Tourist Trap Food Playground

Next up for review is Fudpucker’s, not to be confused with the chain Fuddrucker’s.  This lunch and dinner establishment claims to be a beachside bar and grill, but it is not located on the beach.  However, if you are looking for a family-friendly, food-filled, quirky tourist trap, have I found the place for you.  The beachside reference comes from…wait for it… “The World’s Greatest Alligator Park” called Gator Beach.  Yes, you heard me right.  This restaurant not only serves food and beverages, but also has a wide range of attractions and entertainment.  Gator Beach is home to over 200 alligators where there is daily access to exhibits, gator shows, tours and interactive experiences for all ages.  They also offer professional photo shoots holding a live gator to capture this one-of-a-kind experience.  Additional onsite entertainment includes live music, scavenger hunts, henna tattoos, and other seasonal activities.  There is also a gift shop onsite carrying a variety of your traditional touristy-type items and some of the unexpected.  Established in 1982, the restaurant has quite an extensive menu of American grill fare along with many seafood dishes as well, staying true to the region’s coastal cuisine.  The menu itself is a multipage newspaper with clever and funny names given to their food and beverage selections.  The vibe is definitely wild, eccentric and again I say quirky.  The colorful restaurant is huge with multiple dining rooms and levels sporting outrageous décor and writings all over the walls.  With the high ceilings and bar areas, it can get quite loud at times.  The atmosphere is not designed for anyone looking for a quiet or relaxing meal.  As far as the food is concerned, I had the Mahi Mahi Fudpuckin’ Tacos.  It was 3 soft tacos served with lettuce, cheese, Pico de Gallo, and pineapple slaw drizzled with their Signature Sweet Remoulade Sauce.  The Mahi Mahi tasted fresh and had a nice breading on it, not too heavy.  The other components had a good flavor, but I would not say anything truly stood out as memorable to me.  The tacos did not come with any side item, which was fine for me because I was looking for a light lunch.  Overall, I would say this was a unique experience and certainly worth checking out at least once if you are looking for something different or exciting for children.  Would I ever dine at Fudpucker’s again?  It is possible, but once more would probably be enough for me.  This is not my kind of venue and there was not anything on the menu to draw me back.  It is just one of those places that will only appeal to a specific type of traveler.

Summary

Restaurant Name: Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill

Address: 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541

Service – Average

Food – Good

Portion Size – Average

Menu Selection – Extensive.  (Heavy on seafood and Cajun flavors.)

Dietary Options –Gluten-Free and Vegetarian upon request. Approximately 35% Biblically Clean

Cost/Value – Moderate

Ambiance – Quirky, Colorful, Loud, Lively

Parking – Free. Sufficient Availability.

Reservations/Waitlist – Neither

Suited Type of Patron – Families.  Party Adults.

Signature Dishes – World Famous Fudburger, Father Fud’s Famous Blackened Redfish, Fud’s Mac & Cheese, Shrimp & Grits, Seafood & Alligator Gumbo, Gator Tail, Stuffed Shrimp Parmesan

Special Features – Gator Beach Alligator Park, Live Entertainment 5 days a week, Karaoke on Mondays and Wednesdays, Seasonal Events & Festivals, Henna Tattoo Kiosk, Souvenir Shop