Four-star dining has its place in the Sunshine State, but there's something special about the laid-back, waterfront seafood dives that welcome you personally, get you going with your favorite brew (a craft beer, perchance?) serve up just-caught seafood from local waters and don't mind when you linger for another round.
When you're in the mood for casual, friendly and fresh, try one of the following establishments.
Acclaimed for fresh Gulf oysters and locally caught shrimp and fish, Apalachicola's Hole in the Wall (850.653.3222) is one of those places the locals would just as soon keep to themselves. But an advisory to large groups: There are no private rooms.
"We're a true hole in the wall. We only seat 35, but people tell us our food is excellent," says Dan Davis, owner. "The building we're in is from 1906 and it looks like it's from 1906. People love that when they come here."
The sounds of the ocean serenade diners in flip-flops and shorts at South Beach Grill on St. Augustine's Crescent Beach, located steps from the sand and serving such tasty choices as crab cake appetizers and fish tacos.
Located directly on the beach in Daytona, Ocean Deck can sum up its philosophy in a sign hanging downstairs: "No shoes, no shirt, no problem."
"You can walk in right off the beach," says Connie Fuerst, co-owner. "We have volleyball nets set up, so you can play before or after. It's the only place in Daytona where you can put your toes in the sand with a drink in your hand."
Things get a tad more formal in the upstairs dining room, though.
"It's more family dining, so you will need shoes," Fuerst says. "We also have what we call the 'West Deck,' which can be used for private events. You can order off the menu, create your own menu or do a buffet."
The Old Florida Fish Camp and Seafood Shack in Jacksonville serves fresh fish and shellfish in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Airboat and water limousine tours are available on-site as well.
Overlooking a bayou and offering a setting as rustic and relaxing as anyone could want, the Marina Oyster Barn in East Pensacola Heights serves up such specialties as mullet, catfish, chicken and dumplings and, of course, oysters.
