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Bud and Alley's Restaurant
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (Traditional) Bars, American (Traditional) [Edit]
2236 E County Highway 30ASanta Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 231-5900
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
43 reviews for Bud and Alley's Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"be sure and try the hummus or smoked tuna dip apps." In 2 reviews -
"The Crab Cakes are amazing." In 3 reviews -
"...and the homemade Key Lime pie was the best I'd ever had." In 3 reviews
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43 reviews in English
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Review from Jason B.
3/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
food was great quality but i found the menu lacking. i dont think they have a fryer but its their choice.
JEANS: OK
ORDER: wait staff -
Review from Derek R.
Destin, FL
4/16/2012
7 word review: SWEET location, good drinks & desserts. ;)
Located right on 30-A in Seaside across the street from the ampitheater.
Sweet views of the gulf!
For dinner we had the red snapper with rice and haricot verts and for dessert we split a slice of key lime pie. The snapper was overcooked and dry and the rice and sides were nothing special. But you don't come here for the food, you come here for the ambiance and spectacular views of the gulf.
Their drinks were good and the key lime was delicious - as long as you like your pie a little on the tart side.
PS
Get reservations! -
Review from Jerry C.
2/23/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Good food- I enjoyed the scallops. But they did not plan for enough servers to accommodate the crowds during the Songwriter's Festival. The guy providing most of the service to the people in the tent was clearly stressed out and tended to bark at the customers. When you pay $30 for an entree, you expect decent service from a pleasant server.
Now about the Pizza Bar which seems not to have a separate listing in Yelp although they have a separate space in the Bud and Alley's complex, bland and uninspiring. You expect a trendy looking place like this to offer an authentic take of some sort- nice blistered Neapolitan or a spicy thin new york style . Or possibly something completely unique and appealing like mesquite smoked chicken and peppers. The Margarita was nothing to write home about and the seafood pizza just didn't work. Here we have a bland crust with a bland red sauce. Very disappointing. -
Review from Kelly K.
Northport, AL
5/20/2012
The view is nice and the drinks were good, albeit a tad pricey. The food however was too expensive. I don't mind paying for delicious food. This however was average at best and should be priced accordingly. Also just a heads up... If you sit up top to get the nice view, good luck. It's first come first serve and you have to fight for a table. In conclusion, a lot of hype and I was underwhelmed.
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Review from Kelly B.
Raleigh, NC
1/6/2012
This restaurant has seen better days. Neither the food, nor the ambiance nor the service were on par with the prices.
We arrived a few minutes early for our reservation and were showed out to the outdoor pavilion. Wrapped in plastic sheeting that left the place entirely too cold and drafty, the crackling sounds as the sheeting wafted in the gulf breeze was a perfect accompaniment for the plastic chairs and tables. (It took a folded napkin under one leg and a coaster under the other to stop our table from rocking.)
Service was very slow and overly casual. Our server knew absolutely nothing about the wine, and instructed us to order by the number. All this could be forgiven if the food had been outstanding, but alas, it rounded out the trifecta of mediocre. My seared ahi tuna appetizer was overseared, rubbery and not very fresh. My husband had roasted oysters that were utterly drowning in their greasy breading. My grilled grouper was fresh but overcooked and paired with a very pedestrian white rice and haricot verts. The one bright spot was my husband's whole snapper, which was fresh and correctly prepared.
Everything about our dining experience was a disappointment -- not the least of which, the $190 bill. We visit Seaside regularly and will not be returning to Bud & Alley's until they are under new management. -
Review from Bo A.
Crestview, FL
4/17/2012
One of the best Taco and Rubens on 30A. A great place to have some fun with the family or a loved one. Beach side walks after lunch or dinner.
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Review from Howard L.
Indio, CA
3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went for lunch. Great service and great food. Really liked the hummus and the crab cake. The amberjack was also awesome.
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Review from Mike B.
Port Orchard, WA
3/6/2012
Excellent view of the Gulf and the best sweet potato fries ever. I have never had the chance to have dinner in the nice dining room below, but the rooftop bar is a must. If it's the beaches sands you want then you will have them.
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Review from Valerie N.
