13 Hole In The Wall Colorado Seafood Shacks Locals Swear By Over Any Upscale Spot
In Colorado, some of the most unforgettable seafood meals come from places that barely look like restaurants at all.
These hole in the wall shacks skip white tablecloths and fancy plating in favor of fresh fish, bold seasoning, and flavors that speak for themselves.
Locals quietly spread the word about spots where paper baskets overflow, sauces drip down your hands, and every bite feels earned.
From mountain towns to city corners, these unassuming kitchens prove that great seafood is not about polish or price.
In Colorado, authenticity and flavor matter more, and these shacks deliver both every single time.
1. Seafood Landing — Denver, Colorado
Tucked away in a modest strip mall, this place proves that great seafood doesn’t need a fancy facade.
The no-frills interior features simple booths and nautical decorations that feel more functional than flashy, but the aroma of garlic butter and Old Bay seasoning hits you the moment you walk through the door.
Locals rave about the crab legs, which arrive steaming hot and cracked just enough to make eating them less of a workout.
The lobster tail dinner is another favorite, served with corn on the cob and perfectly seasoned potatoes.
Located at 2301 East Colfax Avenue in Denver, this spot has been quietly feeding seafood lovers for years without any social media hype.
The staff treats regulars like family, remembering orders and offering honest recommendations.
Cash is king here, so hit the ATM before you arrive and prepare for a meal that’ll have you plotting your return visit.
2. Tammen’s Fish Market — Denver, Colorado
Walking into this combination fish market and eatery feels like stepping into a coastal town, minus the salty breeze.
Refrigerated cases line one wall displaying fresh catches on ice, while a small counter area serves up cooked meals that showcase whatever came in that morning.
The fish and chips here earn legendary status among Denver locals who appreciate perfectly crispy batter that doesn’t turn soggy halfway through.
They also whip up excellent fish tacos with a tangy slaw that adds just the right crunch.
You’ll find this gem at 3925 Tennyson Street in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood, where it’s been operating since the 1940s.
The building itself is unassuming, with a straightforward layout that prioritizes function over fancy design.
Regulars know to call ahead for special orders or to check what’s freshest that day.
The staff genuinely knows their seafood and will steer you toward the best options without any pretension or upselling.
3. Yorkshire Fish & Chips — Denver, Colorado
Authentic British-style fish and chips in the Mile High City might sound unusual, but this family-run spot delivers the real deal.
The interior keeps things simple with basic tables and chairs, letting the food do all the talking instead of relying on elaborate decor.
Their battered cod is thick, flaky, and fried to golden perfection, served alongside proper chips that are fluffy inside with a satisfying crunch outside.
Malt vinegar and tartar sauce come standard, but adventurous eaters should try the curry sauce for dipping.
Located at 8101 East Belleview Avenue in Denver, this place attracts British expats and curious locals alike.
The owners hail from Yorkshire and brought their family recipes across the pond, maintaining strict standards for preparation.
Fun fact: they import their batter mix directly from the UK to keep things authentic.
The modest storefront doesn’t look like much from the outside, but step inside and you’ll understand why people drive across town for a taste of proper British takeaway.
4. GB Fish & Chips — Edgewater, Colorado
Nestled in a tiny space that barely seats a dozen people, this spot focuses on takeout orders that keep the kitchen humming all day long.
The building is a former fast-food joint that got a minimal makeover, with most of the budget clearly going toward quality ingredients rather than interior design.
GB’s halibut stands out as the star attraction, with generous portions that make the price seem like a steal.
The batter stays incredibly light and crispy, never greasy or heavy like some competitors.
You’ll find this hidden treasure at 2195 Sheridan Boulevard in Edgewater, just a short hop from Denver proper.
The menu stays focused on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than overwhelming customers with endless options.
Locals appreciate the consistency and the fact that the staff remembers your face after just a couple visits.
The coleslaw here deserves special mention for being fresh and tangy rather than drowning in mayo.
Call ahead during peak hours because the small operation can get backed up quickly.
