History of STEWBY’S

 

IMG_0250[1]Hi! I’m Stewart Taylor and this is my little seafood shanty. STEWBY’S Seafood Shanty is based off an old family restaurant called Sam’s Oyster House. Sam’s Oyster House was founded by my father Sam Taylor back in the late 60’s as a small seafood take-out.

 

Sam passed away back in 1985 and was left for myself, brother, and mother to operate. Sam’s remained open for 11 more years until it was sold in 1996. Sam’s was sold for many different reasons. One of which was the desires to go in new directions by myself and other family members.

 

Unfortunately Sam’s closed 1 year later at the hands of the new owners. This was very depressing. After empty promises to carry on the Sam’s name for years to come, the new owners went bankrupt just after 1 year.

 

Sam’s Oyster House may have had it’s problems, but the lack of quality fried seafood was not one of them. Serving fresh locally caught amberjack and shrimp, Sam’s was considered the authority on fresh fried seafood. Sam’s was actually the first to serve amberjack. Amberjack was considered trash fish and my father had to beg the fisherman to bring it to the docks.

 

Sam’s paved the way for most of the seafood restaurants in Fort Walton and Destin today.  Most are modeled after Sam’s casual atmosphere and menu. However these restaurants don’t have what I have and that is my fathers vision and most importantly his recipes.

 

What is STEWBY’S Seafood Shanty

 

STEWBY’S Seafood Shanty is a small take out and drive thru seafood restaurant in Fort Walton Beach. Offering the most affordable and freshest local seafood. You can eat on our heated and cooled enclosed deck or take it to-go.

 

All our seafood is fresh and locally bought. The fish comes straight of the boats in Destin. Our sauces and sides are all made from scratch. Even the seafood seasoning is made from scratch with no MSG or preservatives.

 

Built from an old portable school classroom and placed on an old car lot, STEWBY’S is centrally located in the heart of Fort Walton Beach, Fl. on Racetrack rd.

 

Average order time is between 7-9 minutes. So if your in a hurry, don’t worry. We’ll have you on your way in minutes. STEWBY’S also offers a drive thru window for your convenience. But don’t let the drive thru fool you. You don’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience.

 

Drive thru and take some to go or stop in and order from the walk up window. STEWBY’S is always providing the best quality seafood at the best price!

71 thoughts on “History of STEWBY’S

  • March 28, 2011 at 4:36 am
    Permalink

    Stewart,

    As a young man I ate at you father’s restaurant many times. I fished out of Destin in the summer time for extra money,and learned the value of “trash fish,amberjack, trigger etc.” I’m looking forward to trying out your restaurant,as i love a good fish sandwich and fried oysters. Please keep me posted.

    Thanks,
    Steve

    Reply
    • September 28, 2020 at 6:48 pm
      Permalink

      Some of the beast sea food i’ve ever had and the Key Lime pie is the most awesome ever!…

      Reply
      • September 29, 2020 at 9:04 am
        Permalink

        Love to hear this, we are glad you enjoyed your food! Thank you for your business and your review, we greatly appreciate it!

        Reply
        • October 22, 2021 at 12:39 pm
          Permalink

          Hi Stew. I first ate at Sam’s in 1969 when it was just shy of the bridge crossing over to the Island. Coming back from the beach late afternoon required a stop at Sam’s for oyster’s on the half, an ice cold brew and a big bowl of your dad’s fabulous gumbo. Heading back to Illinois, I would also load up on the gumbo and share it with my friends who also loved it. I first tried grilled amberjack at Sam’s and it became one of my favorite fish. IMO, you can hardly do better than Gulf amberjack, pompano and grouper. My taste buds are firing as I write this. My family loved Sam’s. No pretention, just outstanding food. Thanks to you and your family. Make your dad proud. Ed Horton. Champaign Il.

          Reply
      • August 20, 2022 at 5:17 pm
        Permalink

        Hello!
        Just called to order the Seafood Platter and was told the Stewby’s Platter is no longer available, however we can order each item separately. I’ve been going to Sam’s Oyster House since the 60’s as a kid, returning from college in the 80’s because it was my favorite food in the 70’s as well! So you can imagine the spark that occurred when I read in the paper the nephews where continuing the tradition.
        We’ve ordered since the first opening week. The almighty dollar wins again!

