Top 5 Florida Fish Shack Seafood Restaurants

Florida vacations are not complete without sampling fresh seafood prepared by local chefs. Scores of fantastic seafood restaurants can be found around the state, but for some authentic old-Florida style vittles, a trip to the southern section of the state is required. Florida fish shacks are known for their "bait to plate" philosophy, and attract large followings of seafood lovers. All of the fishing pier located eateries offer breathtaking views of Florida sunsets, free of charge!

Nearly ever coastal city in Florida will have one or two of these "old- Florida" style throwback eateries. Many fish shacks are located on popular fishing piers on the Gulf Coast. Visitors often refer to these restaurants as the epitome in "shabby -chic". The image is cultivated further with unabashed small town friendliness, and charismatic owners and staff.

Crabby Joe's in Daytona Beach strattles the Sunglow fishing pier, and offers Caribbean style decor and sea scenes painted on the interior walls. Also in the same location is the Calypso Bar, which served tasty and visualy pleasing tropical drinks. This fish shack serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. For more information and directions visit www.sunglowpier.com

Sharky's on the Pier is located in Venice, Florida and serves as the entrance to the Venice fishing pier. This fish shack style restaurant lives up to its' name, as it sits above the sandy beach which is known as the shark's tooth capital of the world. This restaurant features a semi-covered Tiki bar, upper deck dining, live music, and exquisite mouth watering seafood. Sharky's on the Pier is open for lunch and dinner daily. For additonal information visit www.sharkysonthepier.com

Frenchy's Roackaway Grill in Clearwater, Florida is the unofficial fish shack king of this Florida coastal city. Popular menu items include fish tacos, Greek-style grouper Santorini, and tropical drinks. For additional information click on www.frenchysonline.com

Perdido Key in Pensacola is the home of the popular Flora-Bama restaurant. This fish sack style eatery is known for the flying mullet. Flora-Bama is the host site of an Interstate Mullet Toss each spring. Oyster Perdid with chipotle and pepper jack cheese is the house specialty. Cajun inspired seafood dishes also dot the menu at Flora-Bama. The restaurant and bar straddles the boundaries of both the Florida and Alabama beachfront. For additional information about this unique fish shack visit www.florabama.com

St. Petersburg Beach is the home of the infamous Woody's Waterfront restaurant. This fish shack had the most humble or origins. What was once a run of the mill burger joint for anglers during the late 1940's, has developed into funky beach bar with a huge and loyal crowd of patrons. The interior design and atmosphere are retrospective to a 1960's mod beach shack. Images of old beach movies can be conjured by those with even the most limited imagination. Grilled crab cakes and a spicy crawfish spread are among the most frequently ordered items. For more information visit www.woodyswaterfront.com