Seafood Spots That Will Blow You Out of the Water

The United States, with its more than 12,000 miles of ocean shoreline, offers some of the best seafood restaurants in the world and the best part is, not all of them are fancy establishments. In fact, many of them are little more than seaside shacks with exceptional food. If you are considering renting one of the many vacation homes in Clearwater, Louisiana, the Chesapeake Bay area or southern California, be sure to check out one of these stellar seafood spots.

1. Casamentos in New Orleans

Rated the number one seafood restaurant in New Orleans by a number of publications, including “New Orleans” magazine, Casamentos is known for its oyster poor boy sandwiches, hearty seafood gumbo and softshell crabs (in season.) The restaurant, in business since 1919, is located west of the garden district in the heart of working class New Orleans and offers unpretentious and tasty seafood at affordable prices. Casamentos is open from September through May for lunch Tuesday through Saturday and for dinner Thursday through Saturday.

2. Faidley Seafood in Baltimore

Located in the heart of downtown Baltimore across from the Lexington Market, Faidley’s has been serving quality seafood since 1886. The modest establishment attracts customers from all strata of Baltimore life as well as tourists to taste their renowned lump crab cakes. New York’s Zagat guide gives them a 27 out of 30 rating. Faidley Seafood is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

3. Frenchy’s Original Cafe in Clearwater

Opened in 1981, Frenchy’s Original Cafe sits in the heart of Clearwater, Florida. A favorite of locals and visitors alike, Frenchy’s is best known for its super grouper sandwich. The quaint, unassuming eatery serves a full array of seafood specialties, including seafood gumbo and Frenchy’s poutine, a tribute to the owner’s French Canadian heritage. Frenchy’s is open daily for lunch and dinner.

4. The Crab Cooker in Newport Beach

The Crab Cooker, located in the middle of Newport Beach just a few blocks from the Newport Pier, is a refreshing departure from the often pricey trendy food palaces that populate southern California and serves lunch and dinner daily. In business since 1951, the Crab Cooker is well-known for its clam chowder as well as its crab cakes and oysters skewered with bacon.

So why not make your next vacation a seafood fest? There are plenty of vacation homes in Clearwater, Louisiana, Southern California and Baltimore, all within a short drive of one of these great restaurants.

Mercedes Potter is an elite writer and foodie with a love for seafood. Follow her @CedesPotter to see other food related blogs.