Seaside’s restaurants, Airstreams and cafes might best be summed up in two words — diverse and local. With nary a chain restaurant on site, our food joints are unique, and most specialize in one great thing — pizza, barbecue, seafood, gelato, fudge, coffee and Cuban dishes, for example. Many of them support local farmers and fishermen, showcasing Gulf fish and shrimp, as well as meat, produce and dairy from nearby farms.
The Chicken Shack
The Chicken Shack is newly opened between Sundog Books and The Great Southern Café, serving Southern fried chicken.
Chef Jim Shirley has been intrigued by the idea of a chicken shack for quite a while, says Madison Shirley of Jim Shirley Enterprises. When the opportunity arose to work with the Seaside team to bring his vision to fruition, he couldn't pass it up.
“After all, there are few things more Southern than fried chicken,” Madison says. “Every mama has their 'family' recipe, and it’s a staple at dinner tables. Jim loves the opportunity to showcase Southern food culture in Seaside, particularly as the geographic diversity of guests continues to grow every year and some might not be as familiar with 'true' Southern food.”
The Chicken Shack's structure is perfect for families and groups wanting to share a delicious but casual meal together. Customers can order at the walk-up window, and have the choice of sitting in the large, open seating area or taking their food to-go as they explore. With everything from family sized “buckets” of chicken to tenders to tikka masala, The Chicken Shack has a little something for everyone.
On the Menu
"Every Mama's Chicken"
The star attraction is Chef Jim Shirley's family-sized sweet tea marinated "buckets" of fried chicken, chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders. Along with this all-star lineup is an eclectic blend of other global chicken dishes, such as Korean fried chicken thighs, Vietnamese wings, chicken tikka masala, and more.
Fan Favorite
The "Bucket" O' Chicken, for sure! Perfect for sharing with the family, and easily portable so guests can enjoy it wherever they would like.
Container Bar
Container Bar, also known as C-Bar, is also located between Sundog Books and The Great Southern Café and shares a communal seating area with The Chicken Shack.
“We’re beginning to see the next generation of guests and their families arriving in Seaside and dining at our restaurants,” Madison Shirley says. “They’re looking for the classic Seaside experience but also get excited about the evolution of the town. Guests will be able to grab one of 30 seats at this custom, upcycled shipping container and unpack their day, or walk up to the to-go window, grab a drink, then sit with their family and friends in the large communal dining area or stroll through town. We see the C-Bar as a fun, low-pressure bar that provides guests the opportunity to choose how they want to experience us.”
On the Menu
C-Bar’s lineup includes local craft beer, liquor and cocktails, which can be enjoyed at the bar or to-go from the walkup window. The Container Bar shares a kitchen and menu with The Great Southern Café, so guests will be able to get all their favorite Great Southern items including Chef Jim Shirley’s famous Grits à Ya Ya.
Fan Favorite
The local craft beer lineup is thoughtfully put together, and highlights some of the exceptional breweries in our area. You also can’t miss out on the awesome cocktails. A mix of Great Southern classics (like the mojitos) and C-Bar specials.
Black Bear Bread Co.
Located at The Court, Black Bear Bread Co. is Seaside’s new neighborhood bakery, serving up freshly-baked bread, pastries, coffees and teas along with a full breakfast and lunch menu. Business partners Chef Phil McDonald and Dave Rauschkolb collaborated with Stumptown Coffee Roasters. The café serves easy, on-the-go options and allows guests to linger and dine in. Seasonal produce and sensible sourcing inspire the evolving menu.
On the Menu
Baked goods include naturally-leavened bread, pastries, cakes and cookies, as well as bagels. Black Bear is the only establishment in Seaside that serves bagels, from Asiago to Everything, and there’s something for everyone’s taste. The full menu includes breakfast sandwiches, tartines, lunch specials and sandwiches, along with beer and wine.
Fan Favorite
The Bánh Mì featuring braised pork shoulder, pickled carrot, daikon, cilantro, and Sambal aioli on a baguette and the kale sandwich with avocado, feta, tahini, and Za’atar butter on multigrain sourdough have quickly become customer favorites.
