Uncle Ernie's

Uncle Ernie's is a restaurant in Panama City, FL, situated in the historic district of St. Andrews. The establishment operates as a Bayfront Grill and Brew House, serving fresh seafood, Prime Certified Angus Beef steaks, and a variety of appetizers such as crab cakes, oyster parmesan, and smoked ahi tuna dip. The menu features specific dishes like shrimp and grits, grilled grouper, and filets, with options available for gluten-free diners. The restaurant is known for its wild-caught Gulf Grouper, sourced daily from Greg Abrams Seafood, and offers live entertainment nightly. It holds a rating of 4.50 based on customer reviews.

The dining experience takes place in a house built in the late 1800s, making it one of the oldest structures in St. Andrews. The property has deep historical roots, originally the home of Ernest "Uncle Ernie" Morris, who was born in Point Washington, Florida, in 1898. His daughter, Isadora, and her husband bequeathed the home to be converted into a restaurant to serve as a landmark near the St. Andrew Marina, where Uncle Ernie made his livelihood. The current management includes Doris, Uncle Ernie's great-niece, whose mother, Ernestine, worked in the restaurant business for 28 years in Bay Minette, Alabama. The interior displays photographs and memorabilia that preserve the memories of Ernest and Ernestine. The restaurant offers both indoor seating and a heated outdoor deck with views of St. Andrews Bay, where guests can watch the sunset. The venue is open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and does not accept reservations.

Located at 1151 Bayview Ave, the restaurant is positioned within a short walk of several notable landmarks. It sits about 0.1 miles from Beck Avenue and the Native Spirit Museum and Gallery. The Historic Saint Andrews Marina is also approximately 0.1 miles away, a location with direct historical ties to the restaurant's namesake. Further nearby are West 10th Street at 0.2 miles, Lake Ware at 0.2 miles, and Oaks By The Bay Park at 0.2 miles.

The business is recognized for its positive customer rating and its dedication to using high-quality, fresh ingredients, particularly its daily delivery of wild-caught Gulf Grouper. This focus on fresh seafood and the preservation of a historic landmark in St. Andrews defines its place in the Panama City dining scene.

Uncle Ernie's combines the history of a late 19th-century home with fresh Gulf seafood and waterfront views, offering a distinct local experience in Panama City.