About
While descriptions like "iconic" and "eclectic" are often overused and therefore become lackluster, in the case of The Red Bar, they loom as signposts of discovery. We'll go so far as to say that dining here is as much a part of a 30A getaway as sinking toes in the sugar white sand!
Our story begins with Grayton Beach, one of the oldest communities in the Panhandle. It was established in 1890 by Army Major Charles T. Gray as a small fishing village; it has since grown to attract vacationers who appreciate its white beaches, dunes, and bohemian spirit.
It's this free-spirited community that The Red Bar calls home. It was founded in 1995 by two brothers, Olivier and Philippe Petit. The concept was simple: create a vibey seafood spot with an artsy atmosphere, featuring live jazz on weekends. To say that the eatery was a success would be an understatement!
With the success of The Red Bar, the Petit family branched out, opening Louis Louis in 2010, inland along HI 98. Here, a similar vibe and menu to The Red Bar reside, adding yet another restaurant to consider on your Emerald Coast getaway.
Be sure to add this restaurant to your itinerary to experience live jazz, funky decor, and a vibrant menu.
Vibe
The exterior is exactly what you'd expect in Grayton Beach: a one-story, vibey, beach-shack-looking building. Vines run up the side of the building, while the hand-painted, 70s-like sign adorns the dark facade.
Inside, eclectic art, vintage posters, and pictures dot the walls and ceiling. String lights run along the ceiling line, creating a cozy yet lively ambiance.
Live music sets the tone, especially when the Red Bar Jazz Band takes the stage, playing a mix of jazz, blues, and R&B.
While the inside dining area is the most popular, the bar seating offers a front-row view of the action, while the outdoor patio provides a breezy option for al fresco dining.
Simply put, there isn't an eatery along the Emerald Coast with this type of pizzazz, spunk, and atmosphere.
The Red Bar: Menu & Drinks
While having a dynamo setting and atmosphere, these fall short if the food isn't on point. Rest assured, the lunch and dinner menus deliver!
If stopping by for lunch, offered from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., the menu offers a wide spectrum of choices. Fromburgers, po-boys, Belgian waffles, salads, and seafood gumbo, there is something for every diet and budget.
Come dinnertime, the menu elevates with more refined selections. Kickstart your epicurean adventure with a bowl of gumbo, featuring a dark broth rich with Cajun spices and fresh seafood.
Moving to the entrees, the Blackened Grouper is a standout. The mild-tasting fish is lightly blackened and set atop sautéed spinach and a deep-fried bacon cheddar grit cake. Brown butter sauce crowns this combo, while the house salad is the perfect accompaniment.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the Crab Cakes, featuring two 4-oz creations topped with a house-made citrus beurre blanc sauce. It comes with mashed potatoes and a house salad, making for a balanced meal. Another favorite is the Shrimp and Crawfish, served over penne pasta with a homemade tomato beurre blanc sauce.
If seafood isn't appealing, try the Panne Chicken. Two chicken breasts are lightly dusted with Italian breadcrumbs, then pan-seared and oven-baked. Topping it off is a lemon-butter caper sauce, with an accompanying side of mashed potatoes and a house salad.
The drinks keep pace with the menu, with a wide range of creative cocktails, beers, and wines. The Mojitos are a refreshing, tropical choice, with flavors like a classic to black cherry and coconut. Fan-favorites are the margaritas, featuring margs like the fresh-squeezed, the spicy, and the cucumber.
The Red Bar redefines what a Santa Rosa Beach vacation is all about! Visit and discover why it lives up to being "iconic" and "eclectic."
Local Tips
- Reservations are strongly encouraged.
- Parking is limited; take the free tram to its front door.
- Check the event calendar for music and DJ times.
- Order online and enjoy dining back in your Casago rental.
- The kids' menu makes The Red Bar family-friendly.