        Reply
        • July 30, 2023 at 4:34 pm
          Permalink

          I didn’t see Stew’s response to your comment about the Seafood Platter NOT being available any longer? WHY was it done away with (higher profit?) if that is the case? And with inflation being bad enough nowadays, HOW MUCH MORE will it now cost to replace the former Seafood Platter via the “new” Ala Carte menu?

          Reply
          • August 16, 2023 at 10:57 am
            Permalink

            The Platter was replaced by a pick two and a pick three combo of any options. The platter had shrimp, fish, and oysters so you can get a pick three combo with those options. We made the change because of the cost of oysters and that most people didn’t even want the oysters so now customers can just pick the items they want.

      • November 19, 2023 at 12:43 pm
        Permalink

        Why is the key lime pie called shanty pie

        Reply
        • November 25, 2023 at 7:21 pm
          Permalink

          Because it’s Stewby’s Seafood Shanty and we think it’s funny

          Reply
    • December 18, 2021 at 10:11 pm
      Permalink

      Sams oyster house had best gumbo I ever have had and I have dined in New Orleans and Memphis .

      Reply
  • March 29, 2011 at 7:59 pm
    Permalink

    I have read through everything but I don’t see the address for this place. All I have seen and read is an alley and an old portable school trailer. Thanks Looking forward to it. Sam’s was the first place that I had ever eaten a real fish sandwich in my life at the age of 40 and it was an Amberjack sandwich. Then I heard some men sitting across from me talking about how that type of fish eats garbage and has worms in their bellies. I was done with that sandwich. Nothing against the restaurant.

    Reply
  • March 29, 2011 at 9:24 pm
    Permalink

    Hey Steve. Thanks for your comments.

    Jennifer, thanks for your interest and sorry for the confusion. STEWBY’S is not yet open. Hopefully really soon, but just not yet.

    As for your misconception of Amberjack, let me take the time to clear this up. Not just for you but for others than may also share your thoughts. Amberjack is not a trash fish nor does it eat trash. LOL that is funny. Amberjack was considered trash fish because fisherman would catch them when they were after other more prized catch like grouper and snaper. They were like a nuisance and were discarded like trash.

    As for the worms, they are a parasite and are found in the meet at and around the tail which can be cut out. Not all amberjack have worms. In fact the worms can be found in most gulf water fish. Trout, redfish, and I’ve even come across them in grouper and snapper. They just seem to be more predominate in amberjack. They are completely visible and are removed when cleaning the fish. If however they are abundant, then parts of the meet can be completely cut out.

    I hope you will give me a chance to feed you when we get open. If you let this misconception stop you from eating amberjack, you are missing out on a great tasting fish.

    P.S. You might want to reconsider eating pork, which does eat trash (slop) and is treated for worms and other parasites.

    Reply
    • February 28, 2012 at 9:07 pm
      Permalink

      Ha! I love it! (Pork comment) Yeah if we take the time to really consider meats we probably wouldn’t eat any of them! My family and I are headed your way this May and look forward to eating at your restaurant! Fish taco here I come!

      Reply
    • April 5, 2022 at 3:35 pm
      Permalink

      Hey Stewart. Thanks for clarifying about the amberjack. I know it personally. I used to work at Sam’s back in the day…’87-’89 in the shopping center by Brooks bridge. Recently moved back to FWB. I hope you’re still using the same recipe for the gumbo. I hope to catch up with you when I visit. Looking forward to checking your places out.
      Ken

      Reply
  • March 30, 2011 at 6:12 am
    Permalink

    I grew up eating at Sams as well. I was greatly saddened when the business was sold and then even more so when it closed. If I recall it was under the Big Oaks on the site where Publix, Waffle House now sits at the foot of Brooks bridge. Looking forward to another great seafood dinner and wishing you much success!

    Reply
  • March 30, 2011 at 11:24 am
    Permalink

    hi stewart,
    glad to see you are opening this place up. as a kid i used to come down to destin and fish the blue marlin and the old florida girl and the old kelly fleet and actually caught some of those so-called trash fish for sam. we allways ate very well on triggers and aj’s as the boat customers didnt want them, i never could understand it, to this day my two favorites are amberjack and triggers, let us know where you will be located and i will definately come by for a dinner. i wish you sucess in your endeavor.

    Reply
  • March 30, 2011 at 9:01 pm
    Permalink

    Hey Michele, yes the same.

