North Beach Social: Social event of the summer
By Sarah Murphy Robertson
Sept. 30, 2021
SANTA ROSA BEACH – No matter your planned approach, a trip to North Beach Social means you’re headed in the right direction. Located at the foot of the 331 bridge on the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay, and known formerly as the North Beach Tortilla Company, North Beach Social reopened in Spring 2021.
A no-stress vibe
With the culinary acumen and expertise of Chef Jim Shirley and a spacious, open air, casual dining area, North Beach Social also boasts a large white sand beach where kids and adults can play the day away.
The space is perfectly suited for soaking in the Florida sunshine. Saddle up to the bar, grab a comfy spot where your toes are in the sand, or pick a shaded table.
“We wanted to be sure to offer an easy, no-stress vibe,” remarked Dan Tinghitella, director of culture and operations.
Recognizing guests love to bring their family and stay for hours, offering counter service was the perfect solution. Not only can every member of your group order food when they are hungry, but the beauty of counter service is you can order starters like ice-cold oysters on the half shell or crispy buffalo chicken wings while enjoying a drink or two, and then decide on entrees later.
Sip, sip!
North Beach Social serves an ample selection of local beers on tap from Grayton Beer Company, Oyster Bay, and Idyll Hounds breweries, as well as touting drink specials all day long. Ready to quench any thirst, get $3 Shock Top Drafts, $5 Bubbles, and $6 well drinks. Their friendly bar staff also spins tropical frozen drinks and pours from a wide-ranging wine list.
Supporting local is prioritized beyond the beer with 30A and Hey Mama wines available as well.
“We always work with as many local purveyors as possible; most of our fresh seafood comes right out of the Destin Harbor,” Tinghitella observed.
Open for lunch and dinner services, the food menu was built around owner and Chef Jim Shirley’s most popular dishes from his five other area restaurants. They range from lighter fare – like the flavorful Miso Caesar Salad topped with your choice of proteins including fried oysters, Gulf shrimp, or grouper, or an Asian-inspired Tuna Poke Bowl – to the decadent double-decker Bomber Burger or signature Grits a Ya Ya.
“Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, we showcase guests’ favorites all under the same roof,” explained Shirley. In all your excitement, don’t forget to order the Key Lime Pie for dessert. The meringue-topped, sky-high treat is legendary.
Thrilled to be well-patroned by loyal locals as well as seasonal visitors, North Beach lines up live music four days a week. The tunes start at noon every Saturday and North Beach Social has quickly become a favorite stop for vacationers arriving south over the bridge. After a long drive, this is the perfect place to rest and fuel up.
“We see many packed SUVs with car carriers stopping by before they can even check into their rental homes,” Tinghitella remarked.
Visit North Beach Social’s website or follow them on Facebook and Twitter to stay in the know on upcoming events, music schedules, and dockside family movies. They’ve got your day’s fun all mapped out.
North Beach Social is located at 24200 U.S. Hwy. 331 South, Santa Rosa Beach. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Phone is 850-622-3781, however they do not accept reservations.
