The Gulf on Okaloosa Island
+1 850-387-1300+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Mon
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tue
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wed
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thu
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sat
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
Travelers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
American, Bar, Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
features
Menu
Sides and Shares
Smoked Tuna Dip
Served with Pita Chips.
$16
Cauliflower Bites
Fried Cauliflower Florets Tossed in House Made Sweet Chili Dijon Sauce.
$10
Guacamole
Served with Purple Tortilla Chips.
$10
Queso
Served with Purple Tortilla Chips.
$10
Hummus
Served with Fresh Pita Chips.
$9
Hand-Cut Fries
$4.5
Is this an American restaurant?
Details
About
The Gulf is a uniquely designed restaurant serving locally inspired food and beverages in a relaxing and beautiful waterfront setting. Enjoy a delicious fried grouper sandwich, a cocktail and a view of the Gulf of Mexico!
CUISINES
American, Bar, Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Live Music
Contribute
4.0
286 reviews
Excellent
155
Very good
66
Average
35
Poor
18
Terrible
12
reindroped
Elysburg124 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
We grabbed a bite to eat here based off of other positive reviews. The menu is somewhat limited but the chicken and grouper sandwiches were both good. Unfortunately the inside seating was closed due to an event so we had to eat outside and it was cold, the view was nice though. We thought the drinks were overpriced so we only got one round and it look longer than expected to get our food given there were very few other people eating but we might have been impatient from being hungry. Would imagine this place is packed during peak season. It was close to our hotel and would go back when it's nicer out and could enjoy eating outside.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HangoutHospitality
Thank you for the 4 stars! Our menu is limited because it changes monthly. We are pleased to hear that you liked your chicken and grouper sandwiches; they are a crowd favorite! We do offer a happy hour 7 days a week, from 3pm to 6pm. Our happy hour includes domestic beers for $3, house wines for $6, and select specialty cocktails such as our surfs up, bloody mary, and margaritas are 2 for 1. We are sorry you could not enjoy your meal in our indoor dining area. Our outdoor bar offers heated seating for those chilly days and nights. We hope to see you again!
Written February 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kerry D
Jackson313 contributions
Jun 2020 • family
I really enjoy this restaurant. It is a unique concept that first opened in Orange Beach, Al & migrated to another location on Okaloosa Island.
The restaurant, highly stylized & compromised of shipping containers, is situated on beautiful Choctahatchee Bay. It has a very relaxing, hip vibe with outside couches & lounges, unique carved tables, some Astro turf & string lights. You can even stop there while boating, as one family did while we were there.
The food is really good, but don’t expect fancy linens, silverware or plates. This is something of the appeal for me because it is kid AND adult friendly. The food is elevated, but still down to Earth. I had the Black & Blue burger with a side of hummus & pita chips. My husband had the fried fish sandwich (grouper, I think). My burger was excellent & my husband’s sandwich was perfectly fried. It was not soggy like you see a lot at the beach, but a beautiful, crunchy dark brown. His side was the loaded fries. My 4-yr-old ate his entire fried fish & fries & he is very picky.
It is a little pricy because it is alacarte, but really no more expensive than any other beach place. Also, it was great for social distancing during the current pandemic because all seating is outside. Another plus, I’ve never had to wait. I understand the cocktails are great (my friend loves happy hour), but we do not drink.
Bottom line..if you want cool beach ambiance, a beautiful view, really good food & a feeling that you are truly on vacation, this is your place.
Written June 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HangoutHospitality
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Kerry! We appreciate you taking the time to go into detail about your experience with us. We are so glad you loved our relaxing, hip vibe set up! It is important to us to offer such a welcoming place where anyone can come in to enjoy themselves. Those sound like excellent food choices. The fried grouper sandwich is a local favorite! We strive to serve nothing but the best to our customers, so all of our food is fresh and locally sourced which is often reflected in our pricing. Thank you again for an amazing review, and we look forward to seeing you next time!
Written June 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Indimom0721
Nashville103 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
We went here and loved the atmosphere. The bar drinks were good. Disappointed that you had to buy bottle water and no tap water. We had to stand in a long line to get our food. The tuna dip was amazing. The boiled shrimp were a disappointment as they were mushy. The grouper sandwich had zero flavor. I wanted tarter sauce but the line was so long and no one came around. Basically it's great for a few drinks and maybe an appetizer but the food is bland.
