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Panama City Beach is a Gulf Coast gem offering a laid-back coastal lifestyle and incredible outdoor activities. But beyond its famous attractions, you’ll also discover a delightful and diverse culinary scene. The best part? There are plenty of cheap eats in PCB where you can enjoy a filling and delicious meal without straining your budget.
As America becomes the world’s costliest holiday destination, it’s always a good idea to find a way to save a buck or two. Luckily, on PCB, from seafood to Mexican and Vietnamese restaurants, you’ll find yourself well-covered when it comes to affordable dining options in Panama City Beach.
Wondering where to find them? In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the best budget-friendly dining spots in town.
At Emerald Coast Retreat, our love for Panama City Beach is translated into our commitment to crafting unparalleled getaways for our guests. We offer a curated selection of properties, ranging from beachfront condos to spacious rental homes, each meticulously designed to provide the utmost convenience and comfort for your stay.
And if we may say so, we’re experts in all things Panama City Beach. In our destination blog, we’ve covered everything from hidden gems to where to find pickleball courts, with more posts always on the way to make your vacation even better. So stay tuned!
Want to savor some great food without the hefty price? Let’s uncover the top spots.
Price range: $10 to $20 per person
Gypsea Crepes is a popular eatery known for its delicious sweet and savory crepes at affordable prices. This locally loved spot offers a casual, laid-back dining experience, allowing you to indulge in irresistible treats without worrying about breaking the bank.
The menu offers a variety of freshly made crepes, ranging from sweet options like Nutella and fresh fruit to savory choices filled with meats, cheese, and vegetables (vegetarian options are available!). You can also customize your crepes with different toppings and fillings. The shop is small, cozy, and beach-themed, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite, especially after a day at the beach. One of the standout features of Gypsea Crepes is its affordability. Most crepes are priced between $7.50 and $13, which is quite reasonable compared to other dining options in the area. Despite the lower prices, the portions are generous—many customers find that a single crepe is filling enough for a meal, offering great value for the price.
Price range: $10 to $20 per person
David’s New Orleans Style Cafe & Sno-Balls is a local gem that brings the flavors of New Orleans to the Florida coast. Known for its authentic New Orleans-style sno-balls and delicious Cajun dishes, this spot offers a casual and affordable dining experience.
You can indulge in po’boys, gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and crawfish, but be sure to save room for dessert—their most famous menu item is the sno-balls. These fluffy, shaved ice treats come with a variety of syrup flavors. Prices for sno-balls range from $4.70 to $8.95, depending on the size and add-ons like condensed milk or ice cream. Entrees and savory dishes are priced between $4.20 and $11.95, with generous portions, making it a great value for anyone craving hearty, flavorful Cajun cuisine.
Price range: $10 to $20 per person
Known for its fresh, island-inspired food, FINNS Island Style Grub is another excellent choice for enjoying delicious fare, including seafood, while staying on a budget.
FINNS serves up a variety of island-style dishes, with popular items like fish tacos, shrimp burritos, and their signature poke bowls—all filling and packed with flavor. Most menu items are priced between $6 and $15, making it very affordable considering the fresh, high-quality ingredients and generous portions. The most expensive item on the menu is the Ahi Tuna Tacos ($15).
The casual, beach-friendly atmosphere of FINNS is another big draw. The restaurant is an open-air spot, giving it a laid-back, tropical vibe that perfectly complements the beach setting.
Price range: $10 to $20 per person
Mexican food, anyone? If it’s affordable, even better! With two locations in Panama City Beach, on Front Beach Road and Sunset Drive, Diego’s Burrito Factory & Margarita Bar is a local favorite known for its customizable burritos, casual atmosphere, and strong margaritas. It’s the go-to spot for quick, delicious, and affordable Mexican-inspired cuisine.
At Diego’s, the build-your-own burrito concept lets you choose from a variety of fresh ingredients to customize your burrito, taco, bowl, or nachos. You can get a large, filling burrito for around $12 to $13, depending on your choice of ingredients and protein. Tacos are similarly priced, making it an economical option for those looking for fresh, hearty meals. Their margaritas, a key attraction, are also priced affordably, typically ranging from $5 to $8, depending on the size and type.