5. Big Mac & Little Lu’s Seafood — Westminster, Colorado
This quirky spot earned its name from the husband-and-wife team who started slinging seafood out of a food truck before upgrading to a brick-and-mortar location.
The interior embraces a casual vibe with picnic-style tables covered in red-and-white checkered plastic, setting the stage for messy, delicious eating.
Their shrimp po’boy is absolutely stuffed with plump, seasoned shrimp that overflow from the toasted bread.
The catfish basket also draws crowds, featuring cornmeal-crusted fillets that deliver satisfying crunch with every bite.
Located at 7290 Federal Boulevard in Westminster, this place keeps things real with generous portions and reasonable prices.
The building sports bright murals on the outside that make it easy to spot from the road.
Regulars know that the seafood gumbo on Fridays is worth planning your week around, packed with sausage, okra, and perfectly spiced broth.
The owners often work the counter themselves, chatting with customers and making sure everyone leaves happy and full.
6. The Yabby Hut — Lakewood, Colorado
Australian-style seafood finds an unlikely home in suburban Lakewood, where this unique spot serves up crawfish boils with an Aussie twist.
The interior features corrugated metal accents and weathered wood that give it a beachy shack vibe, complete with surfboards mounted on the walls for good measure.
Yabbies are freshwater crayfish popular in Australia, and this place imports the real deal when available, though Louisiana crawfish make excellent stand-ins during peak season.
The boils come loaded with corn, potatoes, and sausage, all swimming in buttery, spicy sauce.
Find this gem at 7995 West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood, where it stands out among the typical chain restaurants dominating the area.
The owners bring genuine Aussie hospitality to every interaction, making first-timers feel like regulars immediately.
They also serve excellent fish tacos with a mango salsa that balances sweet and spicy perfectly.
Bibs and wet wipes come standard with every order because eating here is guaranteed to get gloriously messy.
7. Crab & Shell Cajun Seafood — Denver, Colorado
Plastic bibs and metal buckets signal that serious seafood business happens here, where Cajun flavors take center stage in every dish.
The dining room keeps decorations minimal, focusing attention on the colorful bags of seafood that servers deliver to tables with a satisfying thump.
Snow crab legs bathed in garlic butter sauce are the signature order, though the Cajun-spiced shrimp runs a close second for local favorites.
Everything gets cooked to order in your choice of spice level, from mild to blazing hot.
Located at 3403 East Colfax Avenue in Denver, this spot draws crowds who don’t mind waiting for a table during peak hours.
The building is a converted fast-casual space with basic furniture and bright lighting that makes no pretense about being anything but a seafood joint.
Fun fact: the owners previously ran a similar restaurant in Louisiana before bringing their recipes to Colorado.
Hands-on eating is the only way to tackle these meals, so leave your fancy date plans at home and embrace the mess.
8. Asian Cajun — Denver, Colorado
Fusion done right happens at this unassuming spot where Vietnamese and Louisiana flavors collide in the best possible way.
The small dining area features a handful of tables and a counter for takeout orders, with minimal decoration beyond a menu board and some lucky bamboo plants.
The crawfish here get tossed in a special garlic butter sauce infused with lemongrass and chili, creating a flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else in Colorado.
Clams prepared the same way offer a slightly sweeter alternative that’s equally addictive.
You’ll find this hidden treasure at 1298 South Federal Boulevard in Denver, tucked into a strip mall that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking carefully.
The kitchen uses fresh aromatics that fill the space with mouthwatering scents that draw curious passersby inside.
Regulars recommend ordering extra bread to soak up every drop of the amazing sauce.
The family running the place brings warmth and efficiency to every order, somehow remembering faces even during their busiest rushes.
9. Boil Daddy — Boulder, Colorado
College students and families alike pack this casual spot for seafood boils that won’t break the bank.
The interior embraces the mess with wipeable tables, paper towels mounted on every surface, and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages digging in with your hands.
Combo bags let you mix and match your seafood choices, throwing shrimp, mussels, and sausage together with your preferred spice level and sauce style.
The garlic butter remains the most popular choice, though adventurous eaters should try the lemon pepper for something different.
