Schooners
Schooners
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popular!
5121 Gulf Drive
Panama City,
FL
32408
Phone: 850-235-3555
Website: Schooners
They call this place “The Last Local Beach Club,” because it is one of the last holdouts for the classic beach style... with danceworn wood floors and tin roof... a bar perched out right on the Gulf. The bands start early and by sunset, the dance floor is packed. Every sunset, someone from the crowd lights the fuse on the old cannon and everyone counts down to “blast off” just as the sun dips below the horizon. Schooners keeps the prices low, the beer ice cold and the seafood fresh. Schooners chefs challenge the finest in the country. Voted “Best Place for Live Music” and “Best Place to Take Friends from Out of Town!” Live music daily. Web site has great live cams and popular local bulletin board. If you're looking for the perfect souvenir of your trip to PC Beach, the "Last Local Beach Club" has it available on line!
73 Votes
30 Reviews
Details:
5121 Gulf Drive
Panama City,
FL
32408
Location: Near the east end of Thomas Drive, right on the beach
Contact:
Phone: 850-235-3555
Alt. Phone or Fax: 850-235-0737
Business Hours: 11am - 3am
Credit Cards Accepted: American Express,
Discover,
Mastercard,
Visa
Accessibility Offered: Handicap
Visit their website: Schooners
Entertainment: Bands,
Dance Floor
Music: Blues,
Rock
Food Served: American,
Regional,
Seafood,
Steak
Meals Served: Appetizers,
Brunch,
Dinner,
Lunch
Restaurant Reservations: Optional
Restaurant Smoking: Smoke Free
Restaurant Dress Code: Beach
Reviews:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Schooners Review, 2009-09-29
Reviewed By: Gerdty
Reviewed By: Gerdty
Gerdty
Being right on the beach, Schooners has a great location and good atomospere. There isn't a long wait if you go relatively early. However the food lacks in being different from any other restaurant in Panama City Beach , but the food is not over priced. Live entertainment is offered after dark but you will wait longer than before dark. So is Schooners worth the visit? Yes, even though the food isn't unique, it is good and the right-on-the-beach atomospere puts Schooners on the menu for your vacation.
Being right on the beach, Schooners has a great location and good atomospere. There isn't a long wait if you go relatively early. However the food lacks in being different from any other restaurant in Panama City Beach , but the food is not over priced. Live entertainment is offered after dark but you will wait longer than before dark. So is Schooners worth the visit? Yes, even though the food isn't unique, it is good and the right-on-the-beach atomospere puts Schooners on the menu for your vacation.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Dance The Night Away, 2009-06-24
Reviewed By: Mirandam
Reviewed By: Mirandam
Mirandam
Schooners offers some of the best musical acts on the beach. After dinner be sure to stay and dance awhile, most nights you will hear upbeat dance favorites like "Brickhouse", "Mustang Sally" or "Get Down Tonight.” The open-air setup allows a steady sea breeze and gorgeous gulf views. You may find it hard to leave this place!
Schooners offers some of the best musical acts on the beach. After dinner be sure to stay and dance awhile, most nights you will hear upbeat dance favorites like "Brickhouse", "Mustang Sally" or "Get Down Tonight.” The open-air setup allows a steady sea breeze and gorgeous gulf views. You may find it hard to leave this place!
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0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
In Love Again, 2009-03-20
Reviewed By: Margit
Reviewed By: Margit
Margit
There's nothing like the perfect Schooner's moment. I was there recently, over Spring Break, and let me tell you, even the kids who couldn't drink were having a good time. It's the kind of place where a chilled out, beachy, relaxed, authentic fun is contagious. The band was playing those songs you realize you know all the words to, the bartenders are always there when you need them but not pushy, and can I just say: you can hunt high and low and inside and out and not find a better fried shrimp. Perfect fried shrimp! and I save my fried shrimp consumption for the best. These are the best. Love you, Schooners! See you in the summer for a swim before lunch.
