Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar and Grill in Destin has a rambling, shanty-shack sort of look and when you drive by you can’t help but think “What is that about?”
And they have a big sign that proclaims tasty food and live alligators.
In South Florida, live gator signs are a common sight, but up here in the Panhandle? Not so much.
Along with 3 floors for dining, they have a bar inside, a big bar out on the deck and a playground for the kids.
All of which overlook Gator Beach.
The gator pond is home to 100 small alligators and every half hour a gator handler gives an educational “gator facts” show.
The alligators live at Fudpuckers until they reach a certain length and then are picked up by a gator handling company (I have no idea who does this, but I know they are licensed through the State) and replaced with smaller ones.Â
Fuds is also home to Mellow Yellow – a rare yellow alligator.Â
He stays in this tank for part of the day and then has a pond out back where he lives.
There are all kinds of interesting things to look at while you wait for dinner
Which is good because you will have to wait – which makes some people cranky.
The good news is that a platter of Fudpucker’s Seafood Nachos and some fried shrimp will send cranky right out the door.Â
Fudpucker’s is a fun place to visit and if you get a chance, stop by.
