An Early Bird's Guide to Destin Dinners

So you think Destin, Florida is a playground of the rich - and that's partially true - but you can still eat at the best restaurants on a budget. Most of Destin's "Award-Winning" restaurants offer early evening specials. This is my guide to the best Destin dinners under $20 (per person).

First we have Destin Chops, located on the Destin Harbor. The views from their floor-to-ceiling windows are absolutely priceless. You will feel worth a million dollars watching the boats come off the bay - whether you are enjoying the nightly special or a meal a la carte. Destin Chops offers award-winning prime meats, seafood and spirits. Their early evening special gets my nod as the "most bang for your buck." First of all, the offer is good nightly from 5-6 PM (Happy Hour also happens to be 5-7 PM nightly). You have your choice of the 12-oz. Prime Rib, Fresh Catch of the Day or the Grilled Chicken Breast. Each dinner is served with their Destin Chops salad, delicious garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. And we can't forget the unlimited french bread - it is literally the best bread I have had in my entire life! All these choices for only $14.95. What makes this the best deal in the panhandle is that Destin Chops' menu is served a la carte. So dine after 6 PM are you are looking at a $22 piece of beef, a $5 salad, $4 potatoes and $4 veggies (hopefully the bread is still free)! I don't know about you, but I would much rather be getting all that food at 15 bucks! I am a steak connoisseur when in Destin - only their fine restaurants know how to serve them - so believe me when I say Destin Chops offers the best steaks on the Emerald Coast. After dinner, stroll out back and take in all the sights the Harbor has to offer - the occasional heron searching for a bite to eat, a Marlin boat being washed down after a day at sea, AJ's Silent Lady sailboat sailing into the sunset or the Sea Blaster coming in from a cruise.