I've tried to eat at Boondocks a couple times. Once we went on the day they're closed (currently Tuesdays) and once when there was a really long wait and we decided to go elsewhere.

But now that I've finally had the chance to eat there, I can honestly say this is one of my new favorite restaurants. As a lifetime local, I can say I'm ashamed that I didn't try it sooner. From the rustic old baithouse-now-turned-giftshop, to the delicious desserts, this place should be on everyone's list for PCB. It has become quite popular lately.. and it's not real big, so if you go, I suggest going early. Unfortunately, they don't take reservations (as is the case with most restaurants in a tourist town).

We started off with an appetizer sampler. It had some of everything on it, with plenty of the fried pickles Boondocks is known for. The menu is simple and there's nothing really fancy available, which is part of what makes it so good... you know exactly what you're getting. You get to pick from several fresh seafood dishes... either fried or grilled. If you're not sure what you want, you can mix and match.

I had the grilled shrimp and grilled bay scallops with cheese grits (a must) and potato salad. The shrimp were awesome and deserve their own review, but I haven't tasted scallops like that since Penny's Seafood in Southport closed. The slightly sweet meat of the small scallops reminded me of my childhood when we would go scalloping in St. Joe and throw the scallops in a pan on the grill on the same day (with some peppers and onions). Bookdocks' scallops tasted THAT fresh. It's hard to find scallops like that (btw- local scallops are small... smaller than a small marble... and even smaller when they're cooked. the big ones you see at some restaurants are sea scallops and aren't nearly as good... usually requiring heavy sauces to make them tasty). Others in our party had similar things to say about their dishes and we capped dinner off with several delicious desserts.

The place is definitely kid-friendly. There are ducks and geese roaming around the docks, which give the kids something to look at if you have to wait for a table. Kids even get cool, little souvenir cups. I remember there were several items on the kids menu, from PB&J to fried shrimp.

They've recently added live music (acoustic mostly) on the outside deck to entertain folks waiting for a table.

The West Bay scenery is gorgeous and it looked like every table had a good view. If you're lucky, you may even see the airboat or seaplane take off for a ride. Both are available for reservations and I promised our daughter we'd try the seaplane soon.

Prices are very reasonable... even exceptional considering the quality of the food and experience. The app sampler was $12, entrees were $15 and desserts were $4. Kids meals were $4-$5.

And service was top-notch. It says on the menu they take pride in hiring the best servers... and it shows.

We'll definitely be back, and I'd recommend this place to anyone looking for a great meal and fun experience.

Boondocks is located right off HWY 79 about 5 miles north of Back Beach Rd (HWY 98). It's on the right-hand (east) side of the road... just at the south side of the West Bay bridge. Turn at the school crossing and follow the signs. If you're coming from the north, don't let the big red Boondocks sign seen at the bridge confuse you. The restaurant is on the other side of the road (they had to move the sign due to new bridge construction).

Highly recommended!

My favorite restaurant in pc. The fried pickles is where it's at and the corn nuggets are too shabby either.

Whatsa corn nugget???

Well let me educate you. It is deep fried cream corn. A nugget on the outside creamy corn on the inside.

WOW, and I thought I would put just about anything in my mouth ....

That must be what you call an acquired taste! (insert gagging smiley here)

If you like corn you will love them.

corn nuggets rule!

YUMMERS......and corn nuggets are easy to make!! And let's not forget that they mentioned FRIED PICKLES!!!

OK, I won't judge til I try 'em... fried pickles rock.... and so do fried jalapeno and onion strings.... and just about anything w/ cream cheese fried in it....... I shouldda had lunch......

boon docks sounds good. thanks!

I can vouch for that....Boondocks is great! Well worth the effort to eat there

__________________


There is a pleasure in the pathless woods;
There is a rapture on the lonely shore;
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in it's roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more....

Our last renters at our condo emailed me and told me to run, don't walk to Boondocks! They had gotten lost and stumbled upon it, couldn't say enough about their food! Every time we come down to PCB, we try new places! This one will be next on our list!