10 Florida Seafood Shacks So Amazing, People Travel Long Distances For Lunch

Craving seafood so fresh you can taste the ocean breeze? Florida’s coastal shacks serve legendary plates that spark road trips and long weekend detours. From stone crab icons to hidden docks with sunset views, these spots deliver flavor, character, and pure seaside charm. Pack your appetite—these 10 shacks are worth every mile.

1. The Crab Shack — St. Augustine

Overlooking the Matanzas River, The Crab Shack reels you in with towering buckets of crab, shrimp, and lobster, all steaming and seasoned to perfection. Expect picnic tables, paper towels, and a roll-up-your-sleeves feast that gets gloriously messy. Low-country sides—corn, red potatoes, and hushpuppies—round out the spread. Between bites, pelicans drift past and salty breezes cut the Florida heat. It’s unfussy, authentic, and entirely addictive. Families, locals, and road-tripping seafood junkies share the communal vibe. Order extra napkins and don’t skip the drawn butter. The riverside view is the bonus you’ll remember long after the shells are cleared.

2. Joe’s Stone Crab — Miami Beach

Joe’s Stone Crab is the South Florida legend you plan a trip around, then brag about for years. The chilled claws crack clean, sweet and briny, dipped into that tangy, creamy mustard sauce that launched a thousand cravings. Servers glide through bustling dining rooms with platters stacked high and timeless confidence. Expect a wait; it’s part of the ritual. Bread baskets, key lime pie, and a classic raw bar complete the picture. When stone crab season hits, queues form like clockwork. Dress smart-casual, bring patience, and savor the show. One claw in, you’ll understand the devotion—and why people fly for lunch.

3. The Lobster Trap — Key West

Colorful, casual, and breezy, The Lobster Trap serves Key West on a plate. Start with the velvety lobster bisque, rich and aromatic, then move to a buttery lobster roll or a perfectly griddled grouper sandwich. Fans linger under string lights with cold drinks as scooters buzz by. The vibe is easygoing island charm, flip-flops welcome. Portions are hearty, prices fair, and the staff happily guides first-timers. Expect daily-catch specials and tropical sides that punch above their weight. As trade winds flutter napkins, the pace slows. You’re here to unwind, sip, and savor—because island time tastes like fresh lobster.

4. Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill — Tarpon Springs

At Rusty Bellies, the Gulf is both pantry and backdrop. Boats bob along the dock while plates arrive stacked with wild-caught shrimp, briny oysters, and flaky local fish. The fish tacos—bright with slaw and lime—earn their reputation quickly. Sit outside, order something cold, and watch the sky melt into copper. The kitchen keeps it simple, letting pristine seafood shine. Grouper cheeks, peel-and-eat shrimp, and blackened specials rotate with the tides. Service is upbeat, prices friendly, and families feel right at home. If you like your meal with a view and a story, this waterfront grill delivers both.

5. The Oyster Bar — Cape Coral

Cape Coral’s Oyster Bar keeps it straightforward: ice-cold oysters, frosty beers, and big-hearted hospitality. The raw bar shines with Gulf gems shucked to order, while fried platters crunch beautifully without greasiness. Locals slide onto stools, trade fishing stories, and order another dozen. There’s no pretense—just the brackish kiss of the sea and a lively clatter. Try a sampler to compare regions, then chase it with chowder or crispy shrimp. Service is quick, prices fair, and the mood delightfully unhurried. Whether you’re oyster-curious or a seasoned slurper, this neighborhood favorite delivers the goods with a grin.

6. Shuckers Oyster Bar — Fort Lauderdale

Shuckers is the no-frills dockside dream: breezy patio, glinting water, and a platter of oysters that taste like tide and sun. The seafood baskets—shrimp, fish, and scallops—arrive hot and crisp, ideal with a squeeze of lemon and a cold drink. Happy hour draws regulars who know a deal when they see one. It’s easygoing, friendly, and exactly where you want to be after the beach. Watch boats drift by, swap stories, and linger longer than planned. With generous portions and fair prices, it’s a repeat stop. Come for the oysters, stay for the waterfront calm.

7. The Smokin’ Oyster Brewery — Fort Myers Beach

Part beach bash, part seafood haunt, The Smokin’ Oyster Brewery (S.O.B.) packs big flavor into a laid-back corner of Fort Myers Beach. Smoked oysters lead the charge—savory, kiss-of-wood goodness that pairs perfectly with a frosty pint. Chowder fans find solace in bowls loaded with seafood and cream. Live tunes and salty breezes keep the vibe lively. The menu ranges from peel-and-eats to blackened fish, all unfussy and satisfying. Expect friendly staff, casual crowds, and a few sunburns. It’s the kind of place you stumble into, then mark for next time. Come thirsty, leave grinning.

8. Coconuts — Fort Lauderdale

Sun-splashed and social, Coconuts sits right on the Intracoastal, serving breezy plates that match the view. Start with zippy ceviche or golden conch fritters, then dive into blackened fish or shrimp tacos. Boats glide past as servers hustle, sunglasses flashing and appetites soaring. The vibe is festive without trying too hard. Weekend brunch hums; sunsets glow; cocktails clink. With a menu that balances freshness and fun, it’s easy to linger for hours. Come by water or wheels, but come hungry. Coconuts captures Fort Lauderdale’s coastal heartbeat in every bite and sip.

9. Hogfish Bar & Grill — Stock Island (Key West)

Tucked off the tourist path, Hogfish Bar & Grill rewards seekers with locals’ vibes and a signature sandwich worth the detour. Hogfish—sweet, delicate, and lightly fried—lands on Cuban bread with onions and cheese, a flavor bomb of island comfort. Bowls of hearty seafood chowder anchor the meal. Picnic tables, harbor views, and pelicans complete the scene. Expect fishermen swapping stories and plates brimming with today’s catch. It’s unfancy, unhurried, and utterly Key West. Grab a beer, claim a breezy spot, and settle into the rhythm of Stock Island’s salty soul.

10. Sullivan’s Fish Camp — Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

A Florida spin on the classic fish camp, Sullivan’s pairs beach-town charm with crisp fried shrimp, flaky fish sandwiches, and cold local brews. Nautical touches, bar stools, and a lively patio set an easygoing tone. The crab cakes are meaty, with just enough binder to keep things honest. Sauces lean bright and citrusy, perfect for cutting the fryer’s warmth. Service is fast, music upbeat, and plates big enough to share. A short stroll from sand and pier, it’s a natural lunch target after a morning in the surf. Come casual; leave delighted—and a little sun-kissed.