Atlanta, GA
10/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love this bar for enjoying an afternoon glass of wine while watching the ocean, any time of the year. It really is an incredible view and worth it. The wine list is extensive and always has a great selection of white wines that are perfect for sitting by the ocean. I adore the atmosphere here and will return every time I'm in FL just to enjoy a great glass of wine by the ocean.
The food here is okay, yet pricey. I wouldn't write home about our shrimp po' boy or sweet potato fries, especially when considering the price of both ($13 for the po' boy, $8 for the fries - and these are the lunch prices!). Both were fine and hit the spot, but they weren't the best I've ever had by any means. We agreed that next time, we'll hit up one of the food carts across the street for a snack and then head here for drinks.
Definitely skip peak lunch and dinner times, especially during summer, as this is one of those bars where kids run rampant during lunch. -
Review from Aaron P.
West Palm Beach, FL
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
An absolute must see! The most amazing view and ambiance in the state. This restaurant is the perfect location for all occasions. You want romance, ask for a seat for two in the back corner of the gazebo. You want to part it up, head to the rooftop bar for great drinks, bands and a sunset you will never forget. It's an iconic restaurant in an iconic town. Good for lunch or dinner. Reservations are highly recommended but not necessary. If you are a foodieour wine person then you will not be disappointed. Some complain about the price but you get what you pay for and the town itself commands high prices no matter what you are doing. I cant stress enough, lunch, dinner or just a quick drink, make a stop by this restaurant!!
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Review from Marcia M.
5/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sometimes all the hype just doesn't add up.
This is definitely the case with Bud and Alley's.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the location, layout, and new deck area as the space is quite fantastic.
However everything else is just... meh. Nothing totally distracting or offensive but certainly nothing to write home about or to warrant another visit during my stay here in Seaside. The crowd on Thursday night really wasn't my bag either.
A highlight of my visit was actually the side of Portabello mushrooms ($5) that had the same flavors and similar texture to finely sliced peppery steak.
The Pita and Chickpea Hummus appetizer ($8) was also quite scrumptious.
Care to imbibe with frothy martinis? The Key Lime Martini is a nice refreshing adult beverage to add to your evening. For $11 you get a glass concoction of Bacardi Key Lime Rum, sour, fresh lime juice, and a hint of cream. This is not the key lime pie that your mom made while you were growing up!Listed in: Travelin' (Wo)man, Seaside, FL
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Review from Christy M.
Panama City Beach, FL
1/29/2012
I enjoyed sunset and dinner at Bud & Alley's last night with the owner of Bud & Alley's, Dave Rauschkolb and a few other original Seaside community leaders. I learned so much about the history of Seaside, FL and the growth of this community. The restaurant's rooftop bar is the best place to enjoy sunset in Seaside. As far as my dining experience, it exceeded perfection from service to taste. The crab cakes are incredible! They are all crab and no filler.
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Review from Ashley G.
Philadelphia, PA
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
The appeal of this restaurant is the proximity to the beach. You can literally walk straight from the sand to sitting on the patio overlooking the water. Aside from the convenience and outside dining atmosphere, I don't really find a ton of redeeming qualities.
The food was perfectly fine, however it is too expensive for what it was. The service was also extremely slow and it took way to long for our drinks to be served. The restaurant is more of a "scene" than a place to dine; subsequently I'll opt for one of the other restaurants in the area next time. -
Review from Jay J.
Destin, FL
11/22/2011
Groupon lured us to Bud and Alley's and the experience was OK. We always are appreciative to businesses who participate in Groupon as it really does bring in people who may otherwise never come. We don't live very close to Seaside so this was definitely the case with us. In short, they need to knock $8 off everything. B&A's is charging too much for their items, well, because they can. It isn't cheap to live in or vacation in Seaside and most who do can afford $32 for 6 head on shrimp. The peach mojito was very good. Actually, both of our meals were very good, but I expect much more for the price. I understand their LUNCH is much better.
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Review from Mike J.
