re: Good non-chain places to eat in the Destin, Santa Rosa Beach area

Get away from the beach and leave the tourist traps behind. There are several places in Niceville/Valparaiso just across the Bay Bridge that are worth a visit. Two of my favorites are Ed's Seafood and Steaks (the old Nicomedo's Restaurant) and the Boat House Landing, both very popular with locals. A good place for breakfast or lunch is the Bluewater Bay Sports Bar at the marina. They do also serve a limited dinner menu until 9 p.m. Strictly a bar after nine.