6 Florida Seafood Chains That Feel More Like Tourist Traps

Florida, known for its stunning coastlines and fresh seafood, is home to numerous seafood chains. However, not all of them live up to the local culinary standards.

Many of these establishments, while popular, often prioritize tourists over locals, offering overpriced menus and themed decor that feels more like gimmicks than genuine experiences.

This list explores eight such seafood chains that, despite their charm, have become more touristy than authentic.

1. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Inspired by the movie Forrest Gump, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a chain that offers a nostalgic experience with its decor and memorabilia. While the theme attracts movie fans, the menu often receives mixed reviews due to its high prices and average quality.

Visitors can enjoy shrimp dishes named after film scenes but may find the offerings more style than substance. Despite this, the restaurant remains packed, particularly in tourist-heavy areas where families seek a themed dining outing.

2. Joe’s Crab Shack

Joe’s Crab Shack is known for its fun, laid-back atmosphere, complete with colorful decor and a lively vibe. The menu offers a wide range of seafood, including crab buckets that are popular among visitors. However, locals often describe it as overpriced for what it offers.

The emphasis on entertainment, featuring dancing servers and interactive decor, adds to its tourist-centric appeal, making it a staple in Florida’s beach destinations.

3. Red Lobster

Red Lobster, a staple in American seafood dining, is famous for its cheddar biscuits and large seafood platters. While it offers an extensive menu, the pricing and chain-like ambiance often take away from the local seafood experience.

Many patrons appreciate the familiarity and consistency but note that it lacks the fresh, local touch found in smaller eateries. Despite this, it remains a go-to spot for tourists who seek a reliable dining choice during their Florida vacation.

4. Landry’s Seafood House

Landry’s Seafood House has made a name for itself with polished waterfront dining and a wide-ranging menu that appeals to vacationers. With locations in Florida’s busiest tourist hubs, the restaurant leans heavily on atmosphere, offering nautical décor and scenic views that draw in travelers.

While the portions are generous and the menu covers everything from shrimp to steak, locals often see it as more of a tourist stop than a go-to for fresh Florida seafood. It’s a place where the brand’s name recognition and setting carry the experience more than the food itself.

5. Shells Seafood

Shells Seafood is a local chain that boasts a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of seafood options. Despite its friendly vibe, the restaurant often surprises newcomers with its pricing, which isn’t always justified by the food quality.

It appeals to families and groups looking for a casual dining experience, but the offerings sometimes feel more like standard fare than exceptional seafood. Tourists appreciate its accessibility and themed decor.

6. Islamorada Fish Company (Bass Pro Shops)

Located within Bass Pro Shops, Islamorada Fish Company offers a unique setting with aquariums and woodsy decor. The setting creates a memorable dining backdrop, but the food prices are often a sticking point.

Tourists enjoy the unusual combination of shopping and dining, but locals might find the culinary experience lacking. It’s a destination for those attracted to its immersive environment, regardless of the seafood’s actual allure.