Of all the Sunshine State’s charming oddities, the fish shack just may be the most Florida you can get. Although Orlando may be far from a coastal city, we still have a number of our own seafood-centric spots, as well as plenty of classic fish camps well within driving distance.
So whether you’re looking for fried catfish, oysters, a cold beer or some waterfront dining, there’s tons of options to fill out your Florida fish fantasy. Here are 23 essential, classic fish shacks within driving distance of Orlando.
Boondocks Restaurant
704 S. Lakeshore Blvd., Howey-In-The-Hills
Located along the Halifax River in Port Orange, Boondocks Restaurant’s guests can enjoy quality seafood, riverside views and a pet-friendly patio. Credit: Photo via Boondocks/FacebookLee and Rick’s Oyster Bar
5621 Old Winter Garden Road, Orlando
You can’t get more Florida than a seafood spot shaped like a boat and covered in taxidermy fish. Located right here in Orlando, Lee and Rick’s Oyster Bar first opened back in 1950 with just nine seats and an oysters-only menu. Now the family-run local favorite offers plenty of seafood and ample seating to enjoy it in. Credit: Photo via LeeandRicksOysterBar.com
3100 Canal Road, Lake Wales Attached to the Cherry Pocket Motel on Lake Wales, Cherry Pocket Steak n Seafood Shak offers heaping helpings of fried seafood and Florida vibes. Credit: Photo via Cherry Pocket Steak & Seafood Shak/Facebook
7937 Daetwyler Drive, Orlando Fish on Fire is a rustic Orlando seafood spot and fish fry. The restaurant, open since 2004, boasts fresh seafood and frequent live music and lively events. Credit: Screengrab via Google MapsSwamp House Riverfront Grill
488 W. Highbanks Road, DeBary
DeBary’s Swamp House boasts a prime location on the St. Johns river, fried seafood, a tiki bar and frequent live music. Credit: Photo via Swamp House Riverfront Grill/FacebookBlackbeard’s Inn
701 N. Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach
This New Smyrna Beach spot has the nautical look down inside and out. The family-owned restaurant was opened in 1980 by Harry and Mary Kinzey. For the past nearly 40 years, they’ve continued to serve steak, seafood and raw bar offerings to Central Floridians. Credit: Photo via Blackbeard's Inn/FacebookFlorida Cracker Fish Co.
7604 Ehrlich Road, Tampa
This spot was inspired by old-fashioned fish shacks, like the Ballyhoo Grill that once lived at this address. Florida Cracker Fish Co. offers made-to-order fish with Southern soul food sides all day long. Credit: Photo via Florida Cracker Fish Co./FacebookBlack Hammock Restaurant
2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo
This Oviedo favorite acts as the adjoining restaurant to a marina and airboat spot. Grab a seafood-centric meal before you soak up some Central Florida sun. Credit: Photo via The Black Hammock/YelpWinter Park Fish Co.
761 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park
Claiming Orlando’s “freshest fish,” Winter Park Fish Co. delighted landlocked locals with fresh seafood and fish shack vibes for many years, before closing during the pandemic for almost two years. Now they’re back at it. Credit: Photo via Winter Park Fish Co./Facebook
901 Lakeshore Blvd., Tavares This old-fashioned restaurant on Lake Eustis offers waterside dining and a bounty of seafood (plus some turf to go with your surf) and craft beers. Credit: Photo via Fish Camp on Lake Eustis/Facebook
2984 New York Ave. West, DeLand This casual seafood spot in DeLand offers riverside dining and a bar. Menu highlights include fried catfish, scallops, coconut shrimp and every other fried fish combo you can think of. Credit: Photo via Google MapsAunt Catfish’s on the River
4009 Halifax Drive, Port Orange, 386-767-4768
Family-owned stalwart in Port Orange serves up seafood southern-style, and don’t forget to snap a selfie next to their trophy fish sign.
Photo via Credit: Photo via Aunt Catfish's on the River/YelpGators Riverside Grille
4255 Peninsula Point, Sanford
Gator’s Riverside Grill, located in Sanford, is nestled along the St. Johns River and offers cheap drinks and tons of good old-fashioned Southern fried seafood. Credit: Photo via Gators Riverside Grille/Yelp
25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach Clearwater beach haven for those hungering for local seafood and cocktails, conveniently located right near the marina. Credit: Photo via Salt Cracker Fish Camp/Facebook
4940 S. Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet Near the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Central Floridians can find this waterfront shack perfect for enjoying seafood, drinks and a sprawling waterfront view. Credit: Photo via Hidden Treasure Rum Bar & Grill/FacebookHog Island Fish Camp
900 Broadway Ave., Dunedin
This Dunedin restaurant located on Honeymoon Island serves up an ample menu of Florida-centric seafood and cuisine, along with plenty of boozy beverages. Credit: Photo via Hog Island Fish Camp/YelpJB’s Fish Camp
859 Pompano Ave., New Smyrna Beach
Located on New Smyrna Beach, this beloved fish shack also offers a full bar, kayak and paddleboard rentals. Grab some classic Southern fried fish, get out on the water and make a day of it. Credit: Photo via JB's Fish CampLone Cabbage Fish Camp
8199 W. King St., Cocoa
At Lone Cabbage Fish Camp, guests can grab all the seafood classics (hush puppies, gator and everything in between) before heading out on the water for an airboat ride. The true Florida experience. Credit: Photo via Lone Cabbage Fish Camp/Yelp
4650 FL-46, Geneva This riverfront spot has seafood classics (as well as some not-so-classic gator burgers), plus karaoke and live music, making for a lively, very Florida vibe. Credit: Photo via Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill/FacebookOur Deck Down Under
78 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange
This Volusia county favorite seafood shack offers not only a beefy menu and waterfront views in every direction, there’s also a full bar and a boat dock for easy river access. Credit: Photo via Our Deck Down Under/FacebookOwen’s Fish Camp
516 Burns Court, Sarasota
Owen’s Fish Camp serves up fresh local fish, along with plenty of craft beer and wine to complement it. It’s kid and large group friendly, and there’s even a tire swing for that true Southern feel. Credit: Photo via Owen's Fish Camp/FacebookHigh Tide Harry’s
4645 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando
This decked-out fish spot boasts longtime local ties, fervent fans and a laid-back, “no frills” approach to simple seafood. Credit:Photo via High Tide Harry's/FacebookNantucket Shrimp Shack
7675 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee
Nantucket Shrimp Shack is a fast-casual seafood spot offering crab- and shrimp-focused plates and combos. The restaurant even ventures into the world of seafood-based tacos for those wanting to branch out from the traditional seafood shack menu. Credit: Photo via Nantucket Shrimp Shack/Facebook
