Where Fudpucker’s Started
Fudpucker’s wasn’t always a Beachside Bar & Grill. It opened in 1982 as a snack bar inside NightTown – Destin’s first Nightclub where it was called Fudpucker’s Barside Galley. Thanks largely to great food and a successful T-Shirt, the following year Fud’s moved to a beachside shack in South Walton County where Pompano Joe’s is today. It is there that it became Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill. After a fire destroyed the building in 1985, Fud’s moved to Okaloosa Island next to Cash’s Faux Pas. In 1989, Fudpucker’s opened a second location on the new U.S. 98 in Destin. While Destin is now home to the only standalone Fudpucker’s, you can still enjoy our signature dishes at Pelican’s Roost at the Sundestin Beach Resort and at the Tiki Hut in Waterscape on Okaloosa Island.
Beer Can Collection
One of our founders, Tim Edwards, didn’t just contribute to the economy; he practically fueled it — one beer at a time. His college beer can collection has grown into a wall-spanning spectacle in several of Fudpucker’s dining rooms. This unique display is a tribute to Tim’s youthful zeal and love of beer. Every year, we host the Winter Brewery Collectible Show—a perfect blend of beer memorabilia and, well, more beer.
Maze-Like Building
Entering Fudpucker’s Beach-side Bar & Grill is like stepping into a whimsical labyrinth. No, seriously, good luck finding your way out! Our “7 Level Tree House” dining areas each boast unique themes (decorated with classic Fudpucker junk) and quirky names, creating a fun maze-like structure. You’ll encounter countless staircases, a vestibule with five different paths, an elevator, and even a few doors to nowhere. Don’t be surprised if families make a few laps before stumbling upon the exit.
NWFL’s Only Alligator Park
With over 200 alligators, free alligator shows and free admission, Gator Beach is undeniably “The World’s Greatest Alligator Park.” Explore our Reptile Discovery Zone, meet baby gators, join interactive guided tours, feed the gators, and get a photo holding one. Gator Beach is Destin’s ultimate adventure spot. For more info, slither over to www.GatorBeach.com.
Honor Roll Program
For over 35 years, Fudpucker’s has celebrated academic excellence with our Honor Roll program. We provide award certificates to elementary and middle school students who make the A or A/B Honor Roll, each redeemable for a free meal. Every year, we expand this program to more classrooms in Okaloosa and Walton Counties, supporting our local scholars one free meal at a time.
Rob Whaack Scholarship
In 2018, we partnered with Northwest Florida State College to create the Rob Whaack Culinary Scholarship, honoring our beloved kitchen manager. This scholarship covers 100% of the costs for the 12 credit hours needed for the Chef’s Apprentice Certificate, ensuring Rob’s legacy lives on.
Fun While You Wait
Anyone who’s dined out in Destin during summer knows that long waits are inevitable. But at Fudpucker’s, we turn waiting into a blast. With four bars to kick off your dining experience, NWFL’s only Alligator Park (with free admission), a photo scavenger hunt with prizes, a Fudnominal gift shop, a henna tattoo parlor, a hurricane simulator, bar games (like Ring & Hook and Cornhole), giant Jenga and Connect Four, and live entertainment, we’ve earned our title as “The Best Place To Wait”!
Visit https://www.fudpucker.com.
