11 Florida Seafood Shacks Locals Swear Are Best In September (When The Catch Is Freshest)
Florida’s coastline treasures extend far beyond its sandy beaches—they’re also found in the humble seafood shacks that locals cherish once the tourists clear out.
September marks a special moment here, that perfect in-between season when summer crowds thin but the Gulf and Atlantic waters still provide an abundance of fresh catches.
As a Florida native, I’ve spent decades chasing down the state’s best seafood, from dockside dives to family-run kitchens where the day’s haul goes straight from boat to plate. These are the places where overflowing platters, salty breezes, and genuine hospitality create the ultimate taste of coastal Florida.
1. Star Fish Company: Where Boats Dock With Breakfast
My grandmother first brought me to Star Fish Company when I was seven, and I still remember the seagulls circling hopefully as we unwrapped our grouper sandwiches. This weathered wooden dock-side spot in Cortez hasn’t changed much since then.
Fishermen literally pull up to the back dock with the day’s catch, making September’s grouper something magical here. The preparation is beautifully simple – lightly dusted and fried or kissed by the grill – letting the fish speak for itself.
Skip the fancy restaurants and eat at picnic tables instead, where dolphins sometimes swim by as if checking your meal for proper freshness rating.
2. Peace River Seafood: The Crustacean Celebration Hut
Housed in a creaky 1927 cracker shack that’s survived nearly a century of Florida hurricanes, Peace River Seafood feels like stepping into your fishing uncle’s kitchen. Last September, I watched in awe as a local crabber delivered blue crabs still clicking with attitude straight to the back door.
The newspaper-covered tables tell you everything about the experience you’re about to have. Crack, dig, and savor those sweet blue crabs while chatting with the multigenerational families at neighboring tables.
Forget fancy – this Punta Gorda institution serves seafood feasts in metal buckets with wooden mallets as your primary utensil.
3. JB’s Fish Camp: The Lagoon-to-Plate Paradise
The first time I visited JB’s, I arrived by kayak, paddling through the Mosquito Lagoon until this waterfront gem appeared like a mirage. That’s still my favorite way to earn my seafood feast at this New Smyrna Beach institution.
September brings JB’s most prized offering – soft-shell crabs so fresh they were swimming that morning. The rustic dock setting lets you watch fishing boats return while pelicans perch hopefully on pilings nearby.
Don’t miss their smoked fish dip – a secret recipe that’s converted even my seafood-skeptical cousins from the Midwest. The combination of salt air, water views, and just-caught seafood creates Florida perfection.
4. The Crab Plant: Atlantic Beach’s Shell-Cracking Legend
Walking into The Crab Plant feels like entering a time capsule where Florida’s fishing heritage remains perfectly preserved. The walls, weathered by decades of salt air, hold faded photos of record catches and generations of fishermen.
Their deviled crab cakes – a regional specialty rarely found outside Northeast Florida – reach peak perfection in September when blue crabs fatten up for fall. My fishing guide swears they’re made from a recipe stolen from heaven.
Come hungry but dress down. The plastic bibs aren’t optional when tackling their garlic blue crabs, and the best conversations happen with strangers across the communal tables while comparing crab-cracking techniques.
5. Palms Fish Camp: The Tidal Creek Treasure
Nestled where Clapboard Creek meets the St. Johns River, Palms Fish Camp captures Jacksonville’s fishing soul better than anywhere else. My grandfather’s fishing buddies still gather here every Thursday, claiming the same corner table they’ve occupied for decades.
September’s changing tides bring spectacular shrimp runs, which Palms transforms into crispy fried baskets within hours of harvest. The building may look unassuming, but locals know that’s the universal sign for exceptional seafood in Florida.
Order the blackened redfish when available – it’s caught so close you could practically cast a line from your table. Their hush puppies might be the best in Florida, a bold claim I’ll happily defend.
6. Aunt Kate’s: The Matriarch of Matanzas
Overlooking the Matanzas River since 1900, Aunt Kate’s embodies Old Florida charm that’s increasingly rare. The screened porch catches perfect breezes while protecting from no-see-ums – practical Florida wisdom built into architecture.