There's nothing like the perfect Schooner's moment. I was there recently, over Spring Break, and let me tell you, even the kids who couldn't drink were having a good time. It's the kind of place where a chilled out, beachy, relaxed, authentic fun is contagious. The band was playing those songs you realize you know all the words to, the bartenders are always there when you need them but not pushy, and can I just say: you can hunt high and low and inside and out and not find a better fried shrimp. Perfect fried shrimp! and I save my fried shrimp consumption for the best. These are the best. Love you, Schooners! See you in the summer for a swim before lunch.
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1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Unbelievable staff, 2008-08-04
Reviewed By: bassplayer60
Reviewed By: bassplayer60
bassplayer60
My wife and I visited Schooners recently and we were amazed how hardworking and fast the staff were. True professionals. They were like a bunch of worker bees buzzing around the hive. Michelle was our waitress, great service! Great seafood platter! Great everything! Schooners is always #1 on our list in PC.
My wife and I visited Schooners recently and we were amazed how hardworking and fast the staff were. True professionals. They were like a bunch of worker bees buzzing around the hive. Michelle was our waitress, great service! Great seafood platter! Great everything! Schooners is always #1 on our list in PC.
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1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Schooners was AWESOME!, 2008-07-17
Reviewed By: kim221998
Reviewed By: kim221998
kim221998
I've been going to Panama City almost every summer since I was born...which is almost 33 years now..and we've never gone to any of the top restaurants. This year we decided to give Schooners a try. I've got to say it was AWESOME! It looked crowded but the wait wasn't long and we were given one of the best seats in the place..right by the rail leading to the beach so we could see the incredible view! I had the Schooner Burger, which was a bit overcooked, but tasted incredible regardless. It had excellent flavor. We had the crabcakes as an appetizer and they were wonderful. Had a nice cold Bushwhacker to drink...and for dessert...just had to try the key lime pie which I've never tried anywhere before...it was one of the most incredible things I'd ever tasted!! I only live two hours away...I wonder if that's to far just to drive for dinner..lol. Schooners was awesome and I can't wait to go back!
I've been going to Panama City almost every summer since I was born...which is almost 33 years now..and we've never gone to any of the top restaurants. This year we decided to give Schooners a try. I've got to say it was AWESOME! It looked crowded but the wait wasn't long and we were given one of the best seats in the place..right by the rail leading to the beach so we could see the incredible view! I had the Schooner Burger, which was a bit overcooked, but tasted incredible regardless. It had excellent flavor. We had the crabcakes as an appetizer and they were wonderful. Had a nice cold Bushwhacker to drink...and for dessert...just had to try the key lime pie which I've never tried anywhere before...it was one of the most incredible things I'd ever tasted!! I only live two hours away...I wonder if that's to far just to drive for dinner..lol. Schooners was awesome and I can't wait to go back!
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Great little place, 2008-07-14
Reviewed By: wilco79
Reviewed By: wilco79
wilco79
My wife and I visited Schooners for lunch recently on our vacation to PCB. The place really does have a nice vibe, I had a grouper basket and she the Quesadillas we were both very pleased. We had drinks and took a seat right there on the open deck looking out on the beach. Great service and a good meal. We'd go back in a heartbeat.
My wife and I visited Schooners for lunch recently on our vacation to PCB. The place really does have a nice vibe, I had a grouper basket and she the Quesadillas we were both very pleased. We had drinks and took a seat right there on the open deck looking out on the beach. Great service and a good meal. We'd go back in a heartbeat.
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2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
A changed experience, 2008-04-18
Reviewed By: Cerberus2342
Reviewed By: Cerberus2342
Cerberus2342
Schooner's has gone though a dramatic re-invention over the past decade, and that's not totally a good thing. When I first frequented the place with my brother in the mid-1990's, it was an affordable local hangout with no pretention. The kind of place where you could get a pitcher of beer ($5 bottles only now) and a few dozen raw (no longer on the menu) and kick back. Lately, though, under new ownership, it's taken on a sort of posh appeal, and is a ghost of its former self. The food is still pretty good, and the view is absolutely unparalleled, but it's not the place it used to be.
