The Best Seafood Shacks in America

What if fishermen decided to skip the middleman and serve their fresh catch directly to customers? Malibu Seafood does just this. Owned and operated by commercial fishermen, the eatery is a no frills sea-to-table seafood shack. Patrons highly rate the clam chowder, often served in a sourdough bowl.

Located North of San Francisco, Marshall is home to beautiful coastal scenery and an abundance of Pacific oysters. The Marshall Store carries a variety of them from their family oyster farm in nearby Tomales Bay. They come raw, grilled, or smoked – the last of these served with crostini and local cheese, chipotle aïoli, chives, and lemon.

The Reel Inn has been in business since 1986, serving well-priced dishes with beach views. The menu contains a plethora of deep-fried seafood items, including oysters, calamari, and crab cakes. The seafood shack has received a notable amount of press, much of which describes the experience of ordering from a blackboard and waiting for your food while enjoying a beverage and soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.

Whether you arrive by car or by boat, Alabama Jack’s is a worthwhile seafood shack destination in the Florida Keys, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Diners cite the conch fritters as one of their top picks. On weekends, patrons are treated to live music in addition to the good food.

You know how casual this place is by its faded wood sign reading “No shirt, no shoes, no problem.” Buddy Owen started operating his seafood business out of an actual wagon 25 years ago. The restaurant has been featured in the New York Times and on the Food Network.