Inside Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar: Downtown Panama City’s Newest Waterfront Restaurant

There’s a new restaurant in Downtown Panama City’s Waterfront District, and it’s already the talk of the town. Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar is serving up traditional Southern flavors and fresh Gulf seafood in a laid-back setting. The opening of Harrison’s and the forthcoming Hotel Indigo (located just next door) is part of the revitalization that is happening in a historic downtown that was hit hard by a powerful storm, Hurricane Michael, in 2018.

The local community has been involved with the restaurant even before it officially opened its doors this month. In 2021 The St. Joe Company, which manages the property, asked locals to nominate and vote on potential names for the new restaurant. The winning name, Harrison’s, references an early name for the town and Harrison Avenue, Downtown Panama City’s main drag and the street the restaurant sits at the end of. The design of the restaurant, with its wood accents and industrial vibe, is a nod to the history of the Panama City Marina and its crucial role in the downtown community.

“A city’s downtown is part of its history and its lifeblood,” Matt Moore, director of concepts and development for The St. Joe Company, said. “We think it’s fitting not only that the name chosen represents this area’s heritage, but also that the people of Panama City and Bay County helped to choose it. We want to create an anchor business that assists in the revitalization of Downtown Panama City, but just as importantly, we hope Harrison’s will be a place where people come to relax, to enjoy good food, to meet friends and make memories.”

Sweeping views overlooking the Panama City Marina and St. Andrews Bay offer a stunning backdrop to Harrison’s food and drink offerings. To eat, there’s gumbo, The Georgian salad (featuring mixed lettuce, sliced peaches, Thomasville Green Hill cheese, spiced pecans, pickled onions and Champagne vinaigrette), shrimp and oyster po’boys, shrimp and grits, and key lime pie. To drink, there’s beer, wine and signature cocktails like Low Country Bourbon Punch, Shell Island Sipper and Harrison’s Bloody Mary. For the best views, you can enjoy your meal outdoors, where there’s a covered patio, fireplace and a grass lawn with an adult-sized Connect Four game and cornhole sets. If you’re stopping by to watch sports, the rectangular wraparound bar is the place to be, with eight big-screen televisions hung around the center of the bar area.

Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar is located at 5 Harrison Avenue in Panama City, Florida. They are open Tuesday to Sunday, with brunch on Sundays and lunch every other day of the week. Pop by for live music by local bands at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and during Sunday brunch from 10 to 11 a.m. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but you can book the space for private dinners and events.