Tying up to the dock of a waterfront joint for a bite and a beverage is a just reward for your resolute angling efforts. With recommendations from our editors and fishing guides from Florida to Texas, we’ve compiled a list of 12 great Gulf Coast establishments that are only a short run to the fishing grounds.
- City Seafood, Everglades City, FL. Serves some of the freshest stone crab claws in the Gulf procured by its own boats.
- Barnacles, North Captiva, FL. Lots of shaded outdoor seating, and only 10 minutes from world-class tarpon fishing at Boca Grande Pass.
- Gill Dawg, New Port Richey, FL. Locally inspired dishes, signature cocktails, and an awesome little music venue with a full calendar of events.
- Fathoms, Carrabelle, FL. Just up the river from St. George Sound’s tarpon fishing, this is a great spot for lunch or to wait out a storm.
- Bayou Joe’s, Panama City, FL. Old Florida-style food for breakfast, lunch and dinner with 180-degree views of Massalina Bayou.
- Lulu’s in Gulf Shores, AL. A fun eatery with live music right on the Intracoastal Waterway. Say hi to Lucy, the owner and Jimmy Buffett’s sister.
- Yul’s Place, Biloxi, MS. No fancy website, but it offers great margaritas and tasty burgers, tacos and boiled crawfish.
- The Blue Crab, New Orleans. Superb seafood and live music with a full bar close to the prolific reds and trout fishery in Lake Borgne and Biloxi Marsh.
- Topwater Grill, San Leon, TX. Fresh local seafood overlooking Galveston Bay. Try the shrimp or oysters harvested by its fleet of boats.
- Waterman’s in Galveston, TX. Casual and fine dining, featuring coastal cuisine and expansive outdoor decks with great water views next to Waterman’s Marina.
- Fins Grill and Icehouse, Port Aransas, TX. Offers a full bar, live music in the evenings and a varied menu, and will gladly cook your catch.
- Parrot Eyes, South Padre Island, TX. Good food and drinks in a cool atmosphere overlooking Laguna Madre and its great redfish and trout fishery.
