J Michael’s Restaurant is a legendary dining spot celebrated for its inviting atmosphere and classic Southern hospitality. Nestled in the heart of Panama City Beach, Florida, this eatery has welcomed locals and tourists alike for decades.
Their menu is a delightful mix of seafood, steak, and comfort food favorites, all offered at wallet-friendly prices.
Whether you’re craving fresh oysters, a hearty burger, or a home-cooked breakfast, J Michael’s has something to satisfy every appetite. The establishment is renowned not only for its diverse selection but also for its commitment to quality and generous portions.
Below, discover a detailed breakdown of the J Michael’s Restaurant menu with up-to-date prices. Dive into each section to find your next favorite meal, and enjoy the welcoming spirit that keeps guests coming back again and again.
Appetizers
Start your meal with one of J Michael’s mouthwatering appetizers, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo as a light bite. Their starters range from classic Southern options to seafood specialties that highlight the Gulf Coast’s best flavors.
| Appetizer | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Pickles | Crispy, golden-fried dill pickle chips served with house-made ranch | $7.95 |
| Grouper Nuggets | Bite-sized, breaded grouper pieces with tartar sauce | $11.50 |
| Crab Claws | Fried or sautéed blue crab claws served with cocktail sauce | $15.95 |
| Peel & Eat Shrimp | Half-pound of large shrimp, perfectly seasoned and chilled | $12.95 |
| Cheese Sticks | Classic mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce | $6.95 |
| Onion Rings | Thick-cut onion rings, lightly battered and fried | $6.95 |
“The fried pickles and grouper nuggets at J Michael’s are the best in town—crispy, flavorful, and perfect for kicking off a meal with friends.” – Local Foodie Review
Soups and Salads
J Michael’s is famous for its hearty soups and crisp, fresh salads. Their legendary Seafood Gumbo is a must-try, and the salads are always made to order with the freshest ingredients.
| Soup/Salad | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Seafood Gumbo (Cup) | Rich, spicy gumbo loaded with fresh catch and vegetables | $5.95 |
| Seafood Gumbo (Bowl) | Hearty portion for a satisfying meal | $8.95 |
| House Salad | Crisp greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, cheese, and croutons | $5.95 |
| Caesar Salad | Classic Caesar with romaine, parmesan, and croutons | $6.95 |
| Grilled Chicken Salad | Grilled chicken breast served over house salad mix | $10.95 |
| Chef Salad | Ham, turkey, cheese, and boiled egg atop fresh greens | $11.50 |
All salads can be customized with your choice of dressings, including ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, and Italian. Add grilled shrimp or grouper for an additional charge to elevate your salad into a satisfying entrée.
Sandwiches & Burgers
The sandwich and burger selection at J Michael’s is beloved for its variety and bold flavors. Each sandwich is served with a side of fries or homemade chips, making it a filling meal for lunch or dinner.
| Sandwich/Burger | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| J Michael’s Burger | Half-pound Angus beef patty with lettuce, tomato, and onion | $10.95 |
| Bacon Cheeseburger | Topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar | $12.50 |
| Grouper Sandwich | Grilled, blackened, or fried grouper filet on a fresh bun | $15.95 |
| Chicken Sandwich | Grilled, fried, or blackened chicken breast with fixings | $10.95 |
| Po’ Boy Sandwich | Choice of fried shrimp or oysters, lettuce, tomato, and remoulade on French bread | $14.95 |
| BLT Sandwich | Classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato with mayo on toasted bread | $8.95 |
Each burger and sandwich can be customized with a variety of toppings, including grilled onions, mushrooms, jalapeños, and extra cheese for a small additional fee. Gluten-free buns are available upon request, ensuring everyone can enjoy their favorites.
Seafood Specialties
As a cornerstone of the Gulf Coast culinary scene, J Michael’s is known for its fresh seafood dishes. From fried platters to grilled specialties, these entrées highlight the best catches from local waters.
| Seafood Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Shrimp Platter | Dozen hand-breaded Gulf shrimp, fries, coleslaw, hushpuppies | $17.95 |
| Grilled Grouper Plate | Fresh grouper filet, grilled and served with rice and vegetables | $19.95 |
| Seafood Combo Platter | Fried shrimp, oysters, and fish filets, with hushpuppies and slaw | $21.95 |
| Oyster Plate | Fried or sautéed oysters, with two sides | $18.95 |
| Catfish Dinner | Southern-fried catfish filets, fries, and coleslaw | $15.50 |
| Shrimp & Grits | Grilled shrimp over creamy cheese grits, topped with bacon | $16.95 |
“The fried shrimp platter is always crispy, juicy, and served piping hot. The hushpuppies are a must!” – Regular Patron
Steaks, Chicken, & More
While seafood is the star, J Michael’s also offers a range of land-based favorites. From hand-cut steaks to homestyle chicken dishes, these meals are cooked to perfection and served with your choice of classic sides.
| Entrée | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ribeye Steak (12 oz) | Juicy, hand-cut ribeye grilled to order | $22.95 |
| Hamburger Steak | Seasoned ground beef steak with sautéed onions | $13.50 |
| Chicken Fried Chicken | Breaded chicken breast, fried and topped with country gravy | $13.95 |
| Grilled Chicken Breast | Seasoned chicken breast, grilled and served with two sides | $12.95 |
| Pork Chop Dinner | Two center-cut pork chops, grilled or fried | $14.95 |
Popular side choices include mashed potatoes, seasoned rice, steamed vegetables, coleslaw, fries, and baked beans. All steaks are cooked to your preferred temperature and can be topped with sautéed mushrooms or onions for an extra burst of flavor.
