local dining
Celebrating 40 Years of Memorable Meals in Seaside Bud & Alley’s unveils new renovations to mark the milestone by Tess Farmer
B ud & Alley’s, Seaside’s first official restaurant, has undergone a major transformation in preparation for its upcoming 40th anniversary. A true hallmark of the community, this iconic Gulf-front dining establishment has been serving locals and visitors alike since 1986, when a 24-year-old Dave Rauschkolb opened its doors in the then-tiny town of Seaside. Now, after years of thoughtful renovations, the restaurant is not only celebrating its rich history, but also ushering in a new era of accessibility
but also the Taco Bar and Pizza Bar.
To keep pace with the growth of the community and the rising demand for great dining, the latest renovation project has unified its restaurant spaces. The Taco Bar, a popular spot for casual fare, has relocated under the footprint of Bud & Alley’s, with all the restaurant’s locations now housed within the main building. This thoughtful
update enhances the accessibility of the entire restaurant complex while preserving the warm, inviting atmosphere that has drawn people to Seaside for decades.
There's something undeniably magical about watching the sun dip below the horizon while savoring Bud & Alley’s famous crab cakes or freshly-prepared tacos. - Dave Rauschkolb, owner
and comfort for its guests, making it an even more inviting place to gather and enjoy delicious food against the backdrop of stunning Gulf views, complete with a rooftop bar.
Various culinary delights from Bud & Alley’s
Bud & Alley’s has had on the Seaside community. In its early days, Seaside was still being developed, and Bud & Alley’s was one of the first businesses to open its doors, helping to set the tone for what the community would eventually become—a beloved destination for families, artists and travelers seeking beauty, culture, and excellent food. Rauschkolb’s dedication to Seaside has remained unwavering, and his commitment to community is just as apparent in his work outside the restaurant as it is within it. In recognition of its lasting influence, Bud & Alley’s has been featured in prominent publications like Southern Living and Garden & Gun , and was recently named one of Florida’s top 17 legendary restaurants alongside notable establishments like Bern’s Steak House in Tampa and Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach. It’s a well-deserved honor for a restaurant that has truly stood the test of time. “Being in Seaside for 40 years feels like an incredible privilege," added Rauschkolb. "When I first opened Bud & Alley’s in 1986, this was a tiny little beach community, and we’ve been able to grow and evolve along with it." As Bud & Alley’s prepares to celebrate 40 years in business, Rauschkolb is quick to credit the long-standing team members who have helped make the restaurant such a success. "The camaraderie and sense of family that permeates the staff and the restaurant’s operations are a big part of what makes Bud & Alley’s so special," he added. For Rauschkolb, it’s not just about great food and drinks—it’s about creating a place where people feel welcomed, valued, and part of the larger Seaside community going on 40 years. Bud & Alley's Open from 7:50 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. 2236 East County Highway 30-A, Santa Rosa Beach 850-231-5900 budandalleys.com
“The renovations we’ve done really focus on making our space more accessible, comfortable and enjoyable for everyone who walks through our doors," said Rauschkolb. "With the Taco Bar and Pizza Bar now housed
under the same roof as Bud & Alley’s, it’s all about providing our guests with more options while still delivering that signature Seaside experience. We’re able to create a flow that makes it easier for people to explore our different dining offerings, whether they’re in the mood for tacos, a slice of pizza, or our classic seafood dishes."
Bud & Alley’s has always been at the heart of Seaside, a place where memories are made over any meal of the day and drinks with a view.
13390 Highway 98 West | Destin, FL (850) 650-2262 Your Time to Sparkle
"There's something undeniably magical about watching the sun dip below the horizon while savoring Bud & Alley’s famous crab cakes or freshly prepared tacos," added Rauschkolb. The new configuration also makes the restaurant more accessible, allowing for better flow between the spaces. With more seating options, wider walkways, and improved visibility of the sparkling Gulf waters, it’s now easier for guests to enjoy their meals in an open, airy environment that connects them with the beauty of the natural surroundings. "Whether you're enjoying a casual bite at
As Seaside itself has grown from a small development into a bustling coastal community, so, too, has the restaurant. Rauschkolb, a local businessman, restaurateur and philanthropist, has been a key player in that growth, evolving Bud & Alley’s to meet the needs of an ever-expanding customer base. From the early days with just a handful of employees, Rauschkolb has built a legacy, employing hundreds of people annually and overseeing not only the original Bud & Alley’s,
the Taco Bar or indulging in fine dining at Bud & Alley’s main restaurant, it's our hope the renovations make every visit memorable," he added. “We also can now better accommodate families and larger groups, while still keeping that intimate, relaxed atmosphere that has always been a part of our charm. It’s important to us that people feel at home here." The renovation project is not just a physical transformation but a testament to the long-lasting impact
16 | THE THIRTY-A REVIEW | MAY/JUNE 2025
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