JC's Off the Hook is well worth the trip

BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH, FL — By the time my dinner date and I arrived at JC’s Off the Hook, I was starving. It was a little trek from the office to Blue Mountain Beach, but in the end it was well worth it. 
   
Before we were even able to sample the food, we met the people. Owner Debra Cannon and her brother and kitchen manager Rusty Hanks greeted us as we walked in the door. Grayton Beach resident Cannon and her son, Colby, opened JC’s on March 3 in the former Nick’s on the Beach building.
   
The Food
The chalk board out front advertised an allyou–can-eat shrimp boil on Wednesdays, so that was my game plan, until I realized it was Tuesday. Never to fear, Ms. Cannon recommended the jumbo lump crab cakes as a crowd pleaser.
   
Two nice-sized crab cakes came topped with a citrus butter sauce, which have the cakes a little zing.
   
With the cakes I got to choose two sides and some hushpuppies.
   
The sides range from a baked potato and sweet potato fries to tossed salad and broccoli cheese bites.
   
I also opted to try a cup of the seafood bisque. This did not disappoint. I let my date sample this first. Well, he was foolish enough to only skim the top of the soup, meanwhile a treasure trove of crawfish and crab awaited farther below.
   
My partner in pigging out helped me down some fried pickle chips and ordered a fried grouper sandwich for himself. He was very pleased.
   
Besides seafood, JC’s serves a few steaks, with the Cowboy Cut Ribeye being the most popular. They also have a limited sampling of chicken and pasta dishes.
   
Beer specials were very competitive, especially for 30A. A bucket of domestic bottles was $7.50 and pitchers were $6.
   
The atmosphere
Although it was pretty slow when we visited on a Tuesday night, JC’s has so much potential with its large dining area and bar.
   
Cannon said they plan to have football specials, and she’s even ordered every possible sport’s package available.
   
My date, who had worked at Nick’s years ago, said the building has been completely remodeled and seemed pristine.
   
We sat in a cozy booth, with plenty of room to expand.
   
In short, JC’s seems like a typical restaurant to see families getting their seafood fix.
   
The service
Our waitress, Trudy, was very attentive. Our drinks didn’t have a chance to be emptied.
   
She was also very handy with her food recommendations. Like Ms. Cannon, Trudy said I had to try the crab cakes. 
 

A final taste
Honestly, I will return to JC’s. Their beer prices can’t be beat, and I’m a little upset I didn’t have room for the Quadruple Chocolate Mousse Pie.

QuickBITES

JC’s Off the Hook

Location
2210 County Road 30A
Blue Mountain Beach, South Walton County
850-267-0374

Hours
5-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Reservations
Not required

Handicap accessibility
Good

Children’s menu
Yes

Price range
Appetizers
$3.95-$14.95
Sandwiches
$6.95-$8.95
Entrees
$8.95-$19.95

Payment
Major credit cards accepted