Had a nice trip to Ocean Club on 98 in Destin, right near Sandestin last evening with the Mrs. First time there in some months and we went later than usual at 8:00 PM.

To get the odd event of the evening out of the way...Keith, the floor manager, told me to remove my Tommy Bahama hat about five minutes into our visit. I thought this odd since I have been frequenting the establishment for over four years, dressed basically the same. Ok, I thought, if they want to stare at hat head for two hours while I enjoy my meal, not a problem.

Then I noticed, one older man, a lady wearing hats while they ate. Hmmm.
To top it off, an obviously inebriated man in shorts, flip flops and yes, hat strolled in with a group, chatted briefly with the manager, sat down and wore his hat the entire visit, dance floor and two trips to the men's room inclusive.


On to the meal. We usually know what to expect here since the menu is not that long and we know what we like. Apps included a combo with artichoke bottoms and eggplant, lightly dusted and fried and topped wityh lump crab and a lemon butter sauce. We immediately ordered that.

As far as entrees, my wife got the Grouper Ocean Club with lump crab, shrimp and sauce, all sauteed (you can get grilled too) and I opted for one special, pompano topped with a lightly fried softshell crab.(Had to choose between this and Grouper Almandine or Beef Tournedoes with crab and shrimp)

Service was great and my wife had her Rodney Strong Chard(House Pour) in no time. We also had HOT pistolettes which were very tasty and soft.

The salads were a bit different this time and in a good way. Better greens, more choices of dressing and the V&O with blue cheese crumbles is the way to go. (Balsamic).

Note, on some of the entrees you can order a reduced portion for under $20, like Grouper.

The fish dishes we ordered did not disappoint as usual. The grouper was outstanding and melted in your mouth. The pompano was a bot more fishy, as expected but cooked well, firm and tasty with the sauce on top. Of course the highlight for me was the softshell crab. Even though it was not qwuite as juicy as those in season, it was gone before I took a bite of fish.

The sides left a bit to be desired however as white rice replaced potatoes and broccoli, cooked perfectly, was the veggie. Not that we don't like rice, but the twice stuffed potato was always a fave here. I brought home half of my fish for a sandwich today.

Talked the wife into dessert since I wanted a cappuccino and she went Coconut Cream Pie. BOTH were excellent choices to end the meal.

The atmosphere is Florida Dinner Club, darker and just the right noise level. I like going a bit later I have found due to early kids and families still in beachwear. Kids meals are $11.95 for those so inclined. Of course, the eloquent musical style of David Seering, filled the place and a few couples hit the dance floor at about 9:30 to boogie. Not our style in this place but they were having fun. We did think we may have to ask the one guy to get he and his wife a room though. LOL.

As I said, the service was fab, the food a hit, the atmosphere on target and the experience as we expect at Ocean Club. Even with the uneven hat policy.

I am going to give this restaurant and the evening an 8.8 out of 10 on my scale and will be going back more frequently as we live closer now. Ocean Club is a great place to eat and enjoy a special Destin evening....just leave your hat at home.


KeithGoesCoastal

haven't said it in a while, but we really appreciate your insights and updates. Thanks!