    Reply
  • March 30, 2011 at 9:34 pm
    Permalink

    Reading the History and as a native, just the mention of Sam Taylor brought fond memories of BC (before Condo’s).. I was present the Day Sam opened on Main. He had a wonderful concept. If I had a dollar for every shrimp and oyster basket I ate there, I would be a millionaire… Good luck, I’ll see you there.

    Reply
  • September 25, 2011 at 12:33 pm
    Permalink

    Welcome neighbor.

    Reply
  • December 20, 2011 at 3:27 pm
    Permalink

    Growing up in Fort Walton, we used to eat at Sam’s Oyster House quite a bit. I recently ran across your website and it piqued my interest, so this past Sunday, I decided to stop by for a late lunch, very happy with the food and service, though, I would have preferred hushpuppys to the mini corn muffins, still great seafood!

    Reply
  • February 2, 2012 at 1:26 pm
    Permalink

    When I saw you building, as I go by every day on my way to and from work, I wondered how great a place this would be~~~when I saw Sam’s, it brought back memories. Since I am originally from Tennessee, and not a seafood eater, or even really liked seafood, this was one of my very first impressions of how very good it is. Fairly new to the area in the late 1980’s, it was one of the highlights to go to Sam’s for dinner. Thank you for coming back. I look forward to coming by soon, for what I am sure, will be a very enjoyable meal, and an awakened taste memory. Good fortune always!
    Johnnie

    Reply
  • February 25, 2012 at 5:49 pm
    Permalink

    The absolute BEST fresh shrimp & fresh fish in the area! Blows away the local so-called Shrimp “houses” and “baskets”. We had the fried amberjack (caught the previous day!), fried shrimp, boiled shrimp & gumbo. The food was so fresh! You could really taste the difference between this food and the usually overly breaded or previously frozen fish & shrimp! The best seafood gumbo I have had from any restaurant – ever! You can taste the homemade roux!
    WE WILL BE BACK!! We will also tell all of our friends & coworkers!
    Can’t wait for a crawfish boil!

    Reply
  • March 22, 2012 at 10:42 am
    Permalink

    I am very much looking forward to trying the seafood here. I grew up in FWB and on Sam’s. I so miss the Oysters by the dozen for $.99. Will be there for the Billy Bowlegs Festival this year.
    My dad (Jimmy Ray) and mom (Mary Ruth) would be proud that I am going back to my roots…..but just to visit.

    Reply
  • April 8, 2012 at 11:49 am
    Permalink

    I stopped by the other night and man was it great. The food was incredible and the atmosphere on the deck was as it should be; enjoying food with other locals and visitors. Look forward to eating there again soon. Love the slaw on the fish sandwich.

    Reply
  • April 20, 2012 at 6:18 pm
    Permalink

    I used to be a waitress at SAMS. I worked there for 4 years while attending UWF. My husband was stationed at Eglin AFB. We rented a house from your Your grandma Ms. Mac. I loved working at SAMs in fact it took me four years to complete my last two years of college because the tips were so great during spring and summer. I am a teacher and a mother of four, but I look back often to those years I worked at SAMs with very fond memories.
    I hope for you great Providence in your venture and hope to make it back to FWB one day to eat at your resturaunt.
    Debbie jacobs

    Reply
    • October 15, 2012 at 8:15 am
      Permalink

      I also use to be a waitress at Sam’s. I think about those times often. Sad to here that it closed.

      Reply
  • October 10, 2012 at 4:02 pm
    Permalink

    saw your ad in a pop up. Mt in laws fed us one night with your shrimp baskets. Did not remember where it was from until I saw the pop up ad, we will be stopping in. Always want to assist the local places and the people with heart. I too am a local business and wanted you to know that your pop up ad worked. Money well spent. Thanks

    Reply
  • June 30, 2013 at 12:21 pm
    Permalink

    Stewart, I just wanted to weigh in on your father’s restaurant as well. From 1986 through 1988 I was in that area quite often TDY at Eglin AFB, ranging from short trips to extended stays. The first trip I had down there, we ate at Sam’s Oyster House that was right on Highway 98, my first experience with the restaurant, and from that visit forward I was hooked. Over the years I was there, I always ate at Sam’s several times per trip, great food. I hope your current venture also does as well. Lots of old memories in that area and I loved the area as almost a second home. Shame to see that great restaurants (Destinees, Sam’s Oyster House, Guiseppe’s) are no longer there, I really enjoyed them. Best of luck to you friend, Charlie

    Reply
  • July 4, 2013 at 3:33 pm
    Permalink

    Stewart you have done a great job and kept the family tradition up. I have known your family for years and your restaurants have always been the best.Best of luck to you always.

