There’s plenty flavor on tap in Washington County’s hometown eateries
WASHINGTON COUNTY, FLORIDA–SEPTEMBER 2024–Washington County, Florida, sits just an hour north of Panama City in the center of Northwest Florida. Here, along I-10, midway between Pensacola and Tallahassee, travelers come for paddling adventures on beautiful and remote waterways. They come to experience some of Florida’s most fascinating history through downtown historic districts and storied trails. And they come to enjoy the performances at the historic Spanish Trail Playhouse (680 2nd Street, Chipley, Florida 32428; 850-638-9113), a regional landmark since 1962.
What they find when they arrive is a long and surprisingly diverse list of restaurant options to satisfy any craving, from breakfasts and sweets to happy hour libations and plenty of options for tasty meals in between.
Sweet eats and blended drinks
Sisters Sweets, Eats & More (827 Main Street, Chipley, Florida 32428; 850-676-4343) starts the day off with fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls, pop tarts and scones. Favorite specials are Red Velvet Cake and Ooey Gooey Bars. The “more” includes homestyle specials, salads and sandwiches.
Cafe au L.A. (3027 Main Street, Vernon, Florida 32462; 850-676-0358) is the spot for specialty coffees, protein shakes and Fancy Fizz. There are also cookies, muffins and more to enjoy.
Our Dessert Island (1307 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, Florida 32428; 850-676-4006) features baked goods made from scratch every day, along with smoothies and coffee. Favorites include gourmet cookies and cupcakes, brownies and seasonal pies and cobblers.
Ugly Mug Coffee & Cafe (1306 N. Railroad Avenue, Chipley, Florida 32428; 850-703-2419) adds a delicious lunch menu to its extensive list of delicious coffee and tea drinks.
Coastal Nutrition (1367 S. Railroad Avenue, #D, Chipley, Florida 32428; 850-676-4058) is a smoothie and juice bar that also offers healthy shakes and a variety of teas.
Classic takes
Colonial Restaurant (686 5th Street, Chipley, Florida 32428; 850-415-7115) serves classic Southern dishes which include specialties like fried chicken and ham along with a generous complement of sides.
Outriggers Seafood and Grill (1377 Brickyard Road, Suite 3B, Chipley, Florida 32428; 850-676-4009) is known for its seafood platters, steaks and friendly service along with burgers, wings and more.
GiGi’s (5163 Highway 77, Chipley, FL 32428; 850-628-6013) serves home-cooked lunch specials as well as a full menu of Southern specialties including fried chicken and Southern cooking. Patrons also love perusing the country store.
Effie’s Table (3005 Main Street, Vernon, Florida 32462; 850-658-3258) is a Southern bistro that features salads, wraps and a variety of teas, and has the perfect meeting space for local events.
Something else
Senor Sushi (1414 Main Street, Suite 9, Chipley, Florida 32428; 850-676-4331) is a contemporary sushi and hibachi grill with a menu featuring special rolls, lunch bowls and hibachi plates.
Crescent City Café (761 Highway 277, Chipley, Florida 32428; 321-567-3302) is known for its Cajun and Creole specialties, from red beans and rice to shrimp creole to succulent crab cakes
1901 On Main (803 Main Street, Chipley, Florida 32428: 850-676-4122) is one of Chipley’s newest restaurants, serving tapas along with a curated selection of wine and craft beers.
Slices, burgers and more
Mike N Anna’s Country Kitchen (3262 Main Street, Vernon, Florida 32462; 360-556-1054) has a menu featuring Southern favorites, specialty sandwiches and amazing desserts, all homemade. They also have a well-stocked country market.
Holmes Creek Pizza & Pasta Co. (3031 Main Street, Vernon, Florida 32462; 850-535-1555) is the place for pizza and a full menu of other Italian favorites.
Sliced Deli (1370A N. Railroad Avenue, Chipley, Florida 32428; 850-676-4163) is open for lunch and dinner and serves up its own list of specialties, from Reubens and Cubans to soups and salads.
Five Flags Pizza (1411 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, Florida 32428; 850-676-4222) has built its menu on freshness and creativity. Their hand-tossed New York Style Pizza is made with the freshest of dough and tomato sauce and lots of love.
B.J.’s Grill (1176 E. Jackson Avenue, Chipley, Florida 32428; 850-676-4402) is known for their variety of great burgers but the menu also includes sandwiches and breakfast specialties.
Where to stay
There are many hotels and motels conveniently located near I-10 in Washington County and there are other options, as well. With four guest rooms, the Sullivan House Bed & Breakfast (1305 West Church Avenue, Chipley, Florida 32428; 850-900-7464) offers one-of-a-kind lodging in the heart of Chipley, and the beautiful 1927 historic home is within walking distance of restaurants, shopping and other downtown attractions. Campers will enjoy Falling Waters State Park (1130 State Park Road, Chipley, FL 32428) and Pine Log State Forest (5583 Long Leaf Road, Ebro, FL 32437) both of which have full hook-up and primitive sites.