The Best Seafood Shacks in America

In 2017, Anthony Bourdain referred to Da Poke Shack as a “local favorite” where patrons would find the “freshest ahi.” The tuna is served in numerous variations, including one with sweet miso and honey with roasted seaweed; another with Hawaiian chiles, garlic, and sesame seeds; and an “award-winning” version with roasted kukui nuts. Scallops, octopus, and other seafood is also available in various forms. Many diners opt for food to go, and take their poke bowl to the beach nearby.

One of the few seafood shacks that isn’t in a coastal state, Calumet Fisheries is located off the Calumet river, directly next to Lake Michigan. It’s known for their smoked seafood, including sturgeon, trout, and even eel.

While The Fish Stand is also located in a state without coastal access, reviewers have raved about its delicious seafood options, particularly the catfish sandwiches. The eatery is also very affordable: A large catfish dinner costs less than eight dollars.

At Jo-Bob’s Gas & Grill, you can fill up and grill up; this seafood shack on Louisiana’s Grand Isle is also a gas station. While the idea of finding stellar seafood at a gas station might seem strange, Jo-Bob’s Gas & Grill is highly rated. Customers recommend the shrimp po’boy and the gumbo.

Fried, boiled, or in a po’boy, crawdads are one of the specialties of Amite CIty’s Seafood Shack. Located in northern Louisiana, close to the Tangipahoa River, the shack also offers a variety of seafood sandwiches, po’boys, and seafood plates, based on fish and shellfish including flounder, catfish, and crab.