September shrimp from nearby waters appear on your plate so fresh they practically snap when bitten. My father-in-law, a dedicated seafood critic, grudgingly admitted their Minorcan chowder (a St. Augustine specialty) surpassed his mother’s recipe.
The oak trees draped with Spanish moss create a canopy over outdoor tables where generations have celebrated special occasions. Yet somehow this St. Augustine landmark maintains the casual, sandy-feet-welcome vibe that defines authentic Florida seafood spots.
7. Little Moir’s Food Shack: The Culinary Chameleon
Tucked inconspicuously in a Jupiter strip mall, Little Moir’s Food Shack proves Florida’s best seafood often hides in plain sight. The chalkboard menu changes so frequently that regulars take photos to document particularly memorable dishes before they disappear.
September brings spectacular mahi-mahi runs offshore, which owner Mike Moir transforms with Caribbean-inspired flair. I once drove two hours just for their sweet potato-crusted fish special after dreaming about it for weeks.
The tiny open kitchen lets you watch culinary magic happen while surfers and fishing guides squeeze in alongside business executives. Everyone’s equal here – united by appreciation for what might be Florida’s most creative seafood preparations.
8. Dockside Restaurant: The Market-to-Mouth Marvel
While technically part of Star Fish Company, Dockside deserves separate recognition for its unique sea-to-table approach. I watched, fascinated, as my grouper sandwich was prepared using fish that had been swimming in the Gulf just hours earlier.
The wooden deck overlooking Sarasota Bay puts you so close to the water that fishing boats sometimes splash you when docking with their deliveries. September’s slightly cooler temperatures make this outdoor spot particularly pleasant while still offering summer’s abundance.
Their smoked mullet spread – a Florida delicacy rarely appreciated by visitors – reaches peak flavor this time of year. Paired with their homemade datil pepper sauce, it creates a flavor combination unique to this special corner of Florida.
9. Singleton’s Seafood Shack: The Maritime Time Machine
Walking into Singleton’s feels like entering a salty museum where fishing artifacts cover every inch of wall space. The wooden floors have been polished by decades of seafood enthusiasts making pilgrimages to this Mayport institution.
September shrimp boats dock literally yards away, making the “fresh catch” truly fresh. Last year, I watched my dinner being unloaded from a trawler while waiting for a table.
The blackened shrimp and grits achieve that perfect harmony that only comes from generations of recipe refinement. Old salts at the bar will share fishing stories that grow more impressive with each telling – just part of the authentic experience that makes Singleton’s a true Florida treasure.
10. Clark’s Fish Camp: The Taxidermy-Adorned Trophy Spot
I nearly jumped out of my skin during my first visit to Clark’s when I turned to find myself face-to-face with a stuffed lion. This Jacksonville institution combines surprisingly excellent seafood with Florida’s most unusual dining atmosphere – surrounded by hundreds of taxidermied animals.
September brings excellent catches from nearby St. Johns River, particularly freshwater catfish and saltwater species swimming upriver. Their smoked fish spread could convert even the most seafood-hesitant visitor.
The outdoor deck overlooking Julington Creek provides spectacular sunset views and occasional manatee sightings. Come for the quirky atmosphere but return for seafood that locals have treasured since 1974.
11. Owen’s Fish Camp: The Southern Seafood Sanctuary
Hidden beneath a massive banyan tree in downtown Sarasota, Owen’s Fish Camp feels like stumbling into a secret Southern garden party. The backyard features mismatched chairs, string lights, and often a bluegrass band playing beside a tire swing.
September’s slightly cooler evenings make this outdoor spot magical. Their low country boil reaches peak perfection this time of year, loaded with local shrimp, corn, and sausage in a newspaper-lined bucket.
I’ve converted countless out-of-state friends to Florida seafood lovers here. The combination of fresh catches, Southern preparation, and utterly charming atmosphere creates an experience that captures Florida’s seafood culture perfectly – unpretentious yet absolutely delicious.