Emerald Coast Cruizin weekend: where to eat in Panama City Beach

Heading to Emerald Coast Cruizin in Panama City Beach, November 12 to 14? Big Mama's PCB at 10071 Hutchison Blvd, a few minutes' drive from Pier Park, serves fried chicken, wings and a Coastal Smashburger with a large free lot out front. Weekdays we open at 11, Saturday at 9. Call (850) 588-5085 to confirm hours.

When is the Emerald Coast Cruizin fall car show?

Visit Panama City Beach lists the fall show for Thursday, November 12 through Saturday, November 14, 2026. SoWal places it at Aaron Bessant Park with gates open from 8 AM to 5 PM. Two listings disagree on the venue address, so confirm the location and daily schedule on the organizer's site, EmeraldCoastCruizin.com, before you drive.

A day at a car show is mostly walking and standing in the sun. That means a late breakfast or an early lunch, then a real dinner once the gates close.

What can you eat on each show day?

Each day of the show lines up with a different special at Big Mama's PCB. Specials come with two sides, a third is $2 more, and when we are out, we are out. No prices are posted for specials, so ask or call.

• Thursday, November 12: chicken n' dumplins'
• Friday, November 13: chicken n' rice, plus prime rib from 4 PM to close
• Saturday, November 14: brunch, plus prime rib from 4 PM to close

Everything else on the lunch and dinner menu runs every day behind the specials. Bone-in fried chicken starts at $15, and the pork chop is $17. The lunch and dinner page has the whole list.

What is quick when you are between cars?

Handhelds are the easy answer when you want to eat and get back to the show. All of these are from the all-day menu:

• Coastal Smashburger, $16
• Chicken Sandwich, $15
• Catfish Po'boy or Shrimp Po'boy, $15
• French Dip, $18
• Grouper BLT, $19

Starters travel well across a table. Fried Pickles are $12, Chicken Wings (10) are $16 and Fried Green Tomatoes are $14. Sides are $4 each and cornbread is $2, so a group can split three or four and call it a meal. The all-day menu lists every price.

What if you want a sit-down dinner after the gates close?

Dinner is the longer meal, and the room has plenty of big tables for a car club or a family that drove in together. The Big Papa Platter is $28 for the person who does not want to decide. Peach cobbler is $8 and comes with whipped cream we make in house.

There is a full bar with draft beer, wine, cocktails and margaritas. Kids plates are $10: tenders, fish, a smash burger or shrimp. Parties of 6 or more carry an 18% gratuity, so it is worth knowing before the check. Call ahead for a big group and we will do our best to have the table ready.

Is Saturday different?

Saturday we open at 9 with brunch, which suits a car show that starts early. Biscuits and gravy start at $7 for a half, the Big Mama plate is $16, and Chicken N' Waffles is $16. Margaritas are on at brunch too. The regular menu starts at 11 alongside it. Prime rib is added from 4 PM to close.

How to pick

Thursday, chicken n' dumplins' with two sides after the show. Friday, chicken n' rice at lunch or prime rib later. Saturday, brunch at 9 before the gates, or dinner when you are done. Short on time, a handheld and a side. A hotel room full of people who are finished walking, order ahead on Toast and pick it up. Need a tray for a club or a crew, ask about catering.

Big Mama's PCB is at 10071 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, in the old Applebee's building. Prices are cash prices and a 3% card fee is added. Call (850) 588-5085 to confirm hours, or order ahead on Toast.