    Reply
    • August 16, 2019 at 2:28 pm
      Permalink

      We are old customers of SAMs Oyster House. Ate my first fried frog legs there.
      Love that you are so close by us and to pick up lunch, or dinner to bring home to
      Eat ,can’t get any better than that.

      Reply
  • September 3, 2013 at 10:33 am
    Permalink

    I have been to Stewby’s for both eat-in and take-out several times since you opened and it has been delicious each time. Fresh fish and home made caesar dressing make the salad YUMMY!!

    Reply
  • September 6, 2013 at 7:53 am
    Permalink

    After playing some disc golf in Ft Walton with my sons and son-inlaw, I googled “Best Fish Tacos” and ..boom your place popped up. The food was awesome and everyone was very nice-Cudos to your staff. My sons were so impressed they drove the 45 min trip back the next day just eat the tacos again!. You have my recommendation!

    Reply
    • July 22, 2019 at 10:20 pm
      Permalink

      My wife and I travel to the gulf a couple of times a year. We can’t wait to get to Stewby’s and eat. All the seafood is super fresh and taste great.

      Reply
  • October 13, 2013 at 5:00 pm
    Permalink

    Before I moved to Alaska in 1975, I had one last meal at Sam’s — gumbo, fried oysters, and dark beer. I told Sam that I was excited about moving to Alaska, but my one big regret was that I would miss his gumbo. Much to my amazement (and joy!), he gave me the recipe. Of course, his version made about 10 gallons so I had to experiment a bit to cut it down to a more manageable ‘batch’, but I still make it on occasion — especially when displaced Floridians are homesick for a taste of ‘real’ cooking.

    I am glad to hear you have come back and are carrying on the traditions; Sam’s was/is too good to let it ‘die’. If we ever visit your ‘neck of the woods’ I will be sure to find you.

    Reply
  • October 15, 2013 at 10:16 am
    Permalink

    Hi Stewart, My name is Floyd Young, better known as “Flip”. In the 80’s my family and I would visit the Ft. Walton/Destin area each year, from the Little Rock, Arkansas area. We always made Sam’s one of our stops for
    a great lunch with your Dads favorites, Fried Amber Jack Sandwich. For a Bottom Feeder Fish, that most folks
    didn’t think was worth eating, it was as good as any delicate seafood I had ever eat, anywhere in the country.

    My wife and I are 78 years young now, and are planning a Motorcycle Trip to the Ft. Walton/Destin area next week.
    Oct 24th thru Oct 27. We have the directions to Stewby’s Seafood Shanty and expect to bring a couple of our
    friends to see ya. I’ll be sure and let ya know if it is anything like your Dad prepared. Ha Ha Glad you are keeping
    History Alive and the legend of “Sam’s Oyster House” in our hearts. Keep up the good work
    “Flip”

    Reply
  • October 18, 2013 at 7:40 am
    Permalink

    There use to be a Sam’s oyster house in Navarre. Did your father own it too?

    Reply
    • October 18, 2013 at 12:20 pm
      Permalink

      Hi John,
      Yes we had one in Navarre, however it was opened after my father passed.

      Reply
      • July 25, 2017 at 12:07 pm
        Permalink

        I ate at the Navarre location many many times.Perfect oysters and the royal red shrimp were unbelievable! Very friendly and attractive wait staff too.Went there after it changed hands and walked out after 3 mins.Miss those times!

        Reply
  • January 12, 2014 at 5:28 pm
    Permalink

    no one has remarked about the soft shell crab sandwich yumm!

