The 13 Best Seafood Dives in Florida
Sometimes, dinner warrants white tablecloths and lobster accompanied by porcelain ramekins of melted butter. Other times, it begs for checkered vinyl tablecloths, a pile of crab legs, loud music, and a few freshly steamed corn cobs. If you seek the former, these aren't the seafood spots for you. But if your main priority is delicious ocean fare, then we have you covered. We've rounded up our favorite seafood dives in Florida, which is really saying something, since seafood spots are as plentiful in the Sunshine State as sand is on the beach. We've done the vetting for you, so just pull up a chair and tuck a paper napkin in your shirt collar. Enjoy!
JB's Fish Camp
New Smyrna Beach
Ramshackle wood building, dirt parking lot, Miller Lite light fixture, a sign warning that unattended children will be used for crab bait—yes, here stands a classic dive. Anything fried is good, and the steamed rock shrimp are great. Same goes for the key lime pie. Boat slips out back mean you can arrive by water, and outdoor tables let you watch for porpoises while you pig out.
859 Pompano Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169, jbsfishcamp.com
1 of 13
The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House
Destin
Giant open windows equal expansive views of white sand and emerald water. The Back Porch takes pride in popularizing amberjack, a firm white fish seldom found on menus before the restaurant began featuring it in sandwiches. (We like the "angry" version, with spicy mayo.) Another solid pick is the gumbo, which is packed with fish, shrimp, and crab meat. Top your meal off with a slice of tart key lime pie.
1740 Scenic Highway 98, Destin, FL 32541, theback-porch.com
2 of 13
Schooners
Panama City Beach
The open-walled, right-on-the-sand, beach-party ambiance and live music alone would ensure this spot's popularity, but Schooners also nails it with its Southern-flavored food—including excellent grits made with smoked gouda and the spicy seafood gumbo. You also can't go wrong with seafood staples like seared crab cakes and grilled ahi tuna steak. Hang out on the sand after dinner for the nightly countdown to sunset.
5121 Gulf Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408, schooners.com
3 of 13
Boon Docks Restaurant
Panama City Beach
Hidden on the back side of town at West Bay, under moss-draped live oaks, Boon Docks blows all the stereotypes about fried seafood out of the water: Theirs is fresh, lightly breaded, and perfectly seasoned. (The fries get a touch of seasoning, too.) Other specialties include po' boys, burgers, and―yes―fried pickles.
14854 Bay View Circle, Panama City Beach, FL 32413, boondocksfl.com
4 of 13
Dewey Destin's Seafood Restaurant
Destin
After getting lost at sea, proprietor Dewey Destin's great-great-grandfather founded the town of Destin, and he didn't just lend his name to the place: The family started a fishery. A couple decades ago, they pivoted from catching fish to selling it, eventually serving their seafood at this joint. There are two locations in Destin, but we prefer the original one, which the owners describe as "a shack on the water." Try the catch of the day fried or grilled, then watch a sunset over the water.
9 Calhoun Avenue, Destin, FL 32541, destinseafood.com
5 of 13
High Tides at Snack Jack
Flagler Beach
Although this casual surfer hangout has roots as far back as the 1940s, it offers some very 21st-century menu items. Think shrimp tacos, a Mahi Reuben, and a bloody Mary made with sake (plus plentiful organic options). Almost every table has an ocean view; outdoor seating guarantees one.
2805 S. Oceanshore Boulevard, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, snackjacks.com
6 of 13
Killer Seafood
Mexico Beach
This place is about as unpretentious as it gets, and the people are super-friendly, too. Did we mention the amazing—and incredibly messy—fish tacos? You'll be licking Killer Seafood Simmerin' Sauce from your fingers.
820 Highway 98, Mexico Beach, FL 32456, killerseafood.net
7 of 13
The Old Salty Dog
Sarasota
Order the fresh Mahi Mahi or grouper sandwich—you decide whether it's deep-fried, charbroiled, or blackened—and watch the boats from the waterside deck at this classic spot right next to Longboat Key.
1601 B Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, theoldsaltydog.com
8 of 13
The Point Restaurant
Perdido Key
Here, they know the secret to fabulous fried seafood: Go light on the batter. Fresh mullet and shrimp-and-crab bisque bring in visitors and keep the locals coming back. The bluegrass music doesn't hurt either.
14340 Innerarity Point Road, Perdido Key, FL 32507, thepointperdido.com
9 of 13
Phillippi Creek Village Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Sarasota
As the former winter home of the Phillippi family, built in 1604, the oyster bar pre-dates Florida itself. You could sit for hours at one of the picnic tables, feasting on a steamed combo pot: your choice of steamed clams, snow crab, stone crab claws, jumbo king crab, or sea scallops, atop two dozen unshucked oysters, half a pound of peel-and-eat shrimp, two ears of fresh corn on the cob, onions and celery, and fresh-baked garlic bread. See what we mean?
5353 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231, creekseafood.com
10 of 13
Keys Fisheries
Marathon
The fun starts before you even sit down. When you walk up to order, you'll be asked the restaurant's question of the day—and you better pay attention to your answer, because that's the name they'll use to summon you when your food is ready. You'll be handed a cafeteria-style tray, filled with whatever delights you decided on: stone crab soup, conch fritters, coconut shrimp, only to name a few. We suggest the lobster Reuben, which makes a perfect sweet-and-tangy match out of seafood and sauerkraut.
3502 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon, FL 33050, keysfisheries.com
11 of 13
Le Tub
Hollywood
Hollywood, Florida, that is. Housed in a former gas station, this spot is a prime place to fuel up, with some of the best gumbo we've ever had: It's both rich and generous on the shrimp. The charmingly ramshackle décor is about as local as you can get—the owner gathered it while jogging on Hollywood Beach. Come early if you have kids, since no little ones are allowed after 8 p.m.
1100 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood, FL 33019, theletub.com
12 of 13
Star Fish Company Market & Restaurant
Cortez
What started as a wholesale operation in the 1920s eventually spilled out onto the back dock as eight picnic tables. Now, this beloved local institution offers a view of one of the last working waterfronts in the Florida and mangrove islands, not to mention a menu of simple (yet memorable) food. Go for anything grouper with a side of cheese grits or hush puppies.
12306 46th Avenue W, Cortez, FL 34215, starfishcompany.com