Runaway Island
Experience waterfront dining with a 4.3-star rating. Enjoy fresh seafood, lively music, and cocktails. Discover your new favorite spot in Panama City Beach.
Local crab, oysters & grouper sandwiches in a casual beach bar & grill with steps onto the sand.
About Runaway Island
This oceanfront establishment offers a delightful dining experience with a strong 4.3 out of 5 stars. Diners appreciate the beautiful views, especially from the covered outdoor seating, which provides a perfect spot even on a drizzly day. The menu features a variety of well-prepared dishes, with the spinach dip frequently highlighted as a standout. The atmosphere is enhanced by live music, making it a popular choice for groups seeking a vibrant yet relaxed setting. With a moderate $$ price range, it provides good value for the quality of food and the overall enjoyable ambiance.
Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Live Music, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Family Friendly, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Why Travelers Love Runaway Island
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
After a rainy day we decided to check out this ocean front restaurant. We dined outside but under a tent that ensured we wouldn’t get wet from the rain. It’s was a beautiful view. The food was pretty good. I highly recommend the spinach dip with pita points. It was the highlight of the meal.I ordered the chicken piccata off the $12 lunch menu and we both liked it. Hubby ordered the fish and shrimp basket off of the $12 lunch menu. As far as the staff, our waitress looked sad the whole time and was very slow. We asked for ranch twice for my fries and never received it. All in all the food was good… just not a very good waitress. Maybe she was having a bad day. We went to Runaway Island on our fist night at PCB, mainly because it was within walking distance and it was a long travel day. We were seated at a booth on the beachside deck. The views were awesome as it was approaching time for the sun to set. Service was great. Our server (Ben) answered all our questions about the menu and checked on us several times throughout dinner. We even talked some football since it was Saturday. We started off with some cocktails (Runaway Rita and Mango Tango) and the Blue Crab Dip as an appetizer. All were delicious. For dinner I had the "Special" which was a blackened Mahi and grilled Shrimp served over a seasoned rice with a Mango Salsa and Plantains. The food was great. My only thought was that the fish was a bit over cooked. My wife had the Shrimp Tacos and was thrilled with them. We finished the evening with the WTH Punch after dinner If you come to PCB and love seafood, be sure to check out Runaway Island. Great meal and beautiful restaurant with amazing views. We loved it. Our food was delicious. We started with the spinach dip with pita, then popcorn shrimp, fried shrimp basket, and the best was the Hawaiian New York strip. It was fantastic. Highly recommend Runaway Island for dinner.
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Recent Reviews
Faincy 1.
September 28, 2025
After a rainy day we decided to check out this ocean front restaurant. We dined outside but under a tent that ensured we wouldn’t get wet from the rain. It’s was a beautiful view. The food was pretty good. I highly recommend the spinach dip with pita points. It was the highlight of the meal.I ordered the chicken piccata off the $12 lunch menu and we both liked it. Hubby ordered the fish and shrimp basket off of the $12 lunch menu. As far as the staff, our waitress looked sad the whole time and was very slow. We asked for ranch twice for my fries and never received it. All in all the food was good… just not a very good waitress. Maybe she was having a bad day.
Duayne S.
September 29, 2025
We went to Runaway Island on our fist night at PCB, mainly because it was within walking distance and it was a long travel day. We were seated at a booth on the beachside deck. The views were awesome as it was approaching time for the sun to set. Service was great. Our server (Ben) answered all our questions about the menu and checked on us several times throughout dinner. We even talked some football since it was Saturday. We started off with some cocktails (Runaway Rita and Mango Tango) and the Blue Crab Dip as an appetizer. All were delicious. For dinner I had the "Special" which was a blackened Mahi and grilled Shrimp served over a seasoned rice with a Mango Salsa and Plantains. The food was great. My only thought was that the fish was a bit over cooked. My wife had the Shrimp Tacos and was thrilled with them. We finished the evening with the WTH Punch after dinner If you come to PCB and love seafood, be sure to check out Runaway Island.
Patrick C.
August 12, 2025
Great meal and beautiful restaurant with amazing views. We loved it. Our food was delicious. We started with the spinach dip with pita, then popcorn shrimp, fried shrimp basket, and the best was the Hawaiian New York strip. It was fantastic. Highly recommend Runaway Island for dinner.
McKenzie W.
August 9, 2025
We had a great experience here. We were seated right away with no wait, and the atmosphere was amazing—outdoor seating with an ocean view, live music, and a beautiful sunset. They even rang a bell as the sun went down, which was a nice touch. The appetizers were the highlight of the night, especially the spinach and artichoke dip and the garlic cheese curds. Highly recommend for a relaxing evening out!
Ireland M.
October 2, 2025
Best food I’ve had on vacation when I was down in PCB, I highly recommend the chicken pesto tortellini!! Only downside to this place is service will either be okay or very good depending on who is serving you unfortunately. But other than that the outside patio is very nice and was conveniently next to our hotel!
What to Expect
Features and amenities that make Runaway Island special
Outdoor Seating
Live Music
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Family Friendly
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you visit
Payment Options
Parking
Accessibility
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