21 essential Tampa Bay fish shacks everyone should check out at least once
Fish shacks are a classic Florida staple. Being neighbors with the Gulf puts Tampa Bay in a prime position for some of the best fish shacks in the state. Whether you're looking for oysters, smoked fish, crab or just a cold beer, here are some of the Bay's best fish shacks all seafood lovers need to check out at least once.
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907 Douglas Ave, Dunedin, 727-754-4240
Carvor’s Fish House has a friendly and casual vibe, serving up fresh and frozen seafood and sandwiches, including grouper and crab cake sandwiches, accompanied by potato salad or conch fritters. Definitely stop by during stone crab season.
Photo via
Jensen Brothers Seafood/Facebook
333 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, 727-608-2065
A great place to try and order a pina colada for breakfast when the place opens at 8 a.m. Nightly live music is accompanied by sunsets and Crabby’s specialty crab and spinach dip at this Clearwater beachside restaurant. With indoor and outdoor seating, this spot provides a direct sightline to Clearwater Beach.
Photo via
Crabby’s Bar & Grill Clearwater Beach/Facebook
1902 W Shell Point Rd, Ruskin, 813-641-9451
The Fish House serves deep fried seafood and sides in its outdoor, picnic-style eatery, that’s almost always dominated by old-timers. The shack, which has had different owners over the years, offers soft shell crabs, fried mullet, and deep-fried fish sandwiches.
Photo via
The Fish House/Facebook
7604 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, 813-336-6460
Inspired by old fish shacks (like the Ballyhoo Grill that once lived at this address), Florida Cracker Fish Company serves up fresh, made-to-order fish with southern soul food sides from breakfast to dinner. Menu staples include South Florida’s Po Boy sandwiches, mac and cheese boats, and its sunshine teas.
Photo via
Florida Cracker Fish Company/Facebook
Multiple Locations
Known for its grouper sandwich and other fresh fish cuisines, Frenchy’s is named for owner Michael Preston, who was nicknamed ‘Frenchie’ because of his Quebec roots. Frenchy’s has multiple locations in the Bay area, each with their own menu. Some favorites include garlic crab fries, grouper nuggets and the peanut butter pie.
Photo via
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill/Facebook
