The American coastline, stretching from the rugged cliffs of Maine to the sun-kissed beaches of Hawaii, offers more than just scenic beauty; it’s a culinary paradise for seafood lovers.
Coastal eateries across the nation serve up an array of dishes that are as diverse as the landscapes they inhabit.
In this article, we journey through America’s 30 best coastal eateries, selected for their exceptional food quality, unique ambiance, and rave reviews from locals and travelers alike.
The Bite into Maine, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
This food truck, stationed at Fort Williams Park, offers a variety of lobster rolls, from classic to adventurous, capturing the essence of Maine’s seafood tradition in every bite.
Bite into Maine · 1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107★★★★★ · Sandwich shop
Bite into Maine · 1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Fish Tales, Baltimore, Maryland
Located in Baltimore’s historic Fells Point, Fish Tales is a favorite for its crab cakes and scenic views of the harbor, blending local seafood traditions with a lively atmosphere.
Fish Tales Bar and Grill · 2107 Herring Way #22st, Ocean City, MD 21842★★★★☆ · Seafood restaurantFish Tales Bar and Grill · 2107 Herring Way #22st, Ocean City, MD 21842
Dock’s Oyster House, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Established in 1897, this legendary spot offers a range of seafood dishes, with a focus on oysters and an ambiance that echoes the history of Atlantic City.
Dock’s Oyster House · 2405 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401★★★★★ · Oyster bar restaurantDock’s Oyster House · 2405 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
The Crab Shack, Tybee Island, Georgia
This laid-back eatery on Tybee Island offers a rustic dining experience with picnic tables and a menu focused on crab and other seafood boils.
The Crab Shack · 40 Estill Hammock Rd, Tybee Island, GA 31328★★★★☆ · Seafood restaurantThe Crab Shack · 40 Estill Hammock Rd, Tybee Island, GA 31328
The Gulf, Orange Beach, Alabama
An open-air restaurant with a unique setting, constructed from shipping containers, offering fresh seafood and stunning beachfront views.
The Gulf – Orange Beach · 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561★★★★★ · Seafood restaurantThe Gulf – Orange Beach · 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
Rusty Pelican, Tampa, Florida
Known for its upscale dining and spectacular waterfront views, the Rusty Pelican offers a sophisticated take on classic Florida seafood dishes.
Rusty Pelican – Tampa · 2425 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607★★★★★ · Seafood restaurantRusty Pelican – Tampa · 2425 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
Tidal Raves, Depoe Bay, Oregon
Overlooking the Oregon coast, this restaurant offers stunning ocean views and a menu that features fresh, local seafood, with an emphasis on regional flavors.
Tidal Raves Seafood Grill · 279 US-101, Depoe Bay, OR 97341★★★★★ · Seafood restaurantTidal Raves Seafood Grill · 279 US-101, Depoe Bay, OR 97341
Ironside Fish & Oyster, San Diego, California
Set in a converted warehouse, this hip spot in San Diego’s Little Italy offers a raw bar and a variety of seafood dishes, celebrated for its innovative approach.
Ironside Fish & Oyster · 1654 India St, San Diego, CA 92101★★★★★ · Seafood restaurantIronside Fish & Oyster · 1654 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Ketchikan’s Waterfront Restaurant, Ketchikan, Arkansas
This eatery provides breathtaking views of the harbor and a menu that includes Alaskan king crab and wild salmon, showcasing the best of Alaskan seafood.
Ketchikan Crab & Go · 5 Salmon Landing, Ketchikan, AK 99901★★★★☆ · Crab houseKetchikan Crab & Go · 5 Salmon Landing, Ketchikan, AK 99901
Duke’s Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii
Named after the famous Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku, this restaurant is a beachfront haven offering a variety of Hawaiian and American seafood dishes, with a focus on local ingredients and a laid-back vibe.
Duke’s Waikiki · 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815★★★★☆ · Seafood restaurantDuke’s Waikiki · 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815
Island Creek Oyster Bar, Boston, Massachusetts
This Boston hotspot is revered for its commitment to sustainability and direct partnerships with oyster farmers.
The ambiance combines urban sophistication with a deep respect for New England’s seafood traditions.
Island Creek Oyster Bar · 500 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215★★★★★ · Seafood restaurantIsland Creek Oyster Bar · 500 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215
Matunuck Oyster Bar, South Kingstown, Rhode Island
This eatery provides a true farm-to-table experience.
It’s known for its pond-to-plate dining, where guests can savor oysters harvested from the waters visible from their table.
Matunuck Oyster Bar · 629 Succotash Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879★★★★★ · Oyster bar restaurantMatunuck Oyster Bar · 629 Succotash Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879
Luke’s Lobster, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Famous for its lobster rolls, this eatery prides itself on serving sustainable, traceable seafood. It combines a casual setting with a commitment to quality.
Luke’s Lobster Rittenhouse · 130 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103★★★★☆ · Seafood restaurantLuke’s Lobster Rittenhouse · 130 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Crab Claw, St. Michaels, Maryland
This restaurant offers a quintessential Chesapeake Bay experience, serving up steamed blue crabs in a rustic, waterfront setting.
