Stewby’s Seafood Shanty is a laid‑back local seafood joint in Fort Walton Beach and on Okaloosa Island serving fresh, affordable Gulf seafood with a big dose of Southern hospitality. What started as a small “shanty” has grown to multiple locations plus a steamer and market, all built around the same simple idea: fresh fish, fair prices, and treating every guest like family.
Atmosphere
Stewby’s has a casual, no‑frills fish‑shack feel, with picnic‑style seating, counter ordering, and friendly staff who welcome regulars and vacationers alike. It’s the kind of place where you grab a tray, find a bench, and dig into a big plate of seafood without worrying about dress codes or reservations.
Families, locals, and service members all mix here, and the tone stays upbeat and unpretentious—very much “eat where the locals eat.” The focus is on hot, freshly cooked food coming out fast and friendly rather than on fancy decor.
Food, Market, and Catering
The menu centers on fresh Gulf seafood served daily, with fan‑favorite items including the fried shrimp (their #1 seller), grilled fish, combo platters, and the “infamous” gumbo. Sides like coleslaw, barbecue beans, and other Southern staples round out classic fish‑fry plates that guests order again and again.
Next door to one of the restaurants, Stewby’s Steamer & Market lets guests buy fresh, local seafood to take home, packed for travel whether you’re heading back to a nearby condo or all the way to another state. They also offer on‑site catering called Stewby’s Southern Fish Fry, bringing a full fish‑fry setup to weddings, parties, and events, with seafood cooked hot on‑site instead of pre‑packaged trays.
For Vacationers
Stewby’s is ideal for Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island visitors who want a quick, affordable, and genuinely local seafood meal rather than a polished waterfront restaurant. It’s especially good for families and groups looking to feed a crowd without breaking the bank, or for anyone who wants to grab fresh seafood from the market to cook back at their rental.
If you’re planning a beach wedding, reunion, or big family gathering, Stewby’s on‑site Southern Fish Fry catering is a fun way to turn your event into a casual coastal feast with hot, made‑right‑there seafood.