Breakfast All Day
J Michael’s is one of the few places on the beach serving breakfast all day. Whether you want a classic American breakfast or something with a Southern twist, their morning menu keeps guests coming back for more.
| Breakfast Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Big Breakfast Plate | Two eggs any style, grits or hashbrowns, bacon or sausage, toast or biscuit | $8.95 |
| Pancake Stack | Three fluffy pancakes with butter and syrup | $7.50 |
| Shrimp & Grits | Classic Southern breakfast with grilled shrimp over cheese grits | $12.95 |
| Omelet (3 Eggs) | Choice of ham, cheese, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions | $9.50 |
| Biscuit & Gravy | Homemade buttermilk biscuit smothered in sausage gravy | $5.95 |
| French Toast | Texas toast, dipped, griddled, and dusted with powdered sugar | $7.95 |
“Breakfast at J Michael’s is the perfect way to start or end your day. Always fresh, filling, and delicious!” – Beach Visitor
Kids’ Menu
Families are always welcome at J Michael’s, and the kids’ menu offers options for even the pickiest eaters. Meals come with a choice of fries, fruit, or applesauce, and a small drink.
| Kids’ Meal | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders | Three breaded, fried chicken strips with honey mustard | $6.95 |
| Mini Corn Dogs | Bite-size corn dogs served with ketchup | $6.50 |
| Grilled Cheese | Classic melted cheese on toasted bread | $5.95 |
| Kids’ Burger | Mini hamburger with pickles and ketchup | $6.95 |
| Fish Bites | Breaded white fish nuggets, fried and served with tartar sauce | $7.50 |
All kids’ meals are portioned just right for younger appetites and served with a fun treat. High chairs and booster seats are available for your convenience.
Desserts
No meal at J Michael’s is complete without a sweet finish. Their dessert menu features homemade favorites and Southern classics, each made with care to satisfy your sweet tooth.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade Bread Pudding | Warm bread pudding with a rich bourbon sauce | $5.95 |
| Pecan Pie | Classic Southern pecan pie, served with whipped cream | $5.50 |
| Key Lime Pie | Tart, creamy key lime filling and graham cracker crust | $5.50 |
| Chocolate Cake | Decadent chocolate layer cake with chocolate icing | $5.95 |
| Ice Cream | Vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, served by the scoop | $3.50 |
“I never leave without a slice of their homemade bread pudding—absolutely divine!” – Dessert Lover
Beverages
Refresh your palate with a wide selection of beverages. From classic sodas to Southern sweet tea, J Michael’s offers something for every taste.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Drinks | Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Root Beer (free refills) | $2.75 |
| Sweet/Unsweet Tea | Freshly brewed Southern-style tea | $2.50 |
| Lemonade | Homemade, tangy and refreshing | $2.50 |
| Coffee | Hot, fresh-brewed coffee | $2.25 |
| Milk/Chocolate Milk | Chilled and served by the glass | $2.25 |
| Domestic Beer | Bottle or draft, selection varies | $4.00 |
| House Wine | Red or white, served by the glass | $5.50 |
For adults, a modest selection of beer and wine is available to complement your meal. Ask your server about seasonal drink specials and local craft brews.
Daily Specials
J Michael’s features daily specials that highlight seasonal ingredients and local catches. These specials rotate regularly, offering something new for returning guests to enjoy.
Prices and offerings may vary, so be sure to ask your server about today’s feature.
“There’s always something new and delicious on the special board—makes every visit to J Michael’s unique!” – Repeat Customer
Ambience & Dining Experience
The heart and soul of J Michael’s is its relaxed, welcoming environment. The walls are adorned with memorabilia and quirky décor, making every corner interesting to explore.
Whether you’re dining solo at the counter or sharing a meal with family in a cozy booth, you’ll feel right at home.
Service is friendly and attentive, with staff eager to recommend their own favorites from the menu. The kitchen is open late, making it a popular spot for both early birds and night owls.
Large groups and special occasions are easily accommodated—just call ahead to reserve your table.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Try the gumbo: This signature dish has been a crowd-pleaser for generations.
- Arrive early for dinner: Especially during peak tourist season, as the restaurant can get busy quickly.
- Check the specials board: Some of the best dishes aren’t on the regular menu.
- Save room for dessert: The bread pudding and key lime pie are musts.
- Enjoy breakfast anytime: It’s served all day, so there’s never a wrong time for pancakes or omelets.
J Michael’s Restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it’s a beloved community institution where memories are made and traditions are cherished. Their commitment to fresh ingredients, generous portions, and warm service keeps the spirit of Southern hospitality alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do they offer takeout? | Yes, the full menu is available for takeout. Call ahead to place your order. |
| Are there vegetarian options? | Yes, salads, vegetable sides, and cheese-based dishes are available for vegetarians. |
| Is outdoor seating available? | Outdoor seating is offered seasonally, weather permitting. |
| Do they accept credit cards? | All major credit cards are accepted for your convenience. |
| Is the restaurant family-friendly? | Absolutely. High chairs, booster seats, and a kids’ menu are available. |
Contact & Location
For the latest menu updates, special promotions, or to make a reservation, contact J Michael’s directly. The friendly staff are happy to assist with any questions or dining requests.
| Address: | 3210 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 |
| Phone: | (850) 233-2055 |
| Hours: | Mon–Sun: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Website: | jmichaelsrestaurant.com |
Experience the best of coastal comfort food and Southern hospitality at J Michael’s Restaurant. With a menu that appeals to all ages and tastes, it’s no wonder this local gem has become a must-visit destination for food lovers from near and far.
