15 Florida Shrimp Shacks Where Every Meal Feels Like A Day At The Beach
Sometimes the best meals in Florida happen where the parking lot is sandy and the menu barely extends beyond a single page.
These are the shrimp shacks that line our coasts, the ones where you order at a counter, carry your own tray, and eat with the Gulf breeze or Atlantic spray doing half the work.
I have spent years chasing down these spots, from the Panhandle dunes to the mangrove edges of the Keys, and each one delivers that rare combination of fresh seafood, salty air, and zero pretense.
What makes a great shrimp shack is not complicated. It needs shrimp pulled from nearby waters, cooked simply, and served in a place where flip-flops and sunburns are standard uniform.
The best ones sit close enough to the water that you can hear waves or see boats drifting past while you eat.
They feel less like restaurants and more like extensions of the beach itself, where every plate tastes better because the setting does half the seasoning.
These fifteen spots have perfected that balance, turning shrimp dinners into full coastal experiences without ever losing the easygoing spirit that makes Florida eating so satisfying.
1. The Shrimp Shack, Seaside
Some days, I feel like the Gulf practically points me straight toward The Shrimp Shack in Seaside.
This tiny counter spot sits at 2236 E Co Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, perched right above the dunes with the water just beyond.
I like to order a basket of steamed Gulf shrimp and take it out to the boardwalk seating, where the breeze does half the seasoning work.
There is nothing fancy about the setup, just trays, paper, and shrimp cooked so simply that every bite tastes straight from the boats.
On my last visit, a kid at the next table counted shells like they were treasures while I quietly plotted my second round.
By the time the sun starts sliding down, this little shack makes every meal feel like a private seaside picnic.
2. Surf Hut, Miramar Beach
Whenever I want shrimp with a front-row view of the sand, I head for Surf Hut on Scenic Gulf Drive.
The restaurant sits at 551 Scenic Gulf Dr, Destin, FL 32550, with a big deck that looks right out over the beach and the waves.
I usually settle at a table on the patio, order grilled or fried Gulf shrimp, and watch people wander up from the shoreline in flip-flops.
Plates here lean generous, with shrimp piled next to rice, fries, or vegetables, so you never feel shortchanged after a long beach day.
One afternoon, a storm rolled in just offshore, and everyone paused mid-bite to stare at the dark clouds while still working through their baskets.
Between the salty air, the sound of the surf, and the steady parade of shrimp plates, it feels like the beach never really stops at the door.
3. Floyd’s Shrimp House, Fort Walton Beach
There are days on Okaloosa Island when I only need to see Floyd’s bright sign to know I am in good hands.
Floyd’s Shrimp House sits at 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, right on the island boardwalk facing the water.
The menu is a shrine to shrimp, from peel-and-eat platters to crispy fried versions that arrive in metal buckets just begging to be shared.
I like to grab a seat near the railing so I can fork up shrimp while watching people drift between the sand and the shops.
Once, I timed my meal with sunset and ended up lingering long after my plate was empty, mostly because the view kept stealing my attention.
If you want a meal that feels like a noisy, carefree afternoon on the pier, this spot delivers it one shrimp at a time.
4. The Shack – Original Waterfront Crab Shack, Fort Walton Beach
When I crave something a little more laid-back and marina-side, I detour to The Shack on the soundfront.
You will find it at 104 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, tucked beside the water with boats bobbing just beyond the deck.
Despite the name, shrimp plays just as big a role as crab here, especially in baskets and platters that come out steaming and generously seasoned.
I like to sit outside where string lights and the reflections on the water make even a simple shrimp basket feel like a small celebration.
One evening, a heron stood on a piling almost the entire time I ate, staring at the water like it wanted my leftovers.
With the docks, the breeze, and the easygoing service, it feels less like a restaurant stop and more like hanging out at a friend’s fish camp.
5. Shrimpy’s Waterfront, St. Pete Beach
On the St. Pete Beach side of Blind Pass, Shrimpy’s Waterfront gives me that relaxed canal-side vibe I look for after a long, hot day.