    Reply
  • February 16, 2014 at 5:24 pm
    Permalink

    I didn’t realize that you are family to Sam’s …Way back in the day we couldn’t wait to get to Sam’s for oysters and gumbo when I came here on vacation…my family and I were very disappointed when you sold and we knew the new owners were not going to make it!!!! I moved here in 1998 and have not found a place where the seafood is freshly prepared and not a chain….sad because that’s what we look for….now that I read your story I will be there this week and hope to became a regular as well as my extended family here …..Mickey C Fort Walton Beach

    Reply
  • March 28, 2014 at 12:42 pm
    Permalink

    I have been visiting the FWB/Destin area since 1996 and fell in love with the area. I plan to move there when I retire. Every year we look forward to the great seafood the area has to offer but over the past 10 years the quality has dropped at most of the local restaurants. I decided to find a real local place to try out that has not sold out to one of the many big chains. I was so pleased to find your place under a google search and plan to stop on your way in to Okaloosa Island. Will see you 4/6/14 around noon!!! Cant wait!!!

    Reply
  • April 13, 2014 at 6:08 pm
    Permalink

    Did not disappoint! Our first stop when we arrived in the middle of a heavy rain, was your place. The food was great! Grilled Mako was out of this world and I came back 3 days later for seconds! Will be counting the days til my next visit south.

    Reply
  • June 30, 2014 at 4:59 pm
    Permalink

    I am getting married down there next year and heard that someone had you guys cater for a wedding on the beach.We are coming down and going to come and eat there. Thanks.

    Reply
  • July 30, 2014 at 6:45 pm
    Permalink

    Best Restaurant we at ate in our 9 day camping trip to the Destin Fort Walton area. So good we tried it several times. Best grilled shrimp around the area.

    Reply
  • September 11, 2014 at 4:47 pm
    Permalink

    We ate at your place today and was so happy to get some really good seafood. We are visiting from Saginaw, Michigan and are staying in Santa Rosa Beach. We looked up seafood and found your place with very high rating. So we decided to give it a try and we are so glad we did. We will probably try you out again tomorrow our last day here. We use to live in Pensacola and I fished off shore all the time and brought back fresh seafood then we grilled it. There is nothing like fresh seafood grilled the day you catch it. We lived there for 3 years while stationed at NAS Pensacola and became very use to eating fresh seafood. We then moved back to our home state of Michigan and we can not get fresh seafood there like down here.

    You have some of the best seafood I have eaten in long time. Your staff was great and we all had a wonderful time eating out on the deck. We had just spent the day at the beach and we were all in our bathing suits covered in sand, but felt very at home on the deck.

    The service and cost of the food was great.

    The Sewell Family
    Saginaw, MI

    Reply
  • September 29, 2014 at 5:27 pm
    Permalink

    We are a retired Air Force family living right here in FWB. We drive by Stewby’s all the time, but never stopped in until just last week. We were missing out on some excellent grub. We’ve been to all the big name seafood places, (AJ’s, Joe’s Crab Shack, etc.) and was disappointed over time with service and food quality. We were very pleased with your service, food and over all hospitality. This is by far the best seafood we’ve had in a very long time. The cheese grits, gumbo, fried okra…yummy! We ordered your fried oyster dinner and seafood platter and was very pleased with taste, amount, quality and price. I am here now checking your online menu because we are on our way right now to try more goodies. See you in a few!

    Reply
  • March 18, 2015 at 7:25 am
    Permalink

    Stewby’s is addicting! For the service, quality of food, and great prices, it’s BAR NONE!
    I LOVE the fried oysters and shrimp dinners, and make a point to eat here 2-3 times each month.
    With the constant flow of eager/hungry customers, I see Stewby’s lasting well into the future God willing.
    Cheers to Stewby’s for opening their doors and family recipes to our community!

    Reply
  • June 3, 2015 at 12:41 pm
    Permalink

    I definitely remember eating at Sam’s. We considered it to be the best place to eat in Fort Walton. We ate at Stewby’s recently and think it’s just as good. Glad to hear your family is back in the seafood business.

    Reply
  • June 20, 2015 at 10:19 pm
    Permalink

    Back in the 60’s and 70’s my parents used to come to Ft. Walton every couple of years. When my husband and I married, we would come with my parents. They would always come home and rave about Sam’s, so they could not wait to take us there. It was the best seafood that we had ever eaten! I remember the gumbo! It was delicious. We ate there several times. It holds great memories for me, as my parents loved introducing my husband and I to all the great food and fun that Ft. Walton had to offer.
    When my husband and I and some extended family came here for a reunion, we tried to see if Sam’s was still here, but information was limited. We found Stewby’s on a website and checked out the ratings for Stewby’s. It sounded like a great place to eat, so we went there. We all ate different selections. Everything was exceptional! This is the BEST seafood in Fort Walton! As we were leaving, I went to the window and told them how much we enjoyed the food. After asking about how long they had been there and a little bit of their history, I was astonished to find out that they were the next generation from Sam’s Oyster House! We got to eat that same great quality food that we had had at Sam’s back in the day! No could do it like Sam’s, so head down to Stewby’s for that real seafood! Thanks, Stewart for sharing this piece of history. Thanks for the walk down Memory Lane! It was certainly worth it.

