North Beach Social: Joyride to the Bayside

Point your fun compass North… trust us, North Beach Social has it all. Welcome to the bayside!

Another Jim Shirley gem, North Beach Social is where great food, waterfront relaxation and some of South Walton’s finest entertainment intermingle. Located at the southern-tip of the 331 bridge in Santa Rosa Beach, you will find outside seating is aplenty at the bar, on the covered deck, or on the dog-friendly beach with a panoramic view of the Choctawhatchee Bay.

“Our team has worked hard over the past year to create a space that is welcoming to all and has a little something for everybody,” explains Madison Shirley, Director of Brand & Storytelling. “No pomp or circumstance, just good drinks, great food, and a beautiful view.”

North Beach Social happily fuels SoWal locals and tourists with seafood selections  — think oysters, shrimp, fresh fish, and tuna poke — alongside rice bowls, burgers, salads, and more. Now open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, come grab a beer or a brunch-time Bloody Mary and feel the stress simply melt away. 

Nothing welcomes spring quite like sitting under a bright, blue sky by the water with a hot-off-the-grill Bomber Burger and a North Beach Margarita. Shirley recommends, “swapping out the simple syrup for agave. It's not quite as sweet and helps those tequila flavors really pop! Plus, our bartenders have mastered this cocktail.”

Good news for the early-birds, breakfast has arrived to North Beach Social! Served Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., there is no better way to start your day than with mimosas and vittles on the beach. Showcasing fan favorites like Chef Shirley’s signature Grits A Ya Ya and Smoked Gouda Grits to Organic Acai and Greek Yogurt topped with all the fixin’s, Cereal-Crusted French Toast, or the always satisfying Breakfast Tacos, NB Social is the perfect place where the whole family will find something delicious to enjoy.

North Beach never passes up an opportunity to celebrate good times! With a full music and event calendar every month, there’s always something to look forward to. April highlights include the Spring Fling, weekly bocce ball tournament, and an Easter celebration featuring live music, face painting, and an egg hunt!  

North Beach Social, in partnership with SoWal Bocce, will host a weekly bocce tournament on the north beach Wednesdays from 6 - 9 p.m., April 13 thru May 25. Register to play at https://sowalbocceco.leagueapps.com/leagues.

Follow North Beach Social on Facebook for event updates. TIP: while snapping photos at those killer events you attend for your social media followers, be sure to get a shot under local artist Andy Saczynski’s incredible Rice Whale installation! 

“Our new mascot, the beautiful reclaimed whale mural done by Andy Saczynski, is a remarkable addition to the environment,” expresses Shirley. “Not just the perfect backdrop for photos, this mural is a reminder to locals and guests of the importance of preserving the environment around us.”

Whether it’s a casual weekend brunch or scenic sunset dinner,  live music provides an almost daily backdrop for the lively hot-spot. 

“North Beach Social has invested in booking some of the best acts and has committed to a consistent calendar. Whatever your appetite for music, you can find great bands playing all week,” says Scott Crompton, founding member of the Wildlife Special3. “The venue’s friendly staff and great atmosphere in which to play bring out the best in all the bands that get the chance to play at North Beach. We are lucky to be on the weekly bill. It really is our favorite place to play!”

Here is who you’ll find on stage this month:
Mondays, 6 - 9 p.m. || Rhino Jockeys 
Tuesdays, 6 - 9 p.m. || Two Steppin' Tuesday with Forrest Williams Band
Thursdays, 6 - 9 p.m. || Funk Thursdays with Donnie Sundal
Saturdays, 1 - 4 p.m. || Mark & Karissa , Saturday, April 23rd - Cadillac Willy Duo
Sundays, 1- 4 p.m || Wildlife Special3

“Whether you're coming to grab a drink and watch the sunset, spend time with family, play games on the beach, or listen to the talented musicians that perform on our patio, we've got a place for you,” states Shirley. “Everyone is welcome to eat, play and be social at North Beach Social.”

You can find North Beach Social at the foot of the Hwy 331 bridge just after crossing over the Choctawhatchee Bay. Follow North Beach Social on Facebook for live music updates. See menus, hours of operation and more at https://northbeach.social.

Be sure to checkout nationally recognized restaurateur Chef Jim Shirley’s other South Walton establishments — Great Southern Café, The Bay, b.f.f., Farm & Fire, Great Southern’s Chicken Shack, and C-Bar. Learn more at chefjimshirley.com.