Schooner's has gone though a dramatic re-invention over the past decade, and that's not totally a good thing. When I first frequented the place with my brother in the mid-1990's, it was an affordable local hangout with no pretention. The kind of place where you could get a pitcher of beer ($5 bottles only now) and a few dozen raw (no longer on the menu) and kick back. Lately, though, under new ownership, it's taken on a sort of posh appeal, and is a ghost of its former self. The food is still pretty good, and the view is absolutely unparalleled, but it's not the place it used to be.
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4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
Fun but don't eat, 2008-02-02
Reviewed By: bdgambler
Reviewed By: bdgambler
bdgambler
Great atmosphere, always fun. The food sucks.
Great atmosphere, always fun. The food sucks.
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0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
schooners, 2007-09-17
Reviewed By: jdoublec
Reviewed By: jdoublec
jdoublec
Just came back from there and hated to leave. The food is the absolute best on the beach, the drinks right there with it. Next time there, will probably eat only there.
Just came back from there and hated to leave. The food is the absolute best on the beach, the drinks right there with it. Next time there, will probably eat only there.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
Schooners, 2007-08-23
Reviewed By: tsolomon
Reviewed By: tsolomon
tsolomon
A wonderful view of the beach/gulf, cool breezes, sunshine, VERY courteous wait staff, this restaurant has plenty to offer the visitor and the locals as well. I ate for the first time (I've lived here for over 20 years doh!) here last week on a business lunch and the food was superb. The grilled (sushi grade) tuna was perfectly seasoned and expertly prepared, the taste was phenomenal; my mouth waters thinking about it a week later! The side order of black beans on wild rice was a meal all to itself. My tea glass never went empty (one of my measuring sticks of a good wait staff), the waitress seemed genuinely concerned that my experience was a great one (without being annoying, that is a real art). This restaurant is now on my top 10 must eats for Panama City; it's that good. Do your self a favor and don't miss it; and congratulate yourself with a cold one when you're done ;)
A wonderful view of the beach/gulf, cool breezes, sunshine, VERY courteous wait staff, this restaurant has plenty to offer the visitor and the locals as well. I ate for the first time (I've lived here for over 20 years doh!) here last week on a business lunch and the food was superb. The grilled (sushi grade) tuna was perfectly seasoned and expertly prepared, the taste was phenomenal; my mouth waters thinking about it a week later! The side order of black beans on wild rice was a meal all to itself. My tea glass never went empty (one of my measuring sticks of a good wait staff), the waitress seemed genuinely concerned that my experience was a great one (without being annoying, that is a real art). This restaurant is now on my top 10 must eats for Panama City; it's that good. Do your self a favor and don't miss it; and congratulate yourself with a cold one when you're done ;)
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
NOT a local beach club!, 2007-07-13
Reviewed By: pcitylocal
Reviewed By: pcitylocal
pcitylocal
As a local we go to the beach and get take out frequently for lunch at Schooners and have frequented it for years. Recently we went to Schooners after work to have dinner and were asked to pay a cover charge of $8 per person, and I let them know we WERE locals and DID intend to eat dinner and weren't just there to drink and they told us it didnt matter, after a certain time you still pay a cover charge! For $8 per person more we decided to go to a nicer restuarant and atleast GET something for the extra money and that is what we intend to do from now on. I do not think they appreciate local business and noone should be penalized for having a late dinner! This is NOT a local beach club because they do NOT appreciate locals continued business!
As a local we go to the beach and get take out frequently for lunch at Schooners and have frequented it for years. Recently we went to Schooners after work to have dinner and were asked to pay a cover charge of $8 per person, and I let them know we WERE locals and DID intend to eat dinner and weren't just there to drink and they told us it didnt matter, after a certain time you still pay a cover charge! For $8 per person more we decided to go to a nicer restuarant and atleast GET something for the extra money and that is what we intend to do from now on. I do not think they appreciate local business and noone should be penalized for having a late dinner! This is NOT a local beach club because they do NOT appreciate locals continued business!