The Crab Claw · 304 Burns St, St Michaels, MD 21663★★★★☆ · Seafood restaurantThe Crab Claw · 304 Burns St, St Michaels, MD 21663
The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Named after a shipwreck, this establishment offers a unique seafood dining experience with traditional Lowcountry dishes.
Wreck of the Richard & Charlene · 106 Haddrell St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464★★★★☆ · Seafood restaurantWreck of the Richard & Charlene · 106 Haddrell St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
GW Fins, New Orleans, Louisiana
Situated in the French Quarter, GW Fins is a fine dining restaurant that specializes in seasonal, globally sourced seafood, served in an elegant setting.
GW Fins · 808 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112★★★★★ · Seafood restaurantGW Fins · 808 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach, Florida
A historic Miami eatery, Joe’s is famous for its stone crab claws and classic Florida ambiance. It’s a blend of history and culinary excellence.
Joe’s Stone Crab · 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139★★★★★ · Seafood restaurantJoe’s Stone Crab · 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Conch Republic Seafood Company, Key West, Florida
Known for its waterfront location and relaxed atmosphere, this eatery offers a variety of seafood dishes with a focus on local conch and fresh catch.
Conch Republic Seafood Company · 631 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040★★★★☆ · Seafood restaurantConch Republic Seafood Company · 631 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Destin, Florida
This restaurant offers a fusion of Asian and Hawaiian influences, with a menu that includes both traditional and innovative seafood dishes.
Gilhooley’s Restaurant, San Leon, Texas
A casual, no-frills eatery, Gilhooley’s is renowned for its oyster dishes, especially the oysters roasted over an open flame.
Gilhooley’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar 18+ · 222 9th St, San Leon, TX 77539★★★★★ · Seafood restaurantGilhooley’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar 18+ · 222 9th St, San Leon, TX 77539
Swan Oyster Depot, San Francisco, California
This historic seafood bar, family-owned for generations, is celebrated for its fresh oysters, clam chowder, and classic San Francisco vibe.
Swan Oyster Depot · 1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109★★★★★ · Seafood restaurantSwan Oyster Depot · 1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar, Seattle, Washington
Situated on Pier 57, it offers spectacular views of the Puget Sound. The menu features a wide variety of Pacific Northwest seafood.
The Fisherman’s Restaurant Seattle · 1301 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101★★★★☆ · Seafood restaurantThe Fisherman’s Restaurant Seattle · 1301 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101
Tracy’s King Crab Shack, Juneau, Arkansas
Known for its casual setting and exceptional king crab legs and bisque, Tracy’s is a must-visit for seafood lovers in Alaska.
Tracy’s King Crab Shack · 432 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801★★★★★ · Crab houseTracy’s King Crab Shack · 432 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
The Saltry, Halibut Cove, Arkansas
Accessible only by boat, this eatery offers a unique dining experience with fresh seafood and stunning views in a remote, picturesque setting.
The Saltry Restaurant · 1 West Ismailof, Halibut Cove, AK 99603★★★☆☆ · American restaurantThe Saltry Restaurant · 1 West Ismailof, Halibut Cove, AK 99603
Lahaina Grill, Lahaina, Hawaii
This upscale bistro in Maui is known for its innovative seafood dishes and elegant ambiance. It’s a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Lahaina Grill · 127 Lahainaluna Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761★★★★★ · Fine dining restaurantLahaina Grill · 127 Lahainaluna Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Helena’s Hawaiian Food, Honolulu, Hawaii
A longstanding eatery offering traditional Hawaiian dishes, including local seafood, in a casual, welcoming environment.
Helena’s Hawaiian Food · 1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817★★★★★ · Hawaiian restaurantHelena’s Hawaiian Food · 1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Offers stunning ocean views and a menu featuring Maine lobster and other New England seafood favorites.
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights · 225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107★★★★☆ · Seafood restaurantThe Lobster Shack at Two Lights · 225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
The Marshall Store, Marshall, California
This oyster bar and smokehouse offers a range of seafood dishes. Its outdoor seating provides beautiful views of Tomales Bay.
The Marshall Store · 19225 CA-1, Marshall, CA 94940★★★★★ · Oyster bar restaurantThe Marshall Store · 19225 CA-1, Marshall, CA 94940
Bowpicker Fish & Chips, Astoria, Oregon
Known for its unique setting in a converted boat, this eatery serves up some of the best fish and chips in the Pacific Northwest.
Bowpicker Fish and Chips · 1634 Duane St, Astoria, OR 97103★★★★★ · Fish & chips restaurantBowpicker Fish and Chips · 1634 Duane St, Astoria, OR 97103
The Shrimp Box & Outside The Box Patio Bar, Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Offers waterfront dining with a menu that highlights fresh seafood, making it a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.
The Shrimp Box & Outside The Box Patio Bar · 75 Inlet Dr, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742★★★★☆ · Seafood restaurantThe Shrimp Box & Outside The Box Patio Bar · 75 Inlet Dr, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Conclusion
America’s coastal eateries are more than just places to eat; they are the keepers of culinary traditions, storytellers of America’s diverse cultural tapestry, and champions of sustainable practices.
Whether it’s the rustic charm of a New England shack or the sophisticated ambiance of a Californian bistro, each offers a unique taste of the sea that is as unforgettable as the coastal landscapes they inhabit.
