Restaurant Review: Shades Bar & Grill

Shades Bar & Grill is a perfect example of how nearly aspect of life is better alongside Florida's Emerald Coast, especially on and near the varied communities of 30A. Here, even the burger stands and bars could stand up against the fanciest of fine dining establishments found in many other cities across the U.S., and there is no finer example of that than Shades Bar & Grill. That is because Shades is the type of place to host nightly chef specials which never fail to disappoint. It is a restaurant where even the most stereotypical of American meals are given the care, flavor and finesse to transform them from something average to something you will definitely be craving for many years to come. For foodies like myself, Shades is just as memorable as 30A's sunny days that people come the world over to experience.

Shades is located in the picturesque paradise of Inlet Beach, right on the corner where 30A meets Highway 98, meaning that this bar and grill is either greeting or biding adieu to travelers of the historic country road. Sitting right across the street from outdoor shopping mall 30Avenue, the building itself is both sleek and modern while at the same time reminiscent of a classic seaside town. My friend's daughter described it as "if the Ritz Carlton opened up in Bikini Bottom." A few shades darker on their metal roof, Shades Bar & Grill certainly would not look out of place in Alys Beach, with its clean, white exteriors. Inside the bar, wooden paneling and flooring solidify the beachside feel, while the plentiful windows and multiple rooms makes the restaurant feel even more massive than it actually is. Indeed, this is a business that personifies the visual aesthetic of South Walton to an absolute t.

Much to the delight of those who visit, Shades Bar & Grill has one of the largest beer selections not just on 30A, but throughout all of Northwest Florida in general. This makes them a great place for those who like to constantly try something new, but also for that beer snob friend we all have who always complains about bars not having his or her favorite craft beers. A beer lover's bar through and through, Shades does not remotely skimp even a little bit when it comes to the alcohol or wine selections either. Their bartenders are all masters of their craft, and know how to create a perfectly balanced cocktail. In business, reputation is everything, and in accepting this truth, every ounce of liquid prestige poured at this particular bar and grill adds further distinction to the Shades name.

So, how is the food? That is the most important questions when talking about a restaurant. Truthfully, Shades is above and beyond what you would find at 99% of the neighborhood family bar & grill's in America. It might not be equal with Michelin star rated restaurants in Paris, but believe me when I say that it is shockingly close. I have eaten at famous holes in the wall and five star restaurants featured on television, and Shade's competes with the best of both those worlds. Our web designer & marketing guru, who is a man quite fond of saying that most Italian food outside of St. Louis is a disappointment at best, and an affront at worst, even admits their Chicken Piccata (linguine, basil, tomatoes, spinach, capers, asiago, beurre blanc) is one of the best he has ever had, in any city.

Personally, I love going there when I am specifically in the mood for fish. This makes choosing food much easier, as I am most struggling to pick the Blackened Salmon (hibachi fried rice, yum yum sauce, green onion) and the Mahi Tacos (mahi, chipotle aioli, pico de gallo, cabbage, flour tortillas, lime & cilantro cream), although sometimes the Pan Seared Redfish (goat cheese grit cake, haricot verts, cherry tomatoes, red onions, bearnaise sauce) makes a surprise appearance on my dinner table. Still, when I am on that part of The Emerald Coast and I really want a steak, their NY Strip (local greens salad, mashed potatoes, Shades steak sauce) saves me having to drive to a fancy steakhouse like Fleming's.

"Oh my gosh. Perfect meal. Started with calamari. Perfectly seasoned and friend in a light batter. A plus was the addition of tiny pieces of the octopus legs. My dinner was grilled grouper. Extremely fresh. Served over sweet pea risotto with a heavenly roast red pepper cream sauce. Risotto is not an easy dish, this was perfect, with a good toothy bite to it. My husband had grouper tacos served with black beans and rice. Chipotle aioli, roasted corn salsa lime and cilantro cream. A great fish taco is what he says, very traditional. Hey says "this is a fish taco". And he's a chef. Our server Connie was awesome. Spot on with the recommendations and service. And great drinks!" - Lisa S.

All and all, Shades is just a classic restaurant who takes their business as seriously as they should. This eatery holds their own against steakhouses, the powerhouses of Italian food plus they got an impressive cheeseburger that is just as good as the best in the area. Jack of all trades, master of all? While I admit that usually is not the case when it comes to restaurants or people, but like I was saying at the beginning of the article, things are just better in this part of the world.

If you would like to learn more about Shades and see their full menu, check out their website at www.shades30a.com or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shades30a

As always, if you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Destin, 30A & Beyond, visit my website www.buydestin30a.com and contact me today to fully understand your options.