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
stunning view, 2007-07-09
Reviewed By: Myron
Reviewed By: Myron
Myron
We all like to eat where the locals eat when we are on vacation, but I happen to be a local here, and even though the beach can be filled with tourist, some of us locals still like Schooners enough to fight through the crowds and get some good ole fashioned seafood. You just can't beat fresh local grouper while sitting next to the most breath taking view in the country. If you haven't seen the view from Schooners, you haven't been the beach. Where else can you sip on a pina coloda or a great cold beer in a bathing suite or suite while you wait for the best piece of grouper on the beach. I'm going to get into trouble with the locals by telling you this, but Schooners has a great huge burger as well. It's a can't miss/can't lose.
We all like to eat where the locals eat when we are on vacation, but I happen to be a local here, and even though the beach can be filled with tourist, some of us locals still like Schooners enough to fight through the crowds and get some good ole fashioned seafood. You just can't beat fresh local grouper while sitting next to the most breath taking view in the country. If you haven't seen the view from Schooners, you haven't been the beach. Where else can you sip on a pina coloda or a great cold beer in a bathing suite or suite while you wait for the best piece of grouper on the beach. I'm going to get into trouble with the locals by telling you this, but Schooners has a great huge burger as well. It's a can't miss/can't lose.
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Fun and Friendly, 2007-07-06
Reviewed By: Rachel
Reviewed By: Rachel
Rachel
This was my first visit to Panama City and I didn't know what to expect. I have heard so much about the beaches. For a first timer, let me tell you I felt right at home at Schooners. It was a great location, right on the beach and had a fun staff! We were just wondering on the beach as dusk was coming we found Schooners to be a great place to sit and watch the sunset. The whole little cannon thing was fun too, watching the other boats egg on the Schooners cannon was funny. My husband and I enjoyed it so much we went back the second night we were in town! You could tell everyone was having fun dancing to the live music, they did play all the hits! We will be back to Schooners!
This was my first visit to Panama City and I didn't know what to expect. I have heard so much about the beaches. For a first timer, let me tell you I felt right at home at Schooners. It was a great location, right on the beach and had a fun staff! We were just wondering on the beach as dusk was coming we found Schooners to be a great place to sit and watch the sunset. The whole little cannon thing was fun too, watching the other boats egg on the Schooners cannon was funny. My husband and I enjoyed it so much we went back the second night we were in town! You could tell everyone was having fun dancing to the live music, they did play all the hits! We will be back to Schooners!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Nice place!, 2007-06-17
Reviewed By: tia
Reviewed By: tia
tia
We went for lunch here and it was very nice sitting by the beach. We were waited on by the nicest young girl. A cute little girl with freckles and brown hair, wish I could remember her name, she made my two 16 yr old sons' day, she was a sweetheart. The food was very very good, I had the bar-b-que and it was the first place I had it in PCB that was good!
We went for lunch here and it was very nice sitting by the beach. We were waited on by the nicest young girl. A cute little girl with freckles and brown hair, wish I could remember her name, she made my two 16 yr old sons' day, she was a sweetheart. The food was very very good, I had the bar-b-que and it was the first place I had it in PCB that was good!
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Long Live Schooners., 2007-05-15
Reviewed By: David I.
Reviewed By: David I.
David I.
Good menu, Great beach view, Very attentive wait staff.
Good menu, Great beach view, Very attentive wait staff.
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Yummy, 2007-04-13
Reviewed By: jenn
Reviewed By: jenn
jenn
this place is really beautiful ;-) I love it! Be sure to try the SS shrimp
this place is really beautiful ;-) I love it! Be sure to try the SS shrimp
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0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Better in previous visits., 2006-08-29
Reviewed By: teach77
Reviewed By: teach77
teach77
I've been going to Schooners for years, but my last visit 2 weeks ago left me longing for years past. The food was good, but a couple of the orders at our table were wrong. Also, the service was off, which I didn't expect, since it wasn't as busy as normal.
