites were perfect to split as well. Great combo and flavor and cooked perfectly. Lunch was grilled blackened fish tacos and the use of pineapple to cut the heat from blackening season was amazing. All in all the service and food were too notch. Would recommend the stop in! read more

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We arrived at opening at 11am. They were not busy. We ordered ham and cheese. And hog wings. Everything was outstanding. Not dry in the least. Food came out 5min after ordering. We will def be back. Thank you. read more

The Local's Eatery - Hog wings. Mashed potatoes. Asparagus. Hame and cheese. - Gastropubs Near Me - Niceville, Florida

Party officials of 4, 3 generations, dinner patio. Don't expect a warm greeting first off. The patio furniture is disgustingly ignored. Black dirty grease imbedded on all tables and oh so sticky. Dust and cobwebs adorned the walls. Don't look at the table bases just awful.We had lunch here 2 years ago and found the environment quite appealing . This time the place screams of neglect. Food .... various shades of brown with no attempt to break the plates dull presentation with even a 3cent sprig of parsley. Never came back to check on us and no beverage refills Never going back without updating shots... totally a waste of money and time... truly an embarrassment moment . read more

Good food, good service, pleasant staff, great view. What more do you want? Yes, it's in the marina which threw me off for a sec. Just walk around the left side to get to the hostess. read more

We ate lunch at the Locals today and the service and food were excellent! The Locals is on the waterfront, making the ambiance a beautiful setting. The food was perfectly proportioned and delicious! Highly recommend if you're in the area! read more

The Local's Eatery - Lower portion of the main course menu - Gastropubs Near Me - Niceville, Florida

Location, location location. Just went here with my real estate business partner after we did some work on a beautiful weekend Sunday. We wanted to be out by the water somewhere we could enjoy the view and this place was perfect. They have inside and outside dining. The menu isn't huge, but they have a few, good options such as the Ahi tuna bites. I appreciate that they have some food that's not deep-fried like a lot of other places. It was very busy yet. They got a seated right away and have great service. Every time I've been here I've had a good experience.. read more

The Local's Eatery - Ahi tuna bites. Cooked perfectly. - Gastropubs Near Me - Niceville, Florida

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Fried green tomatoes and the hot crab dip are the favorites. Smiling staff. Nice place with a view.

First visit to Destin, FL and needed a quick but good place to eat after landing on the red eye, and this place checked off the boxes. Bigger portions than we're used to, and the pina coladas were great. Service was on point, too! read more

The Local's Eatery - Fried Green Tomatoes Appetizer and the Popcorn Shrimp Appetizer - Gastropubs Near Me - Niceville, Florida

It was a little difficult to find however ensure you go past the marine sales building towards the bay. We ordered the smoked fish starter as my hubby had never had it before and he loved it! He ordered the shrimp and grits and noted it was the best ever. I had the grilled red fish plate. Just wish I could have had veggies instead of fries. The fish was amazing. read more

Food and service were exceptional! As for a special order and was well prepared!! Definitely willl be back ! read more

Food has always been consistent. Service is always friendly and fast. You can sit outside with a great view of the water. Recommend the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Note to owners: please list all craft beers that you serve. Was disappointed that I saw more craft beers available than were listed on the menu. The pork belly bites are tasty but could use a bit more crispiness. read more