Hole In The Wall is a beloved seafood restaurant located in the heart of Apalachicola, Florida. Known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood and relaxed atmosphere, the eatery offers an extensive menu that caters to both seafood aficionados and casual diners.
The menu reflects the rich culinary traditions of the Gulf Coast, emphasizing freshness, flavor, and simple preparation techniques.
The restaurant has earned a reputation for being a casual, unpretentious spot that serves some of the best seafood in the region. Whether you’re craving oysters, shrimp, fish, or classic southern sides, the Hole In The Wall is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling through Apalachicola.
Overview of the Menu
The menu is designed to showcase the best of Apalachicola’s local seafood bounty. It features a variety of appetizers, entrees, and sides, with daily specials that often highlight the catch of the day.
The emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident throughout.
Besides seafood, the menu also offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and traditional southern dishes to accommodate different tastes. Diners can expect generous portions, flavorful recipes, and friendly service.
Appetizers
Start your meal with one of the restaurant’s savory appetizers. The appetizers are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light snack before your main course.
| Appetizer | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Green Tomatoes | Thick slices of green tomatoes, hand-breaded and fried to golden perfection, served with a tangy remoulade sauce. | $8.95 |
| Apalachicola Oysters on the Half Shell | Freshly shucked local oysters served chilled with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges. | Market Price |
| Crab Cakes | Homemade crab cakes made with lump crab meat, lightly seasoned and pan-fried, served with a spicy aioli. | $12.50 |
| Fried Calamari | Crispy fried calamari rings served with marinara and lemon garlic aioli dipping sauces. | $10.95 |
| Stuffed Mushrooms | Button mushrooms stuffed with a blend of crab meat, cream cheese, and herbs, baked until golden. | $9.50 |
Entrées
The entrée section is the heart of the menu, featuring a variety of fresh seafood dishes as well as some southern classics. Each entrée is crafted to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.
| Entrée | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Blackened Grouper | Fresh grouper fillet seasoned with Cajun spices and seared to create a flavorful crust, served with rice and seasonal vegetables. | $22.95 |
| Fried Shrimp Platter | Generous portion of crispy fried shrimp served with hush puppies, coleslaw, and cocktail sauce. | $19.95 |
| Grilled Mahi-Mahi | Lightly seasoned mahi-mahi grilled to perfection, accompanied by a fresh mango salsa and steamed vegetables. | $21.50 |
| Seafood Gumbo | A rich and hearty gumbo featuring shrimp, crab, and oysters simmered in a flavorful roux with okra and spices. | $16.95 |
| Apalachicola Crab Boil | A generous serving of local blue crab steamed with potatoes, corn, and Andouille sausage, served with melted butter. | $28.95 |
| Blackened Catfish | Fresh catfish fillet coated with Cajun seasoning and blackened on the grill, served with dirty rice and collard greens. | $18.95 |
| Oyster Po’ Boy | Crispy fried oysters tucked inside a toasted hoagie roll with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and remoulade sauce. | $14.50 |
| Chicken and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya | A spicy Cajun rice dish loaded with tender chicken, smoked Andouille sausage, peppers, and onions. | $17.95 |
Sides
The sides at Hole In The Wall complement the entrees perfectly, offering classic southern flavors and fresh produce. Many sides are prepared fresh daily.
| Side | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hush Puppies | Golden-fried cornmeal balls served with honey butter. | $4.95 |
| Collard Greens | Slow-cooked collard greens seasoned with smoked meat and spices. | $4.50 |
| Dirty Rice | Traditional Cajun rice dish with ground meat, spices, and vegetables. | $4.95 |
| Coleslaw | Creamy homemade coleslaw with a tangy dressing. | $3.95 |
| French Fries | Crispy golden fries, lightly salted. | $3.95 |
| Steamed Vegetables | Fresh seasonal vegetables lightly steamed and seasoned. | $4.95 |
Desserts
Finish your meal with one of Hole In The Wall’s delectable desserts. These sweet treats offer a perfect balance of traditional southern flavors and fresh ingredients.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Key Lime Pie | Classic Floridian dessert with a tangy key lime custard and graham cracker crust. | $6.50 |
| Pecan Pie | Rich and gooey pecan pie served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. | $6.95 |
| Banana Pudding | Layered banana pudding with vanilla wafers and whipped cream. | $5.95 |
Beverages
The beverage menu features a variety of options to complement your meal. From classic soft drinks to local craft beers and carefully selected wines, there is something for every palate.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Drinks | Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Lemonade, Iced Tea | $2.50 |
| Local Craft Beer | Rotating selection of Apalachicola and Florida craft beers on tap and bottles. | $5.50 – $7.00 |
| House Wine | Red and white wine selections by the glass or bottle. | $6.00 (glass) / $22.00 (bottle) |
| Frozen Cocktails | Signature frozen cocktails like margaritas and daiquiris. | $8.00 |
“The Hole In The Wall is the ultimate spot for fresh seafood with a local twist. The oysters are always fresh, and the atmosphere is laid back and welcoming.” – Local Food Critic
Specials and Seasonal Items
One of the highlights of dining at Hole In The Wall is the daily specials board. These offerings vary based on the freshest catches available from the Gulf and seasonal ingredients.
Specials often include whole steamed crabs, fresh snapper, or unique preparations of oysters and shrimp.
Many guests recommend asking your server about the day’s specials to experience something unique and off-menu. These specials showcase the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, in-season ingredients and creative preparation.
Gluten-Free and Dietary Options
Hole In The Wall strives to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions. Many menu items can be prepared gluten-free upon request, including grilled seafood dishes and salads.
The kitchen is also knowledgeable about allergies and preferences, making it easier for guests to dine safely.
Vegetarian options are limited due to the seafood focus, but salads and some sides provide choices for non-meat eaters.
How to Order
The Hole In The Wall offers dine-in service, takeout, and occasionally catering for local events. Reservations are recommended during peak tourist seasons as the restaurant can get busy, especially on weekends and during festivals.
Ordering is straightforward, with friendly staff happy to provide recommendations or guide guests through the menu. The casual ambiance makes it perfect for families, couples, and solo diners alike.
Location and Hours
| Address | 39 Avenue E, Apalachicola, FL 32320 |
| Phone | (850) 653-9000 |
| Hours | Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
Customer Reviews
Customers consistently praise Hole In The Wall for its fresh seafood, friendly service, and laid-back atmosphere. Many highlight the oysters as a standout item, along with the crab boil and blackened fish dishes.
Here are some testimonials from recent visitors:
“Hands down the best seafood in Apalachicola! The fried shrimp platter was crispy and flavorful. The staff made us feel right at home.” – Jessica M.
“I loved the blackened grouper and the hush puppies were amazing. Great spot for a casual dinner with a local vibe.” – Tom S.
“The atmosphere is so relaxed and the seafood is incredibly fresh. The daily specials always offer something new and delicious.” – Emily R.
Conclusion
Hole In The Wall in Apalachicola offers an authentic taste of Gulf Coast seafood in a welcoming, unpretentious setting. Its menu is a celebration of local flavors and fresh ingredients, with generous portions and well-prepared dishes.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the restaurant’s varied menu, daily specials, and friendly service make it a perfect choice for enjoying the best seafood Apalachicola has to offer. From oysters on the half shell to hearty crab boils, Hole In The Wall delivers a memorable dining experience that captures the spirit of the Florida coast.
