Ocean Breeze Lounge & Tapas Grille

Let me start by saying that I love their airy outdoor patio. I think it probably is the single best thing going for the restaurant/lounge. It is right on the Inter-coastal and features all this great looking gray modern wicker furniture. (Doesn't that sound like an oxymoron!). It offers a sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere that is a breath of fresh air when it comes to the standard Gulf Coast beach fare. I don't understand it but a place like Ocean Breeze fills a niche that is completely overlooked on the beach as everything seems to be another dive bar or ultra casual fried fish shack. Thank goodness for people trying to be a little different. I think it is safe to say that combination of a Hoegaarden (which they serve along with Blue Point), yummy small plates, and watching dolphins on the Inter-coastal is a winner.

As for the food the primary focus is international tapas and small plates. Most everything minus the dinner entrees are 9 dollars. I have never ventured off the tapas menu on my two visits, but have been very pleased with everything I've had. The shrimp po-boy was tasty but could probably use a tad more shrimp and a bit more mayo, it was sort of lost in the big roll. I think the two highlights I've had are the Pimento Cheese Hushpuppies and Red Miso and Honey Shrimp. The shrimp were very juicy/large and had a perfect tempura batter and tasted so good dipped into the very subtle miso sauce. The two of them really went well with each other. The hushpuppies are actually the dish that steals the show. Perhaps it is the fact that the only ones I ever eat with any regularity are from Long John Silvers (sad I know), but these fried cornmeal balls are absolutely divine.

The only knock I have is that the service can be a little spotty and slow at times, but the place is relatively new so I believe it may take a while for them to get their legs. One thing I would love to try there is their really tasty sounding Sunday Brunch menu. There might be some mimosas and Banana Nut French Toast in my future.

Overall I really enjoy it at Ocean Breeze and hope that they have continued success, because I would love to see more places like this open up on the beach.

When we walked in we saw they were under new ownership, and we looked at each other and said, "uh-oh," because we'd been treated well there before and were hoping to recreate the experience with out-of-town guests who love tapas. Fortunately, our expectations were met and surpassed. We were treated very well.

Of three tapas, two were excellent, but the mussels were not hot when served. They brought them back and they were wildly salty. Still, I ate them all; they're mussels, and I love them. When our server, Dan, came to clear the plates, we told him the lamb and the tuna were excellent but he should steer people away from the mussels. It wasn't a complaint as much as information; he'd been very helpful in suggesting tapas and an entree for our table, even telling us what not to get. We didn't ask, but he took the mussels off our bill, which was not our goal in telling him about the mussels (as I said, I ate them all.)

I love the feel of this place; it's definitely classier than everything else in its price range on the beach. This is not the place to go if you want to hang out and get drunk on spring break; it's a place to go for a conversation over dinner, a couple of quiet drinks between friends, or a sedate meal on the water.

In a time where customer service seems a dwindling practice, this was an unexpected pleasantry, in addition to an excellent server, great atmosphere, and some of the best ahi I've had in a while.

We will be back.

Enjoy going to Ocean Breeze as our neighborhood hangout. Great outdoor deck, good appetizers and drinks. Service is courteous and friendly. You will have a nice experience here!

The food was awesome. We had the Honey Miso Chicken, Baked Crab Dip, Bruchetta, and Seafood Bisque.

The atmosphere is cute, on the water, with a deck. Orchid blooms are served with the food.

Moderately priced, too. Definitely worth every penny.

I have come to really enjoy the Ocean Breeze and its staff. I give really give it 3.5 stars but you can only give in whole stars. The Food is great and large portions. I dont think there is a entree I havent liked. The Tuesday 1/2 price bottle of wine is fantistic promotion. The the live music has been decent but I here its gets better on Friday. the outdoor patio is the great. The place could use a good updating/cleaning in order to be more attractive atmospheres. The servers/bartender have been grea and they get the full four starst. If you have the chance sit at the bar and meet Frankie - great bartender - he is boston fan but dont hold it against him! He is always on point!