The restaurant sits at 9524 Blind Pass Rd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, overlooking the water where boats slide by while you eat.
Shrimp appears all over the menu here, from po’boys to baskets to Cajun-style plates that arrive with plenty of flavor and no unnecessary fuss.
I like to grab a table outside, watch the fishing charters glide past, and work through a pile of shrimp while the sky slowly turns pink.
Once, a server pointed out dolphins moving through the pass, and the whole patio quietly shifted its attention to the water while still eating.
If your idea of a beach day includes boats, breezes, and shrimp that tastes freshly pulled from the Gulf, this spot hits the mark.
6. Islamorada Shrimp Shack, Islamorada
Driving through the Upper Keys, I always feel a little thrill when the red awning of Islamorada Shrimp Shack comes into view.
This Keys favorite sits at 81901 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, right along the main road with palm trees framing the building.
Inside, the focus stays squarely on shrimp, with platters, tacos, and baskets that lean into simple preparations and generous portions rather than complicated presentations.
I like to mix a classic fried shrimp plate with something a bit spicier, then sit back and let the Keys traffic roll by outside.
On one visit, a summer rain shower blew through, and the whole room relaxed into that cozy, washed-clean feeling while everyone kept eating happily.
By the time I stepped back out, the puddles were drying, the sun was returning, and I was already thinking about my next plate.
7. Hogfish Bar & Grill, Stock Island
Just across the way from Key West, I love wandering into Hogfish Bar & Grill on Stock Island when I want shrimp with serious character.
You will find it at 6810 Front St, Stock Island, FL 33040, tucked into Safe Harbor Marina among working boats and weathered docks.
The menu centers on local seafood, and while hogfish gets top billing, the shrimp dishes keep pace with sturdy portions and straightforward Keys flavors.
I usually grab a spot outside, where the smell of the water, the clatter of boats, and the arrival of steaming plates all blend together.
One evening, a live band started up, and the whole place settled into a low-key groove that matched perfectly with a big shrimp platter.
If you enjoy spots that feel happily rough around the edges, this marina hideaway turns a shrimp dinner into a full Keys experience.
8. Alabama Jack’s, Key Largo
On the drive toward the Keys, Alabama Jack’s is the moment I know the trip has officially started.
The shack sits at 58000 Card Sound Rd, Key Largo, FL 33037, perched over the water along the quieter back road lined with mangroves.
Shrimp shows up alongside famous conch fritters and other seafood plates, making it easy to build a meal that feels both casual and substantial.
I like to sit at a table overlooking the canal, where you can watch boats ease in while baskets and plates keep arriving from the kitchen.
Once, a musician started playing while a manatee surfaced near the pilings, and it felt perfectly, effortlessly Keys.
With wooden floors, open sides, and shrimp cooked the old Florida way, this roadside shack turns a simple stop into a full-blown detour.
9. Lazy Flamingo, Sanibel Island
When I cross onto Sanibel and turn onto Periwinkle Way, Lazy Flamingo always feels like the island’s unofficial welcome committee.
The Sanibel location sits at 1036 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957, a casual spot with a rustic interior that fits the low-key island mood.
Shrimp shows up in baskets, sandwiches, and seafood platters, often paired with tropical-leaning sides that match the warm, breezy setting outside.
I like to drop in after a shell-hunting walk, still sandy, and order a plate that lets the fresh seafood do most of the talking.
One afternoon, the place filled with sandy-footed beachgoers comparing finds from the shoreline while working through shrimp and fish tacos.
If you want shrimp that feels connected to the island rather than a generic menu, this long-running spot delivers that relaxed Sanibel rhythm.
10. Big Ray’s Fish Camp, Tampa
Down in Tampa’s Ballast Point neighborhood, Big Ray’s Fish Camp is my go-to when I want shrimp with a true working-waterfront spirit.
It sits at 6116 Interbay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611, close to the pier where the owner’s family has fished for generations.
The menu covers plenty of seafood, but shrimp po’boys, baskets, and specials keep things interesting without abandoning that simple, no-nonsense fish camp attitude.