    Reply
  • February 27, 2016 at 10:28 am
    Permalink

    Getting ready to head over there to give it a try!

    Reply
  • May 24, 2016 at 6:23 am
    Permalink

    I was in FW last week. When I asked at my hotel desk where’s the best fresh seafood, three people said, “STEWBY”S” all at the same time. That was good enough for me. In a 2-day stay I had your fish tacos 5 times. (with nuthin but pico de gallo, lemon & salt–excellent! the fish was grilled to perfection.) When I’m in a place where I can get it I eat fresh seafood for breakfast, dinner & supper. Stewby’s is outstanding. Keep on rockin…

    Reply
    • September 6, 2023 at 3:39 pm
      Permalink

      We were really hoping that you would have ceviche on the menu!!!! We use to have to buy it in large quantities to take it home with us. It’s still one of our favorite dishes ever. I would kill for that recipe!!!!!!

      Reply
      • November 25, 2023 at 7:19 pm
        Permalink

        We still offer it at our Steamer and Market location on the Island.

        Reply
  • August 4, 2016 at 5:29 pm
    Permalink

    Sitting here in north Alabama thinking about the smoked fish dip and the fried oysters I had at Stewby’s last week. I wish we would have found this place on the first day of vacation instead of the last. Looking forward to our next visit to the beach and our many more visits to Stewby’s

    Reply
  • October 4, 2016 at 5:31 pm
    Permalink

    I have been coming to Okaloosa Island for vacation for many years and this past week was the first time at stewby’s, we were trying to avoid the crowd of the seafood festival in Destin, man, have we really been missing out, although there wasn’t any grilled vegetables for my wife, we will definitely be back next year,if God’s will,

    Reply
  • December 13, 2016 at 9:23 pm
    Permalink

    THE BEST meal I have had in years!!!!. THE BEST seafood ever!!!. I cant say anything but you gotta try this place. We eat out 5-7 times a week and we were blown away. Ultra fresh, fantastic batter and great people foh & boh. Great atmosphere. We will be raving to many others for some time, our new favorite place. I almost never post, but I was impressed. HEY, open up #2 in Niceville and you will have to beat em back. Thanks guys

    Reply
  • April 29, 2017 at 1:33 pm
    Permalink

    Hey Stew,
    I was an employee of Sams back in the early eighties and was good friends with your father. Used to spend time with him at the house. I shucked oysters for you when he would bring you in as a little boy. We always would serve up a bakers dozen. But everytime you had oysters you would only let me shuck you 12. I asked Sam why and he said it had to do with you not wanting to open up an extra pack of crackers for the 13th oyster. Lol. Happy for you.

    Reply
  • May 13, 2017 at 2:12 pm
    Permalink

    I moved to FWB in 2014 with my father.We had vacationed in Destin for over 25 yrs.By far our favorite seafood restaurant in this area is STEWBY`S! The food and service is excellent. I personally like Amberjack better than most all other fish. The shrimp and oysters are also very tasty!

    Reply
  • January 27, 2018 at 9:49 am
    Permalink

    Our favorite place to eat when we started coming here in the 60’s. Kids wife and friends all enjoyed Sam’s. Moved here in 2011 and was thrilled when Stewby’s opened. Still one of our favorites.

    Reply
  • August 12, 2018 at 1:46 pm
    Permalink

    We LOVE eating here at Stewby’s! We live very close to it…who knew we could get such delicious, fresh food so close to home? You don’t need to eat at the beach to get it!

