These Mississippi Seafood Shacks Are Worth The Drive For Fresh Gulf Flavor

Are you the kind of traveler who bypasses the chain restaurants, always on the hunt for that authentic, local gem? Do you crave culinary experiences that tell a story, far from the tourist traps?

Then pack your bags, because we’re leading you to Mississippi’s best-kept secret: its unassuming, utterly delicious seafood shacks. These aren’t fancy establishments; they’re humble havens where the focus is squarely on the star of the show – the incredible, fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood.

Prepare for a pilgrimage where every mile brings you closer to a taste of Mississippi’s true coastal soul, a taste you won’t soon forget.

1. McElroy’s Harbor House

Perched on stilts overlooking Biloxi Bay, McElroy’s offers something special – breakfast with incredible water views. The sunrise crab cake benedict has become legendary among locals and tourists alike.

Family-owned since 1974, this harbor-side institution survived Hurricane Katrina’s destruction and rebuilt stronger than ever. Their seafood omelets feature Gulf shrimp so fresh you’d think they jumped straight from the water to your plate.

The outdoor deck provides the perfect spot for dolphin watching while enjoying their famous seafood gumbo. Come early on weekends – the secret’s out and tables fill quickly.

2. White Cap Seafood

Tucked away from tourist hotspots, White Cap Seafood in Gulfport has been serving spectacular seafood without pretense for over three decades. Their unassuming exterior hides a treasure trove of Gulf delicacies prepared simply but perfectly.

The menu changes daily based on what local fishermen bring through the door. Regular patrons know to ask for the blackboard specials – often featuring seasonal catches like speckled trout or flounder.

Their signature white cap bouillabaisse combines whatever’s freshest that day in a saffron-tomato broth that would make any French chef jealous. The hushpuppies alone justify the drive from anywhere in the state.

3. Taranto’s Crawfish

When crawfish season hits, my family’s tradition is piling into the car and heading straight to Taranto’s. The owner once showed my kids how to properly pinch the tails and suck the heads – a Mississippi rite of passage!

This Biloxi institution boils their crawfish in a secret spice blend that strikes the perfect balance between heat and flavor. The corn and potatoes soaking up that magical broth might be even better than the crawfish themselves.

Beyond mudbugs, their seafood po’boys overflow with crispy fried shrimp or oysters on perfectly crusty bread. Despite 2025’s slow crawfish start, Taranto’s connections with the best suppliers ensure their quality never wavers.

4. Half Shell Oyster House

The moment you walk into Half Shell, the aroma of chargrilled oysters hits you like a delicious wave. Their signature Royal Reds – deep-water shrimp with a sweet, lobster-like flavor – might be the Gulf’s best-kept seafood secret.

Housed in a historic Biloxi building with exposed brick walls and nautical touches, the atmosphere matches the quality of their seafood. The Orleans oysters, topped with bacon, herbs, and parmesan then chargrilled, have developed a cult following.

Beyond oysters, their Seafood Stuffed Portabellas showcase the kitchen’s creativity. For the indecisive, the seafood sampler provides generous portions of their greatest hits without having to choose just one.

5. Shaggy’s On The Rez

I still remember my first sunset at Shaggy’s – pelicans diving nearby while I cracked open fresh crab claws on their deck. This colorful oasis on Ross Barnett Reservoir brings coastal energy inland to Brandon with its Caribbean-inspired atmosphere.

Painted in hues with boat parts as decor, Shaggy’s feels like a permanent vacation spot. The Trash Burger (topped with fried shrimp, bacon and remoulade) has become infamous among regulars who come for both the food and the live music.

Their smoked tuna dip served with fried pita chips makes the perfect starter while watching boats cruise by. Open daily from 11 to 9, the weekend wait proves well worth it.

6. Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Felix’s brings New Orleans oyster tradition to Gulfport without the Big Easy crowds. The marble-topped oyster bar lets you watch as shuckers work their magic, opening fresh bivalves with practiced precision.

Beyond raw oysters, their seafood gumbo delivers a rich, dark roux packed with Gulf shrimp and blue crab. The casual atmosphere welcomes everyone from families to date-night couples, all united by the love of fresh seafood.

Don’t miss their BBQ shrimp – not actually barbecued but swimming in a buttery, pepper-spiked sauce that demands extra bread for sopping. The crispy fried green tomatoes topped with crawfish cream sauce show how they elevate simple Southern classics.

7. Claw Daddy’s

Gulfport’s Claw Daddy’s brings theatrical flair to seafood dining with their signature seafood boils delivered in plastic bags bursting with flavor. Choose your seafood, spice level, and watch as they shake it tableside in a spectacle of steam and spices.

The weather-related slowdown earlier this year only made their recent abundance of fresh catch more appreciated. Their crawfish étouffée achieves that perfect balance of spice and creaminess that defines great Cajun cooking.

Portions run generous – the seafood platters could feed a small fishing crew. The walls decorated with fishing nets and buoys create an authentic atmosphere that matches their commitment to Gulf seafood traditions with a modern, lively twist.

8. County Cajun Seafood Market & Boudin

The smell of spices hits you before you even open the door at County Cajun in Jackson. Part seafood market, part restaurant, this unassuming spot lets you select your catch and have it cooked on the spot or take it home.

Their boudin sausage has developed a following well beyond Jackson city limits. Regulars know to come Tuesday through Sunday between 10:30 and 9 to avoid disappointment – they often sell out of popular items.

My fishing buddy swears their seafood gumbo is better than his Louisiana grandmother’s – fighting words in the South! The crawfish pies make perfect portable treats, with flaky crusts holding spicy, rich filling that showcases authentic Cajun technique transported to the heart of Mississippi.

9. Crazy Lu Seafood Shack

Horn Lake might be far from the coast, but Crazy Lu delivers authentic Gulf flavors to northern Mississippi. The crab cluster combos arrive at your table piled high enough to disappear behind, creating seafood mountains that challenge even the heartiest appetites.

Open daily from morning until night, their consistency has built a loyal following. The crawfish mac and cheese transforms a comfort food classic with Cajun flair and generous portions of tail meat.

Their seafood boils come in customizable spice levels from mild to ‘Crazy Hot’ – approach the latter with caution and plenty of sweet tea! The casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes this the perfect introduction to seafood boil culture for newcomers while satisfying experienced seafood lovers.