Runaway Island
One of few truly oceanfront restaurants in Panama City Beach, Runaway Island is more about the experience than the food. Nice choices on the menu but most food tends towards average. Early bird specials and live music help to make it a satisfying experience.
Song That Pops In My Head When I Enter: Dancing in the Moonlight
The Vibe.
This is potentially one of the most romantic dining experiences in PC, but it all depends on where you are seated and the weather.
Fireplace tables on the deck in the evening are picture-perfect for cozying up on a chilly winter night. A seat at the outside bar feels dramatically different – more like spring break in Fort Lauderdale. Indoor tables lack the stars and the waves but have a feeling of chic comfort.
It’s almost a dual personality – a mixture of beach fun (with a sunset bell to celebrate the end of daylight) and impossibly dreamy nooks and crannies that beg for a kiss.
What a Woman Should Wear: Depends on who you want to be tonight.
At The Table Next to Us: Three middle-aged ladies living it up on a girls’ trip. The redhead with the Winona Judd hair wore four-inch platform flipflops. Fortunately, there were within walking distance of their rental condo.
Looks Like an Occasion for: Reconciling with the love of your life. Or maybe a wedding since they do that thing, too.
Check out the Runaway Island Beach Cam.
The Food.
Our how I want to love the Runaway grub.
But here’s the problem. Sometimes there’s a pretty damned good hamburger , known as “The Wilson.” And then the next time it’s overcooked and dry.
Fish tacos sound enticing, but have that Applebees-on-a-date-night kind of quality.
Nevertheless, some items show consistent talent – such as the cheese grits. And when the Parmesan Flounder is on, it compares with some of the best.
Our favorite meal of all at Runaway Island is the Easter buffet. Of course, it only happens once a year, but it’s extensive, affordable, and includes both traditional favorites and lots of seafood.
Don’t Miss: Cheese grits, Caribbean wings
The Service.
Something unique about Runaway Island is that their service seems to have actually gotten better since the pandemic.
Starting at the hostess station, you are greeted with fresh smiles and a willingness to accommodate. And our 2022 Easter buffet lunch reminded me of the old-fashioned service of days when the world was just a much kinder and gentler place.
In comparison to visits in 2017-2018, our last experiences have left us all warm and fuzzy.
Level of Happiness
General contentment. As servings tend to be on the smaller side, it’s not a place where it’s easy to split meals. So it’s a little on the pricey side for casual dining, and I don’t recall ever actually craving anything from Runaway Island – except for the atmosphere.
Suggestion Box: More awesome events like the Easter Buffet and some daintier choices (homemade hummus for example).
Number of Cats Spotted: One typical PCB long, slim black kitty in the parking lot.
Location: 14521 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach
Hours: !1 am – 9 pm, except on Fridays and Saturdays (open til 10 pm). Sometimes closes early. No reservations.
Contact: 850.634.3884 and Runaway Island.
