Harbor Docks
Harbor Docks Serves Up Fresh Catches and Lasting Memories
Growing up in Destin, Eddie Morgan had a front-row seat to the magic of Harbor Docks, the family restaurant his father built from the ground up. Nestled along the Destin Harbor since 1979, Harbor Docks has remained a beacon for authentic Gulf-to-table dining, earning loyalty across generations. Eddie watched his dad perfect the recipe for success—offering impeccable service and dishes that keep guests coming back year after year.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or one of the countless regulars who’ve grown up with the Morgan family, Harbor Docks always feels like home. “We’ve had families coming in since the day we opened,” Eddie shares. “I’ve seen those kids grow up and now bring their own kids here. I’ve been working in the restaurant in one way or another since I was seven.”
The family atmosphere extends to the staff as well. Many employees have been part of the Harbor Docks legacy for decades. Several children and grandchildren of longtime employees have even joined the crew. Notably, Jalune McCormick, their Thai chef since 1982, and Duster Strawbridge, who rose from dishwasher to head of kitchen operations, exemplify the loyalty and tradition Eddie continues to foster.
Harbor Docks’ story wouldn’t be complete without its seafood market, which launched two years after the restaurant. The market relies on a fleet of fishing boats— some owned by the Morgans, others contracted from around 100 local captains. Each day, these vessels return from Gulf waters spanning Panama City Beach to Bayou La Batre, AL, delivering the freshest seafood for diners to enjoy.
“Our food is as local as it gets—either caught right here or sourced from nearby markets,” says Eddie. Signature dishes like the Gulf Grouper Parmadine, topped with lump crab, Parmesan, and roasted almonds, continue to draw in seafood lovers. Grill, fry, or blacken your choice—each bite promises unbeatable freshness. Innovation also has a place on the menu. Yoshie Eddings, their sushi chef of over 25 years, brings a taste of Tokyo to Destin. Under her expertise, Harbor Docks now offers more than 40 sushi rolls, including crowd favorites like the Back Down and Big Papi. Every roll is crafted with precision and the highest-quality ingredients, ensuring each visit offers something vibrant and new.
Harbor Docks doesn’t just nourish its customers—it gives back to the community in powerful ways. Every November, Eddie and his team organize a charter fishing trip for nearly 300 local kids, followed by a celebratory fish fry. “It’s all about giving these kids an unforgettable experience,” Eddie says.
And the generosity doesn’t stop there. Each Thanksgiving, Harbor Docks opens its doors for a free community meal. “We welcome everyone,” Eddie explains. “We see second homeowners who are just here for the holidays, and we also see people in need of a warm meal. It’s about creating a space where everyone can come together.”
At Harbor Docks, it’s not just the fresh catches or the mouthwatering menu that keeps people coming back— it’s the sense of belonging. “We’re known for our fish,” Eddie says, “but we don’t do anything fancy to hide it. We’re all about simplicity and authenticity. What you see is what you get, and people love it.”
Whether you come for the seafood, the sushi, or the camaraderie, Harbor Docks continues to deliver what it always has: fresh flavors, rich tradition, and a warm welcome that feels like home.
