Big City Fish In Panama City is a Great Local Catch

For a small town growing exponentially by the year, Big City Fish is a welcome reminder of Panama City's local tradition. Both a market and a restaurant, Big City Fish celebrates not only the pleasure of eating seafood, but the adventure of fishing. Lobsters and freshly caught market displays greet patrons as they wait to be seated and wide screen televisions with looping video of swimming fish and boating expeditions animate the spacious and airy dining room. On weekends, acoustic guitarists add a fitting soundtrack of Jimmy Buffett and other light tunes to the dining experience.

Seated east of the bridge on 23rd Street, Big City Fish is a satisfying alternative to often crowded Panama City Beach restaurants. The seafood is just as fresh and delicious, and the lines are generally much shorter than those of the popular beach venues. Entree prices are significantly lower than those on the beach as well, ranging from $12.99 for pastas and $17.99 for signature dishes. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available.

Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, Big City Fish offers a wide variety of flavors, enough to satisfy any taste. Appetizers include calamari, sinfully sweet and buttery coconut shrimp and a delectable tuna dip, served with a taste-bud-challenging combination of jalapeno peppers and tortilla chips. Entrees feature Grecian Sauteed Shrimp, prepared in a lemon butter sauce; Seared Ahi Tuna with an oriental sesame dressing; Slow Baked Alaskan Salmon, served with barbecue sauce; and Seafood Au Gratin. Fresh fish lovers will appreciate the generous selection of market fish, prepared to order in a variety of styles. Grouper Imperial, sauteed in butter and topped with crab meat, is not to be missed. The seafood platter -- a mountain of fried fish, shrimp, and hush puppies, is also indulgent.

For land-lovers, Big City Fish also offers steaks, chicken and pasta. The 12-oz. Bourbon Street Ribeye is a signature dish, served with a secret bourbon sauce. The Jamaican Rasta Pasta, a recipe of smoked sausage, red and green peppers and onions drenched in a white cream sauce, is also a delicious fish-alternative.

Big Wave Lunch Specials are served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., including catfish, Icelandic cod, meatloaf, liver and onions, and popcorn shrimp, all with a choice of two sides. Priced from $6 to $12, these selections are perfectly proportioned to fit a seafood-loving diet and budget. The regular lunch menu also features Cuban sandwiches and fish tacos, accompanied by Chipotle pepper slaw.

The service at Big City Fish is remarkable. Food is delivered quickly and correctly. This is even true for large parties of guests.

Big City Fish's only con for tourists -- which is often a pro for locals -- is that it is not on the beaten bath. Panama City Beach visitors need to travel into town to reach the restaurant, which offers similar fare to beach venues. The price, the taste, and the relaxing atmosphere, however, are worth the trip.

Address:
1025 W. 23rd Street
Panama City, FL 32401