Birmingham, AL
12/12/2011
This review is for the Tarpon Lounge upstairs from the restaurant, so the food is really an afterthought here. What a great bar this is. I've been countless times and always meet nice people and I've rarely come across a jerk. Met a friend here over Thanksgiving weekend and the weather was perfect and the view excellent. We had great service and the drinks were fine. The TVs are back for football and other sporting events. This is by no means a sports bar, but it's always nice to have a TV around when games are on. It's outside, so dress appropriately. They do have space heaters in the cold months as well as windscreens. Best sunset views on the beach. Beware of cougars after dark.
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Review from Kevin P.
Atlanta, GA
3/7/2012
Nice variety on the menu, good beer selection, fresh food, great view.
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Review from Jessica W.
Santa Barbara, CA
2/26/2012
Super yummy Crab Cakes here!
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Review from Lisa H.
Destin, FL
10/21/2011
I've been coming to Bud's since I moved to SoWal in the early 90's....one of the FEW places in South Walton that you can actually enjoy the view while enjoying your meal. A favorite place to meet friends at lunch or for happy hour...Great for Locals and Tourists alike...be sure and try the hummus or smoked tuna dip apps....LOVE!
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Review from Rachel D.
Venice, CA
11/22/2011
Wonderful view. Wonderful service. Wonderful staff (especially Emily!).
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Review from Pamela B.
Naperville, IL
This was my first visit to Bud & Alley's....and I can definitely say that it was the first of MANY to come. I loved this place. The upstairs bar/patio wasn't open yet when I went there for lunch (was a little rainy out), but the view from the inside was still gorgeous! The dining room has huge windows on all sides, offering a expansive view of the gulf.
The staff was very friendly, and the food phenomenal! I had the crawfish linguini, and my boyfriend had the shrimp po' boy sandwich...and both were fantastic.
My boyfriend has been there many times and says it's his favorite place to eat, especially when he can sit upstairs. I'm so glad he introduced me to Bud & Alley's and I can't wait to return to Seaside to eat there again! Next time I'll be sure to go when I can sit outside on the rooftop patio upstairs and take in the sound, sight and smell of the gulf as I dine. Can't wait! -
Review from Brenda L.
Austin, TX
7/5/2011
Ate here twice in one week....it's that good. Both times we bypassed the wait inside to opt for the upstairs bar. You grab a drink wait for a table to open up and grab it. The Crab Cakes are amazing. Mostly crab with just enough other goody to hold it all together. Had the smoked tuna dip for appetizer. Also yummy. I had the grouper special and it was very good as well. Not a bad meal at our table either night and you can't beat the view!
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Review from Rachel H.
Charlotte, NC
9/4/2011
From the minute we stepped in to this place we were treated with disrespect from the hostess and management because of a lack of accommodation for a large party reservation. The food was inconsistently tasty and way overpriced. The service was satisfactory.
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Review from Bryan Z.
Denver, CO
7/28/2009
We got here at 5 minutes after 3. They stop serving lunch at 3 and don't serve dinner till 5 so we got the little bar menu of tapas and sat out on the upstairs deck. The view was amazing. The service was barely adequate. The food was pretty descent and the drinks were run of the mill (certainly nothing special enough to justify $10 a pop).
It's hard to leave a place feeling satisfied during normal happy hour menus when you had one drink a few snacks and dropped over $70 with tip. This place is okay and I can see why the hype is there. Maybe the prices are par for the course in this town and I could see that, everything is pretty pricey. -
Review from ashley s.
Destin, FL
8/17/2009
This place used to be really yummy...unfortunately the only thing I go there for is the sweet potato fries...the best ever!!
I also used to go for the marinated crab claws....they are no longer though, replaced with the fried version...an injustice to the shellfish of the world!!!
The tuna dip is tasty as well...I like it best of all the ones in nearby establishments.
Upstairs is the place to be, especially at sundown...I have been to many countries and beaches and the view of the crystal white fine sand and the emerald green beauty of the sea here is unparalleled anywhere!!Listed in: Destin
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Review from Sabrina M.