Located at 2800 Iris Avenue in Boulder, this place brings Louisiana-style seafood to the mountains with impressive authenticity.
The building is a simple rectangular space with an open kitchen where you can watch your order being prepared and seasoned.
They also serve excellent hush puppies that are crispy outside and fluffy inside, perfect for snacking while you wait.
The laid-back vibe matches Boulder’s casual culture perfectly, making it a favorite for post-hiking meals or casual hangouts with friends.
10. The Juicy Seafood — Colorado Springs, Colorado
Bright red accents and nautical rope decorations create a fun, energetic atmosphere at this popular seafood boil destination.
The spacious dining room accommodates large groups easily, with tables designed for the inevitable mess that comes with cracking crab legs and peeling shrimp.
King crab legs are the showstopper here, arriving in enormous portions that challenge even the heartiest appetites.
The Juicy Special sauce combines Cajun spices with garlic butter for a flavor that keeps people coming back weekly.
Find this spot at 2625 East Platte Avenue in Colorado Springs, where it’s become a local institution since opening.
The building features large windows that let natural light flood the space, making it feel more upscale than typical boil joints without the pretentious atmosphere.
They offer vegetarian options like corn and potatoes for non-seafood eaters in your group.
The staff brings genuine enthusiasm to their work, often checking in to make sure your spice level is just right and offering extra napkins without being asked.
11. Blue Reef Seafood Market — Longmont, Colorado
Part fish market, part prepared food counter, this dual-purpose spot lets you buy fresh seafood to cook at home or grab something ready to eat.
The market side displays an impressive variety of fresh and frozen options, while the small eat-in area offers a few tables for immediate consumption.
Their poke bowls have developed a cult following, featuring fresh ahi tuna over sushi rice with all the traditional toppings.
The clam chowder also earns high marks for being creamy and loaded with actual clams rather than just potatoes.
Located at 2222 Main Street in Longmont, this place fills a gap in the northern Colorado seafood scene with quality and fair prices.
The building is a converted retail space with clean, modern design that feels more like a specialty grocery than a restaurant.
The staff provides cooking tips and recipe suggestions when you’re buying raw seafood, showing genuine expertise.
They also smoke their own salmon on-site, and the smell alone is worth the visit.
12. Divine Fish & Meat — Montrose, Colorado
Western slope residents no longer need to drive to Denver for quality seafood, thanks to this family-run market and deli.
The storefront combines a butcher counter with a seafood case, creating a one-stop shop for protein lovers throughout the region.
Fresh salmon fillets and shrimp are flown in multiple times weekly, ensuring quality that rivals coastal cities.
The prepared crab cakes are a customer favorite, made in-house with minimal filler and maximum crab meat.
You’ll find this gem at 1535 Oxbow Drive in Montrose, serving a community that previously had limited seafood options.
The building features a clean, bright interior with helpful staff who take time explaining different cuts and preparation methods.
They also offer ready-to-cook seasoned options for customers who want flavor without the fuss.
Fun fact: the owners previously worked in high-end restaurants before deciding to bring quality ingredients directly to consumers.
The combination of market and prepared foods makes it perfect for both home cooks and people wanting a quick meal.
13. Max Gill & Grill — Denver, Colorado
Sports bar meets seafood shack at this hybrid spot where you can catch the game while cracking crab legs.
Multiple TVs line the walls, but the focus remains on quality seafood rather than typical bar food, setting it apart from standard sports pubs.
The lobster roll is pure New England style, featuring chunks of sweet lobster meat lightly dressed with mayo and served in a buttered, toasted bun.
Their shrimp and grits bring Southern comfort to the menu with creamy, cheesy grits topped with perfectly seasoned shrimp.
Find this unique combination at 3955 Tennyson Street in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood, where it’s become a favorite for casual gatherings and solo dining alike.
The interior balances sports bar casualness with enough seafood-themed touches to remind you why you came.
They run excellent happy hour specials on oysters that draw crowds of shucking enthusiasts.
The bartenders know their craft, mixing drinks that pair surprisingly well with seafood.
Whether you’re there for Monday Night Football or just craving a good meal, this spot delivers on both fronts.