Written June 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HangoutHospitality
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We appreciate the honest feedback. We are glad that you enjoyed our atmosphere and drinks. The bartenders always do an amazing job! The tuna dip is a fantastic choice, and a local favorite! We are sorry to hear that your experience with the rest of your meal was less than satisfactory. We wish you would have brought this to our attention when you were still here. We would have loved the opportunity to make things right immediately. We hope you give us another chance to show you a 5-star dining experience.
Written July 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A C
Canton15 contributions
Jul 2021 • family
We went here for dinner midweek late night. There was still an hour and a half until close. We walked right in and ordered. It's counter service at a window. They were out of most items, and there were only a few tables of people. It had rained earlier but ALL the tables were soaking wet. The staff didn't seem very excited to be there. We finally asked if they had something to wipe off a table to sit at, and low and behold they did. A squeegee and rag. The guy came to wipe one off and the chairs and didn't acknowledge us. He looked completely unthrilled to do this, yet did a great job. We didn't feel bad asking because we had already tipped a decent tip at the window before anyone did anything but take a counter service order. The food is very overpriced for small portions and lack of flavor. I had the fish special and it was smoothered in too much of a jelly and had a hot floor but no other flavor and could have used salt majorly. The fries were small portions and cold and soggy. Everything is also carte so a sandwich is super expensive for just the sandwich. Fries are extra. My family all got sandwiches with fries but barely touched the fries. Their sandwiches were not great and lacked salt or flavor. It looks like it could be a fun, hip vibe outside, the whole place is outside on the inlet with corn hole games and string lights. But it wasn't that night. The staff didn't want to be there and we're closing up and hour early around us. As I said, they weren't wiping off the soaking tables and it hasn't rained in a while. It was as if they didn't want more customers. We won't be back.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor E
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • couples
Seeing that the lobster and shrimp roll was $18 I was expecting it to come on a hoagie bun. To my surprise, it came on a piece of bread folded in half. Basically the size of a hotdog bun. Also, $4 up charge for fries instead of chips. NO. No flavor, not filling and absolutely not worth $22 for a roll and fries. Tried contacting and they said that’s how it’s supposed to be. I guess It’s just a way of saying they will rob you blind.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HangoutHospitality
Hi Taylor, I thought our manager reached out and took care of you. If there is anything else we can do, please let us know; we would be more than happy to help. We strive to serve the best customer service, and we look forward to seeing you next time.
Written March 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dosherfamily
Spring Hill51 contributions
May 2021 • business
Husband got the crab leg boil for $30 and i ordered the fried flounder. Awful! We left feeling hungry and robbed. Waaaayyy over priced! Crab trap was SO SO much better. If you go here, order a bloody mary and enjoy the beautiful view. Avoid the kitchen!
Written May 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manager
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, Dosherfamily2. We are sorry that your experience with our food was less than satisfactory. This does not sound like a normal visit to our restaurant. We strive to serve nothing but the best to our customers. We wish you would have let a manager know you were dissatisfied with your meal when you were still here, so we could have made things right immediately. Thank you again, and we hope you give us another opportunity to show you a 5-star dining experience.
Written May 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kimberly S
Mount Pleasant68 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
It's like a food stand next to the water. You stand in line to place your order then find a place outside to sit, then they bring the food to you. The food wasn't bad but it was nothing to write home about and the cost was high especially for portion sizes and taste. We will chose something else next time.
Written March 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manager
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, 75kimberlys. We hope you give us another opportunity to show you a 5-star dining experience.
Written March 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pete
Buckeye31 contributions
Sep 2022 • couples
The wife and I had lunch here today.
It was so much better than yesterdays.
The service was fast, the burgers were very good and the beers were cold and the price wasn’t too shabby.
If we were staying longer we would probably stop by again before leaving.
It was that good.
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manager
Thank you so much for the 5 stars! We are glad you had a wonderful time, and we hope to see you again soon!