I like to order at the counter, grab a seat, and watch locals stream in for their regular orders while my shrimp arrives hot and crisp.
On one visit, a sudden flock of pelicans swooped near the pier outside, clearly convinced they were in line for snacks too.
Between the neighborhood setting and the steady focus on Gulf seafood, this place makes a Tampa afternoon feel surprisingly close to the bay.
11. Salt Shack on the Bay, Tampa
For shrimp with a wide-open water view, I head to Salt Shack on the Bay tucked away off Gandy Boulevard.
The restaurant sits at 5415 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611, facing Old Tampa Bay with a big outdoor deck and breezy seating.
Shrimp here is part of a gulf-to-table lineup, often showcased in simple grilled or chilled preparations that let the freshness stand on its own.
I like to come just before sunset, order a shrimp dish with a light side, and linger while the sky slowly shifts over the water.
One evening, a heron stalked the shallows right beside the deck while people quietly worked through their plates and took photos of the view.
If you want a spot where every bite of shrimp comes with a clear line of sight to the bay, this hidden corner of Tampa is ideal.
12. Little Moir’s Food Shack, Jupiter
In Jupiter, Little Moir’s Food Shack proves that a strip-center space can still feel like a beach day waiting to happen.
You will find it at 103 S US Hwy 1 Ste D3, Jupiter, FL 33477, a compact dining room that regularly fills with locals and patient visitors.
The menu changes often, but shrimp regularly appears in creative, globally inspired dishes that still lean on the freshness of Florida seafood.
I once ordered a shrimp special with a sweet-potato crust and spent most of the meal quietly debating whether I should immediately get a second.
Conversations here tend to revolve around food, waves, and fishing reports, which only strengthens the coastal mood even though you are off the sand.
For a shrimp meal that feels inventive yet completely relaxed, this Jupiter institution is hard to beat.
13. High Tides @ Snack Jack, Flagler Beach
On Florida’s Atlantic side, High Tides @ Snack Jack is where I go when I want shrimp with waves practically under my chair.
The restaurant is at 2805 S Oceanshore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, perched right above the sand with broad views of the shoreline.
Shrimp plates range from simple baskets to larger seafood dinners, all carrying that old-Florida feel that comes from decades of serving beachgoers.
I love grabbing a window seat on windy days so I can watch surfers and walkers in the distance while working through my meal.
During one visit, a sudden squall sent umbrellas tilting and waves jumping higher, but inside everyone just kept talking and eating like locals do.
If your idea of a perfect shrimp shack includes sand, surf, and a building that has clearly seen many seasons, this Flagler classic delivers.
14. The Reef, St. Augustine
North of downtown St. Augustine, The Reef gives me that special mix of wide ocean views and seafood plates centered around fresh shrimp.
It sits at 4100 Coastal Hwy, St Augustine, FL 32084, right on the dunes with dining rooms and decks facing the Atlantic.
The menu leans a little more polished than some shacks, but shrimp dishes still echo the same coastal comfort you expect after a beach walk.
I like to come for a late lunch, when the light is bright, the water looks endless, and a shrimp entrée feels like the right reward.
Once, I watched a line of pelicans glide by in perfect formation as my plate arrived, timing that made the whole meal feel quietly special.
For a shrimp-centric meal that still counts as a beach day, this north-beach spot hits the sweet spot between casual and refined.
15. Timoti’s Seafood Shak, Fernandina Beach
Up on Amelia Island, Timoti’s Seafood Shak feels like a modern take on the classic shrimp shack idea.
You will find it at 21 N 3rd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, just a short walk from the historic district and not far from the harbor.
The focus is on wild-caught seafood, and the shrimp baskets and tacos come out quickly, built for outdoor picnic-table eating under the open sky.
I like to sit in the courtyard, where kids drift toward the small play area, and adults quietly guard their shrimp from curious hands.
One afternoon, a shrimper’s truck pulled up as I ate, and it felt satisfying to know the next round of plates was arriving right then.
With its casual setup, local sourcing, and salty-air location, Timoti’s turns a simple stop into a full coastal moment without ever trying too hard.