7 Best Seafood Shacks in Florida for Fresh Catches
Florida’s seafood shacks serve up the freshest catches with a side of stunning waterfront views, laid-back charm, and a taste of the state’s rich maritime history.
- Alyana Aguja
- 3 min read
Florida seafood shacks are the go-to places for fresh-off-the-boat tastes, serving up everything from juicy stone crab to tenderly grilled grouper in relaxed, idyllic surroundings. These off-the-beaten-path eateries, usually nestled along docks or beach fronts, serve up a true flavor of the state’s maritime past, where fishermen’s day-long catches become culinary epiphanies. These places offer an unbeatable mix of freshness, history, and beach charm.
1. Palms Fish Camp Restaurant, Jacksonville
Image from www.palmsfishcamp.com
Since 1950, Palms Fish Camp has been a Jacksonville institution, and it’s famous for its use of wild-caught seafood supplied by local fishermen. Patrons can dine on the large deck with a view overlooking Clapboard Creek and the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. A ‘cook your catch’ service is also provided for patrons with their own fresh catch, providing a special dining experience.
2. JB’s Fish Camp, New Smyrna Beach
Image from JB’s Fish Camp
A rustic old-fashioned dive, JB’s Fish Camp has a menu full of fresh, locally caught seafood, from steamed rock shrimp to their famous crab balls. Visitors can come by boat or kayak and tie up directly at the restaurant after paddling up Mosquito Lagoon. Outdoor dining has lovely views of the Halifax River bays and islands, and it is an ideal place to spot dolphins during meals.
3. Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant, Destin
Image from Dewey Destin’s
The heirs of Destin’s namesake founded this beachfront shack, which serves up a serving of history with its fresh seafood fare. Visitors can enjoy the day’s catch fried or grilled as they take in spectacular sunset views over the water. The original location is relaxed to the core, ideal for those in search of a genuine Floridian dining experience.
4. High Tides at Snack Jacks, Flagler Beach
Image from www.snackjacks.com
Since the 1940s, High Tides at Snack Jack has been a surfer favorite hangout, providing oceanfront dining with nearly every table having a sea view. The menu includes modern favorites such as shrimp tacos and a Mahi Reuben, appealing to both old and new tastes. The relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by the crashing waves, makes it a classic beachside dining experience.
5. Peace River Seafood, Punta Gorda
Image from Tripadvisor
Located in a cozy 1927 cracker shack, Peace River Seafood specializes in fresh blue crabs, which are procured daily from local fishermen. Patrons enjoy a do-it-yourself meal, cracking open steamed crabs while they sit in the shade of a giant live oak tree. There are also plenty of other seafood treats available at the restaurant to satisfy every seafood lover.
6. Cap’s Place, Lighthouse Point
Image from Wikipedia
Reached only by boat, Cap’s Place provides a historical dining experience as old as the local landmark that it is, dating back to the 1920s. The ramshackle decor, low ceilings, and uneven floors enhance the experience as visitors dine on freshly caught fish, crabs, and lobster. The hearts of palm salad is a house favorite made with sabal palm collected by the same Seminole family for generations.
7. Star Fish Company Restaurant & Market, Cortez
Image from www.starfishcompany.com
Situated in the historic Cortez fishing village, Star Fish Company provides a dockside dining experience in which diners can observe fishing vessels unloading the day’s haul. The no-frills, minimalist menu emphasizes freshness, with items such as fried grouper sandwiches and stone crab claws during season. Eating off picnic tables set near the water, customers can absorb the old Florida atmosphere while enjoying dramatic sunset views.