Old Bay Steamer

Walked in sat down.. Was served a salad that appeared to be leftover from lunch. Wilted lettuce and is of the bagged type. No rolls with dinner. Crab legs were cold along with the veggies. Steak was warm and good. The waiter did not ask me if i would like a refill of my drink. Very high price for the food. Go only after 6:30, maybe fresh lettuce and hot crab legs will be available.

Food was ok. I have had better for much less cost.

This place is absolutely fantastic. Their motto is, "We don't do fried!" They won't; so do not ask. They specialize in serving steamed platters (hence the name) with huge whole royal red shrimp, opelio (snow) & king crab legs, mussels, clams and Lobster. The portions are mountainous and most are meant to share with one or more people. A platter for one is around $20-$30, depending on your choice and if it has whole lobster or not. They always make substitutions for me, since I prefer more shrimp and no mussels or clams, but that’s because my waiter knew me after so many visits. Don’t count on substitutions on a first visit, but don’t hesitate to ask either. The family platter that comes with everything in the sea is $85 and you'd better have a big family, or you'll be taking some home and you will not be disappointed. They also have pastas, chicken, steak and fall-off-the-bone ribs. I've heard these are great too, but I don't go there for that.



There are a number of appetizers, but bear in mind that if you order one of the "steamer platters", you're going to need your appetite to conquer it. I'm not talking a big plate either, I mean a tray sized monster platter. The tuna and crab dip is particularly delicious as are the crab claws and shrimp cocktail. Since you may get a bit messy shelling those crabs legs and shrimp, they have an entire roll of paper towels on the tables so you don't have to ask for more.



I'd been going to the Steamer since it was on the north side of Hwy 98 in a small one story shack. They moved some years ago into the newer two story building it is now and decorated it with a Cajun motif. The music is great and has to be a bit louder because of the crowd and some kids whose parents have no respect for the dining experience of others. The only thing that could possibly make this a better place is to ban kids, or parents of them who cannot control their children in public. I’d recommend they keep the kids & parents on the first floor and adults only the second (in case the Steamer owner reads this).



The atmosphere is relaxed to me and fast paced to others; yet the service is excellent. If you dress up at all, you may be the only ones. A tank top and board shorts are quite acceptable, but you needn't be that informal if you aren't comfortable with it. Remember this is a beach town and you can come in dripping wet in many restaurants and the locals know it. If there were only one local restaurant that the residents (like me) frequent; it would be this one. Every visit here is going to be a good one; it always was for me and I'm extremely picky about seafood restaurants.



My server there named Jason is particularly famous, because he not only never had to write his orders down no matter how many at the table, but he was 6' 4" and handsome by any standards and has a smile that would melt butter; if not ice. He waited on me my first and every time since. So, if Jason didn’t have a table available when I arrived, I would wait at the bar until one opened in his station. I tipped Jason outrageously not only because guests enjoyed looking at him, but he was most efficient and genuinely very pleasant. I know, because I've been there over 50 times. The other servers are also as efficient; I have watched them all over the years. Plus, they all work as a team so you may see more than one at your table.



I have left the Emerald Coast for Jacksonville right now, but I’ll be back to live in Navarre from which I came. When I do, Old Bay Steamer will be my first stop!



Reservations are not accepted. First come, first serve. Thank you Jason…



J

Relatively unknown to tourists.. this is where we go...for our steamed seafood... as they say.. we don't need no stinkin view.. and they don't... the food, the atmosphere.. is beyond compare..