12 Florida Shrimp Shacks That Feel Like A Beach Day
Along Florida’s coast, shrimp shacks are less about menus than moods. They smell of hot oil and sea wind, sound of gulls and crackling fryers. Visitors line up barefoot, order by the pound, and carry paper trays dripping with butter or spice.
Some shacks lean weathered and gray, wood polished by storms, while others spill over with plastic chairs and picnic tables bright as beach toys. Everywhere, shrimp is peeled by hand, dipped, and devoured as boats idle in view.
This list traces twelve shacks where seafood meets story, and where every bite tastes like the tide rolling in.
1. O’Steen’s Restaurant, St. Augustine
Wood-paneled interiors and vintage décor give O’Steen’s a timeless feel. Diners often wait outside, talking with locals until their names are called.
The kitchen turns out plates of fried shrimp, hush puppies, coleslaw, and fries. Their pink dipping sauce is famous in northeast Florida.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday. Portions are hearty, prices moderate, and only cash is accepted. Visitors regularly call O’Steen’s a St. Augustine landmark for shrimp done simply and well.
2. Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurant, Mayport (Jacksonville)
Dockside tables overlook fishing boats tied just yards away. The scene sets the tone for seafood pulled from local waters.
Shrimp options include fried baskets, peel-and-eat Mayport shrimp, or platters with multiple seafood choices. Market stalls nearby sell shrimp by the pound.
Lunch and dinner hours vary through the week. Customers line up quickly on weekends, knowing shrimp is freshest in early service. The atmosphere stays casual and focused on food.
3. Keys Fisheries, Marathon (Florida Keys)
A marina backdrop frames the open-air dining decks at Keys Fisheries. Visitors often spot tarpon swimming by as they eat.
Shrimp appears boiled, fried, or grilled, alongside lobster Reubens and conch chowder. The market counter also sells fresh Key West pink shrimp to go.
Prices range from moderate to slightly higher for larger platters. Sunset brings the biggest crowds, with many diners recommending an early arrival to claim a table upstairs.
4. Star Fish Company Market & Restaurant, Cortez (Bradenton Area)
Wooden docks and picnic tables set the stage for casual dining right on the water. Pelicans often glide past during meals.
Shrimp is offered fried, boiled, or blackened, usually with fries, slaw, and hush puppies. Plates feel simple, plentiful, and focused on freshness.
Open daily for lunch and dinner. Orders are placed at the counter, then delivered to outdoor tables. The rustic vibe matches the straightforward seafood.
5. Dewey Destin’s Seafood, Destin
Weathered wood and outdoor seating at picnic tables create a relaxed, bayside environment. Families and groups gather under umbrellas.
Shrimp is offered fried, grilled, or boiled, often paired with corn, potatoes, or hush puppies. Platters can mix shrimp with grouper or oysters.
Expect higher demand in peak tourist months. Service is counter-order style, and wait times can lengthen in summer. Locals still praise the steady quality.
6. The Back Porch, Destin
Bright umbrellas and Gulf views shape the atmosphere. Visitors often grab tables with direct sightlines to white sand beaches.
Menu staples include fried shrimp baskets, Gulf shrimp scampi, and mixed seafood plates. Drinks and desserts complement the seafood-focused menu.
The Back Porch is a long-standing Destin name, open for decades. Prices are moderate, with shrimp portions large enough for sharing. Families often call it a beach tradition.
7. Schooners, Panama City Beach
Music drifts from open decks while waves crash nearby. Guests come in flip-flops and swimsuits, adding to the carefree setting.
Shrimp platters highlight fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, or peel-and-eat Gulf shrimp. Sandwiches and burgers round out the casual menu.
Service is fast during lunch and more leisurely near sunset. The atmosphere mixes restaurant service with beach bar energy, keeping shrimp central to the experience.
8. Hunt’s Oyster Bar & Seafood, Panama City
Checkerboard floors and wood booths give this shack a classic feel. Crowds often form before dinner hours.
Shrimp comes fried, boiled, or grilled, often served alongside oysters, hush puppies, and fries. Baskets keep prices affordable for casual seafood eaters.
Located near St. Andrews Bay, Hunt’s is known for a bustling crowd and lively atmosphere. Regulars say shrimp plates are a reliable choice on the menu.
9. Peg Leg Pete’s, Pensacola Beach
Nautical décor and pirate-themed signs shape the atmosphere. Families with kids find the theme playful and memorable.
Shrimp features heavily: fried baskets, peel-and-eat plates, or grilled skewers with sides of fries and slaw. Combination platters mix shrimp with crab or fish.
Open daily with long service hours. Expect waits in high season, but portions and playful theme keep customers returning. Many mention shrimp as the highlight.
10. JB’s Fish Camp, New Smyrna Beach
Outdoor decks overlook the waterway, where manatees and dolphins are sometimes spotted. Visitors enjoy sunsets from picnic tables.
Shrimp dishes include peel-and-eat baskets, fried shrimp platters, and shrimp tacos. Fresh catch rotates with availability.
Pricing leans moderate. Service is casual, with a mix of locals and tourists. Regulars recommend timing visits to catch live music weekends alongside shrimp plates.
11. Up The Creek Raw Bar, Apalachicola
Rustic wood structures and breezy porches create a relaxed riverside setting. Boats passing by add to the maritime mood.
Shrimp is offered in baskets or as peel-and-eat, joined by oysters and other Gulf favorites. Side dishes include slaw and hush puppies.
Menu prices are affordable compared with tourist-oriented seafood spots. Visitors often comment on views and easygoing service, calling it a low-key place to enjoy Gulf shrimp.
12. DJ’s Clam Shack, Key West
Bright signage and bustling counters reflect the Old Town Key West vibe. Visitors line up along Duval Street.
Shrimp options include fried shrimp baskets, shrimp rolls, and peel-and-eat shrimp alongside clam and lobster dishes. Sandwiches pack seafood into handheld form.
Pricing aligns with Key West averages, a little higher than mainland. Quick service keeps lines moving. Regulars praise the combination of quality shrimp and fast, satisfying meals.