RESTAURANT REVIEW: Shake Shanty: A place for kids and adults alike

SANDESTIN — Baytowne Wharf has a new restaurant in the neighborhood.

The Shake Shanty opened two months ago at 117 Cannery Lane across from the Adventure Landing Play Area and has become a great late-night spot for casual fast-food dining. The restaurant is open from 4 p.m. to midnight. Those times are subject to change according to the season.

The food

The Shanty’s menu couldn’t be more kid friendly if they hired a kid to write it. The restaurant’s selections of frozen custards are more extensive than the food menu of chicken fingers, fries, burgers and hot dogs. There’s even a pet parfait for four-legged friends.

The Shanty didn’t forget Mom and Dad. They offer wine by the glass or bottle and beer on tap and by the bottle.

The selections of drafts include Pensacola Bay’s Deluna Extra Pale Ale and Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan. The bottled beers are just as interesting with choices such as Abita’s Purple Haze and Laughing Skull Amber Ale.

I opted for a chocolate shake that did not disappoint. The Shanty had caramel, strawberry and vanilla varieties, too. All were made with a vanilla soft custard base.

The drink was a tough decision for my friend. He said it had been a while (if ever) since he saw a Purple Cow or an Arnold Palmer (made with fresh-squeezed lemonade) featured on a menu.

The dinner menu had some rare finds, too. After a lot of contemplation, my friend ordered a Chili Cheese Dog and a Bird Dog. With the exception of the Bird Dog, the Shanty dogs are made with an all-beef dog split and griddled to a crisp. The Shanty has a whopping eight hot dog options.

Like the rest of the menu, the Bird Dog was served on a potato bun. It was a hit with my friend. Instead of the usual hot dog, the Bird Dog had fried chicken tenders and Shanty Sauce on a hot dog bun.

The Chili Dog was made with “Tom’s Chili.” Sorry, I failed to find out who this Tom guy is and how he learned to make such great chili. I ordered the crispy fries smothered in the chili and cheese.

I also had a Shanty Burger, 100 percent Black Angus beef served on potato bread with Shanty sauce, American cheese and all the trimmings.

I almost committed what I consider a felony by leaving a restaurant without trying its fried pickles. Not on the regular menu, the pickles were a featured item at the Shanty. With the help of my friend, the heaping helping of salty treats was gobbled faster than the burger.

The atmosphere

The Shanty had me at, “Show me, show me, show me how you do that trick.” At a certain point in the day, they start playing nothing but ’80s music. The Gap Band “Dropped a Bomb on Me” as I ordered, and Tears for Fears gave a “Shout” before I picked up my food. The staff said daytime music was strictly Margaritaville.

Dancing was in order, despite the looks I got from a father and son enjoying chocolate dipped frozen custard cones.

There isn’t “officially” a dance floor at the Shanty, but it is strongly encouraged. Why else would they play that music?

On Sundays, the Shanty features live music. I dare you to stay in your seats during that.

The Shanty has that sort of house (or should I say “Shanty”) party atmosphere. Twinkling lights drape across the two outdoor dining areas and … well, all I need are lights and ’80s music.

The Shanty sits in a far-off corner of its own flanked by a lagoon, bridge and playground.

Orders are placed and picked up in the front and an outdoor bar on a two-tier deck is off to the side. The little red Shanty has indoor dining space with a view of the lagoon.

The service

Despite the counter set-up and buzzer I was given to inform me when my order was ready, I still received personal service. My shake was hand-delivered while I waited for the meal.

Not once, was I asked to stop dancing.

A final taste

The Shake Shanty is a great hangout with a beautiful view.

I have a feeling I’ll be dancing here again.