FINNS Island Style Grub in St. Andrews

FINNS Island Style Grub in St. Andrews is a casual, mostly outdoor eatery on West 12th Street in Historic St. Andrews, serving tacos, burritos, ceviche and other seafood-focused dishes. It shares its waterfront property with Little Village, a shopping and entertainment spot, and the two together make a relaxed stop away from the busier Gulf beaches.

FINNS keeps its approach intentionally simple. The business says its philosophy is to keep it small, fresh and simple, and it cooks with just a grill and an oven, without fryers or microwaves. That shows in a menu built around grilled fish, fresh salsas and bowls rather than fried baskets. FINNS also operates a location and barista bar on South Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach, but the St. Andrews spot has its own neighborhood feel.

The menu includes tacos, burritos, ceviche, seafood, salads, wraps, nachos and quesadillas, with vegan and vegetarian options. The FINNS barista bar concept serves coffee made with Amavida Coffee Roasters beans, smoothie bowls with organic ingredients, craft beer and Noli South kombucha. FINNS also offers same-day catering with buffet-style taco and burrito bowl setups for groups.

Next door, Little Village is a boutique set in a thatched-roof cottage, stocked with a curated mix of global and locally made goods. Much of its inventory comes from fair trade companies, and shoppers will find clothing, jewelry, artwork, fair trade chocolate, handmade candles and ceramics. Little Village has hosted live music from local musicians and weekly game nights, and FINNS food can be enjoyed on the grounds. Leashed dogs have been welcome.

The property sits a few blocks north of the Beck Avenue restaurant strip and St. Andrews Marina, making it easy to combine with a walk through the rest of the neighborhood. Hours for FINNS and Little Village differ and change with the season, so check hours before you go. It is a good pick for a light, fresh lunch, a casual dinner outdoors or an afternoon of browsing with a drink in hand.

Because the setting is mostly open-air, FINNS and Little Village are at their best on mild days and pleasant evenings. Visitors coming from the beach will find the pace here slower and more local than the Front Beach Road strip. Those planning a larger afternoon in the neighborhood can add a stop at the Panama City Publishing Company Museum on Beck Avenue, which offers a historic trail map of St. Andrews, or at Oaks by the Bay Park on the bay.