The Florida Seafood Shack Serving Fried Shrimp Worth The Drive
Hidden along Jacksonville’s waterfront sits a weathered seafood shack that has become the stuff of legends.
Singleton’s Seafood Shack draws hungry travelers from every corner of Florida, all chasing the same dream: perfectly golden fried shrimp.
This family-owned gem has been serving up maritime magic since 1969, turning simple seafood into something worth driving hours to taste.
1. A Family Legacy That Started Over Five Decades Ago
Captain Ray and Miss Ann Singleton opened their doors in 1969 with nothing but passion for fresh seafood and honest cooking.
More than fifty years later, their family still runs the operation with the same dedication to quality that made them famous.
Each generation has added their own touch while keeping the original recipes and values that built this waterfront institution into a Florida treasure.
2. Fresh Catch Arrives Daily From Local Waters
Every morning brings a parade of fishing boats returning with the night’s bounty, their hulls packed with ice and fresh seafood.
Local anglers know exactly where to bring their best catches, creating a direct pipeline from ocean to kitchen.
The cleaning and preparation happens right on site, ensuring every piece of shrimp reaches your plate at peak freshness and flavor.
3. Authentic Shack Atmosphere With Weathered Maritime Charm
Forget fancy tablecloths and polished surfaces because this place celebrates the beauty of well-worn wood and salty air.
Weathered decks creak pleasantly underfoot while maritime decorations tell stories of countless fishing adventures.
The rustic charm feels completely genuine, like stepping into a working fishing village where good food matters more than perfect paint jobs.
4. Duval County’s Largest Over-Water Dining Experience
Picture yourself dining literally over the water on what locals claim is the biggest over-water deck in all of Duval County.
Gentle waves lap beneath your feet while boats drift by, creating dinner entertainment that no indoor restaurant can match.
Waterfront views stretch in every direction, making each meal feel like a mini vacation from everyday life.
5. The Fried Shrimp That Launched A Thousand Road Trips
People plan weekend getaways around these golden, crispy morsels that somehow achieve the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.
Social media buzzes with photos of perfectly plated shrimp that look almost too good to eat.
Regular customers drive from Tampa, Orlando, and Miami just to sink their teeth into what many consider Florida’s finest fried seafood creation.
6. Captain Ray’s Handcrafted Shrimp Boat Collection
Nearly 130 miniature wooden shrimp boats hang from the ceiling and line the walls, each one carved by Captain Ray’s own hands.
Every tiny vessel represents real Mayport shrimp boats, complete with accurate details and personal touches.
Walking through the restaurant becomes like touring a maritime museum where each model tells the story of local fishing heritage.
7. Living Maritime History In Every Corner
Nautical artifacts collected over decades create an atmosphere where history feels alive rather than simply displayed.
Fishing nets, weathered buoys, and vintage photographs transform dining into a journey through coastal Florida’s past.
The worn-in character adds authenticity that money cannot buy, making every visit feel like discovering a genuine piece of Old Florida.
8. State-Wide Recognition For Exceptional Fried Shrimp
Food critics and regular folks alike agree that something special happens in Singleton’s kitchen when shrimp meets hot oil.
The preparation technique, perfected over decades, creates results that many consider the gold standard for fried seafood across Florida.
Awards and accolades keep piling up, but the real proof comes from customers who return again and again for another taste.
