A Delightful Discovery

NESTLED ALONG the coastline of the northwest Florida Panhandle is a hunger hangout which has served locals and visitors alike for over six decades. Located in the small village of Seagrove Beach, the MarketCafe is the oldest continuing business along 30-A, a scenic highway which hugs the Gulf of Mexico between Destin and Panama City.

For me, this quaint little store and eatery established in 1949 was a delightful discovery. My wife agrees.  So do friends who joined us there for lunch this past winter. We were impressed enough to go back two more times after our initial visit!

Actually, the Seagrove Village MarketCafe is at the corner of County Highway 30-A and County Highway 395 just a couple of miles south of U.S. Highway 98. While it is known for its "deep fried love," their seafood and burgers continue to win awards for best in the region.

The Cafe's menu, however, is not limited. It is large enough to keep people with varied tastes happy. Featured items are shrimp, oysters, and fresh fish from the Gulf. But, other items include grilled chicken and fish, salads, Philly cheese steaks, fried green tomato BLTs, grouper sandwiches, fish tacos, and more.

The MarketCafe is open from mid-morning until mid-evening. Lunch is served from 10:30 to 5:00; dinner is served from 5:00 to 8:30.

In addition to great food, the store "up front" has great buys. Hats, t-shirts, flip-flops, candy, post cards, and a wide variety of keepsakes, souvenirs, and other interesting items are available.

Several magazines have featured the MarketCafe over the years, and numerous writers have given it rave reviews. However, their best advertisement has probably been by word of mouth: thousands of satisfied customers.

Not often have I devoted an article to one restaurant, cafe, or eatery. But the MarketCafe qualifies. I'm one of those satisfied customers. What a delightful discovery, and what a gratifying leisure experience!