Story & Atmosphere
Welcome to Bud & Alley's Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, a gem nestled along the picturesque shores of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Located at 2236 E County Rd 30A, this charming eatery offers a breathtaking view of the ocean, making it a prime destination for both locals and tourists alike. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and coastal cuisine, Bud & Alley's captures the essence of beachside dining.
As you step into this delightful venue, you are greeted by a friendly staff eager to ensure your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional. With a dynamic menu that boasts a variety of fresh seafood, small plates, and delectable desserts, there's something here to tantalize every palate. The standout dishes, such as the renowned crab cakes, have garnered praise for their perfect crab-to-crumb ratio, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients.
The rooftop bar deck offers a unique opportunity to dine al fresco while taking in stunning sunset views. Many patrons, like Kimmy Pham, remark on the mesmerizing ambiance that enhances the dining experience, making it ideal for those looking to unwind with a refreshing drink as the sun dips below the horizon. Whether you’re opting for a casual lunch or a leisurely dinner, the atmosphere is infused with the vibrant spirit of the beach, weaving together a perfect backdrop for any occasion.
However, as with any popular spot, certain challenges can arise. Parking is noted as a potential hassle, but discerning diners like Jeff Case have found that patience often leads to a lucky spot opening just in time. Once seated, guests can enjoy the culinary artistry that flows from the kitchen, with favorites such as calamari and fresh tuna dip frequently capturing rave reviews.
Despite minor criticisms regarding cleanliness and seating arrangements, the overwhelming sentiment remains positive, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to service and quality. Diners, including Megan Bissonette and Alan Suarez, speak fondly of the pleasant experience, emphasizing both the taste of the food and the quality of service from attentive staff like Matt.
Bud & Alley's Waterfront Restaurant & Bar is not just a meal but an experience, a place where food lovers gather to celebrate wonderful flavors amid a spectacular setting. If you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to enjoy this culinary treasure on the scenic 30A highway—good food, great views, and unforgettable memories await!
“ 6/9/2025 I woke today at 4 am. Coffee, read the news , and went to the beach till noon. My wife wanted to try Bud and Alley’s Waterfront Dining Seaside Fl. Parking is a problem! I tried the scan thing , couldn’t get it to work, was about to leave and a parking spot opened up in front of the restaurant! Good omens! Other than the guy behind me that doesn’t understand parallel parking! We got parked went in and Maria B took care of us. 2 teas $8. Calamari $18. Fried Grouper Sandwich $32. Crab cake $ 25. Tea was fine , fresh with lemon, sweet not too sweet. Calamari was hot fresh and sauce was excellent! Not chewy , very well balanced! The grouper sandwich was excellent! Fried perfectly, fresh green bed. My crab cake was pure crab …. Purely seared to mouth watering delight! I left out the couple, in the corner, with the crying toddler! It made the place all the better for me! As I watched the mom and dad attempt to enjoy a good meal/ lunch while care for their child reminded me of my days , gone bye! As a father , grandfather, I’m now patient with kids interrupting my meals. I’m ok with that, This was a bit expensive, but everything around here is. If you’re here you should check it out! Take the kids! ”
“ Great service, good location, food-price aceptable, the place can improve manly in cleanliness but overall the experience was fine. Desserts were delicious ”
“ One of the few places to eat with an ocean view on 30A! We had a delightful lunch with the fam here and were glad to be seated on the rooftop bar deck. The service was top notch and food was great. We arrived around 11:30am and didn't have a problem getting a table. Plenty of seating all around! While some of the meals seemed a bit pricy for what they were, it was still worth it and a great lunch. I personally loved the BBQ shrimp - the flavor was amazing! Good portion and left super full! We also had the grilled fish sandwich, veggie sandwich, mahi reuben, kids grilled cheese, and fried chicken sandwich. The sandwiches come with a side of Cape Cod potato chips or a side salad. Rum punch was nice, too! ”
“ Great for sunsets. Seating is first come first serve on the rooftop so make sure you have eagle eyes for the ones on the deck to watch the sunset. Honestly, I came with no expectations but the crab cakes were the star dish of the night. I can appreciate the ratio of crab vs crumbs. We also ordered oysters and the grouper - not bad. Overall, we’re here for the vibes and drinks. I’d def recommend this to anyone in town! ”
“ Reserved a table for 5 - shared a lot of small plates/salad and entree. Service was great but atmosphere was not what we expected - view was limited, in a room there were multiple parties so it was very hard to talk to each other. ”