MomSkoop
Florida’s coastline stretches for miles, hiding incredible seafood treasures in the most unexpected places. Many of the state’s best catches come from humble shacks tucked away from tourist crowds. These family-owned gems serve up the freshest fish, shrimp, and shellfish you’ll find anywhere. Pack your appetite and get ready to discover some truly amazing spots that locals have kept secret for years.
1. Alabama Jack’s
Perched on stilts over the water in Card Sound, Alabama Jack’s feels like stepping back in time. This weathered roadhouse has been serving cold beer and conch fritters since 1953. Weekend crowds gather to watch boats pull up to the dock while live bands play country music.
Sunday afternoons bring motorcycle clubs and families together for the same reason – incredible stone crab claws and Key lime pie. The drive down Card Sound Road takes you through untouched Florida wilderness. Don’t expect fancy dining here; paper plates and plastic cups are part of the charm that keeps people coming back decade after decade.
2. Southport Raw Bar
Hidden behind a gas station in Port Canaveral, Southport Raw Bar proves that looks can be deceiving. Local fishermen deliver their catch directly to the kitchen each morning. The menu changes based on what boats brought in, making every visit an adventure.
Their fish sandwich towers higher than most burgers, packed with grouper or mahi-mahi. Shrimp comes by the pound, steamed perfectly with Old Bay seasoning. The dining room feels like eating in someone’s garage, complete with concrete floors and folding chairs. Space Coast locals consider this their best-kept secret, especially after long days at nearby beaches.
3. Rustic Inn Seafood Restaurant
Fort Lauderdale’s Rustic Inn has mastered one thing perfectly – garlic crabs. Since 1955, they’ve been piling whole blue crabs high on brown paper, drowning them in their secret garlic butter sauce. Eating here requires getting messy; bibs and wet towels come standard with every order.
The restaurant looks exactly like its name suggests – rustic wooden tables, dim lighting, and walls covered in customer photos. Families celebrate birthdays here while couples enjoy romantic dinners despite the casual atmosphere. Their all-you-can-eat crab special draws crowds from across South Florida. Plan to spend hours cracking shells and savoring every buttery bite.
4. Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish
For over 60 years, Ted Peters has been smoking fish the old-fashioned way using red oak wood. Located on Pasadena Avenue in South Pasadena, this tiny shack produces some of Florida’s most flavorful smoked mullet, mackerel, and salmon. The smell of wood smoke draws customers from blocks away.
Their smoked fish spread makes an incredible appetizer served with crackers and onions. German potato salad and coleslaw complete most meals here. The outdoor picnic tables fill up quickly during lunch hours. Many customers buy extra fish to take home, vacuum-sealed and ready for later. This family business represents authentic Florida fishing culture at its finest.
5. JB’s Fish Camp & Seafood
Tucked along the New River in Fort Lauderdale, JB’s Fish Camp captures Old Florida’s fishing camp spirit. Alligators sun themselves on the banks while diners enjoy fresh catches inside this converted bait shop. The building’s history shows in every weathered board and vintage fishing photo.
Their all-you-can-eat catfish draws crowds every Friday night. Stone crab claws arrive daily during season, served with mustard sauce made from a family recipe. The bar serves cold beer in frosted mugs while ceiling fans keep things comfortable. Boaters tie up at the dock to grab lunch before heading back out. This place feels authentically Florida without trying too hard.
6. Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market
Miami’s Garcia’s sits right on the Miami River, where commercial fishing boats unload their daily catches. This family-owned operation combines a working fish market with an excellent restaurant. Customers can buy fresh fish to cook at home or have it prepared immediately in the kitchen.
Their whole fried yellowtail snapper comes straight from local waters, crispy outside and flaky inside. Cuban influence shows in dishes like shrimp in garlic sauce and black beans with rice. The outdoor deck offers river views and cool breezes. Watching pelicans dive for fish while eating lunch feels quintessentially Miami. Three generations of the Garcia family have maintained their commitment to serving the freshest possible seafood.
7. Hogfish Bar & Grill
Stock Island’s Hogfish Bar sits at the working end of Key West, where shrimp boats and fishing charters dock daily. This authentic Keys joint serves hogfish sandwiches that locals consider the best in the islands. The fish comes from nearby reefs, grilled perfectly and served on Cuban bread.
Their outdoor tiki bar overlooks the harbor where pelicans and tarpon wait for scraps. Conch fritters arrive hot and crispy, paired with spicy Key West mustard sauce. Live music happens most evenings while sunset paints the sky orange and pink. Commercial fishermen drink beer alongside tourists, creating a genuine Keys atmosphere. The restaurant’s location keeps it real while other places chase tourist dollars.
8. B.O.’s Fish Wagon
Key West’s B.O.’s Fish Wagon started as literally a fish wagon, serving food from a converted truck. Now housed in a colorful shack on Caroline Street, they still maintain that mobile kitchen energy. Their fish sandwiches are legendary among both locals and visitors who discover this hidden gem.
Grouper, snapper, and mahi-mahi get grilled or blackened to perfection, served on fresh rolls with lettuce and tomato. The dining area consists of a few picnic tables under shade trees. No frills here – just incredibly fresh fish cooked simply and served quickly. Lines form during lunch hours as word spreads about their quality and prices. This represents Key West dining at its most authentic and unpretentious.