Atlanta, GA
6/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The absolute place to be if you're in Santa Rosa Beach and looking for some good bar action. And by bar action I mean decent drinks, good tunes and lots of people watching. Of course, I'm referring to the bar upstairs. The restaurant has it's own unique qualities that should be addressed, but I really just liked the upstairs bar. We did eat in the restaurant and I enjoyed my shrimp dish quite nicely, but other than the fact that it is right on the beach with nice views, I just didn't find it any more special than the next beach side seafood restaurant. Well, maybe it presents itself a little nicer - the food prices would surely have you thinking you were somewhere extra special. But, the overall restaurant side just kinda had me feeling pretty meh. So, the extra star is strictly for the upstairs bar. Go to there. You will not be disappointed.
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Review from RR D.
Atlanta, GA
8/6/2010
The bar upstairs is a fantastic place to watch the sunset, although the drinks are over the top expensive. Peel and eat shrimp and the sweet potato fries are great, but as I said, nothing is cheap. The drinks and food are 3 stars, but the view and atmosphere are 5 stars.
The restaurant downstairs is good. When the wife and I ate there, we had a fantastic meal, and the homemade Key Lime pie was the best I'd ever had. The next time, the pie wasn't as good, but it was still better than most. I'd probably rather go to Cafe Thirty-A than Bud and Alley's downstairs, but it's more about price than anything. At Bud and Alley's, you sort of feel like you're a tourist, paying a lot of money for decent, but not five-star food.
If you're staying in Seaside and on foot, by all means, try Bud and Alley's (or even The Great Southern Cafe across the street), but know that B&A's is not cheap. -
Review from Ben H.
Atlanta, GA
1/27/2009
We had lunch here on the upper deck outside near the bar. First off, it was pretty gross up there - dead bugs everywhere and it wasn't that clean. They need to get on that. But the al fresco dining and the view made up for it!
I ordered the Cuban sandwich. When it arrived, I discovered it wasn't really a Cuban sandwich - it was actually a Cuban-style panino. Everything was the same as a standard Cuban except for the bread (which is critical!) - it was basically a thin baguette that was grilled on a panini press instead of regular Cuban bread. Despite the minor misrepresentation and lack of authenticity, I have to admit that it was a really tasty sandwich! It was a little too greasy, but otherwise quite good. The salad that came with it was pretty decent, but very simple. I also tried the fish (grouper?) sandwich and it was one of the better ones I've tried in the area.
I thought the prices were a little steep for lunch, but I didn't really mind with the outdoor dining and the view. I would suggest lunch over dinner here as the dinner prices seem way over the top even with the typical beach markup factored in. $36 crab cakes? $32 chicken linguini? Really???
Anyway, I'd recommend this place for lunch on the deck or maybe pricey evening drinks but nothing more.
3 -
Review from A L.
Memphis, TN
8/10/2011
Crab cakes all crab yummy, tuna dip excellent, great ambiance , expensive but worth it
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Review from Emma K.
Manhattan, NY
6/6/2011
i love bud and alley's i still have the t-shirt from there!
the location is so cute it's literally right off to the beach..
my favorite thing here is tiramisu -it's a special recipe that i can never find anyway else.. and up until now, i still the remember the feeling when i had my first bite.
wish i have more free time, i'll def go to seaside again. -
Review from Collins A.
PT WASHINGTON, FL
10/25/2011
The atmosphere alone allows me to give this 5 stars. The Rooftop "Tarpon Club" Bar is where it's at. Not only is it in one of the premiere beach towns in America, it's directly on the beach. THE best place to watch a sunset hands down. The bands on the weekend are some of the best around. The drinks are pretty expensive but you'd kinda expect that. The food is delicious, wine list extensive, and the desserts are very good. The inside of Bud and Alleys may seemed cramped at first but it's a wonderful atmosphere with a sophisticated upscale beach bar vibe. From locals to tourists afar Bud and Alley's is definitely a staple to every beach trip, and a visit to the rooftop bar is a must. One of the best Birthdays/New Years Eve celebrations was atop the rooftop bar at Bud and Alley's. Is and Always will be one of the most celebrated and respected and awesome restaurants you will go to at the beach.
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Review from Christopher W.
