Explore six hidden culinary gems in the Florida Everglades that promise authentic seafood experiences. These spots are cherished by locals and often overlooked by tourists, offering a unique taste of the region’s heritage and flavors.
1. City Seafood
Nestled at the entrance to Everglades National Park, City Seafood is a rustic haven most tourists miss. This wooden shack by the water invites you with its weathered charm and checkered tablecloths. Known for conch fritters and fried gator tail, the menu also features fresh Gulf seafood. While it may lack the polish of upscale eateries, the authenticity and hearty flavors make it a beloved spot for locals.
Family-run and with a laid-back atmosphere, City Seafood embodies the spirit of Everglades City. Positioned right on the water, it offers diners a scenic view as they savor dishes like stone crab claws and soft shell crab. Its unassuming exterior belies the culinary treasures within.
2. Camellia Street Grill
Camellia Street Grill exudes rustic Florida charm with its tin-roofed, wooden structure and waterfront views. Situated in Everglades City, this eatery invites you to enjoy seafood and po’boys in a relaxed, picturesque setting. The occasional sighting of manatees adds to the locale’s allure, making it a favorite among those in the know.
The grill’s menu offers an adventure for the taste buds with fresh stone crab claws, grouper sandwiches, and gator tacos. It’s a place where food and nature intersect, providing an experience as delightful as the meals. The welcoming ambiance and flavorful dishes remind you of Florida’s rich culinary traditions.
A hidden gem, it’s often overshadowed yet adored by locals.
3. Triad Seafood Market & Café
Family-run since 1984, Triad Seafood Market & Café stands as a testament to Everglades City’s seafood legacy. This cozy spot on the Barron River offers all-you-can-eat stone crab during the season, a treat that draws seafood lovers from near and far.
The café’s unpretentious setting with a screened deck overlooking the river provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying freshly prepared seafood year-round. The menu includes seafood baskets, sandwiches, and wraps, each dish echoing the area’s maritime heritage.
In a town dubbed the “Stone Crab Capital of the World,” Triad Seafood Market & Café is an institution. It’s a place where tradition and taste meet, offering an authentic slice of Florida life.
4. Havana Café
In the heart of Chokoloskee, near Everglades City, lies Havana Café, a quaint spot influenced by Cuban and Caribbean flavors. This café, surrounded by lush greenery, is a bright, inviting haven for breakfast or lunch. Known for its Cuban sandwiches and café con leche, it surprises visitors with its seafood offerings.
The contrast between Havana Café’s vibrant setting and the rustic seafood shacks is striking. The cheerful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for diners seeking a relaxed meal amid nature. It’s a place where cultures blend, offering a taste of the tropics in every bite.
With its unique menu and setting, Havana Café is a delightful escape from the ordinary.
5. Island Café
Step into Island Café, and you’re greeted by a nostalgic diner reminiscent of yesteryears. Located in Everglades City, this eatery serves classic comfort food that warms the soul. Whether it’s a stack of fluffy pancakes or crispy bacon, Island Café delivers with simplicity and heartiness.
Locals cherish this spot for its unpretentious approach and homey ambiance. The diner operates at all hours, catering to early risers and night owls alike. It’s a place where time seems to slow, inviting patrons to savor every moment and bite.
Island Café is a staple for those exploring the Everglades, offering a comforting culinary respite amid adventures.
6. Everglades Rod & Gun Club
The Everglades Rod & Gun Club is a historic gem nestled in Everglades City, offering a taste of Old Florida. This venue, with its vintage charm, has been serving up seafood platters featuring fresh fish, shrimp, and crab for generations.
Beyond the seafood, the club tempts adventurous diners with unique combos like the ‘Swamp and Turf,’ blending frog legs and steak. The ambiance here speaks of a rich past, where stories of yesteryears echo in the wooden halls.
Dining at the Everglades Rod & Gun Club is more than a meal; it’s an experience steeped in history and tradition. This club remains a cherished part of the community, welcoming all who seek its storied flavors.