I've been going to Schooners for years, but my last visit 2 weeks ago left me longing for years past. The food was good, but a couple of the orders at our table were wrong. Also, the service was off, which I didn't expect, since it wasn't as busy as normal.
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Good Burgers, 2006-08-15
Reviewed By: Shambo
Reviewed By: Shambo
Shambo
We had burgers and fries for dinner they were very good. Good service, good entertainment. We will go back, stay away from Spinnakers, go to Schooners instead.
We had burgers and fries for dinner they were very good. Good service, good entertainment. We will go back, stay away from Spinnakers, go to Schooners instead.
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3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
Bring your wallet, 2006-07-25
Reviewed By: JohnnyPar
Reviewed By: JohnnyPar
JohnnyPar
The drinks here are way overpriced and way under poured. The staff are at times too much in the weeds and will let you know it. The grouper sandwich is good, but not the best I've had in PCB. Great location, great atmosphere.
The drinks here are way overpriced and way under poured. The staff are at times too much in the weeds and will let you know it. The grouper sandwich is good, but not the best I've had in PCB. Great location, great atmosphere.
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2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
Dog Lover, 2006-06-30
Reviewed By: Toni
Reviewed By: Toni
Toni
Dog Lover, I sure hate to hear that the food hasn't been good when you've been to eat with us. We have simple food, but we usually get great reviews... our grilled grouper sandwich is practically famous. As one of the owners, I'd like to apologize for anything less than GREAT food experiences that you have had, and if you will give us another chance, I'll make SURE that you have a great experience. We really do make most folks really happy. Please email me at info@schooners.com, and let me know when you're coming... I hope you will. We really take our quality ... food, atmosphere and everything... very seriously.
Dog Lover, I sure hate to hear that the food hasn't been good when you've been to eat with us. We have simple food, but we usually get great reviews... our grilled grouper sandwich is practically famous. As one of the owners, I'd like to apologize for anything less than GREAT food experiences that you have had, and if you will give us another chance, I'll make SURE that you have a great experience. We really do make most folks really happy. Please email me at info@schooners.com, and let me know when you're coming... I hope you will. We really take our quality ... food, atmosphere and everything... very seriously.
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3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
Schooners, 2006-02-01
Reviewed By: doglover
Reviewed By: doglover
doglover
I realy wanted to like this place but the food is always disappointing. I have been there at least 4 times and the meals have never been good, just poor to fair.
I realy wanted to like this place but the food is always disappointing. I have been there at least 4 times and the meals have never been good, just poor to fair.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
Eat on the Beach, 2006-01-19
Reviewed By: BeachDave
Reviewed By: BeachDave
BeachDave
Don't miss Schooner's. This is the best place to get a grouper sandwich on the beach. Show up for lunch and sit on the rail on the back deck. Bring your sunglasses and enjoy the view.
Don't miss Schooner's. This is the best place to get a grouper sandwich on the beach. Show up for lunch and sit on the rail on the back deck. Bring your sunglasses and enjoy the view.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
Do not miss this place!, 2005-08-20
Reviewed By: kcdouglas
Reviewed By: kcdouglas
kcdouglas
After my first trip to PCB, my fiance and I went to Schooner's on our next-to-last night there. I'm glad we didn't miss it. The food was fantastic, and the Key Lime pie can't be missed. The drinks, the entertainment, above all else...the view! were all excellent! I'd love to go back again...without a doubt!
After my first trip to PCB, my fiance and I went to Schooner's on our next-to-last night there. I'm glad we didn't miss it. The food was fantastic, and the Key Lime pie can't be missed. The drinks, the entertainment, above all else...the view! were all excellent! I'd love to go back again...without a doubt!
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4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
Schooners...the Beach and the Water!, 2005-07-15
Reviewed By: garth
Reviewed By: garth
garth
Where else in Panama City can you anchor your boat (or jetski) out in the Gulf and walk onto Schooner's Beach and then right on into the restaurant with nothing more than a bathing suit and a little sand between your toes? I guess one of us had a littel cash or a card because we all had a Pina Colada and a grouper sandwich...then got back to having fun on the water! If a place like that ever goes away, this town is in BIG trouble! It was fun...we ran into all kinds of people we knew and the sandwich was out of this world! LONG LIVE SCHOONER'S!
