Get Hooked....On FISH CAMPS!
Some people call them fish shacks, holes in the wall, dives – I call them Fish Camps! When you visit a city that is virtually surrounded by water you are bound to be able to nosh on fresh seafood at any restaurant.
Of course you can dine in a fancy restaurant and be served the fresh catch of the day, but no experience rivals those of dining in a true fish camp.
You might be thinking what exactly is a “fish camp” anyways? Well….back in the day they were considered a place for the “men” to hang out, go fishing all day, set up camp on site and after a long day of tall tale stories and a couple of catches they would gut em’, clean em’ and cook em’ up for dinner. Hence the fish camp, which was reincarnated into today’s version, a restaurant.
That’s all the history I have for today, let’s gets back to the food.
Jacksonville is where the land meets the sea… obviously you understand that seafood reigns supreme here and can be found at most establishments throughout the First Coast.
Grab a boat or call Freedom Boat Club and idle through the creeks where you will find our charming fish camps serving up typical southern comfort foods with a special emphasis on seafood. Whether driving or docking up to these unique dining experiences, they will have you coming back for more.
Singleton's Seafood Shack
A staple to Northeast Florida and many restaurants are Mayport shrimp. Harvested by generations of shrimpers off the coast, these crustaceans’ name lends itself to the fishing village of Mayport, founded sometime around the late 1500’s. Located on the Northeast portion of Jacksonville where the Atlantic Ocean and the St. Johns River meet, locals know that Singleton’s Seafood Shack on A1A in Mayport is one of the best places to snack on them. Don’t worry about how it looks from the outside, we promise you a great meal. Singleton’s has offered fish specialties for more than 40 years; you can even purchase fresh seafood or bring your big catch in off the boat and have them fried up! House favorites include Minorcan chowder, blackened sheepshead, fried gator tail and classic shrimp burgers.
Julington Creek Fish Camp
It’s a highbrow affair at Julington Creek Fish Camp (dock at Julington Creek Marina, Pier #3), helmed by Jacksonville-born Ben Groshell, a graduate of the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America. It’s quite refined for dockside dining, and foodies can order the ever-famous Mayport Shrimp & Grits and soft-shell crab.
Palms Fish Camp
The newest waterfront restaurant on the scenic Heckscher Drive on Jacksonville’s Northside is Palms Fish Camp, offers locally caught fresh seafood, pizza, sandwiches, tacos and stunning views. They are open every day of the week starting at 11 a.m. Palms Fish Camp was awarded JaxBest for the best place to dock and dine.
Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurant
Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurant at Mayport Village is a more casual, rustic approach to seafood in a cozy environment with indoor and patio seating. It’s all about community here (it’s a magnet for locals), who nom on excellent dishes like their famous oyster po’ boys and shrimp louie salad.
So hop in the boat or the car, and see what is so special about being on the water in Jacksonville!