Lafayette, LA
Updated - 6/12/2011
GO FOR LUNCH!!! GO FOR LUNCH!!! GO FOR LUNCH!!! GO FOR LUNCH!!! For lunch, It is a truly great place to kick back and relax (their hummus appetizer is a must!) and is pretty cheap as well, but starting at 3, their menu changes to dinner, which is an average of 30 dollars per dish. GO FOR LUNCH!!! Their Cuban sandwich is great!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/23/2010
Can anyone say "overpriced?" With the average dinner being over 30 dollars for low quality food,… Read more »
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Review from Ashley D.
Cumming, GA
1/14/2011
Rooftop bar gets you a 5 star view and great atmosphere and best place to eat at in seaside - get the shrimp and grits , although the 5 star view comes pricey nothing is cheap, not even drinks- with saying that still go for a happy hour and enjoy the sunset- best bar in seaside for the views and the feeling you get from that place- nothing but tropics ;)
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Review from Kiran G.
Nashville, TN
4/18/2011
Very pricey, they take advantage of the tourists. Decent food and drink. Very crowded--due to small space. Nice view but tables overlapping is kind of annoying. Its almost like talking into your neighbors ears, very closely placed tables. Drinks are very very pricey. I would not go there again.
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Review from Emily R.
Fort Walton Beach, FL
8/27/2011
Last October a group of five went for a bike ride from Watercolor to Rosemary Beach and back. Of all our restaurant choices we chose Bud and Alleys. The food was great, but the service was horrible. The waiter, Doug, was so rude he even rolled his eyes when asked a simple question. I contacted the owner, Dave, via email and explained our experience. He was very apologetic and offered a gift certificate so that we may return and have a more pleasurable experience. It was certainly a nice gesture, but if you have no intentions of fulfilling promises a genuine sorry would have made everything A ok. Since the promise was not met, I am even more disappointed with this establishment. George's of Alys Beach is the only way to go!
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Review from John-Bryan H.
Birmingham, AL
2/23/2010 1 photo
Better than ever. Diverse and fresh menu. A real chef is behind the scenes now.
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Review from Mikey D.
New Orleans, LA
3/4/2009
Bud & Alleys rests neatly between Santa Rosa beach and the picture perfect Seaside community (Shooting location for the movie "The Truman Show). It, too, looks picturesque from the outside, but looks can be deceiving. Assuming money is no object (you're staying at Seaside or Watercolor), Bud and Alley's takes full advantage of its upper class diners by price gouging its drinks and meals.
After waiting nearly twice as long as the hostess estimated, we took our seats at the bar on the upper deck.
The bartender was nice and informative, but his fruity cocktails weren't anyting special for the price ($9 / piece). We ordered at the bar so that we could hurry our meal along quicker than at a table. This plan backfired or never could have worked in the first place, probably due to their Webster-like dumbwaiter bottlenecking the whole operation. The food was good if it would have been priced at 40% less, but not for its marked price.
The movie "The Truman Show" was about place that was just good to be true, as is Bud & Alley's. Both are false once you see them with your own eyes, and neither of them will ever let you leave! -
Review from Dirk P.
Atlanta, GA
8/17/2008
I understand the attitude here is meant to be unpretentious, but the plastic patio furniture leaves something to be desired. The service was on point, although the waiter was not informed on their premium vodkas. The food was 5 Star; I enjoyed the Seared Scallops with Linguini (no longer on the menu). The scallops were plump and large, with a good crunchy sear. The portion size was more than enough for one, especially after having an appetizer of Asparagus Gratin, also very good. A bit pricey, yet darn good!
Listed in: On Vacation, Don't Call
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Review from Shay W.
Chattanooga, TN
10/21/2010
Great view. Nice food and drinks. Avoid the water named Doug. What a Putz!
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Review from Caroline G.
Cave Creek, AZ
6/1/2009
Bud & Alley's is a definite spot to hit during your Emerald Coast vacation - but stick to lunch, not dinner. Dinner is overcrowded and overpriced. Lunch upstairs is good food at a more reasonable price with one of the most perfect views of the Gulf you will ever see. Great place to eat some baked oysters and sip on a mint julep or Corona while watching for dolphins in the water below.
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Review from Roy S.
McKinney, TX
7/16/2011
Tried the Pizza Bar for dinner with my family and was very disappointed. The pizzas were overpriced and boring. Service was adequate, but did not offset the mediocre pizza. We would not recommend this restaurant.