Where else in Panama City can you anchor your boat (or jetski) out in the Gulf and walk onto Schooner's Beach and then right on into the restaurant with nothing more than a bathing suit and a little sand between your toes? I guess one of us had a littel cash or a card because we all had a Pina Colada and a grouper sandwich...then got back to having fun on the water! If a place like that ever goes away, this town is in BIG trouble! It was fun...we ran into all kinds of people we knew and the sandwich was out of this world! LONG LIVE SCHOONER'S!
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Always good!, 2005-05-31
Reviewed By: swn5363
Reviewed By: swn5363
swn5363
We eat here about once a month... usually after a day at the beach. And we are always happy with the food and service! Specials are hit and miss, but the menu is full of tried and true favorites. The seafood is always fresh and they have a way of making you feel at home. This is one of our favorie places on the beach and we always look forward to eating here. Highly recommended!
We eat here about once a month... usually after a day at the beach. And we are always happy with the food and service! Specials are hit and miss, but the menu is full of tried and true favorites. The seafood is always fresh and they have a way of making you feel at home. This is one of our favorie places on the beach and we always look forward to eating here. Highly recommended!
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Great Place, 2005-02-21
Reviewed By: Kfung
Reviewed By: Kfung
Kfung
This is a great place to eat and listen to fantastic music. We really do love this place. Very good food and every time we have been, the bands have been superb. Our two kids are able to dance and yes they like the cannon at sunset.
This is a great place to eat and listen to fantastic music. We really do love this place. Very good food and every time we have been, the bands have been superb. Our two kids are able to dance and yes they like the cannon at sunset.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Schooners - absolutely!, 2005-02-09
Reviewed By: Mrs Peel
Reviewed By: Mrs Peel
Mrs Peel
A trip to PCB isn't complete without Schooners! Great food (smoked tuna dip, grilled grouper, yum!), great atmosphere (watch the sunset with a great meal from the open air bar). Where else fires off a cannon at sunset?
A trip to PCB isn't complete without Schooners! Great food (smoked tuna dip, grilled grouper, yum!), great atmosphere (watch the sunset with a great meal from the open air bar). Where else fires off a cannon at sunset?
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2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
Schooners, 2005-02-08
Reviewed By: gagirl
Reviewed By: gagirl
gagirl
Our trip to the beach isn't complete without eating at Schooners. I love the atmosphere. The food is always wonderful and the beer is always cold. When I'm at home, I enjoy looking at their cams....just makes me wish I was there. I would highly recommend visiting Schooners is you are in PCB. I know you will love it!!
Our trip to the beach isn't complete without eating at Schooners. I love the atmosphere. The food is always wonderful and the beer is always cold. When I'm at home, I enjoy looking at their cams....just makes me wish I was there. I would highly recommend visiting Schooners is you are in PCB. I know you will love it!!
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
EVERLASTING!, 2005-01-26
Reviewed By: LOVESTHEWATER28
Reviewed By: LOVESTHEWATER28
LOVESTHEWATER28
Schooner's....food, fun, drinks, beach, sun, moon, stars and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico....ALL in one spot! Doesn't get any better than this on PC Beach!
Schooner's....food, fun, drinks, beach, sun, moon, stars and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico....ALL in one spot! Doesn't get any better than this on PC Beach!
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5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
Best Beach Club And Restaurant, 2005-01-21
Reviewed By: kelley
Reviewed By: kelley
Kelley
Schooners is a place to go to enjoy great food, good music and make long lasting friends. Go to dine, dance or just relax with smell of the ocean and a taste of fine glass of wine.
Schooners is a place to go to enjoy great food, good music and make long lasting friends. Go to dine, dance or just relax with smell of the ocean and a taste of fine glass of wine.
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