Written October 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RockyRaccoon
Port Saint Joe895 contributions
Apr 2023 • friends
...and that's really what you're paying for here. Open-air seating with a prime spot overlooking the water. The staff was exceptionally friendly. Sadly, we found the food to be sub-par. They don't serve oysters or have draft beer, which was really the two things we wanted. So, if you're really into just relaxing atmosphere and not so much the food then you'll be fine here. Otherwise, there are better options.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaul Zislin
We appreicate your honest review. We are pleased to know that you enjoyed our breathtaking serene tropical oaisis. Our team does absolutely love taking great care of our guests as though they are part of our very own family. Our kitchen team does work diligently to bring an array of fresh locally sourced menu options to accommodate each guest's palate and we sincerely apologize that your expecations were not met. Though we do not offer oysters or draft beer on our menu, we do offer a variety of other delicious dishes and handcrafted drinks. We do hope you will give us another try so that we can show you a 5-star Gulf experience.
Written April 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Salty711
Fort Walton Beach28 contributions
Nov 2019 • solo
We live here so this is one of our favorite hangouts. We can take our dogs and food is usually good. We have had a few poor experiences. Chicken tenders we so salty a 4 year old refused to eat. We tasted and sent back. They took off check. We go at least once a month. Great shrimp tacos. Menu changes.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HangoutHospitality
Thank you for the 4 stars and for being one of our regulars! We love seeing familiar faces around here. We are so sorry that you had a few poor experiences; we strive to serve the best food with excellent service. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Written February 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MikeR1267
135 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
We had dinner there with 3 kids and 3 adults and spent over $100. The atmosphere and location are great. You sit right along the bay and watch boats go by from the outside tables. The food however was disappointing. My wife had the $8 burger which she said was good the the rest not so much. I had the po boy shrimp sandwich which was large but the shrimp were room temperature and not at all crispy. My daughter had the chicken sandwich which was just so so. One kid had grilled cheese which was okay but the two with chicken tenders didn't like them. None of them even finished their fries. I also ordered the loaded french fries for $8. I expected more than two layers of soft fries (not crispy at all) with a bit of cheese and bacon bits. The restaurant is unique and the view is great but don't go expecting great food.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah B
Russellville28 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
While the location was nice and not as crowded as other local restaurants, the food felt a little overpriced for the actual quality. Each party in our group tried something different, but no one was overly impressed. The concept and location are nice, but the food we had was average at best.
Written June 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hangout Hospitality Manager
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your visit to our restaurant. We strive to serve nothing but the best to our customers, and we will share your feedback with our team. Thank you again, and we hope you give us another opportunity to show you a 5-star dining experience.
Written June 18, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MelG131
Savage27 contributions
Apr 2023 • friends
We had a great time at The Gulf! It was a pretty cool day but the outdoor bar had heaters to keep us warm. Nicole was great and took good care of us. They had chicken and waffles as a special which were delicious, as were the speciality drinks. They have a beautiful spot on the water with tons of great outdoor seating options. Would definitely return!
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaul Zislin
Thank you very much for your 5-star rating! We are delighted to hear that you absoultely loved your time spent with us here at The Gulf. Though at times the weather does not always cooperate, we do offer a variety of amenities including large heaters that surround the bar along with an indoor seating area in order to ensure the highest level of comfortability for our guests. Our food is truly delicious and our handcrafted drinks are amazing. Our gorgeous scenic waterfront view is simply breathtaking. We will be sure to share your comments with our team and look forward to your return.
Written April 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KarenG144
Hudson71 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
This is a nice relaxing place to have lunch with a great view. We saw a dolphin in the water!
The food is average; I really liked the blackened Mahi tacos. You order at a window and they bring your lunch in little paper containers to your table. There is a bar to get wine and drinks.
Their system is fast and efficient, the wait staff very nice.
Written June 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manager
Thank you so much for the review, Karen! We have the best view on the island, and we are glad you enjoyed it as much as we do! The Mahi Tacos are an excellent choice, and a crowd favorite! We hope you stop by again soon to try one of the new specials our menu has to offer!
Written June 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ashley Norris
Paris20 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
This place is awesome! You walk up and order, find a table and play volleyball, cornhoke or hang by the water till you eat.
Food is excellent!! Shrimp and lobster roll, crab legs, queso, grouper sandwich, hand cut fries!!
Written June 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hangout Hospitality Manager
Thank you for the amazing feedback Ashley! We are delighted to hear that your time with us here at The Gulf was awesome. We take pride in being able to offer an array of family friendly activities to enhance our guest's experience. Our kitchen team works hard to bring the freshest ingredients and delectable dishes to each and every table and our staff enjoys treating our guests just like family. We hope you will join us again soon!
Written June 10, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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