Drink Up!: Captain Anderson’s Restaurant

The world-class selection of wines and Champagnes at Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant in Panama City Beach is definitely something to “Cheers” about.

When it comes to restaurants, there are countless gems along the Emerald Coast, but few shine as brightly as Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market in Panama City Beach. It has been a beacon of excellence and consistency since 1967, allowing it to grow deep roots in the community and become a 30A landmark.

Throughout the restaurant’s storied history, the Patronis family has worked tirelessly to make it one of the most remarkable dining rooms not only on the Gulf Coast but in the entirety of Florida. The restaurant’s success and popularity are largely due to the fact that the Patronises work hand-in-hand with the local fishing community to provide diners with the freshest and most sustainable seafood available.

For their efforts, Capt. Anderson’s has received numerous accolades, including earning Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Award for 15 years before being inducted into the magazine’s Restaurant Hall of Fame in 2005. The restaurant has also been honored with Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, which is given to establishments that exhibit stellar wine programs.

Yonnie, one of the younger generation of Patronis brothers who now run the restaurant, says the Wine

Spectator award is a recent acknowledgment within the last five years. He notes that the development of their world-class wine program began approximately 20 years ago when the family purchased some

waterfront property that housed an immense wine cellar of more than 2,000 bottles, most of which were Old World French wines.

From there, the family’s fascination with wine took fire. In addition to featuring an incredible wine list you can pick from, they have a wine cellar and multiple wine lockers on property that are part of their ever-evolving Wine Club. Patronis has also forged strong relationships with numerous wine producers and reps, which allows the restaurant to host fantastic wine dinners throughout the year.

As impressive as their wine program is, it’s their Champagne selection that’s the real showstopper.

You’re lucky to find 25 different offerings at most area restaurants, but Capt. Anderson’s has more than 50, not to mention an additional 18 Champagne rosés and large-format bottlings.

Yonnie Patronis holds their collection of Dom Pérignon in particular regard. The crème de la crème are the vertical vintages of Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 and Plénitude 3, which are some of the most sought-after wines in the world. Having aged on lees for more than 15 and 20 years respectively showcases the nuance, complexity, integration, intensity, and richness that extended reductive aging adds to an already amazing Champagne. According to Patronis, there were only

200 sets of the Dom Pérignon P2 sent to the States, 40 of which went to Capt. Anderson’s. The Doms are definitely that special occasion Champagne worth treating yourself to on a visit to Capt. Anderson’s for a birthday, anniversary, or other celebration. 

Some of the other Champagne brands on hand include Krug, Billecart-Salmon, Veuve Clicquot, and Laurent-Perrier. One tasty example is the Delamotte Brut Champagne, which exhibits a backbone of crisp acidity that complements its light body and fresh fruitiness. Pair it with the restaurant’s grilled bay shrimp while watching the sunset on the marina.

Capt. Anderson’s maintains a Champagne rosé list as well. A fantastic variation of classic bubbly, rosé Champagne is a rarity on most wine lists. Capt. Anderson’s has more than 15 of them, from producers like Taittinger and Louis Roederer. If you’ve never tried this style, you might give their Ruinart Champagne Brut Rosé a taste. It boasts tropical fruit aromas of guava and lychee, with hints of cherries, strawberries, and delicate rose petals, making it a perfect coastal summertime beverage.

Even with its numerous accolades and impressive wine program, Capt. Anderson’s still holds strong to its humble beginnings and approachable, family-style atmosphere. It has grown along with the community, allowing the Patronises to engage with and educate their guests on everything they have to offer. So whether you’re looking for someplace to celebrate a special occasion, get together with friends, treat a client to dinner, or enjoy a great meal with your family, head to Capt. Anderson’s and join the millions of satisfied customers who’ve made it a Panama City Beach favorite for more than 50 years.