    Reply
  • December 17, 2018 at 10:24 am
    Permalink

    I to ate at Sams as a younger adult for many years, the last Ike I was there was after it had been sold, not the same, on the up side, their liquor license had expired and we got free beer all night. I love Stewbys, so glad you opened a new place, could I have your potatoe salad recipe, I love it and can’t duplicate. I’ve moved to Atlanta now to take care of my parents, but still am a regular when I’m down there, all of my friends children have worked for you at some point, so I know the girls up front by name. Keep up good food ! Susan Hall

    Reply
  • January 17, 2019 at 7:57 pm
    Permalink

    I was here tdy with AF when the Cuban refugee camp was open, on way home from fairgrounds would stop at Sams for raw oysters and beer, happy hr special $2 doz oysters, my first exp at oysters, later on in 86 got stationed here, butSams was not the same been here since and just now heard of your place, wonderful food but now raw oysters or beer, will be regular from now on

    Reply
    • February 1, 2019 at 12:36 pm
      Permalink

      Love to hear things like this! Glad you enjoyed everything and will be a regular. Thank you for your service as well!

      Reply
  • June 7, 2019 at 7:05 am
    Permalink

    Our family LOVES Stewby’s!!! We have gone the past couple of years on our annual beach trip. We will be in Ft. Walton next week and plan to eat there at least 3 times during the week. Thanks for the most affordable and most delicious food in Ft. Walton!!!!!

    Reply
  • October 3, 2019 at 10:15 am
    Permalink

    My wife and I discovered your hole in the wall so to speak from a friend on a church retreat a few years back. All I can say is this is on our list to hit for fresh grilled or fried fish with reasonable prices a laid back family type atmosphere and DELICIOUS FOOD! We will be back in Fort Walton on October 12th and I plan on this being one of our first places to eat!

    Reply
  • January 1, 2020 at 11:36 am
    Permalink

    The first time I tried raw oysters was at your dad’s restaurant. It was so sad to lose him. We used to go for the $1 dozen special…..ahhhh, those were the days for sure. I am so glad you are carrying on the tradition! I don’t live here any more but my brother does so I get my “Sam’s” fix on occasion. My favorite is the fish of the day sandwich. Thank you Stewart!

    Reply
  • November 1, 2021 at 7:27 am
    Permalink

    Stewart, you have an amazing history, and without that history your food would not be this outstanding. Unfamiliar with the area my wife and I visited your restaurant and enjoyed the most incredible seafood lunch that we have ever had. We returned for dinner that same night….and again for lunch the next day. The tourists and local residents must be honored to have you in the neighborhood. I can’t convey in words how incredible your seafood is, and that came from your decades of experience and growth. Here’s to your success!!! -Bob

    Reply
  • June 24, 2022 at 8:26 am
    Permalink

    sam’s was old florida, food was great, there was always a line around the building, the parking lot was full of old oaks. then it was gone and so was the charm of an old sea side town. glad to see you have taken up the mantle. it was one of my favorite places to eat. ever. hope your children continue the course. good luck and will be eating with you again. lynn l.a. style

    Reply
  • July 23, 2022 at 12:32 pm
    Permalink

    I first visited Destin from South Carolina in 1978 for a fishing trip and came back with the family and friends in 1979. We tried Sam’s at the recommendation of a boat captain (Stokes Walker) and ate there multiple times on every visit until it closed. We now visit Okaloosa Island at least once a year, usually for the month of November. We were delighted to discover Stewby’s a few years ago and even happier when you opened on Okaloosa Island. Food is excellent and most reasonable prices in town. We eat there or take out regularly when we are in town as we are less than a mile from that location. See you in November and hope that fried crab claws are back on the menu.

    Reply
  • July 26, 2023 at 8:43 pm
    Permalink

    Hey Stewart. Sam’s was an absolute staple for our family when I was a child. I was born in 1985 so I would’ve only ever eaten there during the time you were running it. Our family had a vacation home in Navarre beach. I was little so I called the place “Amberjacks” after my favorite thing to eat there. That’s very interesting that they ever considered amberjack a trash fish considering how delicious it is! I remember the old derelict boat and seadoos you had out front for the kids to play on, the huge fish tank, and the arcade games. I especially loved that old baseball game where you had to hit a pinball into certain areas and it would spit out baseball cards if you scored points. So many memories in that wonderful place. I’ll try to swing by Stewby’s whenever I’m next in the area. I wish I could go back in time and see Sam’s how it was back in the day. I don’t think the building is even there any more. Last time I visited it was some sort of public garden or something. Assuming one of the hurricanes did it in?

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *