POPULAR QUESTIONS
So here’s The Lowdown, on our most asked questions. If these FAQ’s don’t satisfy your curiosity, use our nifty form to send us a message!
Stewby’s serves Southern fried and grilled seafood and Southern-inspired dishes.
Yes, Stewby’s is a family-owned and operated business.
Stewby’s has a casual, welcoming vibe, like gathering at a family table.
Stewby’s serves fresh seafood, including fish, shrimp, calamari, and more, straight from the Destin docks.
Stewby’s is famous for its great prices, fresh seafood and our seafood gumbo, which is a rich and flavorful hug in a bowl.
Stewby’s has four locations: Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Okaloosa Island, and Stewby’s Steamer and Market.
Yes, all sides, sauces, and seasonings are made in-house, with no shortcuts.
No, however, Stewby’s may accept reservations for large groups and special occasions if planned in advance.
Yes, takeout is available at all Stewby’s locations.
Stewby’s Steamer and Market is a location where you can purchase steamed seafood dinners, Stewby’s secret spices, and ingredients, t-shirts and other swag to take home.
Yes, at Stewby’s Steamer and Market, you can purchase products to enjoy at home.
From Humble Beginnings …
Oh boy, let me tell you about those early days on Racetrack Road! When I first started Stewby’s, I had a vision for serving up the freshest, most delicious seafood around, but I didn’t have much in the way of funds or resources. So, I got creative.
I found this old portable classroom building that nobody was using anymore and thought, “Hey, with a little elbow grease and a whole lot of love, I could turn this into something special.” So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work, transforming that humble little building into the first Stewby’s Seafood Shanty.
Now, I’ll admit, it was a bit of a gamble setting up shop so far from the beach and the tourist hotspots. Folks around town thought I was crazy, telling me, “Stewby, nobody’s gonna drive all the way out to Racetrack Road for seafood!” But I just smiled and kept on cooking, because I knew that once people got a taste of our fresh, perfectly fried seafood and felt the warmth of our hospitality, they’d be hooked.
And you know what? Those naysayers couldn’t have been more wrong! Before long, word started spreading about the little seafood shack on Racetrack Road that was serving up the best darn plates of fried shrimp, oysters, and fish around. Locals started pouring in, and then something incredible happened – tourists started seeking us out, too!
I remember stepping outside one day and being blown away by the sight of our parking lot. It was full to the brim with cars from all over the country – license plates from Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, you name it! Folks were driving miles out of their way, bypassing all the beachside restaurants, just to get a taste of Stewby’s.
It warmed my heart to know that people appreciated the love and care we put into every plate, and that they were willing to go the extra mile (quite literally!) to support our little dream. That’s when I knew we had something truly special going on at Stewby’s.
From those humble beginnings in that old portable classroom building, Stewby’s has grown into a local institution, with multiple locations across the Emerald Coast. But no matter how much we grow, we never forget our roots or the values that got us started – serving up the freshest seafood with a heaping side of Southern hospitality, and always treating our customers like family.
So, if you ever find yourself on Racetrack Road, be sure to swing by the original Stewby’s Seafood Shanty and soak up a little piece of our history. And while you’re there, grab yourself a plate of our famous fried shrimp – trust me, it’s worth the drive!
Contact Stewby
From Sam’s Heart to Your Plate
Hey there! Stewart Taylor here, inviting you into the world of STEWBY’S Seafood Shanty. Our story isn’t just about seafood; it’s about family, legacy, and a love for the local catch that runs deep in our bones. It all started with my dad, Sam Taylor, a visionary who saw the beauty in what others overlooked. Sam’s Oyster House wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a beacon of innovation in the late ’60s, bringing the once-dismissed amberjack into the limelight and into the hearts of our community.
When Sam’s Oyster House transitioned into new hands, it wasn’t the end but a pivotal moment for us to dream bigger. STEWBY’S was born from a deep-rooted desire to carry forward my father’s pioneering spirit and his delicious recipes. Our essence is stitched together with the threads of Sam’s legacy, wrapped in the warmth of our family’s dedication to serving you the freshest, most delectable seafood around.
Our Family’s Promise to Yours
Pull up a chair and let me share with you what makes STEWBY’S special. It’s like gathering at a family table where the food is hearty, the laughter is loud, and the stories flow as freely as the sweet tea. We’ve kept the heart of Sam’s alive, blending beloved family recipes with fresh takes that keep our menu as lively as our diners.
Every fish, shrimp, and scallop we serve is more than a meal; it’s a piece of our history, straight from the Destin docks to your dish. Our sides, sauces, and seasoning? All homemade, with no shortcuts, because that’s how we believe good food should be made. And our world-famous seafood gumbo? It’s a hug in a bowl, full of the rich flavors of the Gulf.
A Seat at Our Table
Our doors are open wide, not just to serve food, but to welcome friends old and new into our family. Whether you’re here for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, we promise the best quality seafood at prices that keep you coming back for more. With a casual vibe and a menu that speaks of our heritage, STEWBY’S is a place where every visit feels like coming home.
Our journey from a single location to four lovingly run restaurants across Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, and Okaloosa Island is a testament to the love we pour into every plate. And at STEWBY’S Steamer and Market, you can even take a piece of our heart home with you, from our steamed delicacies to our secret spices and ingredients.
Join Our Story
So, here we are, a family-owned spot where the welcome mat is always out, and the seafood is always fresh. As we look to the future, we’re excited not just to grow, but to continue sharing our story with you—one plate at a time. At STEWBY’S, you’re more than guests; you’re part of our ongoing saga, filled with flavor, family, and the freshest catch. Welcome to STEWBY’S, where every meal is a celebration of where we’ve come from and where we’re going, together.
Introducing Stewby’s Steamer & Market: Your One-Stop Shop for the Freshest Seafood on the Emerald Coast
We were looking for authentic steamed seafood. Stewby’s Market was off the chain awesome. It was steamed to perfection. crab legs, crawfish and gulf shrimp. Forget eating out. Went to market, they steamed, took back to beachfront condo and enjoyed the flavorful goodness on our balcony overlooking the gulf. Doesn’t get better than this. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Hey there, seafood lovers! Stewby here, inviting y’all to come on down to Stewby’s Steamer & Market, right next door to our second Stewby’s Seafood Shanty location on beautiful Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Now, I know you’re already well acquainted with the fresh, delicious seafood and warm hospitality we serve up at our restaurants, but let me tell you, our Steamer & Market is truly something special.
First off, if you’re in the mood for a steamed seafood extravaganza, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got a steamed dinner menu that’ll make your taste buds sing, featuring our famous steamed crawfish, succulent shrimp, flaky grouper, and more. All of it’s caught fresh from the Gulf and prepared with the same love and care we put into everything we do at Stewby’s.
But that’s not all – our Steamer & Market is also your go-to spot for bringing home the freshest seafood on the Emerald Coast. We work hand-in-hand with our local fishermen to bring you the very best shrimp, grouper, and other Gulf delicacies, so you can whip up your own seafood masterpieces at home. Trust me, once you’ve tasted the difference of truly fresh, locally caught seafood, you’ll never go back.
Now, I know y’all love showing off your Stewby’s pride, and that’s why we’ve got a fantastic selection of Stewby’s swag at our Steamer & Market. From our stylish men’s and women’s t-shirts to our top-notch hats, coolers, and koozies, we’ve got everything you need to let the world know that you’re part of the Stewby’s family. And trust me, once you’re part of the family, there’s no going back!
But you know what really warms my heart? Seeing our customers support local businesses and our hardworking fishermen. Every time you dine with us, shop at our market, or rock our gear, you’re not just getting the best of the Gulf – you’re also helping to keep our community thriving. And that, my friends, is what Stewby’s is all about.
So come on over to Stewby’s Steamer & Market and experience the fresh flavors, warm hospitality, and coastal charm that we’re known for. Whether you’re joining us for a steamed seafood feast, stocking up on the freshest catches, or just looking to add a little Stewby’s style to your life, we’re always here to welcome you with open arms.
As I always say, life’s too short to eat anything but the freshest seafood, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Stewby’s Steamer & Market. So come on down, pull up a chair, and let’s celebrate the best of the Gulf together!
