Near Pier Park: Southern cooking 11 minutes east in Panama City Beach

Big Mama's PCB is at 10071 Hutchison Blvd, about 11 minutes east of Pier Park by car. Lunch and dinner daily from 11 to 9, brunch weekends from 9, a full bar and a big free lot. Fried chicken, catfish po'boys, shrimp and grits, peach cobbler. We are near Pier Park, not in it. Call (850) 588-5085 to confirm hours.

Getting here from Pier Park

Pier Park is 5.2 miles and about 11 minutes from our door, without traffic. From Pier Park Drive, the route runs east on US 98, cuts down Clara Avenue, and follows Hutchison Blvd to 10071. Aaron Bessant Park, next to Pier Park, is about the same drive. Frank Brown Park is about 12 minutes.

Why make the drive

Pier Park has plenty of places to eat. What it does not have is a scratch Southern kitchen that has been cooking in Bay County for over 20 years. We call it Coastal Country: fried chicken, country fried steak and chicken and dumplings from our downtown Panama City kitchen, with Gulf seafood added because we are at the beach now.

Catfish and shrimp po'boys are $15. Shrimp n' grits is $22. Sides are $4, and the cornbread is $2.

Desserts are made in-house. Peach cobbler comes with homemade whipped cream, and bread pudding, pecan pie and strawberry shortcake round out the list at $8 each. Save room for one.

Bringing the whole family

Kids plates are $10: tenders, fish, a smash burger or shrimp. There are plenty of big tables for a family or a crew. The bar is full, with cold draft beer, wine, cocktails and margaritas. And there is a big free lot right out front, so nobody is circling for a spot with tired kids in the back seat.

Catering pickup near Pier Park

Staying in a condo near Pier Park with a big group? Call with the date and headcount and we will tell you what we can do, what it costs, and when to pick it up. Fried chicken by the tray, sides, cornbread and peach cobbler by the pan. Delivery is something to ask about when you call.