Price range: $10 to $20 per person
Another excellent option for authentic Mexican cuisine without the hefty price tag is AutentiKa Mexican Grille, a well-loved spot that blends traditional flavors with modern twists.
AutentiKa offers a wide range of Mexican favorites, including enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, and quesadillas. They also feature seafood options and signature dishes like carne asada. The menu has something for everyone, from classic street-style tacos to hearty platters. Appetizers range from $4 to $15, tacos are priced between $3 and $5 each, and burritos vary from $10 to $14, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal at a great price.
Despite the affordable prices, portions at AutentiKa are generous. Many customers find they get plenty of food for what they pay, and even smaller items like tacos or appetizers are quite filling.
Price range: $10 to $20 per person
Serving up honest breakfast and lunch, Jesse’s Place is a family-owned and operated restaurant known for its Southern-style comfort food with a personal touch.
Jesse’s offers a variety of homestyle dishes, with breakfast options like pancakes, omelets, and biscuits and gravy, as well as lunch favorites such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, and daily specials. The menu is straightforward, emphasizing traditional Southern flavors and comfort food, all served in generous portions at affordable prices. Breakfast items typically range from $5 to $15, while lunch dishes are priced between $8 and $12.
Be sure to check out the daily specials, which offer even more value. These specials often feature classic Southern dishes like meatloaf or chicken and dumplings, providing a great way to enjoy homestyle cooking at a bargain price.
Price range: $10 to $20 per person
Vietnamese food never disappoints, but it often comes with a higher price tag for aromatic pho or a mouthwatering banh mi. However, at Pho Pier 77 in PCB, you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes at reasonable prices.
In addition to the classics like pho and banh mi, Pho Pier 77 also serves rice and noodle bowls, along with appetizers such as fresh spring rolls and egg rolls. Most bowls of pho are priced between $12 and $15, which is quite reasonable given the generous portion sizes and the high-quality ingredients.
Appetizers, like the Grilled Hot Chili Squid, typically range from $6 to $13, making it easy to add a starter or share a few dishes without significantly increasing the bill.
Price range: $10 to $20 per person
Culver’s is part of a popular Midwest-based chain known for its ButterBurgers, fresh frozen custard, and family-friendly atmosphere. While it’s a national chain, Culver’s has built a reputation for offering higher-quality fast food at affordable prices, making it a great option for those seeking quick yet satisfying meals.
The star of the menu is the ButterBurger, made with fresh, never-frozen beef and served on a buttered, toasted bun. Other popular items include fried chicken sandwiches, fish dinners, Wisconsin cheese curds, and their fresh frozen custard.
Meals typically cost between $7 and $10. A standard ButterBurger value meal, which includes fries and a drink, ranges from $8 to $10, depending on size and customization. Kids’ meals are usually priced under $6 and include a main item, side, drink, and even a scoop of custard.
Price range: $5 to $15 per person
A good pizza always saves the day, and Little Caesars is another national chain that proves affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Little Caesars is known for its “Hot-N-Ready” pizzas, Crazy Bread, and wings. Their menu includes classic options like Pepperoni and Cheese, as well as specialty pizzas that rotate seasonally.
You can also customize your pizzas with various toppings and sizes. The Hot-N-Ready options are priced around $5 to $8, while their specialty pizzas range from $6.50 to $11.50. They frequently offer promotions, including meal deals with pizza, breadsticks, and drinks at discounted prices.
Nestled along the pristine shores of Panama City Beach, we take pride in curating unforgettable vacation experiences for every guest.
As a premier provider of PCB vacation rentals, Emerald Coast Retreats offers a handpicked selection of properties, ranging from beachfront condos to spacious rental homes, each meticulously designed to provide the utmost convenience and comfort for your stay. Our local team is committed to ensuring that your escape to the Emerald Coast is nothing short of extraordinary.
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