9 Florida Seafood Shacks I’d Pick Over Red Lobster
When I’m craving real seafood in Florida, I skip the chain restaurants and head straight for the authentic shacks. These incredible places serve up the freshest catches, often straight from the boat to your plate.
Nothing beats eating grouper sandwiches or peel-and-eat shrimp while watching dolphins play in the water just yards from your table. That is why we love them.
1. Palms Fish Camp (Jacksonville)
Nestled along Clapboard Creek, this rustic waterfront treasure sits on a historic fish-camp site dating to the 1950s and reopened in 2017 to serve wild-caught seafood. The smell of fresh fish on the grill hits you before you even park your car.
I once arrived just as fishermen were unloading their morning catch – talk about farm-to-table! Their hush puppies are legendary little balls of cornmeal heaven that perfectly complement their crispy fried shrimp.
2. Aunt Kate’s Restaurant (St. Augustine)
Family-owned since the early 1900s, this charming spot sits beneath ancient live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. The restaurant overlooks the peaceful Tolomato River, creating a quintessential Old Florida atmosphere.
Their fried gator tail arrives crispy on the outside, tender inside, with a tangy remoulade that’ll make you forget chain restaurants exist. The shrimp here tastes like it jumped from the ocean to your plate.
3. JB’s Fish Camp (New Smyrna Beach)
Authenticity oozes from every weathered plank of this true-blue fish camp. They source from local waters when available, with clams and oysters coming in fresh from approved harvest areas.
My first visit, I watched a boat pull up to the dock with blue crabs still snapping in their baskets. Minutes later, those same crabs appeared on my plate, steamed to perfection!
The outdoor tables face the water, where manatees occasionally surface to say hello.
4. Triad Seafood Market & Café (Everglades City)
Stone crab heaven exists in this unassuming riverside shack on the Barron River. Located right where the fishing boats unload their daily haul, you can’t get seafood any fresher unless you catch it yourself.
The conch fritters here are crispy golden orbs packed with tender chunks of conch and just enough spice. Their key lime pie strikes that perfect balance between tart and sweet.
No fancy tablecloths or pretentious service – just plastic chairs, paper plates, and seafood that’ll make your taste buds dance.
5. Peace River Seafood (Punta Gorda)
Housed in a 1927 cracker-style cottage under sprawling live oaks, this place is seafood theater. They hand you mallets instead of forks, spread newspapers instead of placemats, and pile steaming blue crabs in front of you.
I spent three glorious hours here last summer, cracking crabs and sipping cold beer while a resident parrot squawked commentary from overhead.
The owners know every local fisherman by name and it shows in the quality of their seafood.
6. The Shack Restaurant & Marina (Fort Walton Beach)
Pull up by boat or car to this waterfront crab haven established in 1999. The casual vibe hits you immediately – plastic bibs, paper towel rolls on each table, and the constant crack-crack-crack of crab shells.
Their steamed snow crab legs arrive glistening with butter and Old Bay seasoning. Once I brought my seafood-hating cousin here, and even he fell in love with their perfectly fried flounder.
The sunset views across the harbor turn an already fantastic meal into a postcard-perfect Florida experience.
7. Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish (South Pasadena)
Smoke billows from the outdoor smokers at this Tampa Bay institution, operating since 1947. The intoxicating aroma of wood-smoked mullet hits you from the parking lot, making your mouth water before you even see a menu.
Their smoked fish spread is legendary – creamy, smoky, and perfect on saltines with a splash of hot sauce. The German potato salad served alongside provides a tangy counterpoint to the rich fish.
No wonder Guy Fieri featured this place on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives!
8. Cap’s Place Island Restaurant (Lighthouse Point)
Broward County’s oldest restaurant requires a boat ride to reach – how’s that for an entrance? Operating since 1928, this over-water treasure feels frozen in time, with weathered wood floors that have hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to George Harrison.
The family recipes haven’t changed in generations. Their seafood chowder combines fresh fish, clams, and vegetables in a broth so good I once asked for the recipe. The owner just winked and said, “Family secret, honey.”
9. Southport Raw Bar (Fort Lauderdale)
Since 1973, this dockside institution has been serving up briny treasures to boaters who tie up right outside. The no-frills interior features dollar bills stapled to the ceiling and decades of local fishing photos on the walls.
Their oysters arrive ice-cold, plump and tasting purely of the sea. The clam chowder is thick enough to stand a spoon in – loaded with tender clams and potatoes in a rich, creamy broth.
Grab a seat on the dock at sunset and watch million-dollar yachts cruise by while eating seafood that costs a fraction of what you’d pay at those fancy harbor restaurants.