Are you looking for the best seafood restaurants in Port St. Joe, Florida? Well, you're in luck! Port St. Joe is a charming coastal town known for its fresh seafood and delicious cuisine. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your seafood cravings. From casual seafood joints to upscale dining experiences, Port St. Joe has something for everyone. This article will guide you through some of the top seafood restaurants in the area, highlighting their specialties, atmosphere, and why they're worth a visit. So, grab your appetite and let's dive in!

Top Seafood Restaurants in Port St. Joe

1. Joe Mama's Wood Fired Kitchen

Joe Mama's Wood Fired Kitchen isn't exclusively a seafood restaurant, but it earns its place on this list due to its exceptional seafood dishes and the overall dining experience. They focus on wood-fired cooking, which imparts a unique smoky flavor to their seafood. Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled fish with a hint of wood smoke – that's the kind of experience you can expect here.

One of the standout seafood dishes is their grilled grouper. The grouper is incredibly fresh, sourced locally, and cooked to perfection. The wood-fired grill gives it a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flaky. They also offer wood-fired oysters, which are a must-try for oyster lovers. The oysters are topped with various flavorful ingredients and grilled to bring out their natural sweetness.

The atmosphere at Joe Mama's is casual and family-friendly, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal. The restaurant has a rustic charm with its wood-fired oven as the centerpiece. The service is attentive and friendly, adding to the overall positive experience. While they have a diverse menu, don't overlook their seafood options – they are truly exceptional and worth the visit. And don't forget to try their pizzas; they are yummy.

2. The Thirsty Goat

The Thirsty Goat is a popular spot in Port St. Joe, known for its laid-back atmosphere, live music, and, of course, its delicious seafood. If you're looking for a place where you can enjoy fresh seafood while listening to local musicians, this is the spot. The Thirsty Goat offers a diverse menu with a focus on local seafood, prepared with a creative twist.

Their seafood tacos are a standout item, filled with fresh fish or shrimp, topped with flavorful sauces and fresh veggies. Another popular dish is the grilled or blackened fish of the day, which changes depending on what's fresh and available. They also have a raw oyster bar where you can enjoy freshly shucked oysters with various toppings and sauces. What a treat!

The atmosphere at The Thirsty Goat is lively and fun, making it a great place to hang out with friends and family. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, with the outdoor area being particularly popular for enjoying live music. The service is friendly and efficient, and the staff is always happy to make recommendations. If you're in Port St. Joe, make sure to stop by The Thirsty Goat for a memorable seafood experience.

3. Provisions

Provisions is a hidden gem in Port St. Joe, known for its high-quality seafood and innovative dishes. This restaurant focuses on using fresh, local ingredients to create unique and flavorful seafood creations. If you're a foodie looking for a more refined seafood experience, Provisions is a must-visit.

One of their signature dishes is the seared scallops, which are perfectly caramelized and served with a flavorful sauce and seasonal vegetables. They also offer a variety of fresh fish preparations, such as grilled, blackened, or pan-seared, depending on the catch of the day. The menu changes regularly to reflect the availability of fresh ingredients, ensuring that you always get the best possible seafood.

The atmosphere at Provisions is intimate and upscale, making it a great spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. The restaurant has a modern and stylish decor, creating a sophisticated ambiance. The service is attentive and knowledgeable, with the staff able to provide detailed descriptions of each dish and recommend wine pairings. For a memorable and high-quality seafood experience in Port St. Joe, Provisions is an excellent choice. No doubt about it.

4. Dockside Seafood and Raw Bar

Located right on the water, Dockside Seafood and Raw Bar offers stunning views and an unbeatable atmosphere. This restaurant is all about fresh, local seafood served in a relaxed and casual setting. If you're looking for a place where you can enjoy delicious seafood while watching the sunset, Dockside is the perfect spot.

Their raw oyster bar is a major draw, featuring a variety of oysters from the Gulf Coast and beyond. You can also enjoy steamed shrimp, crab legs, and other seafood favorites. For entrees, they offer a range of fried, grilled, and blackened seafood options, all cooked to perfection. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great value for the quality of seafood you get.

The atmosphere at Dockside is lively and family-friendly, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. The outdoor deck is particularly popular, offering panoramic views of the water. The service is friendly and efficient, and the staff is always happy to help you choose from the extensive menu. With its unbeatable location and delicious seafood, Dockside Seafood and Raw Bar is a must-visit in Port St. Joe.

5. St. Joe Shrimp Co.

St. Joe Shrimp Co. is a local favorite known for its fresh, locally sourced shrimp. This no-frills seafood joint is all about serving up the freshest shrimp possible, cooked in a variety of ways. If you're a shrimp lover, this is the place to be.

They offer boiled shrimp, fried shrimp, grilled shrimp, and shrimp scampi, all made with the freshest shrimp from the Gulf. You can also get shrimp po'boys, shrimp tacos, and shrimp platters. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous, making it a great spot for a casual meal. It's a must-try for any seafood enthusiast.

The atmosphere at St. Joe Shrimp Co. is casual and laid-back, with a focus on the food. There's limited seating, so it's often busy, but the wait is worth it. The service is friendly and efficient, and the staff is passionate about shrimp. If you're looking for the freshest, most delicious shrimp in Port St. Joe, St. Joe Shrimp Co. is the place to go. Guaranteed!

Honorable Mentions

While the above restaurants are some of the top seafood spots in Port St. Joe, there are a few other places that deserve an honorable mention:

• Quatro Locos Tacos and Cantina: While primarily a Mexican restaurant, they often have great seafood options, especially their fish tacos and shrimp dishes.
• Uptown Raw Bar and Grill: Great spot for oysters and other raw seafood, as well as grilled seafood dishes.

Tips for Enjoying Seafood in Port St. Joe

• Check for Daily Specials: Many seafood restaurants in Port St. Joe offer daily specials based on the freshest catch of the day. Be sure to ask about these specials when you visit.
• Ask About the Source: Don't hesitate to ask your server where the seafood comes from. Local restaurants are usually proud to support local fishermen and will be happy to tell you about their sources.
• Try the Local Oysters: The Gulf Coast is known for its delicious oysters, so be sure to try them at one of the local raw bars.
• Consider the Season: Seafood availability can vary depending on the season. Check with the restaurant to see what's in season and at its peak.

Conclusion

Port St. Joe is a seafood lover's paradise, with a variety of restaurants offering fresh, delicious seafood dishes. Whether you're looking for a casual seafood joint or an upscale dining experience, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings in this charming coastal town. From Joe Mama's Wood Fired Kitchen to St. Joe Shrimp Co., the options are endless. So, plan your visit, explore the local seafood scene, and enjoy the best that Port St. Joe has to offer. You won't be disappointed!